2007 Oscar Preview- Day 2: Cinematography

The nominees are: Black Dahlia, Children of Men, The Illusionist, Pan's Labyrinth, The Prestige
Who’s Missing: Not to sound like a broken record by day 2 already, but here’s another category where The Departed at least deserved a nomination. While there is nothing groundbreaking or innovative about the work it is the definition of flawless. The grey color scheme that permeates the film parallels the morality of the film itself.
Who Should Win: Children of Men was the best film of last year and it owes a lot to its cinematography. The filmmakers use new techniques and technology to tell their tale but that never takes away from the film itself. For example there is a scene where the camera seems to go through car doors and windows to capture the action in a way I’ve never seen before. Instead of thinking about how they pulled off the scene I was pulled further into the movie thanks to their great storytelling device, and that’s the sign of great cinematography.
Who Will Win: I’m going to stay with my pick and say Children of Men. Pan’s Labyrinth will put on a decent challenge with its combination of dreary post Civil War Spain and the fantastical fairy tale world but in the end I think the futuristic doldrums of Men will win out.