Tech Awards

Disclaimer: While I feel that I am adept and capable at distinguishing and discussing these elements as they appear in the final product on screen, I admit that I have very limited knowledge about the countless hours of work, preparation and strategy that goes into the planning and actual creation of the effects that are seen as the end result in the film. Because of this, the discussion of these categories will probably be somewhat brief and to the point, reflecting my limited overall knowledge. (This also applies to the rest of the tech categories as well as the artistic and music awards)

Visual Effects:
- The category where action films have a chance at Oscar glory. A movie with great special effects can take unlikely situations or actions and make them look believable, fun and exciting. Bad special effects can take a decent action movie and turn it into something that looks and feels so cheesy it is completely unenjoyable. And the nominees are...

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- The submarine attack scene on the fishing boat was one of the coolest looking action scenes of the year. Also a high degree of special effects (and makeup) had to be used to keep Brad Pitt looking the appropriate age.
The Dark Knight- Possibly one of the best "action" movies of all time, it proved that a comic book movie could become so much more. The special effects needed in this movie to create a believable environment and enhance the overall experience were numerous including; the explosions, the grotesque transformation of Harvey Dent into two-face and who could forget the batmobile/batcycle chase scene. Just one of the countless enjoyable aspects of this great film.
Iron Man- The best looking action movie of the year in my opinion. From the computer readout point of view from inside the suit, to the process of putting on and taking off the suit, this movie captivated and entertained me from beginning to end.

Who I would have nominated:
No complaints here these were the clear nominees.

Sound Editing vs. Sound Mixing:
-For the longest time I had absolutely no idea what the technical difference in these two categories was, and I assume most people have the same problem. The best explanation I have heard and the one I operate on is this. Sound Editing= the actual created and/or recorded sound effects that you hear. Sound Mixing= The work done in the studio to combine all the elements of dialogue, score and sound effects into the motion picture to create the best flow and viewing experience. So, if you loved the motor sounds during WALL-E or the machine sounds while Iron Man was having his suit put on, those are example of Sound Editing. If you thought that the incorporation of the score, dialogue and street sounds during the opening scene of Slumdog Millionaire created the perfect ambiance that was good Sound Mixing. Now I am sure this is an oversimplification but I hope that helps you as much as it does me. And the nominees are...


Sound Editing:
The Dark Knight- The massive explosions, the haunting laugh that echos from the shadows, and the sound effects from the coolest car ever built all contribute to this nomination.
Iron Man- Do yourself a favor and watch the scene where Iron Man is having his suit put on by a small army of robots and listen to all the whizzing, beeping and buzzing... it sounds pretty cool.
Slumdog Millionaire- The sound effect that made everyone in the theatre give a resounding "EEWWWWW!" as the kid did what was necessary to get his autograph. However apart from that and all the other little effects that are present in most movies I really felt this film's strongpoints were in Score and Sound Mixing and not really in Sound Editing.
WALL-E- There are so many created sound effects for every move that every one of the robots make in this movie that I can't imagine the hours and personnel it required just for that. All I know it all sounds awesome and each sound seems to perfectly characterize and enhance the the persona of each robot. Who didn't love the little cleaner robots annoyed beeps everytime he found dirt on his immaculate floor?
Wanted- The gunshots sound cool and there are lots of other little effects especially during the numerous slow motion shots that also are pretty cool and funny, but this one really feels like a reach.

Who I would have nominated:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Defiance
Iron Man
WALL-E

Sound Mixing:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- A beautiful score and its incorporation into the film is a vital part to any epic movie, as it creates a continuous journey along with the character. Combine that with the street sounds heard throughout and the sound effects of the "naval battle" and you have a deserving nominee.
The Dark Knight- The dark ominous music incorporated with the dialogue that ranges widely in tone for both batman and the joker, along with the booming sound effects that knock you out of your seat. A clear cut nominee in my book.
Slumdog Millionaire- As described above the opening scene in this movie with the continuous playing of the nominated song "O Saya" along with the sparce dialogue and the eclectic mix of street sounds is Oscar worthy in and of itself.
WALL-E- Animated films lend themselves to these two categories for the simple reason that all the sounds effects have to be created and then blended into the film to fit their actions. Ever played that party game where you have to supply the sounds effects to someone who is miming? Not as easy as it looks when a professional person does it is it? The captivating score along with the continuously whizzing motor sounds and other effects perfectly integrated into a movie with very little dialogue is necessary for this movie to even be watchable.
Wanted- I have to admit I am at a loss for this one. I get the Sound Editing nomination for the gun sounds and other little effects throughout, but I have no idea how anything else in this movie was nominee worthy.

Who I would have nominated:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E