Oscar Outlook 2012: Smashed

Sony Pictures acquired Smashed (not to be confused with that awful NBC show about the Marilyn Monroe musical), nominated for the Sundance's Grand Jury Prize, it won the Special Jury Prize in the Dramatic division.  Director James Ponsoldt takes a look at the recovery process for an alcoholic who decides to go straight after one too many slip-ups.  While some have taken exception to the religious implications of Kate's reliance on Alcoholics Anonymous, most have cited how the film takes its uncommon approach to alcoholism showing what happens when one quits drugs or alcohol, rather than wallow in the more dramatic opportunities of using.  Critics have heralded Mary Elizabeth Winstead's performance for its honesty and grit as her Kate Hannah negotiates her marriage to Charlie (Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad, Big Love) through her sobriety, while he chooses to continue indulging his addictions.

The cast includes Octavia Spencer (The Help), married couple Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), Mark Kay Place (The Big Chill, Big Love).  Producers: Jennifer Ochis, Super Crispy Entertainment (Jonathan Schwartz, Andrea Sperling).  Susan Burke cowrote the screenplay with Ponsoldt.  Film Editor: Suzanne Spangler.  Cinematographer: Tobias Datum.  Production Designer: Linda Sena.  Art Directer: Sarah M. Pott.  Costume Designer: Diaz (Terri).  Composers: Andy Cabic, Eric D. Johnson (Our Idiot Brother).  No release date has been set.

An aggregate collection of Sundance reactions ...

Positive (10):
Christian Cinema: Luke Smeenk fully appreciated its dark honesty.

Cinema Blend: Katey Rich enjoyed its nontraditional focus on the recovery process for alcoholics.  MVP: Winstead.

Film.com: Amanda Mae Meyncke's favorite film at Sundance this year.  MVP's: Winstead, Paul, Cinematography.

Film School Rejects: Allison Loring really liked it.  MVP's: Winstead, Paul.

First Showing: Ethan Anderton thinks it was one of the best representations of alcoholism captured on film, supported by a solid cast.  MVP: Winstead.

Geek Tyrant: Heavy, but uplifting.  MVP: Winstead, Paul.

Hollywood Reporter: Todd McCarthy absolutely adored Winstead.  MVP: Winstead, Offerman, Cinematography.

iW: James Rochi thought it was natural, uncontrived.  MVP: Winstead, Film Editing, Art Direction.

Slash Film: Peter Sciretta thinks Winstead is a must-see, but wonders if perhaps it won't rise above the success of Take Shelter.  MVP: Winstead.

TwitchFilm: Chase Whale thought it was light-hearted, but realistic.  MVP: Winstead


Mixed (1):
Collider: Matt Goldberg had problems with the story being forced to acknowledge the non-secular nature of AA's positive results, but he was incredibly pleased with Winstead rising above the material along with her costar.  MVP's: Winstead, Paul.

poll by twiigs.com

Also on the Radar:

Anna Karenina     Argo     Beasts of the Southern Wild     The Bourne Legacy     The Dark Knight Rises     Dark Shadows     Django Unchained     Gangster Squad     Great Expectations     The Great Gatsby     The Hobbit     Hope Springs     The Hunger Games     Hyde Park on the Hudson     Lawless     Lincoln     Lola Versus     Lovelace     Low Life     Magic Mike     The Master     Les Misérables     Life of Pi     Moonrise Kingdom     People Like Us     Prometheus     To Rome with Love     Ruby Sparks     Savages     Seeking a Friend for the End of the World     The Silver Linings Playbook     Smashed     The Surrogate     Trouble with the Curve     Won't Back Down 


The Avengers     The Amazing Spider-Man     Men in Black III