This story originally appeared in the Actors/Directors/Writers issue of TheWrap’s Oscar magazine.
Director Denis Villeneuve sees his Mexican drug-war film “Sicario” not as a thriller–though it certainly packs an action punch–but rather as the second in what he hopes will be a trilogy of films about the dark side of the American imagination. They began with his 2013 revenge drama “Prisoners,” and will conclude, after the director’s upcoming reboot of “Blade Runner,” with “something that has to do with what I call ‘the underground American shadows,'” said Villeneuve.
To capture the moral shadiness in “Sicario,” Villeneuve made distinctive use of silence interrupted by violence, inspired by his passion for Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.” “The use of silence is something I love,” said the director–and fortunately for him, Benicio Del Toro, who plays a morally ambiguous hitman (or “Sicario”), agreed. The actor, who won an Oscar for a similar drama (“Traffic”) and will be the hero of a forthcoming “Sicario” sequel, asked Villeneuve to cut his lines, to serve the dark strangeness of the character and story.
“We both loved the screenplay [by actor-turned-writer Taylor Sheridan],” said Villeneuve, “but we felt his character would benefit by less dialogue. Benicio thought that the movie will be believable if we believe his character comes from an extreme world. People who experience violence are very taciturn. They don’t want to share their horror.”
One of the most horrific scenes in the film involves a brutal shooting that the viewer never sees–except in Del Toro’s wordless reaction to it. “Dialogue for me is for theater, an art for the stage,” Villeneuve said. “Cinema is not about dialogue. It’s about images and moments and present tense. Benicio can convey more by the way he breathes in front of the camera than any line–the way he portrays tension, the way you feel when you see him.”
While Del Toro’s character remains a mystery, the film adopts the point of view of the FBI agent played by Emily Blunt, who gradually discovers the brutality and moral ambiguity of the drug war. “She is basically us, the audience, as Terrence Howard‘s character was in ‘Prisoners,'” said cinematographer Roger Deakins. “She leads us into this moral dilemma–how much do you allow your government to do these things in your name?”
The result is a film that gives a fresh, character-rich take on a highly familiar subject. Summed up Villeneuve: “I felt there was a way to make a movie that I haven’t
seen before.”
"Spotlight" A contender for Best Picture, director and screenplay -- as well as the supporting acting categories.
Open Road Films
"The Martian" Ridley Scott may have his best shot at an Oscar with this sci-fi drama, which is also a contender for Best Picture. Matt Damon is in the hunt for Best Actor as well.
"The Revenant" Alejandro G. Inarritu's dark revenge tale is getting lots of awards traction, particularly for Leonardo DiCaprio's performance.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Brooklyn" Saoirse Ronan is a strong contender for Best Actress, and there's much love for John Crowley's old-fashioned period drama.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Straight Outta Compton" F. Gary Gray's biopic of the rap group N.W.A boasts some of the best reviews of the year, including raves for newcomer Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E.
Universal Pictures
"Mad Max: Fury Road" The National Board of Review winner for Best Picture is a long-shot outside of technical categories, but it could surprise in the picture, directing or actress categories.
"Suffragette" Carey Mulligan is in the hunt for Best Actress for her role in this historical drama about the battle for British women to get the vote.
Focus Features
"Inside Out" Pixar's hit could become the first animated movie to earn a Best Picture nod since 2011's "Toy Story 3."
Pixar Studios/Walt Disney Pictures
"The Danish Girl" Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander are getting major buzz for their performances in a period drama with a topical transgender twist.
Focus Features
"Bridge of Spies" You can never count out Steven Spielberg, particularly when he reteams with star Tom Hanks. Look out for Mark Rylance in supporting actor race
Amblin Entertainment/Walt Disney Pictures
"Beasts of No Nation" Cary Joji Fukunaga's gritty drama about African child soldiers has drawn raves, but most overcome its limited theatrical release by Netflix.
Netflix
"Son of Saul" The Hungarian Holocaust drama is a frontrunner in the foreign-language film race but could also score nods in other categories.
Sony Pictures Classics
"The Hateful Eight" Quentin Tarantino's Western is getting the usual Oscar talk, particularly for his screenplay and supporting actress Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The Weinstein Company
"Concussion" Will Smith has won early acclaim for his performance as the doctor who discovered CTE, the brain injury experienced by so many former NFL players.
Columbia Pictures
"The Big Short" Adam McKay's fact-based comic drama boasts a starry cast and major topicality, boosting its awards profile.
Paramount Pictures
"Creed" Ryan Coogler's reboot of the "Rocky" franchise has drawn raves, and Sylvester Stallone's supporting turn as boxer-turned-coach could earn him a supporting actor nod.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" J.J. Abrams' top-secret blockbuster should dominate in technical categories but could pull off a surprise in Best Picture
Lucasfilm/Disney
"Trumbo" Jay Roach's biopic of the blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter is drawing attention for the performances of Bryan Cranston as well as Helen Mirren as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.
Universal Pictures
"99 Homes" Michael Shannon and Andrew Garfield are generating talk for their performance in the Ramin Bahrani- directed drama.
Lionsgate
"Anomalisa" Charlie Kaufman's stop-motion animated film could pull off a surprise in the Animated Feature category.
Paramount Pictures
"Mr. Holmes" Ian McKellen is angling for his third Oscar nomination for playing an aging Sherlock Holmes in Bill Condon's movie.
Roadside Attractions
"45 Years" Veteran actress Charlotte Rampling could score her first nomination for playing half of a couple preparing for their 45th wedding anniversary.
Sundance Selects
"Grandma" As an acerbic woman helping her granddaughter as she faced an unplanned pregnancy, Lily Tomlin could score her first nomination since 1975's "Nashville."
Sony Pictures Classics
"Love & Mercy" Paul Dano and John Cusack have both won acclaim for playing the younger and older versions of troubled Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson.
Roadside Attractions
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From ”Spotlight“ and ”Joy“ to ”Inside Out“ and ”Grandma,“ TheWrap selects the key movies that are deep in the hunt for major nominations