Russian Film 'Leviathan' Gets Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film

Russian Film 'Leviathan' Gets Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film

Sar, A. (2015, January 15). Russian Film 'Leviathan' Gets Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film. Retrieved from http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-film-leviathan-makes-oscars-shortlist-amid-domestic-disapproval/514449.html

The Russian film "Leviathan" was released in Russia and the US and has already been extremely successful. It is nominated for best foreign-language film in the Oscars and is popular already. However, Minister Vladimir Medinsky commented upon the film's selection to represent Russia in the Oscars and said "I don't like it." Although there has been some controversy over it's release, "Leviathan" started on a limited engagement at two theaters in New York and Los Angeles and in two weeks' time grossed in excess of $120,000. With its recent Golden Globe win and Oscar prospects, Sony Classics is expected to widen its showings, giving it a boost at the box office.

-"Leviathan" has been surrounded by controversy from its beginning. Its release date has been delayed and the version due to be shown in Russian theaters next month has had frequent swearing edited out of it to conform to a new law banning obscene words in films and other media.

-For the top honor "Leviathan" will be competing with "Ida" from Poland/Denmark, "Tangerines" from Estonia, "Timbuktu" from Mauritania and "Wild Tales" from Argentina. The Oscars will be presented on Feb. 22.

-The minister complained there were no positive characters in the film. "It's more or less clear what and whom Zvyagintsev hates. But what does he love? Glory, red carpets and statuettes, that's clear," Medinsky told the newspaper.

- Considering this article, it will be interesting to see how the release of this movie goes because of it's controversial nature and "drama" that followed it, even from figures in the Russian government. The freedom of speech aspect is clearly debatable, especially with what's been happening all over the world considering free speech rights. Nevertheless, foreign films and films in general should be released, no matter the circumstance. 

The Lonely Subtitle: Here's Why U.S. Audiences Are Abandoning Foreign-Language Films

The Lonely Subtitle: Here's Why U.S. Audiences Are Abandoning Foreign-Language Films 

http://www.indiewire.com/article/why-us-audiences-are-abandoning-subtitled-films-now-more-than-ever



Kaufman, A. (2014, May 6). The Lonely Subtitle: Here's Why U.S. Audiences Are Abandoning Foreign-Language Films. Retrieved from http://www.indiewire.com/article/why-us-audiences-are-abandoning-subtitled-films-now-more-than-ever

Even though there are many different platforms where viewers can watch foreign films, the audiences for these platforms is getting smaller and smaller. In 2013, the top five foreign language releases earned collectively just $15 million at the US box office, while in 2007, the take was $38 million. American viewers are becoming increasingly hostile towards foreign films, even if subtitles are in them. 

- "In 2013 the top five foreign-language releases earned collectively just $15 million at the U.S. box office; in 2007, the take was $38 million."
- ״He pointed to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences’ recent rule change in which the foreign-language Oscar is now decided upon by the entire Academy. This makes "the most popular film the most likely winner every year," he said, thereby cutting many smaller, worthy films from contention. ״

- "Every change that happens in the industry affects indies more," said Peter Goldwyn. "If the Hollywood studios have the infrastructure to last longer in the old systems, foreign language films are going to feel the impact of these changes even more, because it has always had the smallest box office percentage."