Well, I saw it today, and all I can say is that Chicago had better be BLOODY good - damn, I'm going to have to see it now aren't I?!
The Pianist is a breathtaking film - literally. There were times of high tension when I suddenly realised that I hadn't exhaled for a minute or two. Adrien Brody's performance was exquisite; he has such a soulful face, it really is haunting. All the supporting performances were top-drawer, especially that of Thomas Kretschmann as the German officer Hosenfeld - that would have been a *very* difficult part to play, but he nailed it quite brilliantly, avoiding all the pitfalls and giving a wonderfully nuanced performance. The direction was stunning; setting aside the debate about how much someone's past crimes and misdemeanours are to be brought to bear on consideration of their current deeds and accomplishments (simply because I don't know what I think about it), Polanski deserved the Oscar. Quite what logic dictates that a film can win best adapted screenplay, best direction and best actor and yet not win best film remains slightly mysterious to me. And the music isn't bad either... Azeem in London
