Ron, lovely family!

I agree with your comment on the Oscar’s not being a determining factor of excellence. However, the fact that it was even nominated must mean something positive!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I shall do my best to remember that. I particularly love the statement, “Movies aren’t like math problems where there is only one correct answer.”
And you are right – as the daughter of a filmmaker, conversations about movies have been a regular part of my growing up.

Perhaps novel is the wrong word. It was the ‘surprise’ of the magic in Paperman that I loved. It took me on a more involved emotional journey – from excitement to disappointment to suspense to satisfaction.
I did like the way the man in A Thousand Words found Nasim’s house. That was interesting and something I wouldn’t have thought of.

You are right – both are excellent in their own way.

Excellent reply Jamie. Especially your point about the Oscars. As well as Ms. Imahni not selling herself short. As she alluded, she almost didn’t write this article. I pretty much ordered her to as her boss. 🙂

Also, your surname observation was correct. 😉

A couple if things: I was never arguing for NO magic in “Paperman”, but for magic that would keep within the parameters established by the first part of the story. I certainly agree there was something extraordinary happening there! (Also, let’s face it, it IS a movie, and an animated one at that. To think it mirrored reality would be quite a stretch!) I simply felt that the change of tone from the opening to the “living airplanes” was too overwhelming, and a more subtle magic would have served the story better.

On another note, I am not sure the Oscars should be considered a judgement on the quality of a film. I agree that “Paperman” was the correct choice this year out of the field of nominees, but does it hold up next to the best work from, say, Jan Svankmajer or other filmmakers whose work does not fall into the “feel good” category and who have never won an Oscar?

Finally, I would say to Imahni, do not sell yourself short! You do not have to be a filmmaker to be able to speak intelligently about a movie, and as a writer you should have somewhat of a command of structure. Also, I notice your last name is Dawson, so I assume you are a relation to Mr. Ron, and would likely have picked up something about what makes a good movie over the years!

Movies aren’t like math problems, where there is only one correct answer. As with any art, it is that subjective nature that draws us in and fascinates us and keeps us talking!

With that said, I like these films for different reasons. But personally, I give the edge to Paperman, only because of the use of comedy and the emotional pay-off at the end with the swell of music, etc. That’s a totally subjective viewpoint, and the “artiste” in me wants to give it to the small and simple 1000 Words. Both are excellent stories deserving of praise.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.