"in-the-name-of-the-father"

Who can say why one year yields so many more memorable films than another?  Somehow, a number of dynamic factors and elements coalesce to create something extraordinary, as happens with a superb Bordeaux vintage, or for that matter, an outstanding film. There are tangible reasons, of course, but a mysterious alchemy is also working its magic.

We decided to look at a few of the past winners (and losers) to try to discern what might have contributed to some of the more head-scratching wins.

Why were so many of our very best actors born in April? It’s an unanswerable question, of course, but intriguing nonetheless. And in the rarefied world of movie stardom, the concentration of April birthdays is pretty remarkable.

You should know you resemble my wife, which is a compliment. You may assume I’m biased, but trust me. On request, I can send you a photo to prove it. You’re both lovely, of course, but you also have faces with character. Your smiles project decency and intelligence.

As the rivers run green with dye and the streets overflow with the regurgitations of young people binge-drinking in honor of a saint, our thoughts turn to the powerful mystique of Ireland, and the stories, filmmakers, and actors that create the Emerald Isle's best films.  Like many foreign countries, Ireland has sometimes received short shrift from Hollywood. Throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s, if you needed an unrepentant drunk, Hollywood all too happily shoved “Patty McStumble-Drunk” out in front of the camera for a cheap laugh.  So rather than trot out the same stereotypical Faith-and-begorrah, Lucky Charm-laden, potato-eating movies that fill so many lists around this time, we’re going to find some more nuanced and soulful films to honor our favorite little island in the north. Like the country itself, there’s so much more to see and experience if you’re willing to stop and look.

Daniel Day-Lewis stands among the greatest living screen actors ever to grace the silver screen. His success is in no small part thanks to the other-worldly level of dedication he brings to his roles. In fact, Day-Lewis approaches method acting with a "method" all his own. That method can be more than a little off-putting for his co-workers. In “There Will Be Blood,” actor Kel O’Neill was halfway through the 60-day shoot when director Paul Thomas Anderson replaced him with Paul Dano, who played lead antagonist Eli Sunday. Why leave an obvious award-winning film filled with Oscar-winning actors and crew?   It seems Mr. Day-Lewis would not stop intimidating his on-screen nemesis between takes, staring him down and otherwise bullying the actor throughout the shoot. Nerves shot, O’Neill took a well-deserved rest cure. Day-Lewis would not (or could not) "turn off" his method, even between scenes – even when a fellow actor was driven to flee in his presence. It's as disturbing as it is impressive.