Another Oscars telecast came, and swiftly passed us by. One can argue that the years-old institution is crumbling as a major television event. But many an American were glued to their sofas on Sunday night reveling in all that is “red carpet” and “awards.” (In other words, the same old shit from the year before… and the year before that… and eons before that show, too.)
Billy Crystal did as good as Billy Crystal can. He is definitely a lot better than the hosts of late, but I couldn’t help but think that I was watching a past telecast. Seems that Billy Crystal is still sporting the “Billy Crystal Oscar Formula.” I still can’t decide whether I think it’s a dated formula or not, but I did laugh nevertheless.
The red carpet appeared to lack in “pomp and circumstance” as compared to past years. But in this recession, it probably made sense to down-play the line of Casadei and Jimmy Choo stilettos that made their way into the Kodak. Even so, we were still in the presence of Dior, Armani Prive, and all the likes. Even the male actors made (or missed) their mark in the various designer penguin suits dotting the red C.
One of the biggest red carpet misses, for me, wasn’t so much an actual gown or suit or pair of shoes… It was the hot mess that we’ve come to know as Rooney Mara. While she was a stunner in Givenchy (minus the stupid action she had going on with her bangs), she was an absolute flop in her red carpet interview with Robin Roberts. Now Robin Roberts is a well-respected television broadcaster. While she may not be your typical type of “entertainment”-style interviewer, she was full of personality. And when you’re being interviewed by the likes of Robin Roberts, you should shoot back with just as much personality. Rooney Mara, unfortunately, was uber-lacking in the personality department as she seemed to painfully respond to Roberts’ questions. At one point during their “banter,” Roberts made a comparison of the red carpet madness to the craziness at a professional football game.. which was probably not the best analogy, however if you really think about it creatively, you could come up with a witty answer. Rooney Mara was as non-witty as they come; absolutely cringe-worthy.
- Rooney Mara in Givenchy, 2012 Oscars Red Carpet (Photo by PacificCoastNews.com)
One might argue that she was probably just being herself. But I’m sorry, as a person coming into the public eye, you would think she’d know how to play up to the cameras and interviewers in a way that is more poised and polished. On the contrary, she came off as limp as a dead trout. Perhaps it’s her age and lack of experience, but whatever the case may be, she should learn a thing of two from her peers.
I give her Oscar nod an A+, but in contrast, her personality on the red carpet deserves nothing more than a flat F.
wen is now 