GST GENERATION

The Howard Governments inability to deal with the issue of the stolen generations is such a disgrace that it could single handedly overshadow any of the economic success that the Government will be remembered for in its history. The backward looking and apparently racist attitude is preserved on public record - whether it be in the courts, where the Government is trying every means to discredit the stories of those stolen from their families, or in senate reports where it uses a GST formula. Only 10% of aborigines were stolen. This figure conveniently leaves in the years of the depression and war - where the government had enough on its hands rather than deal with the issue of making the natives white. I have discussed the mandatory sentencing issue enough, so i'll leave it to the archives. Needless to say, when Howard leaves office, I'm pretty sure things will get better - even if it means bringing "middle australia" dragging and screaming along to the recognition that one CANNOT forget the past, even if they are not responsible. By us living on territory stolen by aborigines, and not acknowledged as such by any Government or body, is a national disgrace. The denial of the stolen generation just adds to the shame that we must collectively face up to if we have any sincere respect for human rights and justice.

MATRIX CLEANS UP AT OSCARS

4 Wins from 4 Nominations

While Star Wars had a larger and more sustained use of special effects, had a totally new sound system to its creation and had the talent of Lucas films behind it, a little film shot in Australia has managed to take up the major technical awards. The well shot Matrix had some breath-taking special effects... and Star Wars simply didn't astound as much. Furthermore, the sound in the matrix was certainly beyond fault. The Matrix was certainly one of the best movies of the last year. It was in a way revolutionary to have a kick ass action film that also attempted to work on a greater level and that was sufficiently in sync with new trends of thinking. 1999 was really a year in film where directions changed, and blockbuster films have become increasingly independent minded. The Matrix was nominated in four categories: SOUND, SOUND EFFECTS EDITING, VISUAL EFFECTS and EDITING. Going through each category, we could witness how good the sound and the sound effects were in this film just by having experienced it at a dolby digital cinema. As for the visual effects, well, that was perhaps the greatest element in the technical stakes... i should temper that with the fact that the visual effects were enhanced by the mise-en-scene of the film - that is, the make up and art direction itself. Certainly the bullet effects were incredible and cemented the award for the four talented people. As for editing, well, what an excellent job they did. There was barely a cut that was out of place in this film and the timing was impeccable.

AMERICAN BEAUTY CLAIMS 5 MAJOR AWARDS

Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Actor, Director, Picture.

American Beauty has rightly claimed the major awards at the 2000 Academy Awards. The direction was outstanding, cinematography excellent, and the screenplay a real standout. Unfortunately, the score lost out to the Red Violin. Meanwhile the acting awards went just the way the Wall Street Journal predicted. Hillary Swank for best actress a real shock for a usually conservative academy. Denzel Washington missed out in his classic oscar performance to Kevin Spacey's outstanding achievement in American Beauty. Angelie Jolie got it for i don't know what reason. Michael Caine a worthy winner, but really - Tom Cruise and Haley Joel Osment were much better. Unlike last year' shocking lack of judgement by the academy, this year has seen a much better and more measured tally. The only real problem with the awards were the choice of best song. It went to that Phil Collins number. SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE THE ACADEMY TASTE! I mean, they're just doing it cause he's an international singer. In the last five years has a non-pop person won? The south park song should have picked up, and if not, any of the other nominations except for that one.