The Kids are Alright

Posted by Suzy Vitello Soulé on February 28th, 2011 at 07:19 AM | | Tweet

A timely trend, or mere coincidence? As the New York Times aptly pointed out, this year’s Oscar theme more than flirted with mass communication. “The King’s Speech” racked up three of the more sought-after awards (director, actor, picture). And while “The Social Network,” didn’t garner the big prizes for its makers, it certainly was one of the most talked about films of the year and managed to scoop up some honors (best adapted screenplay, editing and score). And one could argue that “Inception,” another movie that got lots of buzz this summer, also explores the way people transfer thought—communicate—with one another.

As a writer and business owner of a communications firm, I say, bring it. Or, more to the point, let’s talk. Amongst ourselves. Amongst others. Let’s start conversations all over the world. My writing blog (which, by the way, is called Let’s Talk About Writing!) will be five years old in June. In that half-decade the ubiquitous nature of artist blogs has gone from meh to a sort of Web equiv of SRO.

But back to the Oscars. Along with showcasing communication generally, clearly the 83-year-old institution is looking ahead, and marketing itself you the youngsters. I’m thrilled that the Academy is actively seeking a younger audience, and it’s working. My 11-year-old sat rapt in his chair (even though ESPN was broadcasting his NBA faves a click away) while Hathaway and Franco parodied the lack of musicals with a fairly hilarious spoof on a typically self-serious array of films and in another skit, jived around in hoodies and sweats. Though some criticized the hosts’ demeanors as dazed and random, with too much homage to the stoneresque “Pineapple Express,” I thought the tone spot on for speaking to a less-stodgy, more distracted and hipper crowd. For the rest of us there was Billy Crystal and the old Bob Hope tribute reel.

So keep the conversation going. Build the bridges. Move along. Can’t wait to go to the movies this year, and experience the next round of Oscar-worthy films, and I’ll probably be following them on Twitter as well.