Surely Thai Politics Deserves An Oscar

[webfact]

VENUS' VISION

Surely Thai politics deserves an Oscar

By Veena Thoopkrajae

Drama still prevails when it comes to winning an Oscar.

This year we have had "The King's Speech", "The Black Swan" and "The Fighter". Perhaps it is because drama moves the masses? Or is it because drama is a sure bet to impress?

Whatever the reason, I can't help thinking that Thai politics is as dramatic as an Oscar-material movie, albeit with limited characters and perhaps a more repetitive plot. At times it makes us laugh and other times we just wonder how the political mess will end, or whether it will end at all, and at what cost.

The Thai political actors and actresses (visible and invisible) keep evolving, and many of them seem able to dance "Black Swan" and "White Swan" at the same time. We can't really claim that the Thai political stage is getting better, but surely we can say that it is getting larger, as the locations have been extended from Rajdamnoen to the commercial area of Ratchaprasong.

Eventful and fast-paced? Bigger budgets? Whatever, here is my case for the Oscars in Thai politics. You may not agree with me, but honestly I don't mind. I don't agree with the Academy either.

Best Original Screenplay: Toy Story 3G.

Whoever wrote that script showed talent to weave a plain telecom concession deal into a national melodrama. From the historical bid of the decade, set in a five-star resort, the whole thing was almost called off at the last minute. And just when we thought the story would end, it keeps developing. The best part is that, in the end, Toy Story 3G is back to square one and the audience will have to remain seated all the time, otherwise they will miss the further twists and turns. It ends like an art film, leaving the conclusion to be construed by each viewer - and it helps to have a wild imagination.

Best Supporting Actor: Chai Chidchob.

The House Speaker role won Chai the Thai Oscar for his often hilarious remarks in keeping the House in order. He shows "True Grit" and has his own way of coping with those nasty political animals in the wild.

Best Supporting Actress: Thida Thawornseth.

Her name didn't ring any bells at first, but since Thida has taken the role of acting chairwoman of the red-shirt movement, she has proved to us all that "age doesn't matter". Her role as "The Fighter" is outstanding, although many critics see her fight for her beloved husband "Mor Weng" as not so convincing.

Best Cinematography: The Social Network: The Leaked Video Clips.

It's the boom of the social networks that made it possible: We could hear the information leaked from the Court people! Even better, it is viral, and everyone from the reds, yellows, "multi-coloureds" - even the colourless - can equally enjoy the scene. It is top quality, convincing us all that they are leaked!

Best Actress: Annie Brooke.

Okay, Annie has little to do with politics but it was her role that swept all politics aside for months after she claimed that she was the mother of a baby whose father is heartthrob Rattapoom "Film" Tohkongsub. Annie reminds us once again that to get to the top, one has to be able to dance "Black Swan".

Best Actor: Veera Somkwamkid.

The Preah Vihear saga could not be as exciting as it is without the "heroic" acting of Veera. We do feel sorry to have to award this Thai Oscar while he is still suffering in a Cambodian prison, but still, he beats the colourful Poo Chai (Grandpa Chai) role, for he is so outstanding in his role in "The Fighter".

Best Film: The Patriot 2010.

"The Patriot" is getting more popular, and the story is branching out and interweaving. We now have the patriots who want Preah Vihear, patriots who want to fight for a change to the constitution, patriots who want to oust Abhisit Vejjajiva, and patriots who love Abhisit. And let's not forget the patriots who miss Thaksin. It couldn't be better than this!

Best Director: A consortium of writers.

We really want to give away this award, and if you happen to know those who work on the script, call 911!

-- The Nation 2011-03-05

[asiawatcher]

Nice analogy and analysis. You could get work with Hollywood Reporter or Screen Daily. I wonder who will write the screenplay?

[Foxman888]

If they had said Razzies they would have been nearer the mark

[animatic]

Thing is Oscars are awarded for good acting, nay, GREAT acting, not barely having a clue what you are doing as you are buffeted in the winds of political maelstrom.

The amount of Razzies nominations would dwarf the Oscar count if this was a category.

Edited March 5, 2011 by animatic

[HeavyDrinker]

Nice to see Thais getting to grip with 'satire'...

[gotlost]

If they had said Razzies they would have been nearer the mark

Beat me to it.

http://www.razzies.com/

[Thaddeus]

Nice to see Thais getting to grip with 'satire'...

Out of a population of over sixty million, there had to be at least one.

[rubl]

Best Director: A consortium of writers.

We really want to give away this award, and if you happen to know those who work on the script, call 911!

I nominate dear member 'random' and I'm sure 'truthailand' will agree

[stepenwolf1958]

Best Director: A consortium of writers.

We really want to give away this award, and if you happen to know those who work on the script, call 911!

I nominate dear member 'random' and I'm sure 'truthailand' will agree

Their nomination is refused as you are already pronounced as winner, elevated one.

[bangon04]

There is a Thai version, of course. The "Somchai".

It is awarded annually to the government spokesman from any ministry who makes the most ludicrous public announcement while keeping a perfectly serious straight face. The "Somchai" takes the form of a special Amulet, fashioned from the ashes of discarded government policies, painted with cheap gold-coloured paint.

The Amulet is believed to have the power to ward off mass ridicule.

Edited March 5, 2011 by bangon04

[rubl]

Best Director: A consortium of writers.

We really want to give away this award, and if you happen to know those who work on the script, call 911!

I nominate dear member 'random' and I'm sure 'truthailand' will agree

Their nomination is refused as you are already pronounced as winner, elevated one.

Let me use this opportunity to thank all who put their faith in me. Special thanks to my mother who instilled honesty and integrity and my father who helped me to keep it in (forcefully if necessary). God bless you all