'Cine'cism

The average movie-goer treats the Best Picture nominees at the Oscars as the must-see list of the year. But this year, that audience might be disappointed with “The Help” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” and confused with “The Artist” and “The Tree of Life.”

So for those of you looking to become acquainted with this year’s Oscar nominees and the potential winners, here’s a bit of homework due promptly before the ceremony, which will be Feb. 26.

1. “Beginners”

If Christopher Plummer wins Best Supporting Actor, he’ll become the oldest winner of all time at 82 years old.

Thus, it’s fitting the movie he’ll win for is a loving story about a dying old man who has begun life again by coming out as gay. “Beginners” more artfully tackles themes of family lineage and societal norms than even “The Descendants” does, and it’s a wonderful indie drama that also stars Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent.

2. “A Separation”

“A Separation” might be an Iranian film, but it’s being called a universal drama that highlights the complications of divorce and difficult human choices. Not only is it the best-reviewed movie of the year, it is even the highest-rated 2011 film on IMDb, placing above “The Artist” and “Hugo.”

The film’s nomination for Best Original Screenplay indicates it has a high chance of winning in the Foreign Language category despite the Academy’s notorious inclination to pick a generally weak and overwrought title among many great films.

3. “Pina”

The legendary German art house director Wim Wenders has been quiet for nearly two decades, but his documentary “Pina” has earned him his second nomination and potential first win for Best Documentary.

The film is a biography about the life of recently deceased dance choreographer Pina Bausch, and Wenders celebrates her magic on the stage by composing an elegant spectacle of filmmaking in 3-D. The film is screening in 3-D at the IU Cinema starting Thursday, Feb. 16.

4. “Rango”

2011 was a weak year for animated movies, and the one film that has been cleaning up all the awards and is most deserving is the surrealistic Western “Rango.”

Gore Verbinski’s bizarre film combines the best elements of Sergio Leone and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Johnny Depp also does terrific voice work as the titular exotic lizard.

5. “The Tree of Life”

If you haven’t already watched “The Tree of Life” to support your awareness of important, critically-acclaimed films, you’re in for a challenging experience. Its nominations for Best Picture and Best Director are little more than tokens recognizing director Terrence Malick’s vision, and they are categories he stands no chance of winning.

However, “The Tree of Life” is an undeniable visual feast thanks to five-time-nominated cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. His work is a crowning achievement in a field of terrific nominees that includes “The Artist,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “Hugo” and “War Horse.” This will perhaps be the most deserving award of the night.