I wanted to revisit The
Full Monty because in my memory, it resides in a place where thruway, but
well-made popular entertainments go to die. Every time I’ve considered its pace
among five Oscar Best Picture nominees (competing against L.A.
Confidential, Titanic, Good
Will Hunting, and As Good as It
Gets, it was the definition of “it’s an honor just to be nominated.”) Was
it also a stroke of incredible good fortune to be nominated? Was it really that
good or did it just tickle audiences the right way and have the right wards
marketing team to help it fill a niche spot in the category often reserved for
light quirky comedies that make a lot of money and get people talking? C.f. Four Weddings and a Funeral and Chocolat.
