As we look back at the best picture nominees for the 62nd Academy Awards, I am quite perplexed at how and why Driving Miss Daisy won the Oscar. The competition included Born on the Fourth of July, Dead Poets Society, Field of Dreams, and My Left Foot. I have only seen Field of Dreams and Born on the Fourth of July, which were better movies than Driving Miss Daisy.
When it was all said and done, I think I understand why this film took home the prize. This was a down to earth story, with characters who were nothing special. The interactions with organic, the conversations felt natural. When you factor in the time period, the 1940s-1960s and the fact the characters were great with their slang and performances, I can see why the academy decided to go with this one.
Driving Miss Daisy clocks in at 99 mins, one of the shortest of Best Picture winners. The writers manage to tell a compelling story quickly and still cover over 20 years of life in the south. There are racist remarks and stereotypes towards black people; however, it straddles a fine line and never crosses it.
Even though neither story is similar to the other, I felt this movie reminded me of the 2019 Best Picture winner Green Book. Two people from completely different backgrounds come together and form a friendship that will last a lifetime.
There is a lot to like and enjoy about Driving Miss Daisy, even though it wasn’t for me at the end. I love Morgan Freeman and the majority of his movies. I don’t ever recall seeing this film while growing up, so this will be my one and only viewing. I understand that I am in the minority when it comes to who enjoyed this film or not. 3/10
Ten Stars or Less 