The trailer for Steven Spielberg’s War Horse premiered this morning. People are already making sweet love to it, declaring War Horse not only Spielberg’s return to glory but also deciding that this is the film to beat in at the 2012 Oscars.
Let me get this straight. I’m expected to “ooh” and “aah” over this trailer? Please.
War Horse, adapted from the award-winning play, does look like an excellent war epic. It boasts a great story, a stellar cast (Niels Arestrup! Emily Watson!), and a sweeping John Williams score. I’m sure I will be satisfied by the end result. But I’m not going to sit here and be seduced into thinking that trailer shows us anything other than Spielberg and company know how to manipulate viewers. I find this all so cliche and tiring.
It so premature to put this movie in any conversation about the Oscars that it makes my blood curdle.
What are your thoughts on this trailer for War Horse? Are you already on Team Spielberg or are you waving your cynic flag like me? Sound off below.
War Horse will be released in December 2012.
@Cinefille 
The trailer just screams “give me an Oscar!” It may be misrepresenting what the actual film is, but good lord, the film looks as if it were tailor made for the Academy. I suppose my reaction is expected, though. I generally find Spielberg’s film to be overly sentimental (with the exception of a few films, of course.)
Hopefully this won’t be another Spielberg vs. Malick year like 1998.
Exactly. Maybe the actual movie will, but I think the trailer doesn’t do the play justice. It makes it too glossy and I am not someone who easily seduced by the Spielberg/Williams combo. I hadn’t thought of the Spielberg vs Malick issue – I hope not because that would quickly get old.