Let's call the whole thing off by MATTHEW HAYS A minor brouhaha arose last week when it was announced that, due to the fact that it had aired on TV in Europe, the film Croupier would not be up for Oscar consideration. The decision, made by the American Academy, is undoubtedly a bummer for the filmmakers. But the Academy might have thought twice before being so unbending about breaking the rules. The exclusion of Croupier points up a rather nasty question about this year's race: what the hell is the Academy going to put forth come nomination time? Think about it: this has been one of the sorriest years for film in memory, with virtually nothing standing out, particularly in the Best Picture category. Unbreakable sucks, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is unbearably sentimental, Men of Honor is a dud and The Perfect Storm did not live up to its title. The only films I can think of that deserve cred, other than the sublime comedy Nurse Betty, are a bit too far off the mainstream map for usual Academy consideration. Requiem for a Dream deserves a nod for Best Director and Ellen Burstyn should undoubtedly be nominated for Best Actress; Chuck and Buck should get a Best Original Screenplay nod, for sure. Other than that, this well appears to be bone dry. So where is the law that says this show must go on? My humble suggestion is to call off the Oscars this year. With no eagerly anticipated race, there would hardly be any tears shed, as the show promises to be a ratings disappointment. Everyone can save a bundle on the outfits, Billy Crystal can save the routine for 2002 and we won't have to sit through three and a half hours of hype about such a nothing year in the cinemas. Next Thursday, Dec. 7, the Cinémathèque québécoise has organized a screening/concert of the D.W. Griffith 1919 classic Broken Blossoms at Théâtre St-Denis. The controversial film stars Lillian Gish and will feature the accompaniment of composer/pianist Gabriel Thibaudeau. Blossoms was the first film Griffith would make with United Artists, the studio he had just formed with Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. Reservations for this event can be arranged by calling 790-1111 or 842-9763. The Cinémathèque is also hosting a retrospective of one of the most vital experimental filmmakers working today, Richard Kerr. Kerr, who also teaches in Concordia's film department, will be present for many of the screenings, which run Dec. 6-10. See repertory listings for showtimes. Finally, the Douglas Sirk retrospective continues at the Goethe-Institut. Not to be missed is the Friday, Dec. 1 screening of Imitation of Life, an epic melodrama about race relations that was way ahead of its time. Not only does this film offer stunning Technicolor, there's Sandra Dee and Mahalia Jackson in the cast as well. COMMENTS: mhays@mtl-mirror.com