TOP 15
15) The Hurt Locker
A very tense portrait of a bomb squad in Iraq, this one has the best direction and set pieces of the year. A truly thrilling film that deserves a look from everyone. It doesn't completely gel as a narrative, but the few snapshots present will make you sweat.
14) Thirst
This almost plays as Twilight for adults. An interesting tale of vampires featuring a priest. Not Chan-Wook Park's best (director of OldBoy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance), but a nice little film with a director that is always worth watching.
13) Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson's stop motion adaptation of a Roald Dahl book. Really timeless and bizarre... exactly like Wes Anderson's other films. This is his best film since the Royal Tenenbaums.
12)World's Greatest Dad
Maybe the darkest film on the list... and it is hilarious. Best advice would be to watch it blind, watch no previews as they give too much away. Robin Williams stars in one of his occasional films that matter. Written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait.
11) Gomorrah
OK, maybe this film is darker than the one above... as this film has no laughs. No traditional narrative to be found here. Just a handful of characters that are involved or within reach of the Italian mob and quick peeks into their lives. Brutal and real, this is a post modern look at the mob. No romanticism or lovable characters, just the ugly truth.
10) Bronson
A film that features one of the best leading performances of the year (if not the best). A TRUE story about Britain's most infamous prisoner. Tom Hardy disappears and delivers a truly singular, visceral performance as Bronson. I really enjoyed this film, even if it doesn't have much to say other than just putting Bronson out in front for all to see.
9) Drag Me to Hell
Sam Raimi returns to his horror comedy roots and shows no one can do it the way he does. Great atmosphere and direction, it is rare that a movie can invoke huge laughs while still being able to turn on the tension. All a credit to Raimi's skill and knowledge of the audience.
8) In the Loop
So funny. So true. Which makes it so sad. A laugh til you cry look at politics and the people who are in charge of things... it seems so ludicrous. But we all know all to well that it is unfortunately the truth. As for laughs per minute ratio, this is probably the highest of the year. And it is incredibly smart to boot. Walrus.
7) UP
Pixar always delivers and Up is no exception. Poignant and beautiful, Pixar are the masters at delivering stories that anyone at any age can enjoy and take something away from after viewing.
6) The White Ribbon
I am still mulling this film over. Does it belong on my list... and if so... where. I put it here for now. It could go up or down. It is without a doubt deft film making. The story of a small German village just before WWI and how certain elements can rot a society. I don't think it is alluding to one specific thing (the to come WWII), but can be applied to many things including the human condition. Not overly complex in its symbolism and allegory, yet so much going on and with a huge cast it gives you plenty to consider. Wonderfully shot, each shot composition reinforces the narrative. If you can handle a long, non scored black and white film with subtitles and enjoy thinking about your consumed art... Michael Haneke's The White Ribbon is highly recommended.
5) District 9
An absolute stunning film. A first time director who made a more endearing "big" film than anyone else who released one this year. The film does massive amounts with a modest budget of $30 million (modest for this size film). A lead you've never heard of delivers an incredible performance and the pacing never lets up. A few tiny things keep this one from being perfect, but it is good enough that it will be around forever. Delivers a haunting look at certain issues with an allegory as simple as refugee aliens. Brilliant.
4) Observe and Report
I consider this film pretty much to be perfect. I don't think it is for everyone, but for what it is and what it wants to do, it does it flawlessly. An incredibly dark film, but also very funny... it is akin to a comedy version of Taxi Driver. Great film making.
3) Where the Wild Things Are
This movie hits pretty hard. It also talks down to no one. It paints a three dimensional view of a child, which is rare in any medium. The film shows a rare and small time in anyone's life... when even your personal havens are no longer safe. A movie that shows the raw power of cinema and how it can transport you.
2) Moon
Hmm. This film ended up higher than I would have guessed. I love it. I think it is fantastic sci-fi. A small film that is carried by Sam Rockwell more than any other film is carried by its lead (that I can think of off the top). Fantastic acting coupled with a very smart script that leads to some truly haunting emotions for you the viewer. Special mention to the Clint Mansell score, guy does killer work.
1) Inglourious Basterds
Amazing writing. Killer direction. An ensemble cast that destroys on every level. A level of fun and excitement rarely reached. Just fantastic. I adore this film more than I care to write about. One of my most watchable and favorite "me" movies ever. Special mention to Christoph Waltz who delivers one of my favorite performances ever as Landa. This may be Tarantino's best film ever. Truth. It will not revolutionize cinema the way Pulp Fiction did, but as a stand alone no baggage piece of work... it may be the best. Time will tell. Regardless, amazing film.
Honorables:
Up in the Air, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Coraline, Public Enemies, Watchmen Director's Cut
Best Individuals
Direction
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Screenplay
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Editing
Bob Murawski, Drag Me to Hell & The Hurt Locker
Chris Innis, The Hurt Locker
Score
Clint Mansell, Moon
Hans Zimmer, Sherlock Holmes
Cinematography
Chung-hoon Chung, Thirst
Larry Fong, Watchmen
Special Effects
District 9
Where the Wild Things Are
Best Actor
Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell - Moon
Tom Hardy as Bronson - Bronson
Best Actress
I thought it was a pretty awful year for lead women in film... can't pick one out of all the films I have seen. I hear Michelle Monaghan is very good in Trucker. I will check it out this coming week.
Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz as Col. Landa - Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress
Mélanie Laurent as Shoshanna Dreyfus - Inglourious Basterds
Anna Kendrick as Natalie Keener - Up in the Air
1 comment:
great list, was surprised at some of the order but still a very good list.I have to agree with the #1 though...I loved what I saw in Das Weisse Band...too bad I missed out on the ending. :(
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