My original idea for doing this blog was to make lists, comment on lists and tell other people why they are wrong. I really haven't lived up to that idea at all. This will be my first step to remedy the situation.
I- The Top 10 Films of the Year.
This is always a risky proposition for a non-professional to do at the end of December or early January. I can't think of any year that has not had additions into the next year. I usually like to wait, but this year I don't really want to wait. I can always add on later. Besides, if this ends up being my final answer for the year, every title is at least listworthy.
1. Limits of Control- Jim Jarmusch. Jarmusch says that Point Blank was a huge influence on this film. Not only do I find that accurate, but it's a strong compliment to Jarmusch to say Limits belongs in the same company.
2. Inglourious Basterds- Quentin Tarantino. A film I vastly underrated the first time through which grows in stature with every viewing. Immensely rewatchable.
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox- Wes Anderson. Another year, another solid Wes Anderson film.
4 & 5. An Education- Lone Scherfig and Bright Star- Jane Campion. The two best romance films of the year, both directed by females. The former by the underrated director of the world's only dogma romantic comedy (Italian For Beginners) and the other known for her sensuality, shocked the world by making a movie that was rated PG. What's next a David Mamet film that's rated G?
As beautifully shot as both of these films were, the performances wee what elevated both pictures. In An Education, Alfred Molina gave humanity to a role that could have been easily reduced to a one-dimensional heavy and for the role of David to work, it had to be played by someone who could seduce Jenny, the parents and the audience all at the same time. We all knew we were being duped, but Peter Sarsgaard is so damn convincing.
As much as I love Paul Schneider I thought there was a good chance he could be misscast in Bright Star. I was wrong. Between this and Parks and Recreations, he's had one hell of a year.
6. Summer Hours- Olivier Assayas
After a couple of global corporate mindfuck movies, Assayas returns to things he is very comfortable with: France, family drama and using his secret weapon- Charles Berliner.
7. Adventureland- Greg Mottola
Mottola's first film to live up to its potential. The year's best hangout film. Plus, it reminded me how great of a pop song "Your Love" by the Outfield is and made me fall in love with the Replacements all over again.
8. Up- Pete Docter
Everybody talked about the opening 20 minutes of Wall-E. This is where the opening stretch of a Pixar film totally knocked me out.
9. In the Loop- Armando Iannucci
10. The Hurt Locker- Kathryn Bigelow
Top 10 of the Decade Chronologically by U.S. release date:
Almost Famous- Cameron Crowe
Yi Yi- Edward Yang
In the Mood For Love- Wong Kar-Wai
Together- Lukas Moodyson
The Company- Robert Altman
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou- Wes Anderson
Me, You and Everyone We Know- Miranda July
Marie Antoinette- Sofia Coppola
Dance Party U.S.A.- Aaron Katz
There Will Be Blood- Paul Thomas Anderson
10 Underrated Films of the Decade (also chronologically by U.S. release date):
The Way of the Gun- Christopher McQuarrie
Ali- Michael Mann
Femme Fatale- Brian De Palma
Down With Love- Peyton Reed
Birth- Jonathan Glazer
Spanglish- James L. Brooks
Sky High- Mike Mitchell
Fast Food Nation- Richard Linklater
The Painted Veil- John Curran
Role Models- David Wain
Worst Film of the Decade you have never heard of: Manna From Heaven- Gabrielle and Maria Burton
Worst Film of the Decade you have heard of: The Sweetest Thing- Roger Kumble
Worst Film of the Decade by an otherwise talented director: Redacted- Brian De Palma
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1 comment:
Sky High was totally underrated. If I had to make a list of movies that were so much better than I thought they were going to be, this would be way up on that list.
Femme Fatale, though...I don't know about that. I'm all for girls making out in the bathroom, but it seemed like DePalma was channeling his inner Paul Verhoeven here.
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