Later this week Rob and I will record our 'Best Of' podcast - exactly one year ago, our very first podcast was a summary of 2009. Back then, I had probably seen more films than Rob had- now that ratio has reversed radically, with Rob having seen hundreds of films at the Dukes and festivals. My record is much poorer and therefore my list is less authoritative - but somehow I feel like my list wouldn't be too different anyway. Deciding what to include is difficult, and for me, it's just everything I've seen in the year, including things that haven't been released in 2010 (or might never get a release here).
Listen to an audio version of this and Rob's list on iTunes or on the Picturehouse site.
1- ALAMAR
One of the most moving films I have seen in years. Simple, beautiful, perfect.
2- BLACK SWAN
A mashup of Polanski, Cronenberg and Powell - yet completely at home in Aronofsky's obsession with self-destruction.
3- THE SOCIAL NETWORK
The most relevant of all films released this year - media and business exposed in a Citizen Kane-style tableau of greed and ambition.
4- SHUTTER ISLAND
Nobody can create a film history pastiche like Scorsese and still move you. His best in years.
5- MOTHER
Further proof that Korea (and its protectionist film policies) are near the top of the pile when it comes to talent. Gripping, surprising, completely original
6- DOGTOOTH
A disturbing, powerful and wonderfully allegorical story that can be interpreted in a million ways.
7- LIFE DURING WARTIME
As good as HAPPINESS - scary, poignant and brave.
8 - GREENBERG
A great 1970s movie - with a different production date this would be a New Hollywood classic.
9- SONS OF CUBA
A tiny film that proves you really don't need much money to create drama - just an eye and a subject.
10- REVOLUCION (compilation of short films, Carlos Reygadas' episode)
The Reygadas episode of this portmanteau is controlled chaos and cinematic genius. Proves he can do so more than 'slow' cinema.
Honorable mentions: INCEPTION, THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF THE DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, THE MAID, THE GHOST.
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Knock out 'Greenberg' and move up the 'The Promise' and that's a damn fine list!
ReplyDeleteagree with you about Shutter Island-but it didn't have a Dukes'run;you probably can't comment on this ,or you would be the Vince Cable of the Cinema world-but why don't they let you book your own films-I had to go to the Odeon to see this-screen 8 ,badly projected.Greenberg smacked to me of male self-indulgence to the nth degree,but I would say that,wouldn't I?There seems to be an emphasis at the moment on showing British films-is this admirable patriotism or small-minded xenophobia? You choose.
ReplyDelete'mother' is the woman I hope to be
Jennifer A9(one day,when the trains are providing a service I might come to the cinema again )
Hi Jennifer - the only reason we didn't do Shutter Island was because it opened on the same date as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- which was a huge hit for us. Paramount won't let you book the film for just a few shows -it's all or nothing!
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