10) The King's Speech: My biggest props go to Tom Hooper, while I loved your HBO miniseries, "John Adams", I didn't think that I would see "The King's Speech" as anything other than a film that would have been great for TV(which isn't a bad thing). I was completely drawn into this film with its beautiful cinematography, impeccable acting, a fab script, and an incredible director, with a special mention for the editing(especially the speech scene).
9) The Ghost Writer: Say what you will about Roman Polanski's morals and legal woe's, he can still direct! I was happily surprised by this film, Ewan McGregor takes the viewer along with him on his noir-ish journey.
8) True Grit: The Coen Brothers do it again. I loved this film, but felt a little emotionally removed from it. The performances were great all around. Stand out for me was Matt Damon. I'd really like to see the Coen Brothers take on Science Fiction, or Fantasy. I think they would have a genuine chance of creating something new, and special.
7) Inception: Christopher Nolan is the man. Glad someone out there realizes audiences aren't stupid. We like to think along with our popcorn flicks.
6) Cairo Time: You're all like, What? Yeah, little seen film, but right up my alley. It never goes where you think it will. Every corner, has something new, and you won't be dissapointed. I already wanted to go to Egypt, this makes me want to just a little bit more.
5) The Fighter: If Christian Bale doesn't win a boat load of awards, then something is seriously wrong. For an actor to have been so good in the past, and then pull this spectacular performance from his soul, well it makes me giddy. Wish Michael Keaton would have had this career trajectory after "Batman." David O. Russell made this oft-told "boxing" movie, his own, and made us care.
4) The Social Network: So, as you all saw from my earlier post, I had to watch this a second time. And I'm so glad I did. I don't rewatch films that often, when I do it's because I love them. David Fincher has really outdone himself here. Aaron Sorkin's script is flawless. Only complaint I have, as I've heard this described as "Citizen Kane" by way of John Hughes, is that John Hughes would have probably pushed for an R rating. Small thing, but well, just my opinion.
3) 127 Hours: James Franco, this is your year. Danny Boyle, I prefer this to your "Slumdog Millionaire". I was enthralled the whole time, "on the edge of my seat" as they say.
2) I Am Love: I was thrown for a loop when I watched this film. It so methodically builds these characters from, a fly on the wall perspective, until you feel a part of this wonderful/screwed up family. The fact that Tilda Swinton learned Italian WITH a Russian accent for this film is astounding. But above and beyond the language, is a performance of sheer brilliance. I could watch this film just for the visuals, and come away extremely fulfilled.
1) Black Swan: You all saw this coming right? What can I say? I found this movie to be, to me, emotinally resonant, in a way that films so rarely are. I dreamt about this film, I discussed it, I thought about it, and then I dreamt about it again. Natalie Portman is radiant, and gives a perfomance that will be remembered for years to come. Mark my words, this film is destined to be a classic, and talked about as a "masterpiece."
I know big words right? Especially when everyone is talking about "The Social Network" as being the best thing since "Citizen Kane." I can see it, and it's probably true. "Black Swan" just spoke to me on so many levels.
That's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this little list. My wish is that it introduces you to at least one film you wouldn't have checked out before now.
Until next time, dear readers. Have fun, and do everything with a smile.
