A year of isolation. Of triumph and false guilt. Of
doomed love and tortured spirits. From big movies with personal themes, to
small moves with grand aspirations. From micro budget masterworks of mystery,
to big budget condemnations of excess. There was a lot to love at the movies in
2013, but these are the films that stayed with me most.
Honorable Mention
Adore
dir. by Anne Fontaine
Out of all the films released this year, Adore is the one I liked the most that
everyone else liked the least. A complex and judgment-free tale of middle aged
best friends falling for each other’s teenage sons. It was beautiful,
scandalous, and poignant. I unapologetically loved everything about it. Now available on DVD
10. The Hunt
dir. by Thomas Vinterberg
After kind schoolteacher Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen, a portrait
of tortured perfection) is accused of molesting one of his students, the
citizens of his small town slowly turn on him, making for a grueling
exploration of how quick we as a society are to judge. The most infuriating and haunting film of the year. Now
available on DVD and Blu-Ray
9. The Place Beyond
the Pines
dir. by Derek Cianfrance
A study of fathers and sons, and the ripples their actions
cause for generations. While the A-list stars justly dominated the conversation
surrounding this film, special mention needs to be made for Eva Mendes, who
delivered career-best work as an emotionally brutalized mother, and Dane DeHaan
and Emory Cohen, who acted precisely how two troubled teenagers actually act. Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray
8. Gravity
dir. by Alfonso Cuarón
Cuarón did a very smart thing by leaving his film
in space. No cross cutting to the panicked control room in Houston, no
flashbacks to daughters during happy times; we stayed in hell, enduring
the struggle. Gravity is the finest
technical cinematic achievement in years, and everyone behind the scenes
deserves to be rewarded accordingly. Emmanuel Lubezki’s Oscar better be waiting.
Currently in limited theaters, expect a
wide rerelease after Oscar nominations
7. The Wolf of Wall
Street
dir. by Martin Scorsese
The most dangerous film of the year, Scorsese and
Leonardo DiCaprio boldly went where few people of their status would. They
created a manic, cocaine-infused epic of greed and excess, and they made it
look fun. The film is getting a lot
of heat for glorifying its on screen antics, but that criticism is misguided. The Wolf of Wall Street is an indictment
of our culture; just cleverly masked with pleasure. Currently in theaters
6. Her
dir. by Spike Jonze
On the surface, Her
is a comedy about a lonely man who develops a relationship with his operating
system. But Jonze always encourages us to look closer. Look closer at what Her is saying about us. About our
dependency on things. About our fear
of emotional connection. Study the lonely, suffering man (Joaquin Phoenix,
arguably never better) trying to figure it all out. Study, and behold. As unique a film of love,
loss, and life that I’ve seen in years. Currently
in limited theaters, wide release scheduled for Jan. 10
5. Fruitvale Station
dir. by Ryan Coogler
It’s a real testament to Coogler’s filmmaking that despite
us knowing the fate of Oscar Grant, Coogler created one of the most raw and
captivating films of the year. I’ve considered Michael B. Jordan a talented
performer since his doomed portrayal of Wallace on Season 1 of The Wire. But with his brave turn as
Grant, Jordan deserves to be a big, big star. Fruitvale Station is American independent film at its most
courageous. And certainly its most sincere. Available
on DVD and Blu-Ray Jan. 14
4. Spring Breakers
dir. by Harmony Korine
I have no idea what the hell goes on in the mind of Harmony
Korine, but goddamn if it wasn’t a blast to watch via Spring Breakers. Infused with hypnotic beats, florescent
cinematography and circular editing, Spring
Breakers was the most fun I had at the movies this year. I can’t fully
explain it, I dare not rationalize it, but I can most definitely appreciate it.
Simply put, I’ve never seen anything like it, and I remain undeniably drawn to it. Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray
3. 12 Years a Slave
dir. by Steve McQueen
There was nothing easy about 12 Years a Slave, a merciless examination of America’s darkest
period. Perhaps most shockingly, the film managed to portray all of its characters
as human beings, rather than glorified heroes or caricatures of torturous
thugs. Brutal, yes. Relentless, sure. But necessary…? Certainly. Currently in limited theaters, expect a wide
rerelease after Oscar nominations
2. Blue is the
Warmest Color
dir. by Abdellatif Kechiche
The finest love story of the year was a three-hour French
epic about two women experiencing the bliss and hell of love. When we first
meet Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos, delivering the year’s best performance), she’s
not unlike most teenagers: shy, confused, aimless. But once the bold and
blue-haired Emma (Léa Seydoux) comes into her life, Adèle slowly transforms
into a young woman brimming with self-discovery. She discovers love. She
discovers sorrow. She discovers life. It’s a beautiful film, but also a
challenging one. Shot almost entirely in vivid close-up, with hardly any
exposition to establish the characters, Kechiche’s film is an honest and moving
portrait of love at first sight, and the dangers it can behold. Available via Criterion Collection DVD and
Blu-Ray Feb. 25
1. Upstream Color
dir. by Shane Carruth
It never went away. The mysticism. The complexity. The power
of Shane Carruth’s Upstream Color
never faded. It’s the best looking, best sounding, best put together
film of the year, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that just
one man is responsible for it all. As the writer, director, producer, editor,
cinematographer, composer, title designer, distributor and star of Upstream Color, Shane Carruth has proven that if you have a passion
(or compulsion) to make a film, you make it by any means necessary.
The core beauty of the film is its spherical mystery. There
are essentially three components to its obscure world, and if one
is altered, everything else falls apart. To explain the components is
pointless. It is far more conducive to experience Carruth’s vision yourself –
to open your mind and let the light in. I don’t just love this film, I’m
indebted to it. I’m awestricken by its lack of convention, and so eternally
grateful for reminding me that originality in film is far from vanishing. Now available on
DVD, Blu-Ray and Netflix Instant
Ten More I Loved
All Is Lost, an audacious and poignant journey of perseverance
Before Midnight, a heartbreaking chapter of one of my favorite
screen couples
Captain Phillips, the conclusion of which is the single best
scene of the year
The Past, Asghar Farhadi’s devastating family drama
Prisoners, a brutal investigation of what grief drives us to do
Short Term 12, the most realistic portrayal of troubled kids in
quite some time
Side Effects, a mesmerizing psychological thriller featuring a
perfect Rooney Mara
The Spectacular Now, teenage love treated with the intelligence it deserves
Stories We Tell, the best
documentary of the year
To the Wonder, Terrence Malick at his most lovingly surreal
2013 in Review
That's a good list. The Place Beyond the Pines, Spring Breakers, and The Hunt are in my 2012 short list of films to see as I'm going by year it came out. I hope see Upstream Color this month as Her is coming to Atlanta next weekend while Labor Day is also coming later this month while the other 2 films I hope to see are Like Father, Like Son, and The Past. 2013 has been a great year in films and I hope 2014 does well. BTW, did you see the list of filmmakers I'm going to profile for my Auteurs piece for this year?
ReplyDeleteOh shit I didn't see your list, need to scope it out ASAP.
DeleteLooks like you have some great flicks headed your way. Upstream... man, I can't wait to hear what you think of that one.
no man of steel? you make me sick
ReplyDeleteConvince me that a lens flare in a closed elevator is possible. Then, maybe, we can talk.
DeleteYou have such good taste! Must be an "Alex" thing hahaha.
ReplyDeleteTwo of our top 5 are the same (Blue + Fruitvale) and I'm so excited for Her and Wolf of Wall Street.
I hope I can squeeze in a rewatch of Upstream Color before my Top 50, it's teetering on the edge at the moment, but I was still in awe of some of the aspects.
I will be happy when 12 Years A Slave wins Best Picture :)
Ha, right on! Oh man, I SO hope you're right about 12 Years nabbing the top prize. Like I've said, at this point, I trust your judgement above all others!
DeleteOh man, I'm even more confident this year. Just can't see it losing!
DeleteYou have no idea how happy that makes me.
DeleteI love this list but I haven't seen most of the films on it as they have not yet been released in Australia! But I'd honestly have to agree with Spring Breakers. What a brilliant, insightful and unique film it is
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the list! I loved the hell out of Spring Breakers. So good.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Saw a lot of these! Loved numbers 2-4 and 6-8....would have to swap number 7 and 4 positions, but only because of such intense love for the decade of excess--there won't be another time like it! Fabulous job--and a tough one with a limit of 10!
ReplyDeleteYou saw so many great ones! You know, ask me in a year and Wolf of Wall Street will most likely be higher. That movie was so bold and fantastic. I absolutely loved it.
DeleteI haven't seen almost half of these(February is our December. So...) but you kind of surprised me with your no.1. I certainly liked that film too and it is lurking around my number 10 currently. So I am not going to challenge you for that pick but I certainly did not see that coming. I was expecting Wolf or 12 Years. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your 'Other 10' more since I have seen a lot of these and 5 of them are in my current top 10. I guess, I would have a lot to choose from when I make such list in couple of months.
P.S: Have you seen Broken Circle Breakdown yet? I saw it recently and was quite floored. Just interested in your opinion of it.
Loved Upstream, man. Loved it. I'll look forward to your list in a few months - such a bummer that you all get films later. Way it goes I guess.
DeleteI haven't seen Broken Circle Breakdown but I'll track it down ASAP. Good stuff?
Great Stuff! Plus, you like Music.
DeleteI'm all over it!
DeleteEnjoyed your list... Haven't seen Upstream Color, so I will definitely check that out! The only one that I didn't care for was Spring Breakers (however, Franco was great)... My list will come out around Oscar time (takes too long to get movies to South Mississippi ha)
ReplyDeleteOh man, I cannot recommend Upstream highly enough, such a unique and personal film. I'll cherish it forever.
DeleteLook forward to your list!
Amazing list! Loved all of your choices except Spring Breakers (which I despised very much). I can't help but feel very disappointed about Adore being left out of your Top 10 :( I'm glad it got an honorable mention though. It was beautiful, thoughtful, and pretty damn unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! I really wanted to get Adore in the Top 10, but I just couldn't do it. I've never done an honorable mention on a year end list, but I felt it was necessary here. I... adored that film to say the least.
DeleteYou post your list yet?
I need to see a few more movies before I can make a list that is 'credible' in my books :)
DeleteAh gotcha. Well be sure to let me know when it's posted!
DeleteNice list! I particularly love your bold #1 choice. I've seen it twice so far and the second viewing made me appreciate Carruth's vision that much more. You barely know what's going on for much of the film and yet he makes you feel very deeply for his characters.
ReplyDeleteThe only one I disagree with (and only slightly) is Fruitvale Station. As good as the performances were, the film didn't click with me. The fingerprints of the filmmaker were more visible than they should have been (the dead dog, the bathroom sequence, throwing the pot into the bay, etc.). It's impressive as a directorial debut but still quite flawed in its execution. Spencer was reliably good and I hope to see more from Diaz and Jordan.
Thanks man! I get where you're coming from with your Fruitvale criticisms. Seems to be the consensus shared by detractors of the film, and fair enough. The film, despite what it made up and what it didn't, really resonated with me, and that's all I can ask for.
DeleteGlad you're an Upstream fan.
Excellent list by the way! I can hardly complain about it after all, as I also had UC as my #1 (and also genuinely quite liked Adore, for what it's worth, not that it made my list). Really looking forward now to seeing 12 Years a Slave, Her, Wolf of Wall St and Fruitvale Station, none of which have opened yet in the UK...
ReplyDeleteAnother fan of Upstream? Well hell man, you and I are gonna get along just fun. Seriously, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Will give your list a look today. And you have some GREAT films headed your way soon.
DeleteFantastic list Alex. Plenty here I haven't managed to catch up with, mainly through limited/no viewings near me or that it hasn't actually opened here yet. As such, it seems I have plenty of quality viewing ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks man! And you do indeed have some gems headed your way. Will give your Top 10 of '13 list a look today!
DeleteInteresting list.
ReplyDeleteI just couldn't get into Upstream Color, it reminded me of Bug, another film I struggled with.
However one colour I did enjoy is your No.2, Blue is The Warmest Colour. It's my favourite of the year, mainly for the acting which was fantastic, much better than the direction. Hope Adèle Exarchopoulos performance is rewarded with a best actress win at the Oscars.
Well hey, one out of two ain't bad. Wouldn't be great if Adèle managed to get some serious awards attention? She so deserves it.
DeleteOf all the lists, I like yours the best. maybe its because you have a knack for making lists and making me into wanting to see even the movies in bad lists.. I don't know.. you need to write me an e-mail or something how to write lists because I'm a failure at it..
ReplyDeletePS: I liked Adore.. and I'm going to see all the movies I already haven't seen mentioned in this list! :D
Aww thanks so much, glad you like the list! I dunno, I don't really have a "trick" or anything to making them, only that I stick to my beliefs and don't let anything but the films influence my decision.
DeleteI'm so happy to hear you're an Adore fan!
Yaay Stories We Tell!
ReplyDeleteI still haven't seen a few films on your list, but I have a good feeling Her and Wolf of Wall Street might sneak into my final top 10 which I will publish in February or something (if the film gods are kind).
Stories We Tell as so damn good. That revelation in the end... didn't see that coming at all. I hope the film gods are kind to you. I think you'll love both of those films. Or at least I hope you will.
DeleteOf your top 10 I've only seen Gravity so far. Yours is the second list I've seen with Upstream Color on it. I've had it in my Netflix Instant queue since it became available, but haven't watched it. It looks like I've got to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I won't be able to do a top 10 list until late February or early March once I've had a chance to see most of the acclaimed films that always come out at the end of the year.
I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on Upstream. I know you aren't a fan of handheld cinema, but it is certainly the most technically controlled micro budget film I've ever seen.
DeleteI'll look forward to your list as well.
Great list. I haven't finished Upstream Color, maybe I should (: I still haven't seen Her, Fruitvale Station, Wolf of Wall Street and Adore. 12 Years a Slave is currently my number one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Obviously, I highly recommend that you finish Upstream :) Ah, such a unique gem there. Hope you like the films you have left to see.
DeleteGreat list! I've seen your entire top 5 as well as Gravity and Pines. I was actually really surprised to see Blue so high up on the list. My feelings towards it are similar to a film like Fanny and Alexander in that it's a film filled with great moments but also filled with so much padding that it keeps me from truly loving it and making it a rewatchable movie.
ReplyDelete-Dan
Thanks Dan! Oh, I'm not sure if I'll be rewatching Blue anytime soon. It was very, very challenging for many reasons. But it did hit me harder than most films released in '13. I loved everything about it.
DeleteYour list also convinced me that I need to rent The Hunt ASAP
DeleteYou'll appreciate it. It's infuriating as all hell but rather remarkable.
DeleteWhat did you think about Mud? That was my favorite movie of the year.
ReplyDeleteI really liked it. But I will admit that as the months have passed, it hasn't stayed with me as much as I would've hoped. Certainly not as much as Shotgun Stories or Take Shelter. But still, a great story, excellent performances... it's a solid film.
DeleteDo you have a Top 10 of the year? I'd love to see it.
Have you not had the chance to see Act of Killing?
ReplyDeleteYep, I saw both versions. A great doc, but one that didn't hit me nearly as hard as others, which is fine. I much preferred the shorter version, for what it's worth.
DeleteHow great to see The Wolf of Wall Street, absolutely loved that film! I think that will rise up in my list. Also, awesome that The Place Beyond the Pines is in here, there's not enough love for that movie unfortunately! Great list, Alex.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stevee! It's kind of a bummer that Pines hasn't stayed in people's minds, but that's the way it goes. Still, I adored everything about that film.
DeleteGreat list; it seems like we have pretty similar taste, as most of your top 20 that I've seen are either in my top 20 or in the vicinity. Still anxiously looking forward to Her and Wolf on Wall Street though! I wasn't as big on The Place Beyond The Pines as you - I found it good rather than great - and both The Act of Killing and Wadjda made my top 10.
ReplyDeleteThanks man. I loved your list as well. Very eager to hear your thoughts on Her and Wolf. Two bold and unique gems right there.
DeleteI've seen 3 of these, 2 of which made my top 10 (Gravity and Spring Breakers) and one which made my top 10 in 2012 (The Hunt). A few aren't out here yet and I'm desperate to see pretty much all of these! Sounds like a great list to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete! Spring Breakers... whatta trip. Hey, did you post your list? I'd love to give it a read.
DeleteYou make me certifiably shamed for not having seen Upstream Color yet. I have no excuses. None. I will rectify this by the end of the month, I swear it.
ReplyDeleteThat out of the way, I love that we can agree Adele gives the performance of the year and I love that you can say Spring Breakers is the most fun you had at a movie this year and own it and I love that you say Stories We Tell is the best doc of the year.
Awesome man, can't wait to read your review of Upstream. It's just so... ah, it's so perfect to me. So unique and fierce.
DeleteStories We Tell was just remarkable. That reveal at the end... I mean, wow.
Awesome list! It would take some shuffling, but we currently have 6 of the same films in the top 10. Adore is in my top 15 right now, so it gets an honorable mention. My list should be up in a week or two, after I've seen Her and Inside Llewyn Davis.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! I can't wait to read your list. Really pumped for it actually. I wonder if you'll like Inside Llewyn Davis more than me. An odd little film right there.
DeleteGreat list you've got here friend! I've yet to see Fruitvale Station but man, I look forward to it. Michael B. Jordan is a wonderful actor, I sincerely hope he sticks around for a long time. Excited to see a lot of these flicks. Most of your choices parallel mine, Amour being one of my favs, mostly because of my crush on Robin Wright. Speaking of Robin Wright, The Congress, that's a hell of a movie, watch The Congress.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! I remember reading about The Congress but I never had a chance to see it. Sounds damn interesting. Do you have your Top 10 posted anywhere? I'd love to give it a read.
DeleteI saw The Congress at Sitges Film Festival and it's AMAZING. You really should see it.
DeleteOh really? I'm definitely all over it. Thanks!
DeleteI've yet to post it, I'm still thinking about what to keep and what to drop haha. 2013 was a great year for cinema.
DeleteGotcha. Well let me know when you post it!
DeleteWhat about ONLY GOD FORGIVES??
ReplyDeleteI certainly liked that one better than most people, but the competition was too fierce this year. A solid flick, but not Top 10 worthy in my opinion.
DeleteI really like your list. I saw the merit in everything on your list with one exception. Ironic that it’s your #1 choice. lol But hey that’s what I love about these lists. It’s the diversity. For the most part we agree. We even share four choices. That’s a lot since I saw 100+ movies. Gravity, Wolf and Blue were all films that just barely missed my Top 10 so I truly loved those. Great list!
ReplyDeleteWell hey man, like I said on your site, we like what we like. And we certainly hate what we hate. Who am I to convince anyone otherwise?
DeleteStill, pretty groovy that our lists were otherwise very similar.
"I’ve considered Michael B. Jordan a talented performer since his doomed portrayal of Wallace on Season 1 of The Wire." Truth.
ReplyDeleteYessir.
DeleteVery good list Alex, though I did not love 12 Years a Slave that much. I still need to see quite number of 2013 movie, so, I'll make my list a little later, I guess ))
ReplyDeleteThanks Nika! I really look forward to your list. Let me know when you post it.
Deletei still have a lot to see, and i haven't even tried putting them in order but:
ReplyDeletestranger by the lake
blue is the warmest color
bastards
gravity
like someone in love
frances ha
still have to see: inside llewyn davis, her, the act of killing, a touch of sin, nobody's daughter heawon, our sunhi, jealousy...few others that escape me.
I'll be curious to hear what you think of Llewyn Davis. Wonder if you'll like it more than I did. The Act of Killing is heavy, heavy shit.
DeleteI still have a lot of catching up to do, but this is one slick-looking list. Glad to see The Hunt and The Place Beyond the Pines make it on there. Now I just need to *finally* watch Upstream Color.
ReplyDeleteAh, it is So. Good. Very polarizing, but it worked for me in every way.
DeleteGlad you dig the list my friend!
I'm watching Upstream Color this weekend! Hope I like it.
ReplyDeleteNice! Me too man. Let me know what you think.
DeleteInteresting list. Unfortunately I haven't seen too many of these films because I don't live anywhere near a big city. I liked 12 Years and Blue is the Warmest Color a lot though. I'm planning to see The Wolf of Wall Street and Gravity soon.
ReplyDeleteWhich one do you think will win Best Picture? The consensus right seems to be 12 Years, with possible upsets being Wolf of Wall Street and Gravity.
Hey man, thanks for stopping by and checking out the post. Ah, I know what you mean about distance keeping you from seeing these films. I've definitely been there.
DeleteThe Oscars are so hard to handicap this year. Seems a lot of people think 12 Years will nab Picture, while Gravity will take Director. I can see that. But really... who knows.
Nice to see several of my own picks made the cut, Pines, Blue, Her, Wolf, and Gravity. We also agree on some of the honorable mentions.
ReplyDeleteI didn't love Upstream quite as much as you did (I loved the score), but still, you can't fault the effort Shane Carruth put into the production, holy cow, he almost made that movie single-handedly :) That's an inspiration to everyone to get busy.
Definitely an inspiration! A one man show who made it all happen. I really respect the hell out of that. I love that we have so many in common as well. Pines, man... that one really stayed with me.
DeleteGod, I love your lists so much, man! This is just an amazing list. Totally amazing! It just goes to show your great knowledge of the art of cinema. Your picks are just like your writing, intelligent, uncompromising and wonderfully unexpected. I mean, "Upstream Color" is your number 1? Even if I've loved this little diamond of a film, I wouldn't go that far, but I love the fact that your choices are so damn bold (they always are, which is something so rare in our times). I'd like to share with you my personal "Top 10 Films of 2013" list and I'd really love to hear yout thoughts on it:
ReplyDelete1) Inside Llewyn Davis
2) 12 years a slave
3) Blue is the warmest color
4) Her
5) Gravity
6) Nebraska
7) The wolf of Wall Street
8) Before Midnight
9) American Hustle
10) Frances Ha
Ten More I loved would be:
Prisoners
Short term 12
Ain’t them bodies saints
Upstream Color
Spring breakers
Only lovers left alive
Blue Jasmine
Stoker
The conjuring
All is lost
My Honorable Mention would be "Magic magic", this masterful psychological thriller, with Juno Temple in an unstoppable tour de force.
There you go, these are my picks and they don't even include films I'm mad about ("Venus in fur" or "Afternoon delight", for example), but I think this was a particularly strong year for movies, so you can't put them all in. It's a shame "Only lovers left alive" hasn't been released in 2013 in USA, because I think it would be mentioned in your post. It's a fantastic film and a landmark in Jarmusch's astonishing career. I'm happy to say I've seen literally all the films you mention in this post and even though I don't agree with many of your picks in the Top 10 list ("Fruitvale Station", "The place beyond the pines"), all of them are movies I really loved and there's no denying there are moments of sheer brilliance in them. Congratulations once again for an amazing list!
Dude this is so cool – I love that we have so many picks in common. I’m always very appreciative of your kind words about my list, my friend. These past few years, I’ve really found myself latching onto more obscure indie flicks. I’m just so done with the majority of big budget films, so when something like Upstream Color comes along, I can’t get enough of it. I absolutely, unabashedly cherish that film.
DeleteOnto your great picks. I had trouble with Llewyn Davis, but that was my own fault. I was blinded by preconceived notions of what the film would be, and it spoiled my experience with the film. I liked it so much more when I watched it on Blu-Ray recently. What a unique and gorgeous-looking movie. I loved that The Conjuring made your short list as well. I thought that was a very creepy film stuck in a genre that usually produces films that are anything but. I really dug it.
Magic Magic never really came on my radar, but I’ll check it out ASAP given your recommendation. I think Juno Temple is a great talent.
Thanks again for the comment!
That's so great, man! I appreciate your fondness of "obscure indie flicks", because I also prefer the artistic freedom and the subversive weirdness that these films allow, the one that you can only dream of finding in a high-budgeted Hollywood movie ("Inception" being one of the shining examples). Even a groundbraking masterpiece, released from a big studio, like Christopher Nolan's widely acclaimed film, lacks the brilliant experimental vibe you can find in a terrific little film like "Upstream Color". I totally get you buddy and I love the fact that you liked Shane Carruth's remarkable film so much. My love for idiosyncratic indie films, shot on a minuscule budget is endless and Sebastián Silva's "Magic magic" would fit perfectly for me in this category. You know, it's the kind of film most people hate right after they watch it, simply because it defies easy desciption or easy expectations ("Spring breakers" and "Adore" would certainly fit in that category as well). It's so great that you came to appreciate the brilliance of "Inside Llewyn Davis". I know many people had a hard time with it for the exact same reasons with yours. Yet if you come to Coen Brothers' wonderful film without preconceptions, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by its unconventional storytelling and its witty brilliance.
DeleteDamn man, I really need to track down Magic magic right away. Hopefully get to it this weekend. And I so agree about Inception - a very, very rare big budget masterwork of creativity. There aren't many people making such quality films at such a high level, but Nolan always nails it.
DeleteYou're damn right he does! The man is simply one of a kind. I mean, look what he did with the Batman trilogy. Such an amazing, bold, innovative filmmaker. I really can't wait for "Interstellar". I hope you'll enjoy "Magic magic". To me, it was one of the most overlooked films of 2013. Really curious to hear your reaction to it after you see it through a comment.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely report back here after I watch it!
DeleteGreat, man! I hope you'll like it!
DeleteOkay, so I watched Magic Magic two nights ago, and I really liked it. I had virtually no idea what it was about, so I was pleased to find that it was really nothing more than a young woman having an extended mental breakdown (which are movies that I love).
DeleteJuno Temple crushed it. Easily some of the finest work she’s ever done. If not THE finest. I believed her every move, even if I didn’t really understand it. But that was the point: no one understood it. That’s what made it so compelling. The film really handled the balance of theme well. Once Sara was out of the picture, I assumed Brink, Barbara and Agustin were going to turn out to be creeps or something. But it very skillfully avoided that perception. Really well done.
The bad news. First, Michael Cera. I’ve never been able to get into him. I can never take him seriously (in comedy or drama), and, as much as I hate saying this about any artist, I do not think he is a good actor. I know he and the director had just come off making Crystal Fairy & the Magical Cactus together (which I haven’t seen), so it probably seemed like a good idea to roll over to another film together. But he didn’t work for me. Another, more skilled actor could killed that role. Lastly, the ending felt cheap to me. I’m all about ambiguity in films, but this was a tad too much.
The good news: I mentioned Temple and the story line, so in addition to those… Catalina Sandino Moreno, I love her. In everything. I really wish she was in more films. She played a perfect bitch here. The sound design of the film was flawless – it really helped trap the audience into Alicia’s mind. Great work.
Finally, I actually saw Sebastián Silva’s The Maid at Sundance, and I absolutely adored it. I was so bummed when that film didn’t get a major release, because it is such a good character study. It used to be on Netflix Instant, but it looks like it has since been taken down. Damn shame.
Thanks again for recommending Magic Magic to me. Despite my minor qualms, I really did enjoy it!
So happy you liked it, man. I really love these "let's watch someone goes nuts" movies, especially if the central character is a woman (because, you know, a woman's fractured psyche is always quite an intriguing theme). Therefore, films like Roman Polanski's "Repulsion" and Darren Aronofsky's "Black swan" are among my all time favorites. This is also one of the reasons I adore Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Tim Burton's "Batman Returns" (which is something we had talked about through the comments section on your "Top 10 Female Performances of All Time" post). This touch of insanity that she put in her performance was so damn thrilling, so psychotically captivating. As you can see, I wanted to watch "Magic magic" from the very first time I heard about it and I was so excited with the film being that uncompromising and wildly ambiguous. Yes, the ending isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea (I know it left many people who have seen the film and I talked to frustrated), but personally I loved it. It had a poetic vibe that fit so well with the mood and the tone of the film. It was actually one of the most chilling, heartbreaking and disturbing endings I've seen in a movie in quite a long time. As for Michael Cera, I never liked him much as an actor either, but his performance here was a true revelation to me. At first glance, Brink is undoubtedly the most annoying character of the film: Loud, juvenile, irritating and menacingly sadistic, with his attention seeking behavior and his constant flamboyance making him even more annoying. Gradually, you come to realize that he is also the most fascinating character of the film, with his own questionable mental state, his social aggression and his confused sexual identity, providing you with much to think about him after the credits roll. Cera deserves kudos for adding an offbeat humour and a depth that makes his character extremely complex. Of course, the real standout is Juno Temple, as I had told you in the first place. She gives an unforgettable performance and if there was any justice in this world we live in, she would have earned at least an Oscar nomination for her brilliant portrayal of Alicia (and don't even get me started on her work in "Cracks", "Killer Joe" or last year's "Afternoon delight" - God, the girl is a force of nature). Your brief analysis of Alicia's character is so spot on, buddy. It just goes to show once again the intelligence of your writing. I believe that special mention is due to Christopher Doyle’s gorgeous cinematography and Sebastián Silva’s capacity to create images of tremendous emotional impact. The film is certainly not without its flaws (Barbara and Agustín's characters are a little one-note, although both Catalina Sandino Moreno and director’s brother Agustín Silva totally make up for it – I’m glad you love Moreno so much, because I also think she’s extraordinary and anyone who hasn’t seen "Maria full of grace" should watch it immediately), but it's a tense, hypnotizing and surprisingly compelling little movie that burrows into your mind and refuses to leave (I doubt I will ever hear Cab Calloway's "Minnie the Moocher" in the same way again). You know I always respect the hell out of your opinion, man and I'm really glad you enjoyed the film on the whole. I haven't watched "The Maid" and I want to watch it so badly, so great to hear you watched it, let alone at Sundance.
ReplyDeleteWow man, I love your passion for this film. It honestly makes me appreciate the entire movie even more. I agree that a pleasant shift did occur within me concerning Cera’s character. A shift I didn’t see coming, and really welcomed. He too started going off the rails there a bit, and I so appreciated Cera trying something new. I suppose it was the early scenes, the ones requiring him to be funny, that slightly missed the mark for me. But still, a commendable performance for sure.
DeleteI had no idea you were so drawn to films about women in duress. Noting that, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to recommend my short film to you, Earrings. It’s about a young woman who has experienced something awful, and is handling it rather destructively. It’s a purposefully slow film, but one that, I hope, allows the audience to invest in the rotting psyche of this tortured woman. Anyway, if you have a free half hour, I’d be honored for you to give it a watch. If you’re not interested, no big deal. It’s all good! Either way, thanks so much for recommending Magic Magic. It was a trippy little film that I really enjoyed.
You can watch Earrings here: http://vimeo.com/46372044
Damn man, you're amazing. "Earrings" literally blew my mind. My expectations were not only met, they were exceeded. This is a work of tremendous emotional power and I must say I loved every second of it. I'm extremely drawn to films about women in duress and and this film is just hauntingly beautiful. The direction and cinematography were superb and Catherine Warner's performance was nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks so much for recommending this magnificent short film to me - easily one of the best I've seen in a very long time. I can't wait to see your future work.
DeleteWow, Stergios, thanks so much for watching the film and leaving such a kind comment. Really, words like yours make it all worth it. Genuinely. I'll pass your kind words on to Catherine, I know she'll appreciate them. Thanks again man!
DeleteFantastic list! I love the variety of your choices, and the fact that they are all brilliant films (excluding Upstream Colour, Adore and The Hunt, all of which I will try to watch as soon as possible!). What I like most about your list is that in almost any other year, they would all be in consideration for the number one spot. Here is my own Top 10:
ReplyDelete1. Gravity
2. Before Midnight
3. Her
4. Inside Llewyn Davis
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
6. 12 Years a Slave
7. Spring Breakers
8. Blue is the Warmest Colour
9. Nebraska
10. The Bling Ring
And for the heck of it, here's my 11-20:
11. The Place Beyond the Pines
12. Prisoners
13. Fruitvale Station
14. Mud
15. The Past
16. The Act of Killing
17. The Past
18. Stories We Tell
19. The Spectacular Now
20. The Wind Rises
Thanks! You're so right about the fact that, in any given year, any one of these films could take the top spot. I was really impressed with '13 as a whole. Can't wait to hear what you think about Upstream Color. That one still floors me.
DeleteAs for your list, I love that we have so many films in common. Great to see Spring Breakers crack the Top 10!
The World's End? It's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteNot really for me. I loved Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, but I couldn't get into The World's End.
DeleteThe World's End is still hilarious. It worked, for me, because its sci-fi.
DeleteI didn't like Shaun of the Dead so much. It's just too dark humor.
Hot Fuzz is the best of the trilogy. A great satire of action gendre.
Shaun of the Dead: A; Hot Fuzz: A+; The World's End: A-.
I need to watch Hot Fuzz again. I love how Pegg plays against type in that movie.
DeleteAmerican Psycho+Wall Street*Pulp Fiction=...
ReplyDeleteIt'd definitely rank higher than 7 for me now. Love that film.
DeleteRush? by Ron Howard?
ReplyDeleteI liked it more than I thought I would. But not one of the best of the year to me.
DeleteBlue Jasmine?
ReplyDeleteGreat performances, solid movie. Not Best Of material for me.
DeleteI facking dislike Gravity. I don't hate it and I why people love it but I just don't see it as great. Yes it's sci-fi, but I<3Sci-Fi. But I have too many issues with the film:
ReplyDelete1.Sandra Bullock isn't a good actress and it's a little miscast;
2.Not enough George Clooney;
3.It scientific well;
4.It's a misstep for Alfonso Cuarón from Children of Men;
5.I saw it on DVD so no 3D effects;
6.It's a little racist;
7.Interstellar is much more better.
Interstellar is much, much better, certainly. Gravity was a good sugar high movie. Meaning, it's so thrilling and sensational in the moment, that when you leave, you're like WOW, that's so good. But I haven't seen it since the theater, and have no real interest in doing so. Whereas I can't wait to see Interstellar again asap.
DeleteMy most guilty pleasure films of 2013:
ReplyDeleteHonorable Mention: Star Trek Into Darkness
10.World War Z
9.Oz the Great and Powerful
8.Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
7.Pacific Rim
6.Fast & Furious 6
5.The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
4.Man of Steel
3.Iron Man Three
2.Thor: The Dark World
1.The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Hmm, I guess mine'd be: The Purge, The Last Stand, This Is the End, The Canyons, and, of course, Sharknado.
DeleteNo I think that your Top 10 Best “Rotten” Films of 2013 describes better which are your guilty pleasure films.
DeleteAhh but most of those aren't guilty pleasures to me. Most of those are actually really good films. I loved Adore.
Delete