10. La Belle Noisseuse (1991) d: Jacques Rivette
The most perceptive look into the creation of art ever put on celluloid. A four hour look into the interaction between artist and model, the most exciting sequences are the minutes-long shots of a sketch book as the artist turns a blank page into a drawing.
9. Inception (2010) d: Christopher Nolan
I am a huge Nolan fan, but he really topped himself with a dream inside a dream inside a dream.
8. Gravity (2013) d: Alfonso Cuaron
My favorite use of 3D ever, with an immersive experience in space and an amazing story of survival.
7. Short Cuts (1993) d: Robert Altman
I remember being so immersed in these multiple interweaving stories that I could not believe when the film ended because the three hours had seemed much shorter. Not quite Altman's best (that would be Nashville) but this is Altman working at the top of his game.
6. Beauty and the Beast (1991) d: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
I maintain the ballroom dance to the title song is the most romantic scene ever. I don't care that it is animated.
5. Les Miserables (1995) d: Claude Lelouch
No, not the musical. This is a French epic about a truck driver during World War II whose life has unique similarities to the classic novel. As the truck driver, Jean-Paul Belmondo proves why he is a legend of French cinema. This is filmmaking as true art.
4. 35 Up (1991) d: Michael Apted
The one film series where I am choosing one chapter to represent the series, even though my favorite moment comes at the end of the most recent chapter, 56 Up. Apted has interviewed the same group of people every 7 years since they were 7 years old. It is fascinating to see how people change and how they stay the same. I choose this chapter as it best shows how the children became adults.
3. Boyhood (2014) d: Richard Linklater
The act of shooting over 12 years to show a boy growing up sounds like a gimmick, but in the hands of Linklater it is the opportunity for a fresh look at childhood as a whole and a unique experience unlike any other fiction film (Truffaut's Antoine Doinel series comes close).
2. Magnolia (1999) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
It's rambling and overstuffed, with maybe too much going on. That's a virtue with this film. A film that opens with a prologue that warns you that anything can happen and then proves it by climaxing the film with a plague of frogs. I said then it is one of the few modern films inspired by the great silent epic Intolerance (Cloud Atlas has done it since). a film for those who are tired of all films that feel alike.
1. Schindler's List (1993) d: Steven Spielberg
One of the first things I had to do in film school is to write down at least 10 shots that caught my eye in Citizen Kane. This is one of the few films where that would be almost as easy to do as Kane. Also, the power of the film for me was that clearly Schindler was not a great man, but he was human, and that opened him up to feel and perform a great act.
Showing posts with label 100 movies 1990-2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 100 movies 1990-2014. Show all posts
Sunday, October 30, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (20-11)
20. Spirited Away (2001) d: Hayao Miyazaki
The best animator in Japanese history delivers his best film, a truly unpredictable adventure with imagination and beautiful animation at every turn.
19. Moulin Rouge! (2001) d: Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann takes musical history, puts it in a blender, and delivers an energy an excitement never seen in a musical before then.
18. Before Sunset (2004) d: Richard Linklater
My favorite of the Before trilogy is the second, which still has the magical chemistry of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy with a sense of regret of what might have been that was not present in the first chapter.
17. Wall-E (2008) d: Andrew Stanton
My favorite animated character shines in this film with the charm of a classic silent comedy.
16. The Tree of Life (2011) d: Terrance Malick
How does one describe a feature length dream sequence? By simply saying wow.
15. Almost Famous (2000) d: Cameron Crowe
Has any film captured the appeal of rock n roll better?
14. Titanic (1997) d: James Cameron
It has become hip to be revisionist and state this film is not very good. That falls apart when one watches the film.
13. A Little Princess (1995) d: Alfonso Cuaron
Cuaron's first American film is an absolute celebration of child-like wonder and imagination with extraordinary work in script (Richard LaGravenese), cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki), music (Patrick Doyle) and production design (Bo Welch).
12. Cloud Atlas (2012) d: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski
Few filmmakers would even attempt this: Six stories of different storylines in different styles crosscut between them with each major actor picking up a different role in each storyline. Fewer still would pull it off. Easily the most underrated film of this time period.
11. Malcolm X (1992) d: Spike Lee
A commanding Denzel Washington performance anchors a film biography with twice the life of most biographies.
The best animator in Japanese history delivers his best film, a truly unpredictable adventure with imagination and beautiful animation at every turn.
19. Moulin Rouge! (2001) d: Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann takes musical history, puts it in a blender, and delivers an energy an excitement never seen in a musical before then.
18. Before Sunset (2004) d: Richard Linklater
My favorite of the Before trilogy is the second, which still has the magical chemistry of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy with a sense of regret of what might have been that was not present in the first chapter.
17. Wall-E (2008) d: Andrew Stanton
My favorite animated character shines in this film with the charm of a classic silent comedy.
16. The Tree of Life (2011) d: Terrance Malick
How does one describe a feature length dream sequence? By simply saying wow.
15. Almost Famous (2000) d: Cameron Crowe
Has any film captured the appeal of rock n roll better?
14. Titanic (1997) d: James Cameron
It has become hip to be revisionist and state this film is not very good. That falls apart when one watches the film.
13. A Little Princess (1995) d: Alfonso Cuaron
Cuaron's first American film is an absolute celebration of child-like wonder and imagination with extraordinary work in script (Richard LaGravenese), cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki), music (Patrick Doyle) and production design (Bo Welch).
12. Cloud Atlas (2012) d: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski
Few filmmakers would even attempt this: Six stories of different storylines in different styles crosscut between them with each major actor picking up a different role in each storyline. Fewer still would pull it off. Easily the most underrated film of this time period.
11. Malcolm X (1992) d: Spike Lee
A commanding Denzel Washington performance anchors a film biography with twice the life of most biographies.
100 Movies 1990-2014 (30-21)
30. City of Hope (1991) d: John Sayles
Sayles delivers expert writing and editing (he did both) in a multiple character movie which serves as a portrayal of urban decay from many angles.
29. Up In The Air (2009) d: Jason Reitman
George Clooney's career best work as a man who travels constantly and tries to convince to audience how little he needs human connection as he starts to realize how much he needs human connection.
28. Minority Report (2002) d: Steven Spielberg
It's full of great action yet thought provoking on the issue of freedom vs security. Based on a Phillip K. Dick story, its tone is more dark than I expect from Spielberg until the ending. (Although I subscribe to a revisionist theory that the ending is not actually what it seems and is actually much darker.)
27. Avatar (2009) d: James Cameron
The biggest film of all time showed us that 3D did not have to be a gimmick.
26. Adventureland (2009) d: Greg Mottola
A recent college graduate finds summer work at an amusement park. Sounds simple. The beauty is in the details, and how even the smallest characters are drawn with love. One example: the character of Lisa, who would in a typical comedy would just be the sex object. This film gives her a touching monologue of watching her father's medical struggles.
25. Inside Job (2010) d: Charles Ferguson
This Oscar winning documentary which examines how Wall Street screwed up the economy in the 2000s made me as angry as any movie I've ever seen. This is film journalism of the highest order.
24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) d: Guillermo del Toro
A celebration of using imagination to get through the hell of war, with an inventiveness well past most films and an extraordinary visual palette.
23. Goodfellas (1990) d: Martin Scorsese
The surprise to many is not that this is on the list but that it is this low. It is bravura filmmaking, showing both the highs and lows of organized crime. This is my list, and I have a more personal connection with the films I rate higher. It's definitely a masterpiece, as I rate Scorsese's three master works as this, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver.
22. Fearless (1993) d: Peter Weir
Here's another great Jeff Bridges performance, as the film takes us into his manic reaction to surviving a plane crash which is at once thrilling and unnerving.
21. A History of Violence (2005) d: David Cronenberg
Are some men born to violence? Are they just good at it and cannot truly get away from it? Leave it to Cronenberg to provide some unsettling answers.
Sayles delivers expert writing and editing (he did both) in a multiple character movie which serves as a portrayal of urban decay from many angles.
29. Up In The Air (2009) d: Jason Reitman
George Clooney's career best work as a man who travels constantly and tries to convince to audience how little he needs human connection as he starts to realize how much he needs human connection.
28. Minority Report (2002) d: Steven Spielberg
It's full of great action yet thought provoking on the issue of freedom vs security. Based on a Phillip K. Dick story, its tone is more dark than I expect from Spielberg until the ending. (Although I subscribe to a revisionist theory that the ending is not actually what it seems and is actually much darker.)
27. Avatar (2009) d: James Cameron
The biggest film of all time showed us that 3D did not have to be a gimmick.
26. Adventureland (2009) d: Greg Mottola
A recent college graduate finds summer work at an amusement park. Sounds simple. The beauty is in the details, and how even the smallest characters are drawn with love. One example: the character of Lisa, who would in a typical comedy would just be the sex object. This film gives her a touching monologue of watching her father's medical struggles.
25. Inside Job (2010) d: Charles Ferguson
This Oscar winning documentary which examines how Wall Street screwed up the economy in the 2000s made me as angry as any movie I've ever seen. This is film journalism of the highest order.
24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) d: Guillermo del Toro
A celebration of using imagination to get through the hell of war, with an inventiveness well past most films and an extraordinary visual palette.
23. Goodfellas (1990) d: Martin Scorsese
The surprise to many is not that this is on the list but that it is this low. It is bravura filmmaking, showing both the highs and lows of organized crime. This is my list, and I have a more personal connection with the films I rate higher. It's definitely a masterpiece, as I rate Scorsese's three master works as this, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver.
22. Fearless (1993) d: Peter Weir
Here's another great Jeff Bridges performance, as the film takes us into his manic reaction to surviving a plane crash which is at once thrilling and unnerving.
21. A History of Violence (2005) d: David Cronenberg
Are some men born to violence? Are they just good at it and cannot truly get away from it? Leave it to Cronenberg to provide some unsettling answers.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (40-31)
40. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999) d: Trey Parker
At once both a satire on censorship and a spoof of Disney musicals, possibly the funniest movie of the period. I can try to be sophisticated, or admit I couldn't stop laughing when Cartman rudely makes fun of Kyle's mom in song.
39. Babe (1995) d: Chris Noonan
A simple story, about a pig with heart winning over negativity, which has so many note perfect details. Baa Ram Ewe, Baa Ram Ewe ...
38. The Descendants (2011) d: Alexander Payne
Payne's gentle satire combines with genuine emotion to deliver his best film to date. (For the record, the less gentle satire of Election almost made this list.) Also notable for a star making performance by Shailene Woodley.
37. Happiness (1998) d: Todd Solondz
Solondz has struggled to find the consistency in most of his films, but he nails it here. For more than two hours, he keeps us uncomfortable yet giggling most of the time. He refuses to make judgments about characters that most people will judge.
36. Interstellar (2014) d: Christopher Nolan
Nolan delivers a space travel with a true sense of wonder, and an even truer sense of the importance of love.
35. Saving Private Ryan (1998) d: Steven Spielberg
The first 30+ minutes, a recreation of D-Day, are the most stunning portrayal of war I have ever seen. The rest of the movie is pretty good too.
34. The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996) d: Milos Forman
Who would have thought a biography of the founder of Hustler would be this entertaining? It benefits from the best work of Woody Harrelson's career as the title character.
33. City of God (2002) d: Fernando Meirelles
Life in the favelas of Brazil, portrayed in a matter of fact style which make the dangers of this impoverished neighborhood all the more real.
32. United 93 (2006) d: Paul Greengrass
Greengrass was exactly the right director to place us back in the chaos of 9/11, with a haunting third act exclusively on that fateful title flight.
31. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) d: Steven Spielberg
Started by Stanley Kubrick, finished by Spielberg, and a bit uneven. But it is filled with many memorable images and an amazing central performance by Haley Joel Osment.
At once both a satire on censorship and a spoof of Disney musicals, possibly the funniest movie of the period. I can try to be sophisticated, or admit I couldn't stop laughing when Cartman rudely makes fun of Kyle's mom in song.
39. Babe (1995) d: Chris Noonan
A simple story, about a pig with heart winning over negativity, which has so many note perfect details. Baa Ram Ewe, Baa Ram Ewe ...
38. The Descendants (2011) d: Alexander Payne
Payne's gentle satire combines with genuine emotion to deliver his best film to date. (For the record, the less gentle satire of Election almost made this list.) Also notable for a star making performance by Shailene Woodley.
37. Happiness (1998) d: Todd Solondz
Solondz has struggled to find the consistency in most of his films, but he nails it here. For more than two hours, he keeps us uncomfortable yet giggling most of the time. He refuses to make judgments about characters that most people will judge.
36. Interstellar (2014) d: Christopher Nolan
Nolan delivers a space travel with a true sense of wonder, and an even truer sense of the importance of love.
35. Saving Private Ryan (1998) d: Steven Spielberg
The first 30+ minutes, a recreation of D-Day, are the most stunning portrayal of war I have ever seen. The rest of the movie is pretty good too.
34. The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996) d: Milos Forman
Who would have thought a biography of the founder of Hustler would be this entertaining? It benefits from the best work of Woody Harrelson's career as the title character.
33. City of God (2002) d: Fernando Meirelles
Life in the favelas of Brazil, portrayed in a matter of fact style which make the dangers of this impoverished neighborhood all the more real.
32. United 93 (2006) d: Paul Greengrass
Greengrass was exactly the right director to place us back in the chaos of 9/11, with a haunting third act exclusively on that fateful title flight.
31. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) d: Steven Spielberg
Started by Stanley Kubrick, finished by Spielberg, and a bit uneven. But it is filled with many memorable images and an amazing central performance by Haley Joel Osment.
Friday, October 21, 2016
100 movies 1990-2014 (50-41)
50. Pulp Fiction (1994) d: Quentin Tarantino
This was lightning striking at the cinema. Tarantino was a video store clerk who watched everything, then put his knowledge in a Cuisinart and made a film that was at once part of cinema history yet fresh and new.
49. Jerry Maguire (1996) d: Cameron Crowe
Never has a crisis of conscience been so entertaining. We already knew Tom Cruise is a star, but this informed us Cuba Gooding Jr and Renee Zellweger are too.
48. War of the Worlds (2005) d: Steven Spielberg
This set the disaster movie on its ear, showing the carnage from the point of view of the fleeing survivor, yet not minimizing the horror of death surrounding.
47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle's unique storytelling ability finally met a script at his level, (Although Trainspotting is close.)
46. Bullet in the Head (1990) d: John Woo
Woo's masterpiece not only has his stylized violence but also shows how a life of that violence can rot the soul.
45. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) d: Steven Chbosky
One of the best high school movies ever hits a third act twist that turns it into something much more.
44. Talk to Her (2002) d: Pedro Almodovar
Almodovar won his Oscar for a film only he could make, with his typical craziness but a level of heart his films rarely find.
43. Heavenly Creatures (1994) d: Peter Jackson
Jackson's big breakthrough puts us in the mindset of two homicidal teenagers, and it is hypnotic and unnerving. The two unknown teens in their first film are Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet.
42. Grand Canyon (1991) d: Lawrence Kasdan
Kasdan is remembered for The Big Chill, but his look at modern confusion in the early 1990s has sadly been forgotten. It shouldn't be.
41. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) d: Jonathan Demme
One of the most unnerving films of all time gets its chills not from gore but simply from the performance of Anthony Hopkins.
This was lightning striking at the cinema. Tarantino was a video store clerk who watched everything, then put his knowledge in a Cuisinart and made a film that was at once part of cinema history yet fresh and new.
49. Jerry Maguire (1996) d: Cameron Crowe
Never has a crisis of conscience been so entertaining. We already knew Tom Cruise is a star, but this informed us Cuba Gooding Jr and Renee Zellweger are too.
48. War of the Worlds (2005) d: Steven Spielberg
This set the disaster movie on its ear, showing the carnage from the point of view of the fleeing survivor, yet not minimizing the horror of death surrounding.
47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle's unique storytelling ability finally met a script at his level, (Although Trainspotting is close.)
46. Bullet in the Head (1990) d: John Woo
Woo's masterpiece not only has his stylized violence but also shows how a life of that violence can rot the soul.
45. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) d: Steven Chbosky
One of the best high school movies ever hits a third act twist that turns it into something much more.
44. Talk to Her (2002) d: Pedro Almodovar
Almodovar won his Oscar for a film only he could make, with his typical craziness but a level of heart his films rarely find.
43. Heavenly Creatures (1994) d: Peter Jackson
Jackson's big breakthrough puts us in the mindset of two homicidal teenagers, and it is hypnotic and unnerving. The two unknown teens in their first film are Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet.
42. Grand Canyon (1991) d: Lawrence Kasdan
Kasdan is remembered for The Big Chill, but his look at modern confusion in the early 1990s has sadly been forgotten. It shouldn't be.
41. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) d: Jonathan Demme
One of the most unnerving films of all time gets its chills not from gore but simply from the performance of Anthony Hopkins.
100 Movies 1990-2014 (60-51)
60. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) d: Julian Schnabel
Sure, the story of a man writing a book by blinking his eye because of the rest of his body is paralyzed sounds like a slog. But that would look past the lack of self indulgent pity and the stunning imagery by cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.
59. Short Term 12 (2013) d: Destin Daniel Cretton
Here's life in a residential facility for unwanted teenagers through the eyes of the employees, but I will remember it as where I discovered an amazing actress named Brie Larson.
58. Life Is Sweet (1990) d: Mike Leigh
My favorite slice of life from director Leigh is this earlier film of his. This shows life in a working class family, with a wonderful Alison Steadman as the mother who refuses to let life get her down.
57. Requiem for a Dream (2000) d: Darren Aronofsky
You want an anti-drug movie. This is it. By showing how addiction can absolutely destroy your soul, this is the movie on this list I am least likely to watch again. But I will never forget it.
56. Exotica (1994) d: Atom Egoyan
Egoyan's made more "important" movies. But this film peels back the many layers around a child's murder to show the lives altered in unexpected ways. This introduced me to Sarah Polley and showed me layers I did not know that Elias Koteas and Bruce Greenwood had.
55. The Artist (2011) d: Michel Hazanavicius
There is such a joy to this film. I don't think of it as silent, but as the best valentine to 1920s Hollywood since Singin In The Rain.
54. The Social Network (2010) d: David Fincher
Script by Aaron Sorkin, direction by Fincher. One of the best looks at a current phenomenon (Facebook) ever made.
53. Bowling for Columbine (2002) d: Michael Moore
Moore's best work, by asking this intriguing question: since Canada has more guns per capita, why do we have so much more gun violence?
52. The Truman Show (1998) d: Peter Weir
It's an all too accurate satire of our modern society, where we would rather live through people on TV than live our own lives.
51. The English Patient (1996) d: Anthony Minghella
Minghella brought us one of the few true epics of the time period, and a tragic romance too beat all others.
Sure, the story of a man writing a book by blinking his eye because of the rest of his body is paralyzed sounds like a slog. But that would look past the lack of self indulgent pity and the stunning imagery by cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.
59. Short Term 12 (2013) d: Destin Daniel Cretton
Here's life in a residential facility for unwanted teenagers through the eyes of the employees, but I will remember it as where I discovered an amazing actress named Brie Larson.
58. Life Is Sweet (1990) d: Mike Leigh
My favorite slice of life from director Leigh is this earlier film of his. This shows life in a working class family, with a wonderful Alison Steadman as the mother who refuses to let life get her down.
57. Requiem for a Dream (2000) d: Darren Aronofsky
You want an anti-drug movie. This is it. By showing how addiction can absolutely destroy your soul, this is the movie on this list I am least likely to watch again. But I will never forget it.
56. Exotica (1994) d: Atom Egoyan
Egoyan's made more "important" movies. But this film peels back the many layers around a child's murder to show the lives altered in unexpected ways. This introduced me to Sarah Polley and showed me layers I did not know that Elias Koteas and Bruce Greenwood had.
55. The Artist (2011) d: Michel Hazanavicius
There is such a joy to this film. I don't think of it as silent, but as the best valentine to 1920s Hollywood since Singin In The Rain.
54. The Social Network (2010) d: David Fincher
Script by Aaron Sorkin, direction by Fincher. One of the best looks at a current phenomenon (Facebook) ever made.
53. Bowling for Columbine (2002) d: Michael Moore
Moore's best work, by asking this intriguing question: since Canada has more guns per capita, why do we have so much more gun violence?
52. The Truman Show (1998) d: Peter Weir
It's an all too accurate satire of our modern society, where we would rather live through people on TV than live our own lives.
51. The English Patient (1996) d: Anthony Minghella
Minghella brought us one of the few true epics of the time period, and a tragic romance too beat all others.
Monday, October 17, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (70-61)
70. Thelma & Louise (1991) d: Ridley Scott
Many forget how entertaining this film is while containing the undercurrent of misogyny the main characters are fighting. Also contains of the true star making performances of the period, as this film deservedly launched Brad Pitt.
69. Aladdin (1992) d: Ron Clements and John Musker
Probably the closest any film ever got to capturing the comic genius of Robin Williams.
68. se7en (1995) d: David Fincher
A mean, ugly commentary on the depravity of modern life wrapped in a search for a serial killer killing one victim for each of the seven deadly sins, and the true introduction into the genius of director Fincher.
67. Unforgiven (1992) d: Clint Eastwood
One of our great directors delivers his masterpiece, which both pays tribute to and criticizes the myth making of the western. Also contains my vote for Gene Hackman's best work.
66. Pleasantville (1998) d: Gary Ross
I find this hilarious, and I fully endorse the undercurrent that no, the 1950s were not a better time if you weren't a white man. Clearly Ross (who also wrote) was inspired to respond to those who refer to the past as a better time.
65. Before Sunrise (1995) d: Richard Linklater
A lot of arthouse fans have jumped onto the romance between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke with this film's two sequels, but I was onboard with the original, where we see them fall in love over 18 hours wandering in Vienna.
64. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) d: James Cameron
You want action? This film delivers action. Unfortunately the final message of making your own fate has been damaged by further sequels.
63. Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) d: Steven Zaillian
I love the way that cinematographer Conrad Hall plays with light and shadows in this film, which further highlights the struggle a sportswriter father has to properly nurture the gist his chess prodigy son has.
62. Lagaan (2001) d: Ashutosh Gowariker
I know very little about Bollywood, but I did see this Oscar nominated film from India which doesn't completely fit as a Bollywood film, but is an extremely entertaining musical/historical/comedy/drama about a cricket match.
61. 4 Little Girls (1997) d: Spike Lee
Takes a well known incident in the Civil Rights Movement, the death of four young girls in a church bombing, and humanizes it, letting us know who these four girls were and what was truly lost in the bombing. It's an essential document for those studying the Civil Rights struggle.
Many forget how entertaining this film is while containing the undercurrent of misogyny the main characters are fighting. Also contains of the true star making performances of the period, as this film deservedly launched Brad Pitt.
69. Aladdin (1992) d: Ron Clements and John Musker
Probably the closest any film ever got to capturing the comic genius of Robin Williams.
68. se7en (1995) d: David Fincher
A mean, ugly commentary on the depravity of modern life wrapped in a search for a serial killer killing one victim for each of the seven deadly sins, and the true introduction into the genius of director Fincher.
67. Unforgiven (1992) d: Clint Eastwood
One of our great directors delivers his masterpiece, which both pays tribute to and criticizes the myth making of the western. Also contains my vote for Gene Hackman's best work.
66. Pleasantville (1998) d: Gary Ross
I find this hilarious, and I fully endorse the undercurrent that no, the 1950s were not a better time if you weren't a white man. Clearly Ross (who also wrote) was inspired to respond to those who refer to the past as a better time.
65. Before Sunrise (1995) d: Richard Linklater
A lot of arthouse fans have jumped onto the romance between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke with this film's two sequels, but I was onboard with the original, where we see them fall in love over 18 hours wandering in Vienna.
64. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) d: James Cameron
You want action? This film delivers action. Unfortunately the final message of making your own fate has been damaged by further sequels.
63. Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) d: Steven Zaillian
I love the way that cinematographer Conrad Hall plays with light and shadows in this film, which further highlights the struggle a sportswriter father has to properly nurture the gist his chess prodigy son has.
62. Lagaan (2001) d: Ashutosh Gowariker
I know very little about Bollywood, but I did see this Oscar nominated film from India which doesn't completely fit as a Bollywood film, but is an extremely entertaining musical/historical/comedy/drama about a cricket match.
61. 4 Little Girls (1997) d: Spike Lee
Takes a well known incident in the Civil Rights Movement, the death of four young girls in a church bombing, and humanizes it, letting us know who these four girls were and what was truly lost in the bombing. It's an essential document for those studying the Civil Rights struggle.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (80-71)
80. Life of Pi (2012) d: Ang Lee
A stunningly beautiful film. I love the ending discussion, which may or may not negate everything beforehand. This film has my vote for the best use of 3D since Avatar changed the game.
79. Up (2009) d: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Featuring Dug, my favorite dog in film history. Squirrel!
78. Get Shorty (1995) d: Barry Sonnenfeld
One of the few films that actually gets funnier the more I see it, this is what I used to put on the TV when I had to work after hours at the video store.
77. (500) Days of Summer (2009) d: Marc Webb
This is a joyful embodiment of the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
76. There Will Be Blood (2007) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
Daniel Day Lewis owns this portrayal of one of the truly great anti-heroes, a man whose very soul has been consumed by greed.
75. Stories We Tell (2012) d: Sarah Polley
An astonishing documentary about Polley's own family, and the question of who her real father is. Made with love, not anger.
74. Out of Sight (1998) d: Steven Soderburgh
Quite possibly the most entertaining film Soderburgh has ever made. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez have amazing chemistry in this one.
73. The Impossible (2012) d: J.A. Bayona
A punishing true disaster film, looking at the Asian tsunami of last decade through the eyes of one family, specifically a mother (Naomi Watts) and son (Tom Holland) who are swept away in the current.
72. Amelie (2001) d: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Jeunet fled Hollywood after a bad experience with Alien: Resurrection and responded not with anger but with this love letter to humanity from his native France.
71. Whiplash (2014) d: Damien Chazelle
A look at the toughest music teacher ever, punctuated by great big band music. I thought the film had painted itself into a corner, but instead it delivers one of the most satisfying endings ever.
A stunningly beautiful film. I love the ending discussion, which may or may not negate everything beforehand. This film has my vote for the best use of 3D since Avatar changed the game.
79. Up (2009) d: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Featuring Dug, my favorite dog in film history. Squirrel!
78. Get Shorty (1995) d: Barry Sonnenfeld
One of the few films that actually gets funnier the more I see it, this is what I used to put on the TV when I had to work after hours at the video store.
77. (500) Days of Summer (2009) d: Marc Webb
This is a joyful embodiment of the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
76. There Will Be Blood (2007) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
Daniel Day Lewis owns this portrayal of one of the truly great anti-heroes, a man whose very soul has been consumed by greed.
75. Stories We Tell (2012) d: Sarah Polley
An astonishing documentary about Polley's own family, and the question of who her real father is. Made with love, not anger.
74. Out of Sight (1998) d: Steven Soderburgh
Quite possibly the most entertaining film Soderburgh has ever made. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez have amazing chemistry in this one.
73. The Impossible (2012) d: J.A. Bayona
A punishing true disaster film, looking at the Asian tsunami of last decade through the eyes of one family, specifically a mother (Naomi Watts) and son (Tom Holland) who are swept away in the current.
72. Amelie (2001) d: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Jeunet fled Hollywood after a bad experience with Alien: Resurrection and responded not with anger but with this love letter to humanity from his native France.
71. Whiplash (2014) d: Damien Chazelle
A look at the toughest music teacher ever, punctuated by great big band music. I thought the film had painted itself into a corner, but instead it delivers one of the most satisfying endings ever.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (90-81)
90. Dead Man Walking (1995) d: Tim Robbins
It would have been so easy to just create an anti-death penalty lecture. Instead, Robbins delivered a complicated look on how one death penalty case effects everyone involved.
89. Searching For Sugarman (2012) d: Malik Bendjelloul
One from the strange-but-true file, how Rodriguez became a music superstar in South Africa while virtually unknown in his native United States, and the search by a couple of his fans to find out the truth of the musician. If you haven't seen it and don't know the story, see the film without learning any more to enjoy the surprises the film offers.
88. Chasing Amy (1997) d: Kevin Smith
I'm a Smith fan, and I think this is easily his best film. Amongst all the typical Smith humor is a dead on look at how the male ego sometimes gets in the way of a genuine romance.
87. Hoop Dreams (1994) d: Steve James
Spending four years with two high school basketball players, the filmmakers document the journey of chasing sports superstardom.
86. Far From Heaven (2002) d: Todd Haynes
I don't know how Todd Haynes does it, recreating a 50s melodrama while finding the true emotion underneath, but the power of this film is undeniable.
85. Un Coeur En Hiver (1992) d: Claude Sautet
The translation of the tile is A Heart in Winter, which perfectly describes how a violin craftsman (Daniel Auteuil) is so comfortable in his life's patterns that he fails to see what joys having more passion in his life would create.
84. About A Boy (2002) d: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Hugh Grant's best work of his career is portraying a irresponsible 40 year old transformed by a friendship with a 12 year old (Nicholas Hoult). I always felt the Boy in the title is Grant's character.
83. Trainspotting (1996) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle captures the adrenalin high of drugs while also capturing its lows in quite graphic terms, with a great early lead performance by Ewan McGregor.
82. Toy Story 2 (1999) d: John Lasseter
The best of the Toy Story movies because while it has all the inventiveness of the series, the emotion of what it means to be an abandoned toy embodied by Jessie. The sequence of "When She Loved Me" tears me up every time I see it.
81. Fargo (1996) d: Joel Coen
I hearby nominate Marge Gunderson, perfectly embodied by Frances McDormand, as the greatest female hero of the 25 year time period. You betcha.
It would have been so easy to just create an anti-death penalty lecture. Instead, Robbins delivered a complicated look on how one death penalty case effects everyone involved.
89. Searching For Sugarman (2012) d: Malik Bendjelloul
One from the strange-but-true file, how Rodriguez became a music superstar in South Africa while virtually unknown in his native United States, and the search by a couple of his fans to find out the truth of the musician. If you haven't seen it and don't know the story, see the film without learning any more to enjoy the surprises the film offers.
88. Chasing Amy (1997) d: Kevin Smith
I'm a Smith fan, and I think this is easily his best film. Amongst all the typical Smith humor is a dead on look at how the male ego sometimes gets in the way of a genuine romance.
87. Hoop Dreams (1994) d: Steve James
Spending four years with two high school basketball players, the filmmakers document the journey of chasing sports superstardom.
86. Far From Heaven (2002) d: Todd Haynes
I don't know how Todd Haynes does it, recreating a 50s melodrama while finding the true emotion underneath, but the power of this film is undeniable.
85. Un Coeur En Hiver (1992) d: Claude Sautet
The translation of the tile is A Heart in Winter, which perfectly describes how a violin craftsman (Daniel Auteuil) is so comfortable in his life's patterns that he fails to see what joys having more passion in his life would create.
84. About A Boy (2002) d: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Hugh Grant's best work of his career is portraying a irresponsible 40 year old transformed by a friendship with a 12 year old (Nicholas Hoult). I always felt the Boy in the title is Grant's character.
83. Trainspotting (1996) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle captures the adrenalin high of drugs while also capturing its lows in quite graphic terms, with a great early lead performance by Ewan McGregor.
82. Toy Story 2 (1999) d: John Lasseter
The best of the Toy Story movies because while it has all the inventiveness of the series, the emotion of what it means to be an abandoned toy embodied by Jessie. The sequence of "When She Loved Me" tears me up every time I see it.
81. Fargo (1996) d: Joel Coen
I hearby nominate Marge Gunderson, perfectly embodied by Frances McDormand, as the greatest female hero of the 25 year time period. You betcha.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
100 movies 1990-2014 (100-91)
100. Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993) d: Francois Girard
One way to approach telling the story of an enigmatic musician: try every approach. This film blends documentary, avant garde, music video, and recreation to create a unique experience about a unique individual.
99. In Her Shoes (2005) d: Curtis Hanson
Hanson's a truly underrated director, an even his formula films such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle are watchable. I think this is his best, a story of the bond of two sisters. As the lesser educated of the two who bonds with her newly found grandmother, Cameron Diaz gives the best performance of her career.
98. No Country For Old Men (2007) d: Joel and Ethan Coen
Everyone talks about the villain, but let me state that if Tommy Lee Jones' performance as the worn out officer pursuing him, the film would not be near as effective.
97. Smoke (1995) d: Wayne Wang
The beauty of this film's in the details provided by writer Paul Auster. Little details, like the pictures taken at the same time every day and how the shop owner obtained the camera in the first place, contains the richness of life in a way most faster paced movies miss.
96. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) d: Ang Lee
The first time I saw this, the audience burst into applause at the end of the first fight scene. I never heard that happen before or since.
95. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) d: Niels Arden Oplev
While I loved the remake, I think the original is better. It is a little tighter and has an ending that makes more sense.
94. Reservoir Dogs (1992) d: Quentin Tarentino
It's not the violence, it is the dialogue that makes it so memorable.
93. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) d: Ang Lee
The dynamics of a father trying to understand three daughters, and each of the daughters trying to negotiate romantic relationships. My favorite joke is a subtle one: the father is a master chef who makes massive feasts, yet his youngest daughter works at a Wendy's.
92. Selma (2014) d: Ava DuVernay
It serves both as a fine look at the greatness of Martin Luther King and shows how many people were responsible for the successes of the Civil Rights Movement.
91. Monsters Inc. (2001) d: Pete Docter
This has one of my favorite closing shots ever. Kitty!
One way to approach telling the story of an enigmatic musician: try every approach. This film blends documentary, avant garde, music video, and recreation to create a unique experience about a unique individual.
99. In Her Shoes (2005) d: Curtis Hanson
Hanson's a truly underrated director, an even his formula films such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle are watchable. I think this is his best, a story of the bond of two sisters. As the lesser educated of the two who bonds with her newly found grandmother, Cameron Diaz gives the best performance of her career.
98. No Country For Old Men (2007) d: Joel and Ethan Coen
Everyone talks about the villain, but let me state that if Tommy Lee Jones' performance as the worn out officer pursuing him, the film would not be near as effective.
97. Smoke (1995) d: Wayne Wang
The beauty of this film's in the details provided by writer Paul Auster. Little details, like the pictures taken at the same time every day and how the shop owner obtained the camera in the first place, contains the richness of life in a way most faster paced movies miss.
96. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) d: Ang Lee
The first time I saw this, the audience burst into applause at the end of the first fight scene. I never heard that happen before or since.
95. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) d: Niels Arden Oplev
While I loved the remake, I think the original is better. It is a little tighter and has an ending that makes more sense.
94. Reservoir Dogs (1992) d: Quentin Tarentino
It's not the violence, it is the dialogue that makes it so memorable.
93. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) d: Ang Lee
The dynamics of a father trying to understand three daughters, and each of the daughters trying to negotiate romantic relationships. My favorite joke is a subtle one: the father is a master chef who makes massive feasts, yet his youngest daughter works at a Wendy's.
92. Selma (2014) d: Ava DuVernay
It serves both as a fine look at the greatness of Martin Luther King and shows how many people were responsible for the successes of the Civil Rights Movement.
91. Monsters Inc. (2001) d: Pete Docter
This has one of my favorite closing shots ever. Kitty!
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
100 movies, 1990-2014 reset, and my Sight and Sound list
Well that didn't work.
Let's try again. Rather than try and write 100 essays about what I view as my 100 favorite movies from 1990 to 2014, let's try this in best of the year form. I will try to get this done quickly. The list was completed last year and I want to get this posted.
What got this started was to visit the films of my adult lifetime. I saw this as a round figure that worked for a time period. It also was meant as a tribute to the end of the Leonard Maltin Movie Guide, a book of which I bought every edition for over 30 years.
Since then, my best friend posted a revised list of what he views as the 10 best films of all time. This has become known in film circles as the Sight and Sound list, named for the British magazine which every 10 years in the year ending in 2 surveys a wide range of critics and filmmakers to get a definitive list. Of course, if it was definitive it wouldn't change every ten years.
Here is the revised list of my best friend, Eric Robinette:
https://storify.com/sircritic/my-newly-revised-all-time-top-10-movies
For the record, the list (without his descriptions) is:
10. City Lights (1931)
9. Casablanca (1942)
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
7. Pinocchio (1940)
6. Raging Bull (1980)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
4. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
1. Vertigo (1958)
The our friend Allison mentioned her list from awhile ago: http://thereelgouda.blogspot.com
10. Amadeus (1984)
9. Rebecca (1940)
8. Chinatown (1974)
7. There Will Be Blood (2007)
6. Casablanca (1942)
5. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
4. Fight Club (1999)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Rear Window (1954)
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
My all-time list was prepared in 2004. Here that is:
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
9. 12 Angry Men (1957)
8. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
7. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
6. Do the Right Thing (1989)
5. Airplane! (1980)
4. Fantasia (1940)
3. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
2. Citizen Kane (1941)
1. Schindler's List (1993)
A few thoughts:
All three of us have Citizen Kane and Singin' In The Rain on our lists.
I just gave away the end of my 1990-2014 list.
Sorry, Allison, but I do not have The Shawshank Redemption or Fight Club in my list. I do have There Will Be Blood, although that is not the highest ranked film for its director.
Now, to the main event ...
Let's try again. Rather than try and write 100 essays about what I view as my 100 favorite movies from 1990 to 2014, let's try this in best of the year form. I will try to get this done quickly. The list was completed last year and I want to get this posted.
What got this started was to visit the films of my adult lifetime. I saw this as a round figure that worked for a time period. It also was meant as a tribute to the end of the Leonard Maltin Movie Guide, a book of which I bought every edition for over 30 years.
Since then, my best friend posted a revised list of what he views as the 10 best films of all time. This has become known in film circles as the Sight and Sound list, named for the British magazine which every 10 years in the year ending in 2 surveys a wide range of critics and filmmakers to get a definitive list. Of course, if it was definitive it wouldn't change every ten years.
Here is the revised list of my best friend, Eric Robinette:
https://storify.com/sircritic/my-newly-revised-all-time-top-10-movies
For the record, the list (without his descriptions) is:
10. City Lights (1931)
9. Casablanca (1942)
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
7. Pinocchio (1940)
6. Raging Bull (1980)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
4. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
1. Vertigo (1958)
The our friend Allison mentioned her list from awhile ago: http://thereelgouda.blogspot.com
10. Amadeus (1984)
9. Rebecca (1940)
8. Chinatown (1974)
7. There Will Be Blood (2007)
6. Casablanca (1942)
5. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
4. Fight Club (1999)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Rear Window (1954)
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
My all-time list was prepared in 2004. Here that is:
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
9. 12 Angry Men (1957)
8. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
7. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
6. Do the Right Thing (1989)
5. Airplane! (1980)
4. Fantasia (1940)
3. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
2. Citizen Kane (1941)
1. Schindler's List (1993)
A few thoughts:
All three of us have Citizen Kane and Singin' In The Rain on our lists.
I just gave away the end of my 1990-2014 list.
Sorry, Allison, but I do not have The Shawshank Redemption or Fight Club in my list. I do have There Will Be Blood, although that is not the highest ranked film for its director.
Now, to the main event ...
Saturday, October 31, 2015
100. Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993)
We are currently in a time where the traditional biopic is fading. Lincoln (which just missed this list) started a change. You can learn more about some figures by examining one period closely rather than trying to get every event into one film. The recent Mandela biopic shows how the old formula just doesn't seem to work, while Selma (which is on this list) is one of the examples of how this can work.
Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould takes a different approach. While trying to tell the story of reclusive pianist Glenn Gould, director Francois Girard tried, well, every approach.
Does this film get deep into what made Gould tick? No. I don't think that was possible. But what it does is give a sense of Gould as a performer. The multiple approaches and multiple points of view give a rounded sense of what it was like to be effected by him. Ultimately, the film makes this list by giving a sense of the effect music (through this musician) can have on us all.
Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould takes a different approach. While trying to tell the story of reclusive pianist Glenn Gould, director Francois Girard tried, well, every approach.
Does this film get deep into what made Gould tick? No. I don't think that was possible. But what it does is give a sense of Gould as a performer. The multiple approaches and multiple points of view give a rounded sense of what it was like to be effected by him. Ultimately, the film makes this list by giving a sense of the effect music (through this musician) can have on us all.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
100 movies, 1990-2014
So why do this list? Limitations.
I have read other lists of best films of all time. But the reality is that I graduated from high school in 1986. While I am aware of many of the films of the time before my adulthood, I am aware of too many films before then that I have yet to see.
Meanwhile, my favorite book has printed its final edition. I have purchased Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide every year since 1984. The last year it published was 2015, covering films up to May 2014. So this was the time for me to proceed.
I first started with a list from my graduation date. Instead, I decided to use the nice round figure of 25 years. Hence, 1990 to 2014. I started putting this list together a year ago. I only just found out that Entertainment Weekly is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This is just a coincidence.
I plan to do a post for each movie as a countdown. The point is to one by one, cover and discuss 100 great recent movies. Of course, the ranking isn't critical. Even making the list anywhere means it is in my opinion a great film.
I have read other lists of best films of all time. But the reality is that I graduated from high school in 1986. While I am aware of many of the films of the time before my adulthood, I am aware of too many films before then that I have yet to see.
Meanwhile, my favorite book has printed its final edition. I have purchased Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide every year since 1984. The last year it published was 2015, covering films up to May 2014. So this was the time for me to proceed.
I first started with a list from my graduation date. Instead, I decided to use the nice round figure of 25 years. Hence, 1990 to 2014. I started putting this list together a year ago. I only just found out that Entertainment Weekly is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This is just a coincidence.
I plan to do a post for each movie as a countdown. The point is to one by one, cover and discuss 100 great recent movies. Of course, the ranking isn't critical. Even making the list anywhere means it is in my opinion a great film.
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