The Top 10 Films of 2009

When the Academy Awards decided to choose 10 films to compete in the Best Picture category I wondered if there would be 10 films worthy to fill the slots. Usually, I am happy with four of the choices and unhappy with one. As the end of the year approached I found it quite funny that this was the year they chose 10 because I thought it was one of the worst years I had seen. Then something crazy happened. Almost every film I saw began to blow me away. I ended up being quite happy with most of the films nominated for Best Picture, four of which ended up in my own top 10.

My top film of the year stands a bit apart from the others. But the rest could have been interchanged (and were up until just a few days ago. I think I made one adjustment yesterday. And my honorable mentions could've ended up in the top 10 as well.

10. "The Secret of Kells"

Every year I see a few films that are nominated for the Academy Awards that I might not see otherwise. The Secret of Kells is one of those. The animation is stunning and incredibly simple, parallel to the Book of Kells being created by the young Brendan while his Uncle is only concerned with building a wall to keep the Vikings out. A beautifully told story that took my breath away.

9. "The Milk of Sorrow"

Almost experimental in its tone, The Milk of Sorrow is completely unique. The film centers on a bit of folklore that mothers who suffered violence in the 80s and early 90s pass the trauma to their daughters via breast milk. The story begins with a spectacularly vivid and blunt depiction (through song nonetheless) of this violence by a dying woman. Following her death we see firsthand the effects this "disease" has on daughters as we observe Fausta. Magaly Solier's portrayal of Fausta is incredibly haunting and still. Almost to the point of sleepwalking. Which makes the moments of expression quite meaningful.

8. "District 9"

This is a film that gets better with each viewing. This isn't just a movie about aliens. It is a powerful film about race relations in our world and more specifically South Africa. And it is told in such a realistic way. I had some discussion on the internet about whether or not the aliens would've been allowed to stay v/s be destroyed, and I honestly believe, what happens in the film would actually happen. When Invictus comes out on DVD, watch it and District 9 as a very interesting double feature.

7. "The Princess and the Frog"
I'm sorry. I know a lot of people love UP, but I think it is a bit overrated. The best animated film this year is The Princess and the Frog. I miss the days of hand drawn animation. And this film lived up to everything from the past. When it comes to Disney, I have always gone against the grain. Hunchback used to be my favorite. Today that film is PATF. Perfection.

6. "(500) Days of Summer"

The fact that this amazing film was not nominate for best original screenplay is ridiculous. Never has a romantic comedy been so perfect.

5. "Up in the Air"

I have seen this film 3 times. The acting is superb. I am so amazed how Reitman transformed the book. No Vera Farmiga role! I saw this film at the Hamptons Film Festival and had to fight for a seat...which is funny considering I was the box office manager. So happy I did. I said then that it would win Best Picture. Which leads us to:

4. "The Hurt Locker"

I'm not even sure what to say about this other than this. Never have I wanted a film to win Best Picture when another film I thought was better was nominated. I am overwhelmed by Kathryn Bigelow's work.

3. "Broken Embraces"

The first time I saw this film I was a bit disappointed, but after seeing it the second time, I was completely blown away. Penelope is a brilliant actress. Almodovar is an inspiration to me.

2. "Inglourious Basterds"
Oh, Quentin. You changed my life back in 1994. Very few movies have made me feel the way Pulp Fiction did. It is one of the most brilliant films of all time. Although I have loved all of his movies, this was the one that lived up to that promise. He is a genious. And yes, I spelled that wrong on purpouse.

1. "Where the Wild Things Are"
And here we go. My favorite film of the year. A film that was loved by a few critics and hated by most. I have never had an experience like I did watching this movie. It is a masterpiece. I get why people have problems with it. When you are a child...and read a book with only 8 sentences, you create and imagine a world to fill in the blanks. And the filler created by Eggers and Jonze could have been taken from my mind. I think it will be one of those movies that, over time, become the film that got away...at least in terms of the Academy. When Carrol runs to Max on the beach I had the most transcendent experience I have ever had watching a film. You know when the people in front of you ask if you are ok...something miraculous has happened.

NOW...my honorable mentions. It was so painful not include these films. In ranking order:

A Single Man
The Young Victoria
Crazy Heart
Drag Me To Hell
The Secret in their Eyes
Precious
Coraline
Star Trek
The September Issue
Antichrist
Bad Lieutenant
Humpday
A Serious Man
Bright Star
Sugar