The Top 10 Films of 2010

I am having a hard time remembering what I named the Best Film of 2009. I do, however, remember that I was going to give that honor to “A Prophet” until I decided that since it hadn't been released in 2009, it could wait until this year. Same went for “Fish Tank,” the first film I saw in 2010. I thought they would be #1 and #2. Yet there would be 10 films that would affect me much more strongly than those and both would be demoted to honorable mention. That says a lot for the quality of the films in 2010.

My number one film struck such a chord that I would declare to some that it was the best film I had seen since Mulholland Dr. (the film that would top my Best of the Decade, just last year). So, what was that number 1 film last year? Still can't recall.

Someone on Twitter mentioned recently that I had a reputation for repeat viewing. I wish I had made time to rewatch “Inception” a film I found entertaining, yet having no place...in my opinion (other than because of Nolan's “The Dark Knight” snub) in the Oscar conversation for Best Picture. As films drop off the radar, “Inception” has turned into a lock (it seems... “Dreamgirls” anyone?). Also wish I could've seen “True Grit” a second time. A second viewing wasn't necessary for me to declare “A Serious Man” one of the top films of last year. But I think “True Grit” would've required that from me. Perhaps. Perhaps not.

It also pains me not to include “Made in Dagenham,” “Cairo Time,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “The Town,” “The Ghost Writer” and (mostly!) “Scott Pilgrim v/s the World.” Also wanted, in the year of the documentary, to include more docs. I loved “Inside Job,” “Cropsey” and “The Arbor” but there was not enough room. I couldn't, however, leave out my favorite documentary, “Racing Dreams.” A film that deserved a larger audience, and a Best Documentary Oscar nomination.

So, here it is. Something I have slaved over for 12 months. A list I am incredibly proud of.

(Oh yeah, last year my favorite film was “Where the Wild Things Are.” It was a great film.”)

1. Black Swan

“Black Swan” is a polarizing film. Even amongst the people who love it. Is it a film about a mental breakdown? Is it a movie about the dark side of being a woman? Is it a metaphor for what it takes to achieve perfection on stage? Or is it just a camp masterpiece? I am beginning to realize that it is actually all of these things. One sign of a great director is not laying everything out on the table and believing their audience to be intelligent enough to apply their opinion to the canvas the filmmakers have laid out, creating a lasting, meaningful film experience. Aronofsky does that here.

I have been apprehensive about writing a review of “Black Swan” not because I'm worried I can't explain my love...or the film. But because I can't stop talking about it. I am afraid I will give it all away. And that is not fair to my readers. So here we go!

First off, the story is great. It's simple. It's Swan Lake hyperrealized. And it is anchored by some of the year's best performances. Barbara Hershey's Erica Sayers would eat Mamma Rose (Gypsy) alive. If the Academy ignores her...well, it will be a mistake. Mila Kunis may get a nomination because she is young and hot, but she deserves one too. She is the heat in the film. She is hilarious, sexy, and perhaps, vindictive. But the film belongs to Portman (and Aronofsky...will get to that in a sec.). She is not simply cold. She is not simply unlikeable. Her character's journey (as I have said many times) is one of the most intricate and exciting things I have seen on film. (It is so good, no one really addresses the "braveness" of her lesbian sex scene.) She should win the Oscar. The film might not win Best Picture, but if the Academy denies her this, they are even more insane than they have been in the past.

Then there is Aronofsky. As the film unfolds, you almost don't know how to feel. Or what is going on. The pace seems a little off. The story seems a little bit campy (enough with the Black Swan/White Swan references. Enough with the white/black costumes and set) I have seen it 3 times now, and that feeling remains every time. Why? Because it should. Aronosfky

2. Somewhere

To say that Sofia Coppola's film, “Somewhere” is about nothing is a lazy declaration. It may not have a driven plot, but there is a story there. Unlike any director I can recall, Coppola is able to observe in a compelling fashion. I was never bored. And I knew I wouldn't be from the opening shot of movie star Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) monotonously driving his car back and forth in a metaphor for his life. A famous actor, not exactly washed up (which would be closer Bill Murray's character in Coppola's masterpiece, “Lost in Translation” Yeah, I used the M word!!!!) but going through the motions.

Many of my readers may not have even heard of this film. Some of you will have seen it and disagree with me, but if you are a filmmaker, not a critic, I think you will understand that to simply observe is not enough. You have to have the lens on something intriguing. Perhaps it is the performer in me (not the artist...make sense?) that is so fascinated by the idea of living in the famous Los Angeles hotspot the Chateau Marmont. And the horror of staying too long.

3. The Social Network

After 5 viewings, “The Social Network” has stood the test of time. I don't like the idea of late that TSN is winning awards because everyone can agree that it is good that no one "dislikes" it, that it I think “Black Swan” and “Somewhere” are the perfect filmic meals for my taste. But there is no denying "The Social Network" its genius. Here are excerpts of my Awards Daily review:

“...Eisenberg is truly the heart of this film. One miscalculation by Eisenberg in terms of character and this could have been quite a different experience. The Zuckerberg of “The Social Network” begins as an incredibly awkward person, who seems to simply say the wrong thing at the wrong time....It is the uncertainty whether or not there is true regret in Zuckerberg that keeps him likable throughout the film. It is also quite fun watching Zuckerberg “grow.” Once we get to the successful/lawsuit ridden Zuckerberg, he has transformed into a master of the witty insult, using his subordinates’ own words against them. Talk about a diva. Anna Wintour could take lessons from Jesse Eisenberg on snark.

I think a lot of what really makes this film work boils down to something that Timberlake said ... After one of his friends saw the film, they said that they didn’t really agree with anyone in particular in terms of the lawsuits, but they didn’t disagree with them either. It’s not indifference…but instead Fincher and Sorkin have made is possible for us not to have to choose sides. Somehow every one of these characters is infused with empathy. Miraculously, no one is a villain. Least of all Zuckerberg. He is the new anti-anti hero for (universe help me!) the Facebook generation.

4. How To Train Your Dragon

I remember very clearly walking from my local movie theater and furiously posting to Facebook that I felt “How To Train Your Dragon” was the best film I had seen so far in 2010. (just inching in front of “A Prophet” and “Fish Tank”) I also felt that it had a serious shot at a Best Picture nomination. I even wrote a piece about it (long before, I think, anyone else entertained the notion). That was before I saw "Toy Story 3." After seeing "Toy Story 3," I still felt “Dragon” was the stronger of the two films. But most people probably won't be able to separate 15 years of "knowing" Woody and friends and "Dragon" will not make the top 10. (Unless the Academy members will consider 2 animated films...which probably won't happen.) The beginning is cute, well constructed, nothing too incredibly special. Then there is a beautiful scene between Stoick (Craig Ferguson) and Gobber (Gerard Butler) discussing Hiccup's (possible) future role as a Viking dragon hunter. If you watch the scene, listen to the voice actors, watch the animation, you will see something very rare in animated film. It looks like a spontaneously acted, almost improv like scene. Gerard Butler has never been this good.

Then we get the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless. There is something remarkably special there that is experienced greatly among people and rarely seen in film. What begins (and ends) as Hiccup's journey to relate to his Viking nature, transforms into a story of (how do I say this without minimizing the film) owner and pet. (Well, if you have or have had a pet, you won't think I am belittling the work). That is a very strong bond if you have ever experienced it. How To Train Your _________. The moment when Toothless first gives in to Hiccup is one of my favorite scenes of the year. So touching. I could continue praising the film. The score is top notch. The 3-D was the best of 2010. The moment when Hiccup (after returning to his home after the film's climax) realizes his life has changed forever is great acting. Done with animation. Something “Avatar” did not accomplish with bloody sensors attached to real life human beings.

5. The Way Back

I had the pleasure of seeing “The Way Back” several months ago. I was completely floored. It is an epic film. Yet, at the same time it seems so intimate. It is the story of a group of very different characters escaping a Siberian gulag on the way back (get it, get it) to freedom. On the way they meet Irena played impeccably by Saoirse Ronan. Actually, everyone is incredible. Peter Weir not only makes sweeping epics, he makes character driven films. This one is both. My love of Wier began with “Dead Poets Society” a film that really changed my life. For once I felt like I had really seen myself on screen with some of those school boys, especially Neil. Unless you have a perfect life (which no one does) you can connect to "The Way Back" as well.

It will be a shame (but looking virtually impossible) if “The Way Back” is ignored for Best Picture. It belongs there. And Ronan and Ed Harris (who I don't think has ever been better) also deserve nominations. Whether it happens or not, I urge my readers to make the effort to see it.

6. 127 Hours

I remember living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1996 and driving to New Orleans, LA in order to see Danny Boyle's “Trainspotting.” It was one of those monumental theatrical experiences that changed my life. (Maybe I will do a piece about other films that changed me through the years. “Empire Strikes Back” at 8. “The Godfather Trilogy” age 14, “Pulp Fiction,” age 18. Etc, etc.) I had seen “Pulp Fiction” a few years before, which helped me understand what a director could do. Anything! Seeing “Trainspotting” (And “Lost Highway” and “Mulholland Drive” a few years later) cemented that idea. I will one day be a film director. For years I followed Danny Boyle and loved all of his very individual achievements. I was excited that “Slumdog Millionnaire” won him an Oscar and popular success. “127 Hours” is even better. Not enough people have seen the film, or it would be a lock for a Best Picture nomination. "127 Hours" tells the real life story of Aron Ralston (played by James Franco...who I think should win the Oscar this year...sorry Colin Firth, thought you deserved it last year) who gets stuck under a rock for 127 hours before escaping after making a huge sacrifice. It is an uplifting, funny and exciting film.

7. Blue Valentine

Although I was certain about the quality of the acting in “Blue Valentine,” (I wasn't certain until recently) that I loved “Blue Valentine” as a film, overall. That might seem strange if you haven't seen it. But if you have seen this light hearted romp (I jest!) you know that it doesn't exactly sit well as the credits roll. And without going into to much detail about my personal life (yeah, I know....this is me I'm talking about) I relate. I'm sure most people do, if you have ever been in a struggling relationship that might have been based on (pick one!) sex, desire, pregnancy, children, or loneliness. This couple experiences all of the above at some point. I have talked about the acting (see my Best Performances of 2010) but concerning the film I will say this. It is impossible to deny the realism of "Blue Valentine" and the daring of Derek Cianfrance as the orchestrator. It is so believable the MPAA initially gave it an NC-17. I think time away from the movie allowed it to fictionalize in my mind (same might have gone for the MPAA as they came to their senses and gave it an R rating,) which is what I needed to give it a place on this list.

8. Another Year

Mike Leigh's “Secrets & Lies” has remained near the top of my favorite films of all time. “Another Year" is his best since "S&L". Some of my original thoughts:

"If you follow Leigh’s work, you know that he generally works with improvisation. When I saw “Happy Go Lucky,” at the Q&A Leigh explained his style of sreenwriting. Basically, as I remember it, he hand picked his central cast, did table work with each of them creating their individual characters not really knowing who would take the lead of the story. Then he worked with them as a group to figure out how they would all fit together and what story they would tell. It is a remarkable way to film. A way that I would find terrifying if I didn’t trust the director and other actors completely. I remember hearing/reading a story about “Vera Drake” that implied (ok…stop reading this paragraph if you haven’t seen that film) that, for true spontaneity, when Vera is arrested while having dinner with her family the actors in the scene didn’t know the cops were going to interrupt. Sounds incredible, although I’m not exactly sure how that would work for retakes, (or if the story is really true) but I do know that moment reads as complete truth.

“Another Year” like “Secrets & Lies” focuses less on one female lead and more on a family...This husband and wife team is one that real life couples strive to be...At first glance these people might appear to be stock characters, but they have incredible depth. There are many shades of grey represented here with each character having many facets, some of which we don't see straight away. And in a few cases, never, even in the end. What we do get is the type of scene that feels as if we are eavesdropping on slices of real life."

9. Let Me In

2 years ago, “Let the Right One In,” otherwise known as the Swedish vampire film, topped my list of best films. After seeing “Let Me In” the new adaptation of the novel by director Matt Reeves, I declared via twitter in a discussion with Kris Tapley of Incontention.com that I believed it to be superior to the original. He couldn't understand how I (or anyone) could say that. I had a hard time believing it myself. So, does that mean my top 8 films this year are all better films than “Let the Right One In?” Oh, who knows. For me, the US version was less about mood and theme and more about the relationship between Abby (the "young" vampire) and Owen (who becomes her friend after she moves into the same apartment complex he lives in.) Chole Moretz is superb as Abbe. You believe her to be an old soul (soulless?) in a young body. And Richard Jenkins is so heartbreaking as Abby's guardian. (Spoiler) The most important addition to the story...or at least the way the story was told, is that Owen sees his fate in Jenkins's character. And so do we. Her guardian. A more original story than the usual, please turn me into a vampire so we can be together, the same age forever.

10. Racing Dreams

2010 was indeed the year of the documentary. And there were great ones. But the one that affected me most screened at the Tribeca Film Festival 2 years ago. It not only won Best Documentary there, but it was the 2nd place audience award winner. As it was directed by “Street Fight” (nom'd for the Oscar) director Marshall Curry I thought for sure it would get an Academy Award nomination this year. But it didn't make the short list. And no one else really even talked about it. When it was released in New York City (and I assume LA) it only stayed for a small amount of time. I don't even know if anyone saw it. Perhaps the fact that it is a story about race car driving might turn some off...but that isn't what it is completely about. “Racing Dreams” follows 3 teenage race car drivers who are at the top of their game...approaching the age where teenage driver become professional...or not. Each teen is very different. One at the top of his game, one who thought it was all she ever wanted, and one who races in order not to only race against everyone around him in life. It is a brilliant character study told in a way only Marshall Curry could.

SO...that's my top 10. But of course, there is more!

Honorable Mention (in order or preference)

A Prophet

Fish Tank

The Kids Are All Right

Scott Pilgrim vs the World

The Ghost Writer

Inside Job

Made in Dagenham

The Town

To Age or Not to Age

The Arbor

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

Please Give

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest

Cropsey

Now...a couple of surprises

Better Than Expected

Date Night

A Nightmare on Elm Street

I'm Still Here

Dishonor role

Countdown to Zero

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Howl

Casino Jack

My Trip to Al Qaeda

Client 9

And finally films that I liked, but didn't love when most did.

Needed a 2nd viewing

Inception
The King's Speech
The Fighter
True Grit

JANUARY 3, 2011