The Top 10 Films of 2019
2019 was a year of significant change for me, including a late breaking publishing of my favorite films of 2019. In addition you will notice 11 films in my top 10. Here at brianwhisenant.com we can break the rules! Enjoy!
1. 1917
In 1998, “The X-Files” had what many consider to be its last great episode, “Triangle.” Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope,” each act is filmed as if one take. Even before it gets to the showy goods of the technique there is an energy to the material and performances that can’t be denied. “1917” has that same energy, only magnified.
With Roger Deakins’s opening shot of our two soldiers laying in a field, director Sam Mendes starts a prelude that in a mere 8 minutes becomes a full blown cinematic symphony. Mendes knows exactly when to take a breath and when to conduct us into the action. The film is intimate and quiet, yet terrifying and foreboding.
The level of craft on display in undeniable, yet the heartbeat of the film lies with Dean-Charles Chapman and George McKay. They take on the one-take task with complete physical abandon and emotional vulnerability delivering poetic stretches of dialogue between action segments. It feels as if we are there on the journey with them, side by side - which makes the film’s losses all the more devastating.
Watching George McKay run across that field near the end of the movie to fulfill his mission despite all odds is incredibly powerful, not only because of the technical wonder of what we are seeing before us, but because of the full investment we have in his character. That is the essence of what makes “1917” the best film of the year.
2. Parasite
A wildly entertaining class dystopia brought to life by remarkable actors, cinematography, score, production design, writing, editing and directing, Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” defies genre. Every single frame is vibrant and necessary, and just when you might think you know where this film is heading, it takes another turn, never letting up until a final act that manages to feel both shocking and predestined.
3. And Then We Danced
It’s “Call Me By Your Name” meets “Black Swan”, set in the homophobic land of Georgia. The country, not the state. “And Then We Danced” is a film many of you may have not seen or even heard of, but fear not…it just made it to limited release. I had heard about it via the festival circuit and managed to see it while searching for LGBTQ films for Oxford Film Festival. Actors Levan Gelbakhiani and Bachi Valishvili are so wonderful as romantic dance rivals…who in my favorite scene of the year, manage to make Robyn’s “Honey” even sexier!
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
In 1994, at 18 years old I watched “Pulp Fiction” for the first time at the Hoka Theatre in Oxford, MS. I was forever changed watching that film. Movies would never be the same for me again, and I would, from that day on dream of becoming a film director. I have loved Tarantino ever since, even admiring the somewhat maligned “The Hateful Eight” and “Grindhouse.” Tarantino’s “Hollywood” is a fantasy…a what if…that is also a beautiful love letter to Sharon Tate, told through remarkable performances by Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.
5. Marriage Story
Marriage Story was the first major Oscar contender I saw after moving to Los Angeles, at the very exciting Netflix studios. Already full of hype, I had stratospheric expectations. When I left the theatre I said and believed that I wouldn’t love a movie more than “Marriage Story.” There are so many wonderful things about the film, including how Baumbach manages to both skewer and honor life, marriage, divorce, theatre, movies and television, etc in both New York City and Los Angeles…but the real highlight of the film is the acting. The acting is so damn good in this movie. In the end I may have discovered a few films I loved more, but Marriage Story is certainly one of the year’s best.
6. Booksmart
I don’t know the last time I adjusted a Top 10 after publishing, but this year I had not choice. “Booksmart” is one of the smartest, funniest and hopeful films of the year. The entire cast is wonderful with Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever at the top! All led by the fantastic Olivia Wilde. What an incredible talent she is. Looking forward to more work from her in the future.
7. The Farewell
I first heard the story of Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” on This American Life almost 4 years ago. Even then I thought it would make a great film. Wang has crafted such a singular piece of filmmaking with Awkwafina, impeccably at its core that the Academy didn’t seem to know what to do with it. Luckily, the Globes awarded Awkwafina Best Actress and Film Independent named it the Best Film of the year.
8. Little Women
Of all this year’s films Little Women stayed with me the longest. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it…especially how Gerwig brilliantly reconstructed Alcott’s story, non linearly focusing her lens on family, loss, and equality. A “Little Women” for 2019 that fully honors its source material. Timothee Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan are fantastic of course, but the real standout here is Florence Pugh. She gives a truly Oscar worthy performance as Amy. And in a year of great endings (Parasite, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Midsommer…to name a few) who knew that a story that was 150 years old would deliver another surprise last act.
9. The Lighthouse
“The Lighthouse” directed and written by Robert Eggers with his brother Max Eggers was the last film I watched before publishing this top 10. I’m so glad I managed to squeeze it in because it speaks greatly to my personal aesthetic, and I had yet to see anything quite like it so far this year. The film is a masterful, early Lynchian style two handed descent into madness with a hint of friendship. Impeccably shot by cinematographer Jarin Blaschkeand and remarkably acted by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, “The Lighthouse” is certainly one of the most unique films of the year.
10. Bombshell (tie)
After “Vice,” I was a bit apprehensive about another Hollywood telling of Conservative America, but “Bomshell” was a complete surprise. Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman fully immerse themselves as the women of FOX who took down sexual predator Roger Ailes.
10. Midsommer (tie)
After Hereditary, a film I did not like, at all, I almost didn’t go see “Midsommer,” but boy, am I glad I did. Ari Aster has made a truly horrifying, surprisingly funny and thought provoking thriller with “Midsommer.” It’s not easy watching Dani (the amazing Florence Pugh) deal with the aftermath of her parents death, especially as she clings to her not so understanding dick of a boyfriend…but she gets a comeuppance of sorts in a way that only someone like Aster could provide. What’s the opposite of a sophomore slump? That’s “Midsommer.”