MY TOP 10 FILMS FOR 2014...and few other noble mentions. Agree/disagree/debate? My top 10 list is in no particular order except for #1 Boyhood which I first saw at Sundance before any of the praise and the only film that left a lasting impression on me. Like the last few years I saw too many terrific documentaries that deserve their own list. My list compiled from seeing 137 films in 2014. 1. BOYHOOD - The most audacious undertaking, a one of a kind film experience. Richard Linklater was able to show us ordinary life and honor its small moments and turn them into an extraordinary film. Its emotional impact did not hit me until the film was over and the credits were rolling. I was deeply moved to tears. A nostalgic time capsule of my own journey flashed before me. 2) SELMA - A film that honors Dr. King but also includes his complexity. Its timeless power was upsetting and tough to watch A beautiful and inspiring film. 3) STARRED UP- A classic prison drama. Its harsh realism kept me riveted from first frame to last. Shot in a Belfast prison, it has an extraordinary visceral attention to detail. An unforgettable climax that lingered in my mind for days. A superb cast, headed by the explosive Jack O Connell (Unbroken) This film will scare you from committing any crime to avoid this environment. 4) BIRDMAN - A dazzling and exciting ride into an actors creative process/madness. A wonderfully written, shot and directed film. Outstanding cast. 5) FOXCATCHER - A hauntingly disturbing character study and commentary on the American dream. One of the best ensembles of the year. Bennet Miller is a director I have continued admiration for his body work. 6) GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL : The most entertaining film of the year! A magical visual feast that I could not wait to see again. Wes Andersons style came with substance that I rarely see in his work. Ralph Feinees was brilliant. He was perfection in Andersons world. The film put a big smile on my face. 7) GONE GIRL - Gripping, stylish, over the top and unsettling. Fincher is a master of mood. Ben Afflecks best performance to date. An entertaining popcorn thriller they you dont see much of anymore. Not a date movie! 8) MR. TURNER- You may question my taste after seeing Mike Leighs daring portrait of a monstrous and grotesque artist. There is nothing to like about this artist that Timothy Spall created except for the beautiful paintings he created. Yet I was fascinated by this harsh depiction. The time and place Leigh created felt like I was there, from its settings to its smells. One of the most beautifully shot films in memory. 9) RAID 2 - An Indonesian martial arts crime thriller. Not the kind of movie I often see to be an expert on. A ballet of action and violence. Its craftsmanship knocked me out. The real deal not CGI. One of the best action films I have ever seen. 10) A MOST VIOLENT YEAR - A thought-provoking suspenseful thriller that reminded me of the best of Sydney Lumets police crime dramas. Honorable Mention: Whiplash, Ida, Under The Skin, The Immigrant, The Skeleton Twins, I Origin. Best Documentaries 1) CITIZENFOUR - Riveting, frightening. The best thriller of the year! 2) LIFE ITSELF - A deeply moving and informative tribute of one of my favorite film critics Roger Ebert. 3) ELAINE STRITCH-Shoot Me - A wonderful directing debut by Chiemi Karasawa. An honest portrait of a large than life artist. I laughed, I was moved, I wanted to share a martini with this woman! 4) CODE BLACK - A powerful film that puts you front and center in the emergency room. It gave me a new found respect for health care workers who have a passion to help despite our broken health care system. 5) GLEN CAMPBELL: Ill Be Me- A heartfelt and joyful film. His Alzheimers shown with a brutally honest view. The film ends with Campbell singing his beautiful and emotional final song, Im Not Going To Miss You I dare you not to shed a tear. Best Performance of the Year. Julianne Moore in Still Alice a beautifully heartbreaking performance. Followed by the brilliant Marion Cotlliard in both The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 02:12:30 +0000
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