I’ve been saying the following line for about the past 6-8
months very repeatedly: “It’s just been
a terrible year in film.” Well, I need
to correct that statement a bit and I owe many filmmakers an apology for that
loss of faith. It wasn’t so much that
the year was bad for film; it was more that the films that we were lead to
believe were the “greats” simply weren’t (i.e. the Academy’s), or in other
words, I was watching some of the wrong movies.
I made a point to see every film on the Academy’s nomination
list. It’s kind of a fun thing for me to
do annually and I pretty much do it every year now. This year seemed different from the last
couple, though, and hence where my statement came from. Don’t get me wrong…there isn’t really a “bad”
film on the nomination list, in my opinion, but having said that there were
also very few “great” films as well.
I think pretty much all film buffs know the Academy’s are
rigged, way too political, and nothing to go off of as far as the true best films
of any given year. Having said that,
though, I’ve never seen them as far off as they were this year. I mean, “Silver Linings Playbook”? Whereas it’s a good film, how in the hell did
that get in the nomination’s list? ‘Nuff
said.
I’m therefore offering up my own list of “best of” films for
2012. I actually get asked this question
quite a bit so here it is, in print, and easy for anyone to reference. I’m not actually putting these in any
specific order, though, but I will admit that there is a loosely based one here
and there. I’d say just take it as a
list and nothing more. Enjoy!
“Rust and Bone”
– This may in fact be my choice for best film of 2012, hence I’m starting the
list with it. In answering why that is,
that’s a bit more difficult. My only
answer is that it’s rather unique in nature, the tone is perfectly done, the
acting is superb, and the story is quite intriguing in a very emotional
way. I found this movie to be simply
brilliant and was deeply moved by it.
“The Perks of
Being a Wallflower” – I was slightly amazed by how much I liked this
movie. Having said that, I will admit to
having bias here since the film is almost exactly about my era, meaning I was
the same age as the characters in the film, held many of the same attitudes,
listened to a lot of the same music, and also was in a similar group of friends. I’m not usually one for coming of age films
but this one really spoke to me and gave me a wonderful bit of nostalgia. I also give it high marks for relative accuracy
and for successfully capturing the feeling of that era.
“The Sessions”
– I’m completely shocked by how left out of the Academy’s this movie was. Whereas I felt the movie did have a few
flaws, I gave it high marks simply on how daring a production it was. Let’s be honest…a film like this wouldn’t
have ever been attempted as recently as 5-10 years ago (or would have been
completely slaughtered).
“Beasts of the
Southern Wild” – One of the few actual Academy nominees for best
picture that also made my own list, I think it’s a crime that Quvenzhane Wallis
didn’t win best actress (I mean, Jennifer Lawrence…really?). This is a truly original film and one that
has really stuck with me, creeping into my mind every now and then. I think ‘haunting’ would be the right word
and it’s almost more of an experience versus just a film.
“Amour” –
I’m completely amazed that this film WAS nominated by the Academy simply
because it should have been and it’s of the type that almost always gets
overlooked. An incredibly no holds
barred look at the reality of old age and ultimately death and the many
different emotions and decisions that come with the territory. A film that could only come from France for
if Hollywood tried to make this same movie it would most likely be a complete
joke.
“Life of Pi”
– I fully expected to not like this film but I was completely wrong, and I
should really keep up my faith in Ang Lee who’s definitely been making some of
the best films out there in the past 20 years.
Beautifully shot, very inspirational, and simply a lovely thought
provoking film no matter what you particularly believe in spiritually.
“Moonrise Kingdom”
– How exactly did this film not get any recognition this year by the Academy? Sure, it’s technically a comedy, but c’mon… One of the most refined releases from Wes
Anderson to date, I can barely wait to see what he comes up with next. It’s also a must for anyone that was forced
into scouting by their parents!
“Holy Motors”
– This is certainly not a film for everybody so please be careful prior to
treading down this path. In fact, it’s
probably not for 50% of the American viewing public so consider yourself aptly
warned ahead of time. For the rest of
us, though, this is one of the most bizarre and rather insane rides of a film
that you’re likely to see in recent memory.
You’ll be puzzled, you’ll laugh out loud, you’ll cringe…it’s all there,
if you dare.
“Arbitrage”
– Yes, I’m even including a film starring Richard Gere (who was actually quite
perfect in this role). There have been a
number of films about corporate greed over the past few years but this one
really gets it right, I think.
“Killer Joe”
– (literally) Bloody brilliant. There
are just no words for this one. I’m
slowly starting to eat my words in regards to my previous comments about Matthew
McConaughey for he’s really perfectly cast in this role. This is simply a must see.
“The Master”
– A film that I think was unfairly slammed by many a critic and filmgoer alike,
this movie showcases Joaquin Phoenix’s awkwardness perfectly as the main
character who’s suffering from PTSD and struggling to find a place within a
society that he doesn’t necessarily feel a part of. Coupled with performances by Philip Seymour
Hoffman and Amy Adams, it’s a winner in my book.
“Searching for
Sugar Man” – I liken this film to “Winnebago Man”, one of my fav’s from
a couple years back, but in a music flavor.
Who wouldn’t be touched by this amazing story of a completely forgotten
musical artist who has no clue that he’s bigger than Elvis in South
Africa? If you’re not, I’d suggest
checking for a pulse and seeking medical help immediately.
“Celeste and Jesse
Forever” – Some people may find this an odd choice coming from me
considering my liking of heavier subject matter. A similar film in content to 2012’s “Take
this Waltz”, I much preferred this film overall, both in content, tone, and
screenplay. The film is basically about
a couple who are truly best friends and have been for quite some time, and I
really felt that it summed up the strange feeling and decision making involved
in trying to not lose both your lover and best friend once the relationship
portion is beyond repair. The film left
me pondering many various questions in a good way.
“A Late Quartet”
– Not to be confused with the similarly named “Quartet” also from 2012, this
movie shows an inside look at the workings of classical musicians, fully
equipped with drama, scandal, sex, etc., which we normally think of as
occurring only in the pop or rock music categories Superbly acted all the way around with a
brilliant cast.
“Ted” – I
struggled a bit on whether this film makes the list but alas I cannot leave it
off simply because I enjoyed it way too much.
It’s certainly not a perfect film but does stand out in the comedy zone,
enough that I nearly spit my drink out a couple times while watching it. For fans of Family Guy, this film isn’t to be
missed.
“A Royal Affair”
– Not a perfect film, mind you, but one that left a lasting impression on me,
not completely unlike the similar subject matter Kubrick masterpiece “Barry
Lyndon”. I found the film thoroughly
enjoyable and highly compelling, and I’ll admit that it’s been lingering in my
thoughts ever since. Skip “Anna
Karenina” and see this instead.
“The Intouchables”
– No, not “The Untouchables”…different movie ;)
One of the most touching and moving films of 2012 without being too
heavy for the average viewer, this French gem is a must see for anyone with
even half a heart.
"The Do-Deca-Pentathlon"
- Funny, silly, and another minor classic from the Duplass brothers, this film
is a fantastic example of what good independent film is all about.
