CMJ
Dec 31st, 2007, 06:57:31 AM
As has been my yearly tradition since about 1996, at the end of each year I compile my Top 10 for the last 12 months in cinema. I often update for the first few months of the following year as I catch up on films I missed - so usually my "final" list is done around March.
(I put final in quotes, because I will occassionally revisit a year...like 1998 and switch my list around if I feel certain films aged better for me)
Anyways, after that intro - here's my 2007 ten best(some are very close...still could switch placements as well).
1. There Will Be Blood - PT Anderson's astonishing achievement about a turn of the century wildcatter in Southern Califonia evokes Citizen Kane in its examination of power and greed.
2. No Country for Old Men - The Coen Brothers make their best film in some time with this thriller set in West Texas. Chigurh becomes one of the creepiest villains in movie history.
3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Amazingly moving story. Sad, yet inspiring. One of the most amazing true stories I've ever seen put on film.
4. Charlie Wilson's War - Who knew a political thriller could be this hilarious?
5. The Hoax - Loved this gem from earlier in the year. Acouple of writers try to get away with scamming the book industry and the public by writing an "autobiography" of Howard Hughes. Has a bit of CMIYC in it.
6. Juno - A warm fuzzy and wickedly funny treat
7. Zodiac - David Fincher's brilliant examination of the serial killer...but just as much an examination of how people can become obsessed
8. 3:10 to Yuma - An unexpected gem. Great ensemble work from the entire cast. The two leads, Crowe and Bale have a great onscreen chemistry as their relationship slowly changes throughout the course of the film. Wonderfully staged shootout at the end as well.
9. American Gangster - Ridley Scott, Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe each at the top of their games
10. Michael Clayton - A standard legal thriller, made soomething special by wonderful writing and performances. Clooney has never been better and Swinton seals the film while onscreen. One of the best endings of the year.
(I put final in quotes, because I will occassionally revisit a year...like 1998 and switch my list around if I feel certain films aged better for me)
Anyways, after that intro - here's my 2007 ten best(some are very close...still could switch placements as well).
1. There Will Be Blood - PT Anderson's astonishing achievement about a turn of the century wildcatter in Southern Califonia evokes Citizen Kane in its examination of power and greed.
2. No Country for Old Men - The Coen Brothers make their best film in some time with this thriller set in West Texas. Chigurh becomes one of the creepiest villains in movie history.
3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Amazingly moving story. Sad, yet inspiring. One of the most amazing true stories I've ever seen put on film.
4. Charlie Wilson's War - Who knew a political thriller could be this hilarious?
5. The Hoax - Loved this gem from earlier in the year. Acouple of writers try to get away with scamming the book industry and the public by writing an "autobiography" of Howard Hughes. Has a bit of CMIYC in it.
6. Juno - A warm fuzzy and wickedly funny treat
7. Zodiac - David Fincher's brilliant examination of the serial killer...but just as much an examination of how people can become obsessed
8. 3:10 to Yuma - An unexpected gem. Great ensemble work from the entire cast. The two leads, Crowe and Bale have a great onscreen chemistry as their relationship slowly changes throughout the course of the film. Wonderfully staged shootout at the end as well.
9. American Gangster - Ridley Scott, Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe each at the top of their games
10. Michael Clayton - A standard legal thriller, made soomething special by wonderful writing and performances. Clooney has never been better and Swinton seals the film while onscreen. One of the best endings of the year.