December 8, 2009
The Top 50 Movies of the 2000's (40-36)
Anyone who loves time travel movies will absolutely love this film. Most films dealing with time travel hint at the complications that will logically occur. Back to the Future plays with the cause and effect results of actions of the time traveler, while Primer copes with the more personal complications. This film by Spanish writer/director Nacho Vigalondo dives right into the meaty elements of time travel.Vigalondo sets his main character Héctor (Karra Elejalde) into a web of intersecting timelines and a descending parade of motivations from various parties all of which just happen to be the same man. What Vigalondo manages here is a very complicated string of events but he handles them in a digestible way and provides his audience a fun and thought provoking film.
Caution:Nudity
Less about demonic possession and more about the court case centered on the results of an exorcism, this film’s revolutionary element is reality. Director/Co-Writer Scott Derrickson infuses a strong sense of reality into his film. This feeling that this could actually happen only serves to heighten the horror.Exorcism and demonic possession is a serious topic and Derrickson has the intelligence to take it sincerely. His honest look at the subject is what makes this film brilliant. The Exorcist took its subject matter very seriously as well, but upon reflection took cinematic liberties. This film doesn’t go the pea soup and head-spinning route. It keeps its characters and their troubles within the realm of the possible.
If you like horror and/or like being scared, this is a must-see.
The best romantic film of the decade, hands down, no competition. If this movie doesn't tug at you, you are an unreachable grump.Adapted from Nicholas Spark's popular novel of the same name, Nick Cassavetes has created a moving ode to love. Yes, I know how corny that sounds. This movie should be corny but it is a deep contemplation revolving around the memories of an old couple coping with the afflictions in the dusk of life.
Much of the success to the film rests with the natural chemistry between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. The couple make you believe their story and their work sets up the gut wrenching final scenes.
Caution: Mild sexual content
A dark biopic about the troubled lead singer of a band most people don't remember probably isn't a film for everyone. Anton Corbijn's film following the rise and fall of Ian Curtis (Sam Riley), the lead singer of Joy Division, is a depressing trip shot in overtly moody black and white.Curtis winds up being an interesting subject and Corbijn is successful not only developing him into a sympathetic figure but also showcasing the band's music. Joy Division's techno pops, simplistic clanging and Curtis' jerky performance style is not an easy sell. Corbijn's obvious affection for the music comes across and helps to give the feeling Curtis and company were creating something larger than themselves.
Curtis himself was a destructive kid. Married early to Deborah (portrayed by Samantha Morton) Curtis also fell in love with a groupie. On top of his romantic issues, Curtis was cursed by epilepsy and had difficulty emotionally handling success. Corbijn respectfully follows Curtis' implosion, carefully explaining his troubles and giving the young man's trials a full airing.
Sam Riley gives the performance of a lifetime as Ian Curtis. He is an amazing double for the singer and captures the sense of depression and confusion that must have defined the real life kid.
The second David Cronenberg film on the list, the other being Eastern Promises, this film marked his entry into serious works. Cronenberg has crafted a slow boiling film that has a number of scenes which are film school lessons in controlling tension. Not only is there the smoldering threat of violence throughout the story but the sense of dread that hangs on the characters is palpable.
At the front of the cast is the pairing of Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris. Mortensen portrays Tom, a quiet, small town guy who keeps to himself. After Tom defends his diner from a couple of thugs the local media makes him a temporary celebrity. The spotlight attracts the attention of Carl (Harris) a grimacing killer who claims Tom is a long lost mob member. Carl has come to even an old score, Tom says he doesn't know what Carl is talking about.The duo of Mortensen and Harris is perfect. The two actors play off one another wonderfully. Their chemistry isn't a mistake. The two paired up again in Appaloosa in 2008 and once again blended perfectly.
As the title warns, this is a violent film but the violence is not gratuitous. Cronenberg avoids needless gore and does a good job of keeping the brutality in context of his well written story, penned by Josh Olson.
Cautions: Strong sexual content, graphic violence, language
<<< Films 45-41 | Films 35-31 >>>
Labels: list, miscellaneous, The Top 50 Movies of the 2000's
posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 6:00 PM
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2 Comments:
I haven't seen any of these, but how in world did Control get by me? I've queued it.
I forgot to mention my brother told me not to watch History of Violence because there's some way beyond necessary perverted sex. Yes, it's husband and wife, but he thought it was over-the-top.
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