Make no mistake, 2008 was the year of the woman. From politics to multiplex, they were the most newsworthy.
At the box office, week after week brought about stories about how, mother of all shockers, women enjoy going to the movies too. From summer “event movies” (usually an exclusive boys tree house where "No Gurlz Allowd"), to record-breaking such as best opening for a female director, women were the new black at the box office.
In 2008:
- Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million);
- It received the second-largest advanced ticket sales, trailing only The Dark Knight;
- Sex and the City was the best opening ever for an R-rated comedy;
- The SATC gals also debuted as the fifth best R-rated film of all time;
- The film also bested Mission Impossible as the best debut of a film based on a TV show.
Now, perhaps next year we can do the same with good movies.
Sex in the City was the female equivalent of Iron Man, replacing magical gadgetry with matching accessories and pyrotechnics for Prada. The other glass ceiling-shattering film, Twilight, featured a lead who thankfully did not have to resort to sex for empowerment, but she really didn't do much else, either. Twilight's accolades are deserved for what it accomplished behind the camera, not what was captured on it.
Though there were film aplenty that could populate both lists, I tried to limit this list to films that would have played in most major cities outside the metropolitan areas.
BEST
The Dark Knight: Let me join the chorus of hosannas for this little underrated indie gem, for I know it could use the help financially.
WALL·E: A family film with a virtually dialogue-free first half, a protagonist made of metal, an Earth barren of life and squelched by pollution, a cuddly cockroach sidekick, and a human cast that's a Dorito away from permanent bedrest. A film of staggering beauty from a company for which that is a trademark feature.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's most accessible, polished film to date. While Zodiac and Fight Club may resonate longer, Button is the kind of marriage between theatrics, epic scope, and pure emotion that lands him in the top tier of working directors. Winning, tender performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett only further cement the film's top 10 placement.
Burn After Reading: After bumming us out of us with last year's stark, desolate (but excellent) No Country for Old Men, the Brothers Coen demonstrate their sharp comic chops with this irreverent, all-star dissection of middle-age madness and frustration of lives lived that come nowhere close to youthful aspirations.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
"Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million)"
considering I didn't hear anyone going because of the director, this is a meaningless stat, especially considering she is not returning for the sequel.
Your Worsts look good although I don't see why SITC is on there. It worked well as a continuation of the series.
2 - Rob
I'm not quite sure what you mean. But the fact that a female director can open a $70 million movie is quite meaningful, regardless of her talent (I personally am no fan, but I know a lot of people who loved her work in 'Thirteen').
It's not a comment on the film, but rather the accomplishment.
As for SATC, my feeling is that is where it should have stayed, on TV.
3 - El Bicho
I mean the gender of the director had nothing to do with the money the film made, so I don't see why you bestow any meaning beyond the answer to a trivia question. I haven't read where the floodgates have now opened on opportunities for women directors.
Considering how successful SATC was, your feeling is misplaced.
4 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
I would put my money on it that "Seven Pounds" was a much better movie than "Milk". HA, I don't even need to see the latter due to the fact that "Last Days" was just about the most horrible film I had ever seen... Oh and Sean Penn sucks.
5 - JT
"Seven Pounds" was an awesome movie, what's with the hate?
How can Quantum of Solace be on that list? It wasn't that good.