2009 is here. Do you know what that means? It means we are deep into the "Best Of" list season, hopefully at the tail end by this point. Be it music, movies, books, or something entirely different, everyone is putting out lists of what they think was the best of last year. I love checking out these lists, it's always interesting to get a glimpse into others' thoughts of the year's releases, and see how my favorites match up. However, as entertaining as these lists can be, there is something very important to remember.
As much as some of these writers would like to boast that they have chosen the best of the year, it is pretty unlikely that they truly have done so. There is so much opinion strewn into these lists, they are really little more than conversation starters. This is a good thing; movie discussion is always a worthy endeavor. However, you will find lists that genuinely try to name the best of the year, others that put in oddball titles to try and get a rise, and then there are the truly honest ones who realize that they cannot legitimately name the best and try to represent themselves and what they enjoyed the best that year.
But you already know this. You are here to read about my experiences and choices for the year. You are in luck, as I have some thoughts on the year in movies that you will hopefully enjoy reading. This list was rather difficult to put together and could likely change at a moment's notice. So many elements come into play that can change your thought process. The top few were easy while the rest could be swapped out at will. To that end, the top ten list will be amended with five alternate films that almost made the cut.
The one film that I have not seen that could make an impact if/when I get to see it: The Wrestler.
Near Misses: Blindness, Traitor, Frost/Nixon, Milk, Revolutionary Road
10. Burn After Reading. This movie is fantastic. It is also the bubble movie, the one that would most likely get swapped out depending on mood. Still, this entry from the Coen brothers is one not to be missed. The film is a twist on the spy movie; everything is intricately plotted but with a humorous bent and story that has no point. Superbly written and very well acted, this is a very good film.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
It had to happen, a recent screening has forced me to make an adjustment to my list. I believe this will be the final version, but don't hold me to it!
10. Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
9. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
8. Gran Torino.
7. Doubt.
6. Funny Games.
5. In Bruges.
4. Slumdog Millionaire.
3. The Wrestler. What am absolutely amazing film. It seems so simple, yet comes across so powerfully. Mickey Rourke is the pitch perfect combination of pride, sadness, hope, and loneliness. Darren Aronofsky's direction is gritty, realistic, and takes you deep inside this man's life. The screenplay crackles with life almost making you believe these are real people and not fictional creations. The film sort of sneaks up on you, before you know it you are invested in the characters, rooting for them, walking beside them every step of the way. Simply powerful filmmaking.
2. WALL-E.
1. The Dark Knight.