Minushuman24
06.30.17 | 18 and 17 are incredible |
Corney
06.30.17 | Nice list. I like how you included upstream color. I much prefer his first movie primer. His style for telling a story while only giving the most minimal amount of information is quite unique. |
Kalopsia
06.30.17 | La La Land was terrible. |
Papa Universe
06.30.17 | Could you elaborate on why you liked Jackie so much? Just curious.
Shoutout to 5, 9, 14, 18 |
artiswar
06.30.17 | Havne't seen a lot of these but In Bruges is awesome and Coherence is very obscure and underrated so glad to see that, such a mindfuck of a movie...
Also Bone Tomahawk was fucking incredible. Never cared much for Matthew Fox, always thought he was a bit of a hack, but his acting is way good in this. |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @Corney - completely agree. I love both Primer and Upstream Color, and I'm looking forward to his next movie. I hope he doesn't stray from his storytelling style with a bigger budget and everything.
@Kalopsia say what you want about La La Land or the pseudo-musical genre in general, but saying it was "terrible" is just ignorant. You may not have liked it, but it was far from a terrible movie. Rejuvenated a dying breed of movies, Gosling and Stone give 10/10 performances, cinematography was incredible, and it was a goddamn blast.
@Unique because it was nothing like I expected it to be. I expected a boring biopic, but it was so much more than that. Like part horror, part character study, and part art house. It has its share of "Oscar grabbing" moments (pretty much any scene with John Hurt) but Portman does such an incredible job imitating Jackie's strange vocal inflections. The camerawork was great, the score was amazing, and the film has some of the most visceral moments from 2016 (Jackie crying in the airport sink, rubbing blood from her face; washing JFK's blood from her hair in the shower as it runs down her back; holding JFK's head in her lap, etc.) I just thought it was really well done.
@artiswar completely agree. Coherence was amazing, my favorite of 2013. If you like that, I also suggest Primer and Triangle. And yes, Bone Tomahwak was another one that caught me off guard. The first two acts were such a beautiful slow burn full of tense moments, great build-up, and wonderful acting. Then all hell breaks loose in act three -- one of the most brutal scenes I've ever seen, too. |
brainmelter
06.30.17 | Drive yessssssss |
kris.
06.30.17 | Bone Tomahawk was an excellent slow burn of a western and then it took the most disturbing turn hahaha. that one death scene is still burned into my mind. |
Rowan5215
06.30.17 | Coherence is fucking incredible, best "horror" of this generation |
Papa Universe
06.30.17 | @tectactoe: Okay, I see your point. I guess what kept me from enjoying the film was the sheer fact that besides the story told it also was primarily focused on the whole sappy overdramatic Oscar-baiting crap. But that just goes with the territory I guess. It's nicely shot, I'll give them credit for that much. |
Papa Universe
06.30.17 | aaaaand it's featured
*blows the party horn* |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @Unique really I would like to just surgically remove John Hurt (the priest) from the entire movie -- every time Jackie talks to him, she spurts lines that sound like memorized proverbs rather than actual conversation. I was mostly enamored with Portman's performance - unquestionably her best role since Black Swan, which, funny enough, is also on this list. |
Rik VII
06.30.17 | Really nice list. I think only Drive would make my personal list, but a lot of good stuff nonetheless! |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @Rik thanks, tried to be a bit varied and include some lesser known choices, while still including some wholesome picks and not being pretentiously obscure for the hell of it.
The 2008 cutoff was tough, too, because 2007 was a goddamn great year for movies. There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, Lars and the Real Girl, Death Proof, Gone Baby Gone, 4 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days, Zodiac, etc. |
JeetJeet
06.30.17 | Dude I watched Enemy the other day and it blew my mind. That ending is haunting as fuck to me since I hate spiders. #3 is on my must watch list. |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @Jeet yes, Villeneuve is shaping up to be one of my favorite working directors. I loved Incendies, Sicario, and Arrival. Was a little let down by Prisoners (looked amazing, and Jake G. was incredible, but the story was meh), and I had put off Enemy for a while, just didn't sound too appealing to me. Watched it once, was blown away. Watched it again the very next day and loved it even more. It's masterpiece material, and I'm not being superlative.
And YES, see Coherence at once. Incredible movie given the low budget (50k!). Like a strange cross between horror and sci-fi with a sprinkle of drama. Worked perfectly. (In a comment above, I said it was my favorite of 2013 which is clearly a lie, since I ranked Enemy higher - I forgot Enemy also came out in 2013). |
artiswar
06.30.17 | Yes I've seen Triangle way back in the day, it was really good. That film has the fastest escalation of violence you've ever seen, you know which scene I'm talking about... I'm a big fan of Mellisa George from Alias days :) haven't seen Primer though. |
EyesWideShut
06.30.17 | some good, some ehh, some shit..
The Master is 1 tho..
|
hikingmetalpunk
06.30.17 | some good but tarantino lmao |
Trebor.
06.30.17 | Lot of fantastic movies
lot of mediocre movies
|
cylinder
06.30.17 | pretty solid list.. but I don't think Inside Out belongs. Wall-E I can get.. i kind of fucking despise 20 as well. don't know what Scorsese was thinking with that one. and Django but no Basterds? hm. but at least you got 14. love, love that one. prob Kaufman's best so far |
BenMorrison
06.30.17 | I think Django Unchained is one of Quentin Tarantino's weakest movies, but it is still fantastic. I think Inglorious Bastards is his best from this decade. The Hateful Eight is really amazing too! |
Rik VII
06.30.17 | Hm, I think Django is one of his best until it turns plain awful in its last half an hour. If it hadn't been for that, hey I actually would have enjoyed a Tarantino that isn't Reservoir Dogs, that's a first |
JWT155
06.30.17 | The Master is a beautiful disaster, not anywhere close to the top of the decade. |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @hikingmetalpunk I know he's awful right? 2mainstream4me
@cylinder Inside Out is actually my second favorite Pixar behind Toy Story 2. It was like Pixar was trying to see just how deep and heavy they could get and still keep it a movie enjoyable for kids and they did an amazing job. I know WoWS is panned a lot, too, but it's so much goddamn fun. And it's way better than anything else Scorsese had done in the last 10 years.
@Ben Love Hateful Eight and I love how people hate it for being overly indulgent and "Tarantino-y," but hey, haters gonna hate. I think Inglourious Basterds has some of Tarantino's best singular scenes across his entire catalog, but I'd only rank the movie as his second-to-last behind the Kill Bill's (considering them as one movie). Yes, I much prefer even Jackie Brown and Death Proof to Inglourious Basterds. Because for as great as Chrisoph Waltz is as Hans Landa, Brad Pitt is laughable awful as Aldo Rain. Worst Tarantino character ever, IMO. Django is a masterpiece for two full hours. Final act is sloppy as fuck, but from the opening until Candie gets shot is pure bravura. |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @Rikroach - ninja'd me, agree completely. First two hours of Django is nearly perfect. Last ~40 minutes is whack, with some great moments but some pitiful ones, too.
@JWT155 it's certainly not a movie for everyone. |
EyesWideShut
06.30.17 | Just a few flicks I would have added
Only Lovers Left Alive (Jarmusch)
Queen of Earth (Perry)
A Field in England (Wheatley)
Carlos (Assayas) |
ScuroFantasma
06.30.17 | Great list man, love Django (though I too would put Inglorious over it), Wolf of Wall Street is a great choice too and a couple others would show up on my own list if I made one.
Also I love Fantastic Mr Fox but with absolutely no contest Grand Budapest would be my pick, possibly my favourite movie period. |
tectactoe
06.30.17 | @EyesWideShut - Paterson was close to making the list; I prefer it slightly to Lovers, probably my second favorite Jarmusch after Coffee & Cigarettes. Queen of Earth was actually on the fringe, too, but just missed the cut. Others that just missed the cut were: The Eyes of My Mother, Darling, Her, Tower, Computer Chess, Certified Copy. Have not seen A Field in England - will need to add it to my watchlist. And I agree that Carlos is great, too, but didn't even consider that, as it's almost not quite a "movie" rather a miniseries along the lines of Dekalog, Satantango, or Shoah.
@Scuro Grand Budapest is a riot, but ultimate the reason Fantastic Mr. Fox wins out for me is that it it's got a larger emotional impact on me (while still being a goddamn joy from start to finish). Actually Grand Budapest is probably Wes's least emotional film, at least for me - I'd even put Bottle Rocket above it in terms of emotional weight. But you're right, it's a lot of goddamn fun. |
Trebor.
07.01.17 | Only Lovers Left Alive is boring af |
Thane
07.01.17 | 1 is one of my all time favs |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | @Thane it's a masterpiece. I often wrestle with whether The Master or There Will Be Blood is PTA's best - it pretty much comes down to whichever one I watched more recently - but I think while TWBB might be a better technical achievement, I hold a soft spot for The Master. Joaquin's best performance, IMO, and he's got a lot of good performances. |
Thane
07.01.17 | yeah dude not to mention philip seymour hoffman. TWBB is one of those movies that has that Goodfellas thing for me, where if its on TV and i see its on, i watch it. always. daniel day-lewis is starring in PTAs next one as well which has me extra hyped. |
Winesburgohio
07.01.17 | dude yes Coherence is so good!
1 is probably 1 realistically, Under the Skin tho |
hikingmetalpunk
07.01.17 | killer joe |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | @Winesburg I've watched Under the Skin three times now and it just doesn't click with me. I normally like narratively scattered movies, the art direction is fantastic and the score is one of the best in the past decade...but it has always been a chore to sit through for some reason. I can't fully explain why, either, given that I like so many elements of it, but it doesn't seem to work as a whole for me :-/
@hikingmetalpunk literally terrible. |
hikingmetalpunk
07.01.17 | friedkin > tarantino |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | never said he wasn't |
hikingmetalpunk
07.01.17 | 22 is good. could be Pitt's best performance (that or jesse james).
"osbourne cox?" |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | Now that I agree with. Maybe not his BEST role, but definitely my personal favorite.
I figured you might be worried...about the security....of your shit. |
cylinder
07.01.17 | @tectactoe no way is the wolf of wall st better than the departed man, and I def see the appeal of inside out, but i also think it's slightly undercooked |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | @cylinder I agree but the Departed came out in 2006 my man. |
tectactoe
07.01.17 | I'm an idiot, when looking through my list I had the filter for documentaries turned off without realizing it, missing a very deserving entry -- TOWER added at #20. |
zaruyache
07.01.17 | It's Such a Beautiful Day is fantastic. |
OwMySnauze
07.01.17 | Yay for Make Yourself Sick and Through Being Cool! |
IronGiant
07.01.17 | fantastic mister fox and before midnight along with tale of princess kaguya |
Rik VII
07.01.17 | I thought Before Midnight was the weakest of the three "Before" movies but still very good, especially as a deconstruction of certain elements/thought patterns of the precursors (even though that is kinda controversial with fans of those). Fantastic Mr Fox is lovely, stop-motion is almost always great (even though I prefer Coraline as far as stop-motion animation goes, but Mr Fox still is my favorite Wes Anderson movie). Tale of Princess Kaguya is a masterpiece, such a lovely movie with a lot of soul! So ... good picks! |
Risodo
07.01.17 | Jackie is that good? |
runaways
07.01.17 | I'm just gonna say: Inside Out and WALL-E aren't that great. IMO Up is much better. |
Rik VII
07.01.17 | Haven't seen Inside Out, but Wall-E was the only CGI movie I ever really, really liked. Up, not so much. The second half is pretty weak even imo |
Risodo
07.01.17 | Inside Out and Up are great |
Sinternet
07.01.17 | most of these are pretty overrated - find some good animated ones |
Spacesh1p
07.01.17 | Wolf of Wall Street is one of the worst feature films ever made. |
Spacesh1p
07.01.17 | Burn After Reading is really underrated though. |
0GuyMan0
07.02.17 | a lot of great ones missing.
The King's Speech? Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy? There Will Be Blood? I also think Nightcrawler might sneak into the list. |
tectactoe
07.02.17 | @zaruyache completely agree, one of my favorite animated movies without a doubt.
@RikRoach surprisingly enough, Midnight was my favorite. Then Sunset. Then Sunrise. But of course, they're all great, and they're all even more powerful as a trilogy.
@Risodo lots of people don't think do, but I really loved it. I've only seen it twice, though, and it's recently new, so we'll see how it ages.
@runaways always felt that Up peaks at the beginning and never reaches that height again until the very end. Entire middle section of Up is good, but far from great. WALL-E is 45 minutes of genius followed by 40 minutes of a painstakingly accurate and pretty brilliant condemnation on our society's reliance on technology. Inside Out is one of the emotionally deepest "kids" movies I've ever seen, and does a perfect job of balancing the heft with the playfulness.
@Spacesh1p Wolf of Wall Street isn't a movie for everyone, that's for sure. I like True Grit about as much as Burn After Reading, but went with BAR for this list because it's much more overlooked and under-appreciated.
@GuyMan King's Speech was pretty good, especially considering what an Oscar bait attempt it was, but no way is it Top 25 of the decade. I didn't like Tinker Tailor at all. There Will Be Blood is a masterpiece but it was 2007, making it ineligible for this list. I also think Nightcrawler was overrated. Jake G was great, but the satire was way too blunt and there was no subtlety. See: Network, for a more tactile commentary on our nation's media. |
tempest--
07.02.17 | 5. Avengers
4. Captain America winter soldier
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
2. Logan
1. Deadpool |
tempest--
07.02.17 | fuck I forgot Star Wars |
Risodo
07.02.17 | inside llewyn davis should be there |
tectactoe
07.02.17 | @risodo Admittedly I have not seen that one yet. Dunno why either -- I love the Coen brothers' work and it's literally free to watch on Amazon Prime video right now, I just haven't gotten around to it. That, Intolerable Cruelty, and Hudsucker Proxy are the only three movies of Joel & Ethan I haven't seen. Will need to get around to them soon, though (Currently trying to make my way through the lesser known depths of Woody Allen's movies, actually). Maybe I'll watch Llewyn Davis tonight or tomorrow. |
Rik VII
07.02.17 | Inside Llewyn Davis is probably my favorite Coen brothers movie (Barton Fink is close), but I guess you have to be in the mood for it. |
Agonba
07.03.17 | missing: Warrior, Whiplash, the gift, T2-Trainspotting, the Guard, Super, Grand Budapest Hotel |
RadicalEd
07.03.17 | Some picks are good (Drive, The Master, Wolf of Wall Street) some are imo pretty mediocre (Inside Out, Enemy) some are just baaaaad (Black Swan, La La Land)
Some missing favorites of mine (all very popular so no big surprises): Birdman, Inception (even though Nolans style is beginning to age rapidly), Whiplash, Her, The Social Network, 12 years a slave |
RadicalEd
07.03.17 | 5. Avengers
4. Captain America winter soldier
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
2. Logan
1. Deadpool
the lulz. |
tectactoe
07.03.17 | @Agonba one per director, La La Land > Whiplash, and Fantastic Mr Fox > Grand Budapest, IMO. The Gift, Warrior, and Super were OK but certainly not Top 25 of the century material. Haven't seen T2 yet but I didn't care for Trainspotting (the first one) so I have no real urge to get around to it anytime soon.
@RadicalEd difference in opinions, I guess -- Enemy is a masterpiece IMO, and Black Swan in incredible - the level of subtle details in that movie alone is great, a movie that demands revisits to catch all of the little things. La La Land is really a technical achievement, and a pseudo-rejuvenation of an all-but-dead style of film. I can understand why some might hate it, but it was the most fun I'd had in a cinema in ages.
I do like both Interstellar and Inception, but the problem with Nolan's more recent movies is exactly like you said - they don't age well. Memento and The Prestige, on the other hand, are two movies that have gotten better every single time (especially Memento). Neither of those were eligible for this list, obviously. Her and The Social Network were close to making the cut. I thought 12 Years a Slave was a little overrated, still enjoyed it, but didn't love it. And Brad Pitt's entire character arc pissed me off way too much. |
joshuahuntkc
07.03.17 | Inside Llewyn David and Hail Caesar are both superior to Burn After Reading. Burn after reading is solid but just nothing new for the Coen Brothers |
Kalopsia
07.03.17 | nah, Hail Caesar was pretty meh.
ILD > BAR > HC |
Ocean of Noise
07.03.17 | 3 rules. Such a bizarre and wonderful film. |
tectactoe
07.03.17 | Hail Caesar is the Coen's weakest film. I'd take Ladykillers over it. Haven't seen Intolerable Cruelty, seems to be the only other other one that could contend. |
EyesWideShut
07.03.17 | Yea I couldnt stand Hail Caesar, thats a hard love/hate flick.. Inside Llewyn Davis should be here imo, 3rd best Coen flick yo |
JWT155
07.03.17 | Mad Max is definitely top 25 in the past decade easily. |
tectactoe
07.04.17 | I thought Mad Max was incredibly overrated. Visually stunning but structurally vapid. |
ryu
07.05.17 | Birdman
What We Do In The Shadows
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Calvary
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Coraline
Locke
The Dark Horse
Spotlight
|
Kalopsia
07.05.17 | ryu - kudos on the Taika love. Have you seen Boy or Eagle vs Shark? |
cylinder
07.06.17 | birdman, budapest and coraline eff yeah |
ryu
07.09.17 | Kalopsia - I actually have not seen Eagle vs Shark but I've seen Boy several times.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople was the best comedy of 2016 for me and WWDITS is my fav comedy in years. Hoping Thor Ragnarok retains Taika's offbeat humour. He should nail it. |
ryu
07.09.17 | I'm also going to be incredibly biased and put Skyfall on here. Fuck the haters. Best |
tectactoe
07.10.17 | UPDATE: Added "Toni Erdmann" at #8. Just watched this last night and it's easily the best film of 2016 (that I've seen so far, anyway). Incredibly nuanced, in both its comedy and its drama. Don't let the long runtime scare you - it flies by. |
Clumseee
07.10.17 | mastah |
Satellite
07.10.17 | upstream color is probably one of the most frustrating films i've ever seen, and i'm not even that dumb. i'm a fan of shane carruth and i really wanted to enjoy it, but it came off as being so far up its own ass that i couldn't.
good list. |
Kalopsia
07.10.17 | The Fountain
Whiplash
What We Do in the Shadows
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
........um just off the top of my head, lots more if I gave it more thought |
neekafat
07.10.17 | So glad to see In Bruges, Wall-E, and A Separation here
Coherence wasn't that high for me tho |
neekafat
07.10.17 | @ryu, "Calvary"
Fuck yassssss |
neekafat
07.10.17 | Also I preferred Prisoners to Enemy much more imo |
yanquiuxo
07.11.17 | 1 is definitely 1 |
artiswar
07.11.17 | I didn't like Mad Max or Hail Ceaser either. |
Kalopsia
07.11.17 | Fury Road was good not great. |
EyesWideShut
07.11.17 | all i know is Upstream Color is the worst. |
tempest--
07.11.17 | "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
wat |
Kalopsia
07.11.17 | wat wat? one of the best comedies of all time |
tempest--
07.11.17 | it came out in the 70s????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? |
Kalopsia
07.11.17 | oh hah, of the past decade. i get it. and i don't care |
tectactoe
07.11.17 | All the Upstream Color hate needs to stop. Movie was fucking beautiful.
Also I recommend Toni Erdmann to anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Instantly became my favorite film of 2016. |
matbla00
09.12.17 | Also I recommend Toni Erdmann to anyone who hasn't seen it yet - totally agreed!
Btw, it's a really good list. |
Clumseee
09.12.17 | Yes for the Master and Before Midnight but what in the heck with everything else. |
MarsKid
09.12.17 | In Bruges, Synecdoche, Drive? I want to fuck you |
tectactoe
10.19.17 | Updated 19-Oct-2017.
ADDED: mother!, Inside Llewyn Davis, Magic Mike XXL, It Comes at Night, Computer Chess, Mistress America
REMOVED: Black Swan, Burn After Reading, Jackie, Wolf of Wall Street, Winter's Bone, Frances Ha |
JWT155
10.19.17 | The new Blade Runner is fantastic. |
neekafat
10.19.17 | 2 isn't even his best movie |
neekafat
10.19.17 | Wall-E and In Bruges would probably be on mine too |
BigHans
10.19.17 | Where the fuck is Kung Fury? |
Kalopsia
10.19.17 | Addeed mother!, Magic Mike XXL, and It Comes at Night........
wtf man now you're just trolling |
JeetJeet
10.19.17 | I liked It Comes At Night but it wasn't even the best horror flick to come out this year. |
Kalopsia
10.19.17 | mother! was pretentious, on-the-nose, student-art-school drivel
iT's LiKe ThE bIbLe BuT a HoUsE oF pEoPlE, gEt It????? sssoooo deep |
Spluger
10.19.17 | 10,7,6, fuck yeah. I still need to check out The Master. |
tectactoe
10.20.17 | @JWT155, it was ok, but sorely overrated and not nearly as good as Ridley's original. Either way, wouldn't have made the list because of Enemy.
@neeka, only one that even comes close for me is Arrival but it's far too clunky to be a masterpiece. With Villeneuve, less dialogue & less explanation = better.
@BigHans no shorts.
@Kalopsia, not sure why you decided to point out those three.
Magic Mike XXL is one of the most fun movies to come out in the last few years; none of that belabored "moral" junk from the first one, just a pure (and rare) acknowledgement of the female sexual desire. And the movie is great in the way it remains positive for everyone. The stakes are low, no one is in danger, no one's forming a drug habbit, the girls they entertain are all shapes, sizes, and colors, they hang out at a trans-bar without thinking twice, without shaming anyone, without being worried about seeming "gay" or weak. It's a 100% affirmative movie, and one of the best "bro hang out" movies ever. I pity the men who are so unconfortable with their own homophobic sexuality that they can't appreciate celebratory cinema.
It Comes at Night isn't for everyone and it's barely even a horror movie. It's a mood piece and it's probably one of the best mood pieces I've seen in a while. People always want answers and the movie provides none. What it DOES provide is a constant sense of dread in the form of uncertainty among people. And Riley Keough's scream when [that thing] happens is one of the single most viscerally terrorizing moments I can recall in years. |
tectactoe
10.20.17 | Continued...
I feel bad that you're boiling mother! down to it's obvious religious allegory, which we have every right to believe is a distraction from everything else buried there. Really, the movie is brilliant in the way it suppors a various number of theories and allegories, even beyond the regilous theme. Others have touched on the environmental themes, or that of dating a celebrity, but my favorite is the creative process. Bardem as an artist, Lawrence is an "idea" of his, or his consciousness. The house is his mind, Pfeiffer, Harris and sons are the general public with interest in his work. The baby, of course, is the completed piece of art and the murderers are the critics who tear it apart. Moreover, with all the allegories aside, mother! is Aronofsky's most "Bunuelian" movie -- he forestalls calamity for so long by slowly churning out unusual bits, building tension, and then running headfirst into a complete surrealist breakdown that essentially happens in a single location. Think "The Exterminating Angel" with the forestalling of "Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie," only ten times more intense. If you choose to write it off as "pretentious" (empty criticism, to be honest) and fail to look beyond the obvious smokescreen, then... sorry?
@JeetJeet, what was better? Only other ones coming to mind are Blackcoat's Daughter (meh), It (double meh), Raw triple meh), Annabell Creation (quadruple meh). Unless you count Get Out, which I guess IS part horror but is almost more of a social satire/commentary. Good movie, but not as good as It Comes at Night, IMO (screenplay was great, though). I cant think of anything else that would even be in contention? Have not seen Gerald's Game or Death Note yet.
---
Also wanna give a shoutout to "Brawl in Cell Block 99." Only reason it's not on my list is because I prefer Bone Tomahawk slightly (one film per director rule). But It's my second favorite film of the year so far (behind mother!) and it deserves a look. With just two feature films, Zahler is proving to be a master of pacing. Vince Vaughn's best performance to date. |
Egarran
10.20.17 | Coherence, fuck yes. |
polyrhythm
10.20.17 | +1 for Mother, In Bruges and It's Such A Beautiful Day
|
Rik VII
10.20.17 | I'd agree with the 2009 Korean film Mother. Haven't seen the Aronofsky and not really interested tbh, even though I like Aronofsky (Noah was a disgrace though).
Also bonus points for " "pretentious" (empty criticism, to be honest)" because people finally need to realize that calling something "pretentious" is not a legit criticism. It doesn't actually say anything. |
JeetJeet
10.20.17 | I was gonna say Raw but you "meh'd" it already. Goddammit lol. A Cure For Wellness was better too. |
tempest--
10.20.17 | Coherence has a good premise but is dumb |
tectactoe
10.20.17 | "is dumb"
Solid, well articulated criticism. |
Egarran
10.20.17 | Dumb in an awesome way. |
tempest--
10.21.17 | The idea is that there is infinite realities crossing over but 3/4 of the film the situations are so similar that no one realises its alternate reality characters conflicts so much with the end where Emily is looking at a bunch of different houses with heaps of different outcomes |
gagnonov
10.21.17 | The Hunt
Inside Llewyn Davis
The Great Beauty
Carnage
Leviathan
Force Majeure
Enemy
The Witch
Nymphomaniac
Wild Tales
In Bruges
Antichrist
Youth
Burn After Reading
Blue Jasmine
Tyrannosaur
Amour
Frank
Nebraska
A Prophet
Ex Machina
There Will Be Blood
Shame
Green Room
Dogtooth
Inherent Vice
some of my favorites in the last 10 years |
Chortles
10.21.17 | good list |
Egarran
10.22.17 | "The idea is that there is infinite realities crossing over but 3/4 of the film the situations are so similar that no one realises its alternate reality characters conflicts so much with the end where Emily is looking at a bunch of different houses with heaps of different outcomes"
This sentence explains more than you probably intended. |
tectactoe
10.25.17 | Normally I'd wait for several months like I did last time to update this list, but I just happened to catch two movies this past weekend that I'd been meaning to get around to (but put off for so long, for whatever reason) and finally did, and they were both great. So, another quick update.
ADDED: Ma vie de courgette, Holy Motors
REMOVED: Tower, Magic Mike XXL (don't get it twisted, though, MMXXL is a great movie) |
Rik VII
10.25.17 | Yeah, Holy Motors is pretty awesome |
tectactoe
12.06.17 | Removed: IN BRUGES
Added: THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER
Yes, I prefer it to both THE LOBSTER and DOGTOOTH (which are both very good, and just outside this list), but SACRED DEER is his best as far as I'm concerned. |
tectactoe
12.21.17 | Removed: IT COMES AT NIGHT (2017)
Added: MARGARET (2011)
Positions moved: IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY from #4 to #1 ; ENEMY and COHERENCE swap spots. |
Egarran
12.21.17 | Stunning developments. |
tectactoe
12.21.17 | I'm almost positive you're being facetious, but on the very slim off-chance you're not: thanks. |
Egarran
12.21.17 | That's the spirit! |
Papa Universe
12.21.17 | Good god I hated the Killing of a Sacred Deer so much... |
tectactoe
12.21.17 | Do you like any of Lanthimos's other work? |
Papa Universe
12.21.17 | I thought the Lobster was certainly fine and I haven't seen the rest, but the Sacred Deer was just such an emotionless overly pretentious wankery that at some point it became unbearable and resulting in an equal amount of absolute jackshit. I do like the eerie and somewhat nihilistic atmosphere, and I believe that the near robotic behaviour of every single character does have something to it, but the utterly sterilised storytelling and ridiculous artsy direction made it both boring and uncomfortable to watch. But not the unnerving kind of uncomfortable the movie was going for, the unwatchable kind of uncomfortable. |
tectactoe
02.11.18 | Added: THE FORBIDDEN ROOM (Guy Maddin, 2015) at #7
Dropped Out: COMPUTER CHESS (Andrew Bujalski, 2013) |
Winesburgohio
02.11.18 | i'll watch the forbidden room tonight ok mom
loved Margaret btw |
MarsKid
02.12.18 | You fucking removed In Bruges goddamnit, no longer want to fuck you |
Kalopsia
02.12.18 | ^ iknowright? |
EyesWideShut
02.13.18 | Upstream Color of Vomit |
Assemblage
02.13.18 | Wish this included 2007 so There Will Be Blood could be on this list. There's some here I wouldn't have put, but a bunch I haven't even heard of |
Winesburgohio
02.13.18 | The Master is better than There Will Be Blood |
Aerisavion
02.13.18 | Fuck yeah Bone Tomahawk |
Assemblage
02.13.18 | The Master is great, but better than TWBB? Idk about that. Oh, and sweet username, Winesburg XD |
tectactoe
02.13.18 | For the record, I also prefer THE MASTER to THERE WILL BE BLOOD (although I love both) and so even including 2007 would mean TWBB would not make that list.
Including 2007, the only changes would be: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN would replace INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS ; DEATH PROOF would replace DJANGO UNCHAINED (yes, I'm serious) ; and possibly the addition somewhere of: SILENT LIGHT and PARANOID PARK. |
Egarran
02.13.18 | How is The Master better than There Will Be Blood?
Genuinely curious, since I couldn't really enjoy The Master. |
Winesburgohio
02.14.18 | Ha sorry I should have said "I prefer The Master to There Will Be Blood" because i can see why you'd pick the latter! That said I prefer The Master's pacing, subtlety and psychological acuity
and it looks so purty |
Egarran
02.14.18 | Seems people who prefer The Master don't have the mental capacity to formulate why they like it.
how
bow
dat
bitch |
Winesburgohio
02.14.18 | *drinks egarrans milkshake* heh got u now pigfuck |
Alastor
02.14.18 | Yeah, the Master wasn't nearly as engaging as TWBB. I'd rather watch a misanthropic capitalist fighting the world than some passive drifter wanking about. |
Egarran
02.14.18 | Well said, the concepts of TWBB resonate all over society.
And Daniel Day-Lewis just makes Phoenix and Hoffman look mediocre. Perfect is the enemy of good. |
guitarded_chuck
02.14.18 | there will be blood is the best film since it came out imo |
Kalopsia
02.14.18 | it is? |
guitarded_chuck
02.14.18 | ? |
EyesWideShut
02.14.18 | "And Daniel Day-Lewis just makes Phoenix and Hoffman look mediocre."
.. uh no.. |
JeetJeet
02.14.18 | Lmao this guys buggin its not even the best PTA film. |
tectactoe
02.14.18 | Daniel Day-Lewis is an incredible actor and absolutely brilliant in TWBB, but Hoffman and Phoenix are â at the very LEAST â easily his equal in THE MASTER. Arguably better. |
DikkoZinner
02.14.18 | Need to see 11.
just watched Brawl in Cell Block 99. Insane |
tectactoe
02.14.18 | If you liked BRAWL, I think youâll like BONE TOMAHAWK. Completely different milieu, similar pace and structure, w.r.t. the languid pace and accented moments of intensity. Iâm somewhat biased towards westerns. |
MarsKid
02.14.18 | Hoffman is definitely compared to Daniel Day Lewis. Synecdoche is enough proof |
goblinilbog
02.14.18 | Drive and Inside Out are awesome |
Egarran
02.15.18 | I first saw Hoffman in happiness so I've always associated him with sadness and masturbation.
But he's often great, I just think Day-Lewis was 10/10 in TWBB. |
Rik VII
02.15.18 | The real question is: How pointless can a comment be? |
Egarran
02.16.18 | Was that very hipster?
But I can tell rik that pointless comments are what keeps this wreck floating. |
guitarded_chuck
02.16.18 | its more hipster to say ddl wasnt a 10 in twbb |
tectactoe
02.22.18 | Added: NOCTURAMA (Bonello, 2016) at #19.
Dropped Out: IT COMES AT NIGHT (Shultz, 2017) |
Kalopsia
02.22.18 | where does Super Troopers rank? |
Sevengill
02.22.18 | Bone Tomahawk was a pleasant surprise. I love those kinds of movies and Russel was great. |
GUNGFUHAMMERFIST
02.22.18 | my little pony - the movie |
JWT155
02.22.18 | Just saw Phantom Thread and I really enjoyed it. Character development is great. |
Kalopsia
02.22.18 | is Phantom Thread a prequel to Phantom Menace? is it the story of how the emperor got that awesome cloak he wears? |
GUNGFUHAMMERFIST
02.22.18 | it's the sequel to drifters pac thread once it vanishes |
robertsona
02.22.18 | Funny--I really really like FRANCES HA but couldn't stand MISTRESS AMERICA |
tectactoe
02.22.18 | @robert, I know quite a people who feel that way, actually. It seems either people loved FRANCES and despise MISTRESS, or generally love both. Never seen someone who dislikes FRANCED and loves MISTRESS.
I like them both a lot, MISTRESS slightly edges it out because of the amazing Connecticut house set piece. |
JeetJeet
02.22.18 | Ouuuu Nocturama. Great addition! |
zakalwe
02.22.18 | Fucking shit.
Cinema is dead. |
Egarran
02.22.18 | *shakes fist at screen* |
zakalwe
02.22.18 | Bladerunner was spectacular.
Boyhood was great.
Silence was fantastic.
Revenant was memorable
Thatâs ya lot |
MarsKid
02.22.18 | Boyhood completely overrated tbh |
zakalwe
02.22.18 | At least it was something new. |
MarsKid
02.23.18 | In terms of the core point of the story or the concept of the film itself? |
zakalwe
02.23.18 | How it was created yeah. There have been similar fly on the wall documentaries but as a cinematic piece I thought it was bloody brilliant. |
MarsKid
02.23.18 | From my viewpoint, I just see it as more of a gimmick. The whole aspect of them actually aging through production didn't really have any effect on the product itself. There was never a moment where I was amazed at the transitioning or anything--there were no implications on the movie. I do understand it was an endeavor and it certainly was a risk, keeping with the same cast. But it seems pointless when you could have simply hired different kids for the different growing-up stages. The 15 year process was unnecessary.
Plus, the risk rang true--the kid that played Mason had the charm of a cardboard box. |
zakalwe
02.23.18 | Yeah he wasnât great but I thought whastherfaces portrayal of the mum was fucking brilliant.
How the father flitters in and out of the kids life and is held in high-esteem while sheâs there picking up the pieces having been given the shitty end of the stick. |
Egarran
02.23.18 | Linklater is great. |
tectactoe
02.23.18 | BEFORE MIDNIGHT >>>> BOYHOOD, in my opinion. |
MarsKid
02.23.18 | Many movies trump Boyhood, honestly. Coming-of-age has been done better in various forms. Moonlight and Lady Bird are modern examples. |
Egarran
02.23.18 | Waking Life is my favourite Linklater. I just like all his movies. |
Rik VII
02.23.18 | Yeah, it's my favorite, too, and I'm also a Linklater fan |
Winesburgohio
02.23.18 | ugh Waking Life is the one Linklater i don't really like. Dazed and Confused is so precious tho, and the Before trilogy is something else |
Rik VII
02.23.18 | So you like Slacker and don't like Waking Life? |
tectactoe
02.23.18 | WAKING LIFE is one of the few Linklater movies I actually haven't seen. Wasn't a huge fan of SLACKER, but it was alright. Some of the vignettes were great, others (mainly when he wanders into his pseudo-philosophical tangents) were quite enervating.
Really love DAZED AND CONFUSED, then again who doesn't? I wasn't a big fan of EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, though, felt like a plagiarism of his own work, honestly. Very "been there done that." Not bad, just nothing special.
BEFORE TRILOGY is the best thing he's ever done, in my opinion.
I also think BERNIE is severely underrated. |
MarsKid
02.23.18 | Jack Black can be a really underrated actor in general tbh. I will forever defend the Peter Jackson King Kong lol, thought he was perfect |
Egarran
02.23.18 | Waking Life obviously has a strong psychedelic aspect, and that is rarely seen in major movies.
Also when you start to suspect Linklater is a bit of a libtard, he lets Alex Jones loose with a megaphone. |
Rik VII
02.23.18 | Err, I'm pretty sure Linklater is what you may call a "libtard" anyway. |
Egarran
02.23.18 | Still, letting Alex Jones monologue is not the strongest sign of libtardism.
The scene: https://youtu.be/sqbajEDpvHQ |
tectactoe
02.23.18 | I do like Jack Black, probably more than most people. His best role is Barry from HIGH FIDELITY, though BERNIE is a close second. |
EyesWideShut
02.24.18 | Boyhood is easily one of the most overrated in recent years. Keep that. |
0GuyMan0
02.27.18 | it blows my mind that everyone continues to forget about The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. That film is fucking spectacular and every time I realize we aren't getting the brilliant sequels I cry a little bit inside. |
Masochist
02.27.18 | I'm glad you included some animated movies. The ones you listed are fantastic, and all of them are among my favorite movies period (let alone animated ones). I can't separate Inglorious Basterds and Django any better than I can separate Wall-E and Up in terms of quality/which one I enjoy better, so all four would end up on my list. |
Egarran
02.27.18 | " every time I realize we aren't getting the brilliant sequels I cry a little bit inside."
If you can stand swedish, they made them all and they are good:
www.imdb.com/title/tt1132620/
www.imdb.com/title/tt1216487/
www.imdb.com/title/tt1343097/
But why no english sequels? Didn't it make enough money? |
Winesburgohio
02.27.18 | t h e y e a r s a r e s l i p p i n g o u t o f h i s h e a d |
MrHarrison
02.27.18 | the fact that all 25 aren't The Nice Guys shows this list is seriously flawed and mustn't be taken seriously |
0GuyMan0
02.27.18 | I watched and generally really liked the swedish ones. The actor playing blomkvist was outstanding. He actually died last year, sadly. |
tectactoe
03.15.18 | THE NICE GUYS was okay, nothing special. Not really into that Shane Black's brand of quick-witted comedy, though. Apparently that's just me. (Wasn't a fan of KISS KISS BANG BANG, either.) |
tectactoe
03.15.18 | Also THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is exceedingly meh. Both Swedish and English versions. |
Kalopsia
03.15.18 | "Wasn't a fan of KISS KISS BANG BANG, either."
all credibility lost |
tectactoe
03.15.18 | Nah, it's just not a very good movie. For people easily impressed by uncanny verbal swordsmanship, maybe. I supposed you're a big FIGHT CLUB fan, too, yes? |
Kalopsia
03.15.18 | nope, hate Fight Club |
Egarran
03.15.18 | Fucking betas. |
Kalopsia
03.15.18 | it seems those who like Fight Club also like the character Scarface. like.. did you get the point of the movie(s)? is it satire if you don't get it? |
JoeTex
03.15.18 | tropic thunder |
tectactoe
03.16.18 | De Palma's SCARFACE is crap (Hawks's from 1932 is far superior). A big, bloated piece of over-acting. |
0GuyMan0
03.18.18 | Fight Club is the favorite movie of people who don't watch good movies. |
Egarran
03.18.18 | "it seems those who like Fight Club also like the character Scarface"
I was too young when I saw Scarface and that chainsaw scene is forever lodged in my poor brain.
So I hate that movie and i don't know how they are alike.
Fight Club is obviously satire. Magnificent satire. |
polyrhythm
03.18.18 | My top 25 from this millenium, in no particular order:
Blade Runner 2049.
Mother.
Get Out.
Moonlight.
Captain Fantastic.
Room (not with Tommy Wiseau).
Unbreakable.
The VVitch.
Mad Max: Fury Road.
There Will Be Blood.
Interstellar (flawed, yes, but filled me with awe).
Only Lovers Left Alive.
The Revenant.
In Bruges.
The Prestige.
No Country For Old Men.
The Assassination of Jesse James...
The Departed.
Grizzly Man.
Eternal Sunshine.
The Two Towers.
Mulholland Drive.
The Hunt.
It's Such A Beautiful Day.
Howl's Moving Castle. |
tectactoe
03.21.18 | Because my list already includes 2008 - present, here is an additional 15 entries from 2001-2007 to account for the full millennium. Not sure exactly how these would stack up with those above.
1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Anderson, 2007)
2. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (Coen, 2007)
3. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (Lynch, 2001)
4. THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (Anderson, 2004)
5. IRREVERSIBLE (Noe, 2002)
6. LOST IN TRANSLATION (Coppola, 2003)
7. DEATH PROOF (Tarantino, 2007)
8. GERRY (Van Sant, 2002)
9. PRIMER (Carruth, 2004)
10. BEFORE SUNSET (Linklater, 2004)
11. GRIZZLY MAN (Herzog, 2005)
12. ZODIAC (Fincher, 2007)
13. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Gondry, 2004)
14. MARGOT AT THE WEDDING (Baumbach, 2007)
15. MY WINNIPEG (Maddin, 2007) |
Rik VII
03.21.18 | Couldn't stand Death Proof and Life Aquatic was just lukewarm overall. Pretty good choices though for the most part. |
tectactoe
03.21.18 | Oh, and SILENT LIGHT. Shit, how could I forget that one? Some others that are just outside the list and could essentially be swapped in one of the last positions on any given day (AFTERSCHOOL, 25th HOUR, TROPICAL MALADY, TIME, probably some others I'm forgetting about at the moment). |
Egarran
03.21.18 | Poly, The Revenant was so bad and you named it twice. |
Maco097
03.21.18 | Terrible list for fuck's sake. La La Land is horseshit for Hollywood's ass kissers. |
EyesWideShut
03.21.18 | "5. IRREVERSIBLE (Noe, 2002)"
ugh thought this one was trash.. |
Egarran
03.21.18 | That movie shall remain unwatched. |
polyrhythm
03.21.18 | @Egarran oops, my bad. Replaced one of them with Unbreakable. |
Egarran
03.21.18 | Nice. Did you see Split? I liked that one too. |
polyrhythm
03.22.18 | The sorta sequel? Not yet. Got a bunch of good reviews and a bunch of flak for its portrayal of mental illness. Iâm intrigued to check it out all the same |
tectactoe
03.22.18 | Maco097 my dude, let's see your list instead of merely dropping by and talking mad shit because you disagree with a single entry. |
Drifter
03.22.18 | needs the greatest movie of all time aka The Pianist |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | hey tectactoe u big into films my dude? |
tectactoe
03.22.18 | Drifter: list is only from 2008 - current, THE PIANIST was released in 2002. However that wouldn't even make my Top 10 List of 2002 films.
parksungjoon: I guess you could say that. I'm not a professional critic by any means, but it's more than just a passing hobby to me. |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | i see
you study film (or maybe other art) formally? |
Drifter
03.22.18 | Who even reads description boxes |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | also dont worry about maco he's just a waste of space on this site honestly |
tectactoe
03.22.18 | Actually took a college film history course (~10 years ago) as an elective for my engineering degree because I thought it would be a blow-off. Enjoyed it way more than expected. Kind of sparked my interest in the medium to something more than just a phase, but it wasn't until the last ~5 years that I've made an effort to start cataloging and reviewing everything I watched. I'm not a professional critic or anything, I just do it as a way to keep myself busy with something I enjoy. I used to use IMDb but have transferred over to Letterboxd about two years ago. |
robertsona
03.22.18 | SILENT LIGHT is def a heater, wonder what Reygadas has up net |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | damn, that's actually really cool
as a tangent since u mentioned websites, u know that RYM is planning to expand with 3 new sites, one of which for film (cinemos)?
but yea, good shit |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | honestly i wish i knew as much about some other media of art as the humble amount i know about music which is why im interested in hearing the thoughts of those who do
unless theyre cunts but hey |
parksungjoon
03.22.18 | out of curiosity do you think you could estimate how many films you've seen? |
Egarran
03.23.18 | "The sorta sequel?"
Nono hehehe they have nothing to do with each other.
Anyway, the portrayal of mental illness is not supposed to be realistic.
Also, Taylor-Joy is pretty delicious. |
tectactoe
03.23.18 | @park, yeah I noticed recently that RYM had charts for films, too. Didn't know they were thinking of expanding this to a full-sized site, though. that would be great.
According to my letterboxd, I've logged about 1500 films. Pretty modest amount, actually, but that only includes the past ~5 years : anything before that i haven't bothered to log/review/rate because I don't like the idea of grading it based off of a distant memory. Kind of started contemporary and have been working my way backwards, so starting pre-1960s, things get a little more bare in my filmography. |
parksungjoon
03.23.18 | my dude thats still an average of almost a film a day over 5 years, it's pretty crazy if you ask me haha
100% with you about not rating stuff you havent checked in years, thats how i run this sput account |
tectactoe
04.05.18 | Added: STRAY DOGS (Tsai, 2013) at #12
Dropped Out: MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI (Barras, 2016) |
Egarran
04.05.18 | How about that Three Billboards though? |
tectactoe
04.05.18 | Not a huge fan. Better than THE SHAPE OF WATER, though. |
MarsKid
04.05.18 | In Bruges still hasn't returned, but you've kept Synecdoche, so you're forgiven |
Winesburgohio
04.06.18 | Stray Dogs!!! |
Egarran
04.06.18 | Yeah, I'm putting off The Shape of Water. Everything points to a great disappointment. |
combustion07
04.06.18 | Only seen 3 of these. Damn I need to do some catching up. 12 rules, movie and album |
tectactoe
04.06.18 | (Out of curiosity, what are the three you've seen and how do you like them?)
Haven't spun a CHOKING VICTIM album in a looooong time, but that was one of my favorites in college. Might have to give it another listen soon. |
Kompys2000
04.06.18 | 1 is my favorite movie of all time, what a goddamn masterpiece. Had me sobbing like a lil bitch first time I watched it |
tectactoe
04.09.18 | Re-instated: MEEK'S CUTOFF (2010) at #12
Dropped out: WALL-E (2008)
MEEK'S CUTOFF was on the very first version of this list when published and eventually dropped-out after several other films were added. Revisited it this past weekend and it's more than deserving of a spot on this list -- much better than I originally gave it credit for previously, and definitely my favorite Reichardt film (though WENDY AND LUCY is close). |
Winesburgohio
04.09.18 | goddamn it r.i.p. wall e :((( |
tectactoe
04.09.18 | Don't feel too bad, all of the 2008 films will drop out once we get halfway through the year and I decide to switch "The Past Decade" from 2009 - present.
:( |
tectactoe
04.13.18 | Added: THE TURIN HORSE (Tarr, 2011)
Dropped out: SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK (Kaufman, 2008)
Dunno what took me so long to finally watch Tarr's final film (especially since I *love* SĂTĂNTANGĂ and WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES. But yeah, it's pretty damn great, and would've ranked even higher had it not included the long, unnecessary, pseudo-philosophical/existential rant midway through. |
Egarran
04.13.18 | Omfg I started watching The Shape of Water, I'm halfway and I can't continue. It's painfully bad.
I just realized that I don't really like any Del Toro movies. |
Rik VII
04.13.18 | @tectactoe: That's the second time you've used "pseudo-philosophical" ... Can you name an example of something actually philosophical in a movie? I haven't watched the film you've mentioned, I'm just curious if there is actually anything philosophical that you wouldn't call "pseudo-philosophical" at the same time, because you haven't used the word without the "pseudo" yet. |
tectactoe
04.13.18 | It's hard to delineate, but it really boils down to how "genuine" something feels. To cite that exact example: the entire film of THE TURIN HORSE can be viewed as philosophical, and Tarr goes through the pains of showing us the tiresome, laborious existence of a father and his daughter. This, to me, carries a very authentic notion of philosophy because it's doing a lot more *showing* than *telling*. He creates a valid situation, and to some extent allows us (as viewers) to germinate our own thoughts and opinions and feelings on the matter, which is by and large a significant aspect of philosophy. But then he has a character come out and bonk you on the head by rambling a huge monologue about God's silence and the debasement of humanity, etc., essentially just regurgitating the thesis of what he was already previously showing via filmic compositions, and it feels super-artificial. So that specific moment has an air of pseudo-philosophy, whereas the rest of the film is decidedly more authentic.
I supposed the "pseduo" prefix is slightly misleading if you interpret it directly, because *technically* it's not "fake" philosophy. But the collective term "pseudophilosophy" has sort of metamorphosed into something more like "painfully blunt and pointedly direct philosophical soliloquy by characters clearly acting as a mouthpiece for the director." Lol.
Does that make sense? |
Rik VII
04.13.18 | Yeah, that makes sense. I don't really think that "pseudo-philosophical" is the right word for it though. It's more a case of "(possibly) philosophical but done in the wrong way", because it feeling meddlesome doesn't mean it isn't philosophical. But now I get what you mean so yeah. |
tectactoe
04.13.18 | ^^Funny you replied as I was editing my previous post to add exactly that. Haha. But yeah, sounds like we are on the same page. |
Egarran
04.13.18 | Philosophical = When you watch it stoned, you say 'woah' at least 3 times. |
tectactoe
04.16.18 | ^^That adds a lot of possibilities that would otherwise never be considered. |
Clumseee
04.16.18 | Some recent watches. Didn't love You Were Never Here, Annihilation, or The Monster, but loved Creed, Coco, and A Quiet Place. Rewatched Young Adult last night, holds up well. Seeing Isle of Dogs tomorrow. Movies rule. |
tectactoe
04.17.18 | Yeah YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE was good, but I was expecting it to be great. Not a big fan of the purposely oblique emphasis they placed on traumatic childhood and PSTD flashbacks (then never really went anywhere with it, just leaving it as a half-assed "explanation" for Joe's penchant for violence). But Jonny Greenwood's score is so, so good. |
SlightlyEpic
04.17.18 | For films 2008 and onwards some of my (wholly unordered) favourites would be:
The Whispering Star
Carol
Synecdoche, New York
The Handmaiden
Columbus
I Killed My Mother
Manchester By The Sea
Blue Is The Warmest Color
Loveless
The Lobster
The Act of Killing
Under the Skin
Also what's yr letterboxd username? |
Rik VII
04.17.18 | "The Whispering Star" ... "The Handmaiden"
YES. YES.
|
tectactoe
04.18.18 | @SlightlyEpic -- of those, the ones I haven't seen yet are LOVELESS, THE WHISPERING STAR, and I KILLED MY MOTHER (wasn't a huge fan of MOMMY! so I haven't bothered with this one). Of the rest, SYNECDOCHE (which was on the list at one point), CAROL, and UNDER THE SKIN would be next in line. I do really like THE LOBSTER, too, but if any Lanthimos made this list, it'd be KILLING OF A SACRED DEER.
:) |
tectactoe
04.18.18 | 2018 sucks so far. I know it's still early but even a few festival gems usually sneak through by this point. Unless I'm just missing everything great in Q1 2018. |
tectactoe
05.04.18 | Added: MY SON, MY SON, WHAT HAVE YE DONE (Herzog, 2009) at #10
Dropped out: LA LA LAND (Chazelle, 2016)
One of the most misinterpreted films in recent times. |
tectactoe
07.16.18 | Finally! The first film of 2018 worthy to make the list.
Added: LEAVE NO TRACE (Granik, 2018) at #24
Dropped out: MISTRESS AMERICA (Baumbach, 2015) |
JeetJeet
07.16.18 | Have you seen You Were Never Really Here yet? |
Winesburgohio
07.16.18 | it's film festival time here in ol' nz i am going to go so broke |
Faraudo
07.16.18 | Logan, Blade Runner 2049, A Ghost Story, Prisoners, The Lobster, Get Out, The Hunt, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Witch, Skyfall, Mad Max: Fury Road, Ex-Machina, Her??????? |
goblinilbog
07.16.18 | Logan and Prisoners are both freaking awesome, emotional as well. Get Out rules as well as Skyfall and Fury Road. |
goblinilbog
07.16.18 | But the Departed should be up there somewhere |
Trebor.
07.16.18 | Leave No Trace had me snoozin |
tectactoe
07.16.18 | @Jeet: Yes, I thought YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE was overall good; stylization great, it's definitely a formal bravura, but thematically it's kind of bone-headed, and all the PTSD/wartime flashbacks feel unnecessary and reaching for depth that isn't in the present-day version of this character. Not to mention the Dying Duet scene on the kitchen floor is the exact kind of wanky pop-culture shit I don't care for. I still liked the film, and Joaquin is incredible as always (plus Greenwood's score is nut), but far from a best of the decade pick for me.
@Faraudo: Of those, the only one I haven't seen is LOGAN. Most of them I find to be perfectly fine/suitable but also severely overrated. Except THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, which was on this list at one point, though it has since been bumped off. It's a great film, though, as is THE LOBSTER. The next closes to making this list would be HER. The only one on that list I can't stand is A GHOST STORY -- I found that too be very mediocre.
@goblin: PRISONERS is... okay. Villeneuve's worldview kind of sucks, though, and his formal approach always tends to undermine the subject matter he's working with -- in PRISONERS, INCENDIES, (especially) POLYTECHNIQUE, and to a lesser extent even ARRIVAL and SICARIO (but I enjoy those last two films at least). ENEMY is the only film of his where the grungy form and cynical worldview works *with* the narrative instead of against it. Mostly because there's nothing to undermine, but it works. Also, THE DEPARTED was 2006, thus not eligible for this list.
@Trebor: I can see that, and that seems to be one of the largest complaints. But I really liked WINTER'S BONE and I think this shares a lot of compositional similarities. Mostly, though, I commend Granik for dodging the aforementioned problems I had with YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE's protagonist -- that is, not feeling compelled to insert snippets of PSTD self-harming or wartime flashbacks in an aggravating attempt to "drive the point home." I also found LEAVE NO TRACE incredibly sincere and heartbreaking, but of course your mileage may (and did) vary. |
matbla00
07.16.18 | on a side note, I am hyped for the new Godard's film - hope it is actually better than the last few pictures |
goblinilbog
07.17.18 | Oh shiz I forgot it was from 2006 |
tectactoe
08.03.18 | Added: FIRST REFORMED (Schrader, 2017) @ #20
Dropped: DJANGO UNCHAINED (Tarantino, 2012) |
Winesburgohio
08.03.18 | :prayer emoji: what a stunning film glad u agree |
Pheromone
08.03.18 | 1 is so 1 omg, it's becoming perhaps my favourite film ever |
Winesburgohio
08.04.18 | it's kind of a really nice day ( : |
zaruyache
08.04.18 | it's kind of a really nice day |
J() Alexander
08.04.18 | Yo, where my boy Von Trier and Antichrist at? |
Egarran
08.04.18 |
CĚĚĚÍŚÍŽÍĚĚÍŠĚÍŤĚżÍ̞͏ĚĚľÍĚÍĚĽĚÍHĚĚĚ
ÍÍÍŠÍÍÍĚĚͤͨÍĚÍŹÍ̸̢̡̡̺̰͢Í
ÍAÍͨÍĚżÍÍĚŹĚąÍÍÍĚťÍÍĚĚşĚÍĚ Ě¤ĚşĚĚşĚOĚĚĚÍÍĄÍĚŞÍÍĚ ĚŻĚĚšĚ̯̳̺̎̍ÍSÍÍÍŚĚͤͨÍͣͤĚĚ
Ě˝ĚĚ
Í Ě¤ÍĚąÍ̲̳ÍÍĚĚąĚĚ ÍÍÍĽÍĮ̸̧̜́ÍÍĚźĚĚŻÍÍRÍÍĚÍÍͧÍÍŹÍÍÍĚÍÍĄÍĚśÍŇĚĽĚ ĚąÍÍEÍŤĚ̞̿ĚĚÍÍĽÍ ĚĄĚźÍĚąÍÍ
ĚĚĚŤĚťIĚĚžĚÍŤĚÍÍÍÍÍŹÍŠÍŹĚĚĚ˝ÍĚÍĚÍÍ̴̾͢ÍÍÍĚŽÍĚÍĚĚĚ°GÍÍĚĚÍĚÍÍ Ě§ĚĚĚĚŠĚĚĽĚĚ°ĚťĚ ĚNĚÍĽÍ͍͢ĚÍĚĽĚ̝̏S͎ͧĚ͊ͨÍÍ̞͏͌Ě
Ě̢ÍÍĚŻĚ°ĚÍ
ĚĚŚÍĚťĚĚĚĚŤÍ̤̼̼̎ |
Rowan5215
08.04.18 | dropping Django was a Good Choice yes |
tectactoe
08.06.18 | DJANGO and HATEFUL EIGHT are the only Tarantino movies still eligible for this list and honestly after recently revisiting both of them, I think I now prefer HATEFUL EIGHT to DJANGO.
Also, it wonât make this list because it came out in 2006, but I watched Julia Loktevâs DAY NIGHT DAY NIGHT and it absolutely blew me away. Highly recommended. |
Zig
08.06.18 | 18 is a wise choice.
Everyone forgot
Ida, by PaweĹ Pawlikowski. 2013.
Amour, by Michael Haneke. 2012. |
Winesburgohio
08.06.18 | for good reason lol |
matbla00
08.06.18 | Also, Pawlikowski's Cold War was a bit of a disappointment, especially if you know the polish cinema to which he makes references |
MarsKid
08.06.18 | Still missing In Bruges
I still protest this travesty |
Egarran
08.06.18 | First half of Baby Driver is 10/10. |
goblinilbog
08.06.18 | In Bruges [2] |
tectactoe
08.07.18 | I dunno, I thought BABY DRIVER was pretty retched all the way through, honestly. (It definitely got worse over the course of the film, though.) |
Egarran
08.08.18 | Just very good filmmaking. The plot is pretty lame. |
tectactoe
08.08.18 | Added: THE LONELIEST PLANET (Loktev, 2011)
Dropped out: LEAVE NO TRACE (Granik, 2018)
That was short-lived. |
ilovewhiskey
08.08.18 | Bah, I thought Mother! was some try-hard awfulness. |
tectactoe
08.11.18 | iâm giving it the benefit of the doubt w.r.t. self-awareness |
Faraudo
08.12.18 | Mother! is a good movie. |
matbla00
08.12.18 | The new Gilliam is great |
Egarran
08.12.18 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople was a nice surprise and should definitely be here. |
Winesburgohio
08.12.18 | i mean it's their list, nothing should "be" here (as good a film as it is!!!)
just had the pleasure of watching Columbus and was completely moved, strongly recommended tectac (or was it on your list previously? i forget) |
Chortles
08.12.18 | that has been on my list for a while winesy boy, it looks stunning |
Sinternet
08.12.18 | 12 is possibly the most overrated movie of all time |
Winesburgohio
08.12.18 | it's exquisite and i am eagerly anticipating my second watch already chort!!! |
Egarran
08.12.18 | After The Wilderpeople I felt like seeing Moonrise Kingdom again. Sweet Anderson. |
tectactoe
09.01.18 | The first truly great film of 2018 is here.
Added: SUPPORT THE GIRLS (Bujalski, 2018)
Dropped Out: INSIDE OUT (Docter, 2015) |
Rik VII
09.04.18 | "12 is possibly the most overrated movie of all time"
Mr. Fox is literally the only Anderson film I've seen that I wouldn't call overrated |
Pheromone
09.04.18 | Tenenbaums is class |
Rik VII
09.04.18 | Haven't seen that one yet |
Pheromone
09.04.18 | Itâs my fav Anderson for sure |
tectactoe
09.04.18 | RUSHMORE is Andersonâs best, and actually the only post-1990 film to make my All Time Top 10. Itâs in another class from the rest of his work (which I still really like). |
matbla00
09.08.18 | controversial judgement |
Tunaboy45
09.08.18 | Handmaiden and BR2049 definitely belong on here |
Tunaboy45
09.08.18 | also The Lobster and Three Billboards |
Pheromone
09.08.18 | Three Billboards is great but I think I prefer In Bruges, both have some pretty far-fetched resolutions though, itâs just that in In Bruges it sorta adds to the charm. |
Tunaboy45
09.08.18 | In Bruges is a near perfect film, definitely better |
Egarran
09.09.18 | Just saw Moonrise Kingdom again. It's so damn good. |
Pheromone
09.09.18 | Please someone say theyâve watched The Nun; honestly a film thatâs so bad itâs worth watching. |
tectactoe
09.09.18 | Haven't seen THE NUN but I also heard it was absolute shite. |
Pheromone
09.09.18 | One of the worst films I've ever seen. |
CompostCompote
09.09.18 | No "Baby's Day Out". Bad list, friend, sad to say. |
Valkoor952
09.09.18 | List is lacking blade runner 2049 |
Pheromone
09.09.18 | I've said it before but 1 is easily 1 tho |
Chortles
09.09.18 | Blade Runner 2049 was so good but nah, he picked the right Villenueve flick |
Egarran
09.10.18 | 'Her' did AI sex better. |
tectactoe
09.15.18 | ^Absolutely |
adr
09.15.18 | Jagten, Nightcrawler and L' illusionniste are up there for me |
Egarran
09.15.18 | I know Birdman won four Oscars, but it was pretty awesome anyways.
I love single take movies. Watch Russian Ark for the craziest example.
Children of Men also has some stunning one-take wonders. |
Rik VII
09.15.18 | The Children of Men one-takes are partially fake (digitally jointed). Regarless of that, bland movie. I really liked Birdman though, that film had some serious urgency in it. |
robertsona
09.15.18 | here's mine why not, I barely watch movies anymore but here
nothing struck my fancy from 2018 or '17, haven't seen much
PATERSON (2016)
HAPPY HOUR (2015)
HILL OF FREEDOM (2014)
BOYHOOD (2014)
STRAY DOGS (2013)
ALMAYER'S FOLLY (2011)
THE KID WITH A BIKE (2011)
A SEPARATION (2010)
THE CHILD (2005)
CACHE/HIDDEN (2005)
L'INTRUS (2004)
BLUE GATE CROSSING (2003)
THE SON (2002) -- that's right three Dardennes movies bitch
BLISSFULLY YOURS (2002)
THE DAYS BETWEEN (2001)
SPIRITED AWAY (2001)
BATANG WEST SIDE (2001)
LATE MARRIAGE (2001)
YI YI (2000)
BELLY (1998)
THE RIVER (1997)
THE WATERMELON WOMAN (1996)
SAFE (1995)
US GO HOME (1994)
and then nothing from '93, 25 years ago, struck my fancy enough |
Egarran
09.15.18 | "Regarless of that, bland movie."
*Gasp* Why I never! It's in my top 10.
Birdman also has fake joints btw. They're just really well done. |
Rik VII
09.15.18 | I have to admit though, I'm generally kinda averse to the kind of grey-filtered want-to-be-dark movies that have oversaturated the thriller genre for the past 20 years. Those movies tend to feel just lifeless to me. The birth scene was great though, I'll give it that.
Yeah of course Birdman is fake, just like the La La Land opening. There are a lot of ways to trick in that regard - The question is, does that/should it affect the way the scene is perceived? I'd say it doesn't really, if done well. If anything, it just makes it less techincally impressive, and if the scene was only a long-take for that reason - to be technically impressive - it's never been a good decision to go with a long-take in the first place. So the faking itself is not a tragedy. |
Egarran
09.16.18 | I feel you are overthinking these things.
Oooh I just remembered: The Player by Altman also has a quality long-take. |
tectactoe
09.21.18 | I have to agree that the long-take stuff rarely "works" for me; not to be some kind of dissenter of dazzling technique, but it's a technique in my opinion that often calls *way* to much attention to itself--it's a very ostentatious maneuver, and I tend to take slight issue when I'm watching a movie and end up being more focused on what the camera is *doing* versus what it's *capturing*.
The few scenarios where it does work for me is when it serves some (at least partially) thematic purpose and adds to the bravura of the scene in question. A good example is the long take of Jake La Motta starting backstage and walking out and down to the boxing ring in RAGING BULL. It's a shot that remains entirely focused on him, and while it's still not a *necessity*, it at least semi-works to get us into Jake's headspace, kind of putting the audience in his shoes, seeing and hearing what he sees/hears before his fights.
Other good ones often don't call attention to themselves at all. There a particularly great on that takes place (coincidentally) in a boxing ring in KISS ME DEADLY, and I didn't even notice it was a single take until it was almost over. Rewound and sure enough it was, but it was so brilliantly subtle. |
tectactoe
09.21.18 | @robertsona, good list but this particular list is for the Past 10 Years only. I'm not sure exactly which time period your list is considering.
For the record, though, THE RIVER is on my all-time Top 25, and Tsai Ming-liang is probably in my Top 3 filmmakers ever, next to the likes of BuĂąuel and Leone. |
Egarran
09.21.18 | I hear you tec, but I never felt it detracted from a movie. And true, often you don't realize it unless you know. Many people mention Goodfellas, but I never noticed it there.
I do remember it dawned on me during Children of Men and I was quite amazed.
In any case, watch Russian Ark, please. Even if it's only a dazzler it's one immense long-take hell of a dazzler. |
tectactoe
09.21.18 | I've seen RUSSIAN ARK and I do like that one. At its core, it's still a "gimmick," but that's another one of those cases where the single take kind of "contributes" to the thematicism of the film itself--the nonsecular POV kind of putting the viewer *directly* into the action.
Only part about that film I don't really like is the midsection, where much of the film is just relegated to looking at paintings and statues without much actual choreography or anything else. |
Egarran
09.22.18 | Nice. When style beats substance.
Well, the film might actually have substance, but I was just increasingly flabbergasted as it went on. |
polyrhythm
09.25.18 | Russian Ark is beautiful |
DarkSideOfLucca
09.25.18 | The Witch |
iglu
09.25.18 | yo where's mad max? |
Kalopsia
09.25.18 | ^where it should be, not on this list |
Zig
09.25.18 | No one likes Michael Haneke's films ? |
polyrhythm
09.25.18 | Mad Max was amaze
So was the VVitch |
iglu
09.25.18 | I still gotta finish the witch
|
Egarran
09.26.18 | Re: Haneke, I've only seen The White Ribbon, but it was really good.
Not exactly an international crowd pleaser, though. |
tectactoe
09.27.18 | MAD MAX looks great but is a staggeringly empty film. Same with MANDY (2018), which everyone is raving over all of a sudden for some reason unbeknownst to me.
Not a huge Haneke fan in general, to be honest. Thought THE WHITE RIBBON was a supremely overrated exercise in austere form mixed with an overly cynical worldview that made for a painful two hours. I liked AMOUR well enough, just not enough to be on this particular list. CACHE was also alright, didn't blow me away though.
My favorite of his is probably THE PIANO TEACHER, though I haven't seen it in *years* so who knows what a revisit will bring. Also thought CODE UNKNOWN was okay, but most of his other stuff I'm just so-so on. |
Egarran
09.27.18 | I usually don't like cynical and unresolved movies, but The White Ribbon is so well made.
Though it didn't at all make me want to see his other movies... I guess I should see Funny Games, a friend talks a lot about it. |
tectactoe
10.17.18 | Added: FACE (Tsai, 2009) @ #15
Dropped Out: STRAY DOGS (Tsai, 2013), in order to keep with the one-per-director rule. |
tectactoe
11.01.18 | Finally! Another great film from 2018!
Added: BURNING (Lee, 2018)
Dropped Out: HOLY MOTORS (Carax, 2012) |
Winesburgohio
11.01.18 | hmm wasn't massively keen on it although that could be my Murakami fetishism protuding through my underwear
strongly implore you to watch Columbus my dude |
Scheumke
11.01.18 | My personal fav's from the last decade are:
- Cloud Atlas (unconventional pick I know, most people hate it, but I loved it) (Wachowski's, 2012)
- Inception (Nolan, 2010)
- Whiplash (Chazelle, 2014)
- Inglorious Bastards (Tarantino, 2009)
- Inside Out (Docter, 2015)
|
guitarded_chuck
11.01.18 | cloud atlas was great good pick |
Chortles
11.01.18 | maaaan i have been hotly (heh) anticipating Burning, it looks amazing
also I second Winesy's sentiments on Columbus |
Scheumke
11.01.18 | I could actually have 4 Nolan movies on my list tbh.. If you pick since 2000 I'd have 6: The Prestige, Inception, The Dark Knight (and TDK Rises), Interstellar and Dunkirk all being fantastic movies imo. |
Rik VII
11.01.18 | I finally watched Turin Horse like a week ago, it was amazing. Definitely deserves its place on this list. |
Clumseee
11.01.18 | this list is so indie. but before midnight rules |
tectactoe
11.01.18 | Was not a fan of COLUMBUS, honestly. It's a good looking film, but that's quite literally all there is to it. Very empty thematically, imo, and Kogonada employs some strange techniques like cutting away to a shot of operatic music the instant Hailey's character is about to describe why she has a personal attachment to a specific building. Felt like the script's potholes were paved over with aesthetic beauty and that doesn't really work for me.
@Rik, glad you liked the TURIN HORSE. Amazing film. Have you seen any other Tarr? SATANTAGO is probably one of my all time favorites, definitely one that requires commitment and patience, but worth the effort imo. (Plus there are two intermissions, so it's easy to break the film up into three manageable viewing periods.) |
Rik VII
11.01.18 | Does indie mean "everything that isn't specifically US mainstream cinema"?
I prefered Sunrise and Sunset but great film, yeah
Edit: It was my first Tarr, but I'm planning to watch Satantango in the near future, and yes, I planned watching it in three parts so thanks for confirming that it's well possible to do so (: |
Clumseee
11.01.18 | Oh god don't Jordan Peterson meâyou know what I mean.
The Master and Before Midnight are the only two that would even come close to a top 50 for me. That said, I haven't seen ALL of it. But definitely a good chunk.
Also: Sunset is definitely the best of the Before trilogy. |
Rik VII
11.01.18 | Before Sunset is one of the best sequels ever imo. It's astonishing how they managed to recreate the feeling of the original after 9 years, and its way of reflecting on Sunrise is also a plus. Probably my favorite too, but it's close .. |
tectactoe
11.01.18 | "this list is so indie."
I am also confused by what this means. Even more so that you followed it up with:
"That said, I haven't seen ALL of it. But definitely a good chunk."
As if you imply you've seen most of the films from this so-called "so indie" list?
Honestly not being a dickbag, I'm genuinely confused because I really don't think there's much on this list I would consider either "obscure" nor "indie" by most calculable measures. |
Egarran
11.01.18 | It all comes down to intuition. You either get it or you are confusing yourself unnecessarily. |
tectactoe
11.01.18 | Whew lawd. |
Source
11.01.18 | Needs more The Last Airbender |
Winesburgohio
11.02.18 | i think it was thematically rich and the aesthetics served a purpose in that they said for her what she couldn't - or didn't want to - articulate, especially at that time, but different strokes.
i like most of these here films and even if i don't i can see why people would : ) 8) |
Winesburgohio
11.02.18 | 1. 'Til Madness Do Us Part
2. It's Such a Beautiful Day
3. Under the Skin
4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
5. Oslo, 31. August
6. The Master
7. Columbus
8. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
9. Coherence
10. uhh fuck Stray Dogs or Wall E probz |
Chortles
11.02.18 | ^lovely picks. have you (/anyone else) seen Trier's latest film, Thelma? i thought it was stunning |
tectactoe
11.02.18 | @Wine, true, I definitely dig why people love COLUMBUS, just didn't do much for me. (Definitely a great looking film, though. Kogonada has an eye.)
Love the picks, I tend to feel the same way about Wang Bing -- Madness was good, but stuff like Crude Oil and West of the Tracks... I just have a hard time feeling like each passing minute isn't more or less the same as the previous.
Surprisingly I haven't seen SCOTT PILGRIM at all. I've gotten off-putting vibes from it, but if you're holding it to such high esteem, perhaps it's time I gave it a shot... |
Winesburgohio
11.03.18 | West of the Tracks somehow manages to be substance over style despite being the most beautifully uglily shot film, although i cheat and divide it into segments so i don't really get bored. crude oil sounds like a chore though....
oh man Scott Pilgrim is just one of those comfortable films for me, I've watched it countless times and i love losing myself in it. y'know that quote from Quentin Tarintino about every watch of Dazed and Confused being like catching up with an old friend? well.
@chortles i've showed u mine now you show me yours ;) / yeah, i loved it!!!! so riveting, and *that* serpent scene... man oh man |
Egarran
11.04.18 | I saw Arrival for the second time, which really makes for a new experience. [Spoiler] Louise's responses to her memories become more like WTF was that??
Unfortunately the problems with this movie also became clear: Many little stupid and convenient details to advance the plot.
The worst part of it is the renegade Alex Jones fans and their little stupid af plan in the middle of the most important mission of Earth.
Where in the rules does it say that there must be an explosion?
Cinemasins covered it very well. |
tectactoe
11.07.18 | ^I have some similar problems with ARRIVAL (as well as the occasionally corny and/or overly load-bearing dialogue), but I also found the second viewing to be particularly revealing. Once you know what Louise is "seeing," everything else falls nicely into place -- e.g., her "visions" become longer and more clear as she gets a better handle on the heptapod language. |
Egarran
11.07.18 | Yeah it's really good. Just wish it was better, that goes for almost all sci-fi. I think it's a part of the genre.
Anyway, have you seen Scott Pilgrim yet? |
Winesburgohio
11.08.18 | i was most intrigued by the linguistic element of Arrival and wish more time had been spent on that rather than an en passante montage. still great and profoundly affecting tho!!! |
Egarran
11.08.18 | It was also just the experience of seeing a new thing in a movie. Originality is a rare beast these days and/or I'm old.
Too bad that originality was surrounded by clichĂŠs. The military is always used to further the plot via stubbornness and stupidity. I'm seeing Avatar today and that's the same thing.
I guess I want a movie with nice aliens who get rid of that in the first five minutes so we can get down to the wonders. |
Egarran
11.09.18 | I just saw Avatar again, which also uses stupid army guys to further the plot. Like an hour into the movie our protagonist still thinks 'it's some tree-hugger crap'. Yeah fuck you, Jake. Please fall off a cliff.
It's an average movie and the human CGI aged badly compared to Pandora. Especially the comically evil Colonel* looks like something from a game.
But it sure is pretty otherwise and I'm probably going to see the dozen coming sequels.
*https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ColonelBadass |
iglu
11.09.18 | anyone else think Upstream Color was bs? |
Rik VII
11.09.18 | Finally got to watch "mother!" as the last Aronofsky I had to watch. It was annoying. He was never subtle in any way, but if this film wasn't meant as an absurdist comedy it's safe to say he completely lost it. That said, Harris was great in it (as always) and before it all went off the rails it was kinda entertaining to watch.
"It's an average movie and the human CGI aged badly compared to Pandora. Especially the comically evil Colonel looks like something from a game."
That's Avatar in a nutshell, well said. |
tectactoe
11.15.18 | I took the religious-esque allegory of mother! to be mostly a smokescreen ; the film can be applied to a various number of scenarios (e.g. an artist struggling to find inspiration, creating work for rabid fans only to be torn apart by critics, etc.)
Really, though, I mostly enjoyed the Bunuelian descent into madness after one+ hour of tension building on the front-end. |
Kalopsia
11.16.18 | except if you remove every biblical reference (or simply aren't aware of what biblical people/things they characters/situations are representing), it doesn't stand on its own besides being a descent into madness... which if that's your thing okay. |
tectactoe
11.30.18 | Right. That's precisely what I like about it. Even on surface texture alone, it ratchets up the tension for an hour+ and then plunges into a pit of hellfire during the final act. Very BuĂąuelian, though more insane and less pointed. |
Pheromone
01.02.19 | I've just watched the Before trilogy for the first time this week and have instantly fallen in love with it. The ending of Before Sunset has to be one of the most impactful I've ever watched. I loved Linklater for Dazed and Confused alone, but that Before trilogy is something else. |
JeetJeet
01.02.19 | Finally watched First Reformed after months of hearing the hype about it. It was amazing. |
Chortles
01.03.19 | Same here Jeet, just watched it last night and absolutely loved it. Masterpiece |
Rowan5215
01.03.19 | ending of First Reformed is absolutely jaw-dropping and moving |
tectactoe
01.15.19 | Glad you guys liked FIRST REFORMED. Now watch SUPPORT THE GIRLS and BURNING if you get the chance â still this yearâs best imo. |
JeetJeet
01.15.19 | Support The Girls was great as well. Still gotta see Burning and Suspiria. |
Chortles
01.15.19 | All 3 of those are fantastic. There was a screening and Q&A here with Bujalski for Support the Girls a few days ago but couldn't make it unfortunately :~/ |
Kalopsia
01.15.19 | finally saw Prisoners... holy crap that movie rocked me |
tectactoe
01.21.19 | Finally, an update!
Added: LEVIATHAN (2012, Castaing-Taylor & Paravel) at #22.
Dropped Out: NOCTURAMA (2016, Bonello) |
Egarran
01.21.19 | Another vote for Captain Fantastic. It was a lot more nuanced that I expected. |
Kalopsia
01.24.19 | just watched Wind River for the first time, and wow.. Sheridan is fucking awesome |
SitarHero
01.24.19 | Ok, how the fuck you gonna put Leviathan with Mastodon AND NOT USE LEVIATHAN?!
Massive fail. |
MarsKid
01.24.19 | Ah damn, Synecdoche got removed too? My heart is shattered. |
Winesburgohio
01.27.19 | Support the Girls was wonderful and an exquisite portrait of american life worthy of Steinbeck's non-judgemental lens, although let's just say i did not financially support Support the Girls. probably will tho holy shit |
tectactoe
01.30.19 | "Ok, how the fuck you gonna put Leviathan with Mastodon AND NOT USE LEVIATHAN?!"
Haha, hadn't even occurred to me, honestly. Haven't changed the albums since I originally made this list last year, but maybe it's time...
@Winesburg - glad you liked SUPPORT THE GIRLS. Still my fave of '18 as of right now, though I have a few more "big ones" left to see, like SUSPIRIA, BEALE STREET, PRIVATE LIFE, though I'd be shocked if they usurp the throne.
I also recommend COMPUTER CHESS from Bujalski - very different movie, but a marvel in its own way. One of the most formally committed films of the decade, that's for sure. (And also hilarious.) |
tectactoe
03.01.19 | (Actually just recently watched RESULTS and it was also great. Not as great as SUPPORT THE GIRLS or COMPUTER CHESS, but severely underrated. Bujalski is a filmmaker to look out for.) |
Lord(e)Po)))ts
03.01.19 | i know the bone tomahawk scene that everyone talks about. honestly makes me scared to watch the movie lol. |
StrikeOfTheBeast
03.01.19 | 12 is a great flick |
tectactoe
03.02.19 | BONE TOMAHAWK is worth it, though. There are three brutal scenes (one of them is at the beginning, one is at the end) but they're all relatively quick. Don't let 'em scare you away. |
hal1ax
03.03.19 | 1 looks really interesting.. dloading it now!
sweet list |
Kompys2000
03.03.19 | It's amazing, Don Hertzfeldt is a genius. |
Egarran
03.03.19 | What movie should I watch on netflix tonight? All the options paralyze me. I usually just end watching some astronomy doc on youtube. |
hal1ax
03.03.19 | watched it's a beautiful day and drive last night... they're both stunning.
it's a beautiful day was a bit challenging at times but ultimately it's really such a beautiful montage of the absurdity, tedium, and madness of life. music is great too.
drive was gorgeously shot and has this galvanic and fantastical feel to it. i love how virtually no backstory is revealed for the protagonist. he just is as he functions. love the minimal dialogue between him and carey mulligan too. just mostly exchanges of coy smiles lol. |
GhandhiLion
03.03.19 | Don Hertzfeldt is a genius [2]
it's a beautiful day is such a funny film.
I need to check out Kenneth Lonergan films |
Egarran
03.03.19 | My only problem with Drive is the 'socially inept, but attractive man finding redemption/real human beanness because a girl is forced to show him attention' trope. You know, the classic.
Just once let's see some smart, happy people solving fascinating problems with logic, preferably without romance. |
StrikeOfTheBeast
03.03.19 | I had no idea what I was getting myself into with 7; I didn't even know the plot summary for it. I loved it though. |
CaliggyJack
03.03.19 | WTF is this list. It's 90% artsy fartsy movies.
Real list yo
1. Exodus: Gods and Kings // Ridley Scott // 2014
2. Mission Impossible: Fallout // Christopher McQuarrie // 2018
3. Lincoln // Steven Spielberg // 2012
4. Valhalla Rising // Nicolas Winding Refn // 2009
5. Hacksaw Ridge // Mel Gibson // 2016
6. Shin Godzilla // Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi // 2016
7. Noah // Darren Aranofsky // 2014
8. Life of Pi // Ang Lee // 2012
9. Guardians of the Galaxy // James Gunn // 2014
10. Star Trek: Into Darkness // J. J. Abrams // 2012
11. The Avengers // Joss Whedon // 2011
12. Fast and Furious 7 // James Wan // 2015
13. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition) // Zack Snyder // 2016
14. Room in Rome // Julio Medem // 2010
15. Kung Fu Jungle // Teddy Chan // 2014
16. Watchmen // Zack Snyder // 2009
17. Wonder Woman // Patty Jenkins // 2017
18. Iron Man 3 // Shane Black // 2013
19. Halloween // David Gordon Green // 2018
20. Sucker Punch // Zack Snyder // 2011
21. Bridge of Spies // Steven Spielberg // 2015
22. Captain America: Winter Soldier // Russo Brothers // 2014
23. Cloud Atlas // Wachowski Sisters and Tom Tykwer // 2012
24. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire // Francis Lawrence // 2013
25. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story // Gareth Edwards // 2016 |
hal1ax
03.03.19 | lmao |
GhandhiLion
03.03.19 | good post |
GhandhiLion
03.03.19 | "Just once let's see some smart, happy people solving fascinating problems with logic, preferably without romance."
External problems? |
CaliggyJack
03.03.19 | E X I S T E N T I A L
Im genuinely surprised given the award bait movies you got that Ex Machina didn't make the list |
Egarran
03.03.19 | Yeah external problems, I want people so smart they don't have existential problems. |
Kompys2000
03.03.19 | Lmao @ putting BvS on a best-of-the-decade list |
hal1ax
03.03.19 | kid is full autist |
CaliggyJack
03.04.19 | Ultimate Edition BvS is a classic don't @ me |
Kalopsia
03.06.19 | ""Just once let's see some smart, happy people solving fascinating problems with logic, preferably without romance."
External problems? "
yeah, flawed characters are easy to use, but you can have smart/logical characters dealing with circumstances outside of their control |
tectactoe
03.11.19 | @hal1ax: Glad you enjoyed both of them. They both stray pretty far from what their external surface texture would suggest (that is, "animated film," and "getaway driver film," in the broadest sense), which is partly why I find each of them brilliant.
@Egarran: I get what you're saying about the "redemption" aspect, but I think DRIVE avoids the most saccharine angle of that trope by refusing to show the Driver and the Woman reunite, leaving the impression that he is more or less a wanderer who will likely never return. I've likened his character to a modernist revision of Leone's "The Man With No Name" from the 60s, and I still think it holds true. Nameless hero with questionable moral compass who comes, saves the day, and goes. |
tectactoe
03.11.19 | List Update.
Added: THE MEND (Magary, 2014) at #17
Dropped: BEFORE MIDNIGHT (Linklater, 2013)
I'm afraid most people will (and *have*) written THE MEND off as a pseudo-bohemian, tryhard indie/mumblecore film, but I beg of you to please please please give it a shot; it is a much smarter (and far more self-aware) picture than your run-of-the-mill indie comedies, with a ton of tiny genre-subversions that everyone seems to be completely overlooking. (And my god I hate when someone dismisses a film entirely on the basis of, "I didn't find any of the characters likable." Sometimes that's the point.) |
Egarran
03.11.19 | Yeah Refn really doesn't do saccharine, but he somehow implies it. Ever seen Bleeder? Jfc.
I guess I have a general problem with introvert male leads. The one that scarred me most was Scent Of A Woman. |
Pheromone
03.11.19 | I love when I come on this list, seeing that number 1 is number 1 everytime.
Any of you guys got a favourite documentary? I love Adam Curtis, but I don't know if I'd ever consider his documentaries amongst my favourites. Even if I prefer them, I just feel those sort of Essay films don't really compare to your run-of-the-mill docu |
Egarran
03.11.19 | Yeah Wild Wild Country swooped right in on my number 1 documentary spot. |
tectactoe
03.11.19 | I tend to favor documentaries that avoid hard-coded advocacy, employ some unique or unexplored aspect to useful effect, and/or cultivate rumination through muddling. (Or, occasionally, one that's just a lot of fun without trying to "teach" us something e.g. STOP MAKING SENSE.) Sounds counterproductive, but most run-of-the-mill documentaries are boring. Probably forgetting some, but here are a handful that come to mind:
*MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA (Vertov, 1929)
*Ă PROPOS DE NICE (Vigo, 1930)
*NIGHT AND FOG (Resnais, 1955)
*THE LION HUNTERS (Rouch, 1967)
*SYMBIOPSYCHOTAXIPLASM: TAKE ONE (Greaves, 1968)
*VAMPIR-CUADECUC (Portabella, 1971)
*REMINISCENCES OF A JOURNEY TO LITHUANIA (Mekas, 1972)
*GATES OF HEAVEN (Morris, 1978)
*VERNON, FLORIDA (Morris, 1981)
*BURDEN OF DREAMS (Blank, 1982)
*SANS SOLEIL (Marker, 1983)
*STOP MAKING SENSE (Demme, 1984)
*THE THIN BLUE LINE (Morris, 1988)
*CRUMB (Zwigoff, 1994)
*A MOMENT OF INNOCENCE (Makhmalbaf, 1996)
*PARADISE LOSE: THE CHILD MURDERS AT ROBIN HOOD HILLS (Berlinger, Sinofsky, 1996)
*FARAWAY ROOTS (Vandeweerd, 2002)
*GRIZZLY MAN (Herzog, 2005)
*MY KID COULD PAINT THAT (Bar-Lev, 2007)
*MY WINNIPEG (Maddin, 2007)
*THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS (Gordon, 2007)
*THE ARBOR (Barnard, 2010)
*TABLOID (Morris, 2010)
*THE IMPOSTER (Layton, 2012)
*LEVIATHAN (Castaing-Taylor, Paravel, 2012)
*'TIL MADNESS DO US PART (Wang, 2013)
*TOWER (Maitland, 2016)
*24 FRAMES (Kiarostami, 2017)
*WORMWOOD (Morris, 2017)
*MINDING THE GAP (Liu, 2018) |
Egarran
03.11.19 | Nice list. Crumb and Grizzly Man [2] |
JoeTex
03.11.19 | Senna. great docu |
Egarran
03.11.19 | Oh speaking of, Rush was actually a pretty great movie. |
Pheromone
03.12.19 | I really really want to watch 'As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty' but I struggled to find it online for the longer time - only just found it on a website for ÂŁ4 or so, so I think I'll watch that when I have time. Great list also |
tectactoe
03.12.19 | Thanks. It is forever improving (or so I'd like to thing). Confession, though: I've had AS I WAS MOVING AHEAD... on my computer for the better part of two years. Have started it up on probably four or five various occasions, and just ended up stopping at various points, like 30-40 minutes into it each time. It's weird, because I'm not usually averse to "long" movies (SATANTANGO and ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA are among some of my favorites, for example, and I've sat through many Wang Bing films over the years), and I wasn't at all disliking what I saw...but something inside me, each time, was going "Man, am I really ready for another four+ hours of this right now?" And the answer was always, "Probably not." One day I will watch it all. I just have never felt like I've been in the proper "mood" to do it justice, and I really can't explain why. Especially considering I like the opening half-hour more than most of e.g. REMINISCENCES, but something always nags at me to keep putting it off. And I always listen. :( |
tectactoe
03.25.19 | Just saw DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE last night. It is a great film, though I'm not sure I like it better than BONE TOMAHAWK (so it will not appear on this list thanks to the one-per-director rule), but I highly recommend it to fans of Zahler's previous entries.
In my opinion, he's 3-for-3, and joins the ranks of modern filmmakers I'm most excited about. His blend of exploitation and "slow cinema" is unique and compelling in ways I can't even describe. And his work as a writer absolutely shows in this latest film. It's available on Amazon to stream, FYI. |
Pheromone
03.26.19 | Yeah, I feel that - I've been meaning to watch it for so so so long now but due to its length just haven't had time. I will get to it for sure. |
Pheromone
04.13.19 | Maybe not the place, however this has become sort of the film forum on sput for me rn. I watched Rear Window for the first time just then, and loved it. I've always been sort of let down by the Hitchcock films I had watched previously but this really kept me on edge. The ending was slightly dissapointing considering how good the rest of the film was, but still the point stands. |
robertsona
04.13.19 | Yeah REAR WINDOW is fucking nuts, so enveloping |
robertsona
04.13.19 | Love that part in THE MEND where heâs like âletâs go get ice cream! Iâll pay. Unless you have cash because otherwise Iâd have to go to an ATMâ RELATABLE |
Winesburgohio
04.13.19 | i'll men-- uhh, rectify not having seen that 2nite after work i reckon |
robertsona
04.13.19 | I could see someone hating THE MEND, especially some of the dialogue |
Winesburgohio
04.13.19 | im disposed to liking mumblecore (thegoodtimeskid is one of my favourite movies) so if it's in that vein i should be right |
tectactoe
04.21.19 | I suppose THE MEND is mumblecore by definition, but from a filmmaking perspective, it's shockingly rich, and it has a level of deconstructivism you don't normally see in those types of films. (What I mean is, every time you think the film is "headed" somewhere, it tosses that thread aside and goes somewhere else.)
As far as REAR WINDOW, shockingly enough, I think it's one of Hitchcock's most overrated films and while it excels in mise en scene, it's excessively clunky and stiff in terms of plotting, honestly. His scripts grew more and more laborious with time, in my opinion, though his sheer mastery behind the camera was occasionally enough to override the weaker elements on the page (for example, VERTIGO). But overall - and there are exceptions, of course - I prefer earlier 30s-and-40s Hitch over late-50s-and-60s Hitch. My absolute favorite of his is NOTORIOUS, followed by: THE LADY VANISHES, THE 39 STEPS and FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT. Though for his "later" stuff, I really do love NORTH BY NORTHWEST, (most of) PSYCHO, and DIAL M FOR MURDER. |
Rik VII
04.22.19 | I love Rear Window. But it isn't even "his script". Hitchcock never quite lived up to his "auteur" image. He didn't even write half of his notable movies. Nothing in comparison to Kurosawa or Bergman (who wrote all screenplays for his 50 or so movies except for maybe two or three).
On a side note, Hitchcock's cinematography was absolutely unrivaled at his time. There are more modern directors that have reached that level (Kieslowski and Park Chan-wook, among others), but if there's any contemporary who pulled off something as striking as he did in that regard, I don't know him.
|
GhandhiLion
04.22.19 | ^Agreed. Hitchcock is God.
I might watch A Separation today. |
tectactoe
05.02.19 | I know Hitchcock adapted everything, and I don't think of him as a true "auteur" as most people would define it today (though tbh, I can't stand that term), but he was still more or less the be-all and end-all of what was OK'd and what wasn't, and the screenwriters he chose for his earlier adaptations were better than those he used for his last decade or so of output. It's like the more he became focused on the visual aspects (lighting, camerawork, cinematography, framing, mise en scene, etc.), the less he cared about the elegance of the script and/or the finer details of the story. And while yes, he was a master of the visual aspects (REAR WINDOW's mise en scene is amazing, and VERTIGO has some of the best color and camera effects of the era), his early work had a much better (in my opinion) combination of the two. His camerawork was still great, but the dialogue and character chemistry was absolutely ripping, too. |
tectactoe
05.02.19 | Just one man's opinion obviously. And I still love Hitch, I just prefer his early work to his later work by a bit.
Now if you want to talk about truly overrated directors, just mention Ingmar Bergman. |
Rik VII
05.02.19 | No way man, Bergman is in my top 10 (I see why he's not for everyone though). As for Hitchcock's style over substance, there's a fitting quote from him about it:
"I find too many people are interested in the content. If you were painting a still life of some apples on a plate, it's like you'd be worrying whether the apples were sweet or sour. Who cares?â |
Egarran
05.03.19 | The movies are fine, but someone should stream Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
A fun fact from wikipedia: "At least two versions of the opening were shot for every episode. A version intended for the American audience would often spoof a recent popular commercial or poke fun at the sponsor, leading into the commercial. An alternative version for European audiences would include jokes at the expense of Americans in general." |
Clumseee
05.03.19 | The four best movies of all time are Fight Club, Donnie Darko, Requiem for a Dream, and The Virgin Suicides and I'm 14. |
Kalopsia
05.03.19 | anybody seen the Three Colours trilogy? (blue, white, red)
i have them on my watchlist and have heard good things. are they worth it? |
Egarran
05.03.19 | Requiem is pure self-harm. There was _no reason whatsoever_ for me to have seen that horrible movie. |
Kalopsia
05.03.19 | ^ so would you say it's a comedy or a tragedy? |
Rik VII
05.04.19 | "The four best movies of all time are Fight Club, Donnie Darko, Requiem for a Dream, and The Virgin Suicides and I'm 14."
The 4 best movies of all time are definitely not all American from the past 20 years, god no.
"anybody seen the Three Colours trilogy? (blue, white, red)
i have them on my watchlist and have heard good things. are they worth it?"
If you like arthouse character dramas, definitely! And if you like them, I also recommend the Decalogue by the same director (a series of 10 self-contained short films). I can only speak for myself, but Kieslowski is one of my very favorite directors of all time. His films are perceptive and beautifully filmed, so yeah. If you like that kind of film, go for it. |
Pheromone
05.04.19 | Clumseee is definitely joking *right?* -
In terms of comedies, how many of you have seen Four Lions? One of my favourites, so fucking good. However, I am in love with everything Chris Morris does. |
Rik VII
05.04.19 | Saw Four Lions years and years ago, but remember liking it. Not everyone's cup of tea for sure, given how relentlessly black the humor is.
As far as comedies go, Hot Fuzz is always worth a mention. |
Egarran
05.04.19 | Pierce Brosnan deserved an Oscar for that movie. |
tectactoe
05.04.19 | I love THREE COLORS and I love Kieslowski. THE DOUBLE LIFE OF VERONIQUE is partially responsible for getting me into foreign films many years ago. DEKALOG III is probably my favorite thing heâs ever done, but RED is up near the top. He doesnât have a bad film, though, imo. Even early stuff like THE SCAR and NO END is good. (And CAMERA BUFF is excellent.) |
Rik VII
05.04.19 | Three Colors Red is one of my favorite films ever, top 10, maybe 5. Decalogue 3 is brilliant. So are 2 and 8 ... Kieslowski would be top 5 for me in general. |
tectactoe
05.04.19 | Yeah all of DEKALOG is amazing honestly and the whole thing is a unified masterpiece. I think THREE is underrated, and itâs easily my favorite (largely because it kind of contains one of my favorite movie tropes ever), though FIVE, SIX, and NINE are also magnificent. But obviously they all work so well as a singular piece that I will occasionally re-watch them all over the course of a week or two and I never regret it. Kieslowski was such a gifted filmmaker. |
Winesburgohio
05.06.19 | i think dekalog is an anthology tv series from which a couple of movies were made due to contractual obligations, which is pretty incredible when you think how timid people are to green-light anything experimental or formalistically innovative now. at a pinch 7 is my favourite.
just because this seems to be the Film Thread now (sorry tec) saw Molly's Game and really hated it, but it did re-iterate to me how scrupulously narratives are controlled -- an interesting compare/contrast with Wolf of Wall Street, but whereas Jordan Balfour's ruthless pursuit is excoriated hers is celebrated because... daddy issues? if nothing else at least i know how relentless pursuit of capital is deified in american culture i guess |
tectactoe
05.08.19 | Hey don't apologize, I'm actually kind of glad this turned into a miniature film discussion thread. I'll never complain about another forum through which I can talk to other people about movies.
Re your DEKALOG preference - very interesting! I think VII might be my least favorite, if I'm remembering it correctly. (Is that the one where the grandmother is essentially raising her granddaughter?) But that's one of the neat things about DEKALOG imo, it seems like everyone has a very different ranking and preference of all ten.
And, not to keep being a contrarian to your post (haha), I though MOLLY'S GAME was pretty good. Not great, but my expectations were rock bottom and I enjoyed it enough. Sorkin as a director is still very rough around the edges, lots of awkward moments (e.g. the ice rink chase, lol wtf) and easily 20 minutes too long, but he's still a fabulous writer and, given it's a very dialogue-heavy film, the script was enough to keep it well above water (for me, anyway). I actually thought the film had kind of purposely made it seem like Molly's problem was "daddy issues," only to sweep the rug out (during the park bench scene with Costner) and tell us, "maybe nothing is 'wrong,' maybe sometimes a branch is just a fucking branch." But I get what you're saying.
I have yet to see a 2019 film I really like. Granted, I haven't been trying all that hard. But the few I've seen so far have been stinkers. (HIGH FLYING BIRD, PADDLETON, THE BEACH BUM, VELVET BUZZSAW, HER SMELL, etc.) |
Rik VII
05.08.19 | There will be a Roy Andersson film this year, which is a very rare event. Looking forward to that one. His films might be worth discussion on here, incredibly unique, very grim yet quirky. Songs from the Second Floor is one of my favorite films.
There aren't many new releases I'm looking forward to though. Children of the Sea, one of my favorite manga, is getting an anime adaptation, so there's that. |
Egarran
05.08.19 | If you like Andersson, you must see Four Shades of Brown. |
Rik VII
05.08.19 | Thanks, it's on my list now! Alfredson has been on my radar for some time. |
Source
05.08.19 | "The four best movies of all time are Fight Club, Donnie Darko, Requiem for a Dream, and The Virgin Suicides and I'm 14."
Only seen fight club and donnie darko and those are both pretty terrible imo |
Larkinhill
05.08.19 | Enemy is such an awesome fucking movie. Kudos for including it here. |
Larkinhill
05.08.19 | Source â you gotta check out Requiem. Fantastic film, though disturbing and a difficult watch. Ellen Burstyn is so good in it.
But to whoever said Fight Club, Donnie Darko (mediocre), Requiem and Virgin Suicides are the best movies of ALL TIME, you seriously need to watch more movies. Those arenât even top 50, except for maybe MAYBE Requiem. Good films (except for Donnie Darko, which is just ok) but just no. Virgin Suicides is underrated though. |
DamnVanne
05.08.19 | Four Lions is the funniest thing Ive seen in a long time. That came all the way out of left field, too |
Clumseee
05.08.19 | Yeah it's a gag. Some friends and I laughed about Fight Club, Donnie Darko, and RFAD are the holy trinity of 14 y/os favourite movies. Add Virgin Suicides and you've got a Mt Rushmore. |
Larkinhill
05.08.19 | Got it haha. It did seem way too fucking âperfectâ. |
tectactoe
05.09.19 | @Larkin: Not a huge fan of Villeneuve in general. I liked ARRIVAL and thought SICARIO was pretty good, but find almost everything else very overrated. BLADE RUNNER 2049 and PRISONERS are decent but far from great, INCENDIES is extremely meh, and POLYTECHNIQUE is absolute garbage. But ENEMY... I honestly feel like he accidentally created a pseudo-artsy masterwork. Despite how many people love him for his twists, I think he (paradoxically) does better when working in the absence of concrete narrative. Unfortunately I don't think he'll ever tackle a project so ostensibly abstract again, given his recent surge of fame. But you never know, I guess.
And I know you guys are just joking around, but VIRGIN SUICIDES is actually a really good film. Not Sofia's best (I'd probably say LOST IN TRANSLATION, but MARIE ANTIONETTE is also great), but still damn good. DONNIE DARKO and REQUIEM for a dream are...fine. Those kinds of films you watch once and never really have the urge to revisit. (Not because of the content, just because they weren't that great.) FIGHT CLUB is a mess. Very overrated, much like most of Fincher's oeuvre. He's a great director but his movies always feel insanely artificial to me. The only ones that kind of work well with this artifice are ZODIAC and THE GAME. I like SE7EN and PANIC ROOM, too, but nothing Fincher's done has truly blown me away. (No, not even THE SOCIAL NETWORK.) |
Egarran
05.09.19 | Fincher is miles better than e.g. Christopher Nolan.
Fight Club at the right time is fantastic. A big, smart movie that deals with masculinity, anarchy and insanity - which are all things a man must confront in his early adulthood. |
Rik VII
05.09.19 | I like Fight Club, although I agree that it is overhyped, and for the wrong reasons at that. Can't stand Fincher at all and I prefer Nolan. (On a side-note, although I see where you're coming from, masculinity, anarchy and insanity haven't ever been prevalent themes for me, and even at those, Oldboy easily takes the cake, and a bunch of other cakes as well.)
Haven't watched enough Villeneuve to have a proper opinion of him. Arrival was pretty good though.
Virgin Suicides was also good but I didn't find it amazing, agreed that Lost in Translation is better (more well-rounded altogether), but even that one feels like Wong Kar-wai light to me. Haven't seen anything else by her, although some of her films are on my list. |
tectactoe
05.09.19 | While I agree that Fincher is probably a "better" director than Nolan, MEMENTO imo is miles better than anything Fincher has done. Yes even ZODIAC and SE7EN and THE SOCIAL NETWORK.
Though Nolan has made it clear that he'll never replicate that greatness again. Not even close. THE PRESTIGE and INTERSTELLAR were decent enough, but MEMENTO is truly great, mostly for how its parallel/splined narrative - while still a "gimmick" by definition - has a large thematic contribution as well. |
Egarran
05.09.19 | Agreed. Memento is definitely great, but unfortunately his best movie. |
Kalopsia
05.09.19 | just found Trollhunter on bluray on a used media store. never seen it before but heard good things.
excited for some dumb troll fun |
tectactoe
05.10.19 | I remember thinking TROLLHUNTER was a really great mockumentary up until the Trolls actually started making appearances. Everything not involving CGI is great. |
Egarran
05.10.19 | Eh, it's a minor detail.
Btw the CGI troll was the best part of Snow White And The Huntsman. |
Kalopsia
05.10.19 | i can forgive dodgy cgi on low budget movies cuz they can still be fun if you're not a snob. they can't all have avengers level budgets.
similar to The Mist, it's not the greatest cgi but the cgi isn't the point. |
tectactoe
05.10.19 | True, but my point was that they were achieving a pretty excellent atmospheric fake-docu-dread in the absence of anything concrete. Then it just got goofy when the Trolls started showing up. If that's what they were going for (viz., not caring about "goofiness") then okay. But I find that disappointing, given how it was working (for me) on an entirely different level beforehand.
Then again, I think THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT is great and one of the most effective horror films of all time, and most people I talk to can't fucking stand it. So what do I know. |
Kalopsia
05.10.19 | oh totally, the first blair witch is great. i'm quite keen on the first paranormal activity movie tbh too. |
Clumseee
05.10.19 | Ay I'm with you tectactoe. I think the original Blair Witch Project is the scariest movie ever made. When I first saw it I was pretty young and I don't think I really got it. Then when I was like 19 I saw it again on TV and things just clickedâso damn effective. |
Egarran
05.10.19 | I also liked that movie and have seen it three times. The sequel wasn't completely terrible either. |
tectactoe
05.12.19 | Haven't seen the sequel. Did see the "reboot" from 2016 which was total ass. Basically an ostensible sequel that's also kind of a remake, as it regurgitates many of the same elements from the original (darkness, twig symbols, scary house in the woods, literally the exact same ending, etc.) but waters them down with godawful "actors" and a horde of bullshit jump scares and shock horror. Coincidentally, the absence of those things is what made the original BLAIR WITCH PROJECT so fucking good. |
tectactoe
05.14.19 | Big update/overhaul, because these comment discussions have evolved and I am bored of looking at more or less the same list.
Updated to: TOP 30 MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY (2001-present). See new description for details. Let's discuss :) |
EyesWideShut
05.14.19 | props for Brown Bunny cause Vincent Gallo is a legend but Irreversible is caca for me yo |
Rik VII
05.14.19 | I was really confused for a moment.
List needs more Far East! |
Clumseee
05.14.19 | First PA movie is very spooky agreed. Probably one of the best movie-going experiences I've ever had. |
tectactoe
05.14.19 | @EWS: Gallo is a genius, BUFFALO 66 and THE BROWN BUNNY are both masterpieces, and I'll be forever resentful that we'll never get to see PROMISES WRITTEN IN WATER. I truly believe he had the makings of one of the most important voices in American avant-garde/indie cinema, and Ebert (among other critics) is largely responsible for his seizure.
As far as IRREVERSIBLE, I get why one might hate it. But for me it represents Noe in full control of his formal capacity and twisted sensibilities. Everything he's done henceforth has felt, to some degree, like self-parody. Granted, I liked CLIMAX enough and ENTER THE VOID was okay up until the final thirty minutes (LOVE sux), but they suffer from feeling too much like he's trying to "re-create" IRREVERSIBLE in various contexts.
@Rik, I'll be honest, not a ton of Far East/Asian releases of the last few decades that I truly love, especially the "biggest" hitters. (Though to be fair, there are probably still a ton I've gotta catch up on.) I do generally "like" a lot of it, though. Hong Sang-soo for example, makes tons of films I really enjoy, but none (yet) that I'd consider a full-blown masterpiece. I love the man's recurring intimacy, though. Asian cinema in the 60s and 70s...now *that's* another story. |
Winesburgohio
05.15.19 | Yay!!!! disagree profusely on a lot of these which i why i love u. curious about lack of ol' big wang tho. great to see Silent Light, love that film to pieces. if you'll brook another recommendation i think you'd really like AĂąo Bisiesto, 2010 i think? gorgeous, brutal slow burn |
tectactoe
05.15.19 | @Wines - hah, you already know my feelings on Wang Bing. I totally respect him as a daring minimalist but CRUDE OIL, WEST OF THE TRACKS, and even THREE SISTERS were pretty grueling to sit through. The one that would have the closest shot at making this list would be TIL MADNESS DO US PART, but again, I feel like that film would be nearly as powerful (or maybe even more so) at half the length.
Funny story about AĂąo Bisiesto. The English title is "LEAP YEAR". I've actually been dying to see this film for years now but cannot find it anywhere for the life of me. Even the torrents I've found were pretty much dead. Sometime last year I was flying to China for work and low and behold: They have LEAP YEAR on the in-flight movie list. No fucking way. I'm super stoked and immediately fire it up, only to realize there's a bullshit rom-com with Amy Adams and James Franco with the same goddamn name, FROM THE SAME GODDAMN YEAR (2010). The list of films on the headrest screen didn't have poster pictures, just titles with the year, which is why I was fooled. Utter disappointment.
(I did sit through it anyway because why not? I had about 14 hours to kill. It was retched, as you might expect.) |
Winesburgohio
05.15.19 | i'm biased obviously ('Til Madness is my top thirty of all time) but i love the way the structure cleaves to the topic matter in a way that demysifies and humanises mental illness - even outside of the political context - in the sense that a lot of it is defined, surprisingly, by elongated tedium. it also features some of the most powerful scenes of documentary movies in living memory but i won't spoil those.
ahahaha oh man outrageous!!! i fear a long plane ride wouldn't be the appropriate venue though: not just for content but in the way it demands and commands your attention. i hope you manage to find it, i think it'll be right up your alley |
tectactoe
05.15.19 | Yeah, it's probably a hidden blessing that the plane didn't have it. I ended up watching LEAP YEAR (the shitty one), TABLE 19, and DIGGING FOR FIRE. Then at some point I pulled out my laptop and rewatched Keaton's SHERLOCK, JR. and OUR HOSPITALITY for the umpteenth time. |
tectactoe
05.20.19 | Finally watched Hong Sang-soo's GRASS (2018) yesterday. Nothing world-beating or incredible, but typical fans of his work will enjoy it. Quiet, meditative, beautifully shot, and more straightfoward than a lot of his stuff, though there are some cheeky, inexplicable touches, as well as a couple instances of self-reflexive meta-humor. A relaxing little film. |
Rik VII
05.24.19 | Honestly^, I couldnât stand that film at all. I donât even know what he was going for stylistically. I get it that he wanted to make a film set all in one cafĂŠ (sounds like a very Hong thing to do), but why in black and white? Why this unfittingly noisy classical music? The whole style feels like an accident, or a drunken idea (which, again, sounds like a very Hong thing to do). Some of the camera zooms felt random and kinda awkward, too. The acting was good though, so it has that going for it.
On the Beach was really good though. |
DamnVanne
05.24.19 | Bone Tomahawk sucks shit through a straw |
tectactoe
05.24.19 | I can't fault Hong for using b/w simply because "it looks good," as he (and countless others) have done that before (e.g. THE DAY HE ARRIVES), though I'll admit that I think it also lends a certain quaintness to very small-scale works like this, in that it strips away any implications (intended or otherwise) that might arise from specific color palettes. Imagine IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE in black and white and it suddenly becomes a very different film. Not saying that was Hong's intention, just my personal perspective.
As for the classical music, it plays into a cheeky little misdirection from Hong. For a while I though the music was non-diegetic, just a boisterous soundtrack choice. Until partway through the film, one of the characters says something along the lines of, "The owner of the cafe likes to play classical music. Strange choice." (Or similar.) Again, not that this throwaway jape assuages the irritation you might get from having to listen to that music over peoples' conversations, but at the very least he's aware of the ill-fit and I can only assume it was intentional in this case.
Only part I didn't care for was the midsection diversion away from the cafe with the girl's brother and girlfriend. Felt like it was included only to fulfill the Hong prerequisite of one character inexplicably getting hotheaded and aggressive out of nowhere.
I agree, ON THE BEACH ALONE AT NIGHT was good, too. Watched CLAIRE'S CAMERA a few nights ago and thought it was okay, but very minor. Even for Hong, who's basically built a career around "minor." Finally found a copy of THE DAY AFTER, hopefully I can get around to watching that soon. |
tectactoe
06.03.19 | Mini-Von Trier binge: In planning to catch up on some of his earlier works I'd never seen before (THE KINGDOM, EUROPA, THE IDIOTS), I decided to also revisit the films I hadn't seen in 7+ years. Here's how that went:
* DOGVILLE was a weird one for me, because it's like a ubiquitous cineaste masterpiece and, alas, I don't love it. At all. I thought maybe I'd been too "green" the first time I saw it, which is partially why I was so excited to revisit it and (hopefully) garner a newfound love and appreciation, but even with much more cinematic experience under my belt, I was just as bored and frustrated this time around. Yeah, I "get" what LVT is trying to do with the blank stage, single-location set and the absence of walls or boundaries, etc., but my god, I'll never be able to view this as something more than the extremely bloated allegory that it is. As much as I applaud LVT's willingness to try new things, it's sad that such talent was spent on a project this vehemently dull.
* DANCER IN THE DARK is the Von Trier film I held in the highest estimation in my distance memories and (so far) it still holds up. For me. Funny, because I can totally understand the claims that this film is [1] too melodramatic, [2] too aggressively off-putting formally, or [3] too bleak to even be enjoyable, but for whatever reason, the combination of all these purposely obnoxious elements is done with such precision that none of them strangles the film to death by itself. They all kind of work in harmony. It's a fucked up, largely unpleasant harmony, but that's *kind of* the point, and whether it be melodrama, ill-fitted musical numbers, or painful victimization, each of them strikes a balance with the others that turns this into a carousel of (at once) misery and enchantment. It's *almost* like this era's THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, but with a more depressing ending (and narrative, too, I guess). It's about the magical power of movies and how they can grant you an escape from grim reality...but at the end of the day, that escape is only temporary. Not to mention BjĂśrk, having never acted before, is phenomenal here, as is the tenderly-aged Catherine Deneuve. Just an amazing film that absolutely should not "work" given all the brash constituents it has, but my god it does. |
tectactoe
06.03.19 | * BREAKING THE WAVES was another that I remembered liking quite a bit, and I still do, even more so than before. At this time I'd probably put it #2 behind DANCER IN THE DARK for my LVT rankings. I hadn't seen this in at least a decade, maybe more (saw it early in college, so it was somewhere around 2008-2010). This'll sound weird, but I hardly remembered how heavily the film rests upon a notion of Blind Faith. I did remember Bess having conversations "with God" (i.e., speaking both parts herself) but thinking it had more to do with her mental instability than a narrative of faith. And I didn't recall how miraculous the ending was, and how it's distinctly made to show Jan healing immediately after her "sacrifice" on the ship of sailors. Honestly, kind of made me gag a bit, not that I'm against religious narratives but my god not only is there no subtlety but there's nothing remotely delicate about it. (Compare with the ending of SILENT LIGHT; also kind of blunt on the surface, but it still maintains a level of grace and even ambiguity, something for the viewer to chew on once it's over.) So that kind of grated me. But the emotional thrust of the rest of the film is so great that it almost completely eclipses my distaste for the eye-rolling ending. Not only is Bess forced to endure one of the most brutally difficult emotional dilemmas ever conjured up, but the way she's pulled viciously from all angles - the doctor, her mother, her sister, the townsfolk, god, even Jan - complicates the dilemma tenfold. Watson gives a fantastic central performance, too, and though the handheld camera doesn't bother me, the crappy DV quality is frustrating at times. (Was never totally on board with LVT's Dogme 95 movement, tbh.)
To revisit:
* ANTICHRIST is and has been one of my least favorite films of all time. Saw it around the time it came out and just remember feeling like it was cringy, edge-lord bullshit. Hopefully I'll have lightened up a bit by now, but I'm not expecting an about-face. Plan to re-watch this within the next week or so. |
tectactoe
06.12.19 | A reminder to everyone that PARANOID PARK is a masterpiece and would be on this list if I didn't happen to think GERRY was even more of a masterpiece (one per director rule). Revisited it on Mubi last week and it is even better than I remembered. |
Zig
06.12.19 | Go watch Haneke ! |
Egarran
06.12.19 | Good lVT analysis.
Watson is amazing in Breaking. Even if the ending feels 'real' I still comfortably regard it as metaphor.
I liked Antichrist, but I don't feel like rewatching.
Dogma 95 gave us Festen, which is great. |
tectactoe
06.14.19 | That's one I surprisingly haven't seen despite hearing mostly good things about it over the years. I think I was initially put off by the fact it was Dogme 95 (something I've never been a fan of), and even after having consistently heard from big-time cinephiles how great it was, somehow never worked up the energy to find a copy online to watch. Maybe it's time I finally rectify that, since this would be about the zillionth good thing I've heard about it.
Speaking of LVT, I thought THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT was pretty good. Self-absorbed and indulgent, obviously, given that it's basically a super-exaggerated, autobiographical confession, but given my shaky track record with him, I liked it much more than I expected to. Self-awareness (which it has) goes a long way. Conversely, I was not a fan of (either) NYMPHOMANIAC at all. |
Egarran
06.14.19 | I don't really want too see The house that Jack built. It sound immensely unpleasant.
Nymphomania is on my list. I can see the bluray from here. But no one shows any enthusiasm for it, so meh.
But yeah, Festen. Do it now. |
Kalopsia
06.14.19 | Antichrist was hard to fap to, but i powered through |
tectactoe
06.14.19 | did you have bloody nutsack chutney too? |
tectactoe
06.18.19 | Added: TROPICAL MALADY (Weerasethakul, 2004)
Dropped Out: UPSTREAM COLOR (Carruth, 2013)
TROPICAL MALADY and CEMETERY OF SPLENDOUR were the only two Joe films I'd previously seen. Liked (but didn't love) the latter, hadn't seen the former in over a decade, which is why it wasn't originally on this list despite me having favorable memories of it.
Starting last week I made a plan to tackle Joe's somewhat short feature filmography over the next few months, as time and energy allows. First was MYSTERIOUS OBJECT AT NOON, which I admired and respected more than I actually enjoyed. (Relies too heavily on recursive, verbal conveyance to support such an abstract concept, if I had to boil it down to my most prominent peeve.) Couldn't find a copy of BLISSFULLY YOURS immediately (will look harder tonight) so I skipped right to a revisit of TROPICAL MALADY since it was available on the Criterion streaming channel.
Forgot how much I loved this film, though I probably didn't love it nearly as much whenever I first saw it. This type of abstract, contemplative, largely visual/atmospheric, purposely cryptic think-piece is totally my jam. I love how the mid-film split can be viewed as direct continuations of the same story (with obvious timeline jumps) or two separate but thematically related stories. (Or hell, even two entirely delineated stories that have nothing to do with one another, I suppose.)
I personally think they're meant to be separate-but-heavily-entwined, the first half laying out the seemingly mundane surface-level aspects of a homosexual relationship, the second half a metaphysical interpretation of the inner-turmoil that comes with something that was, at the time and place, considered shameful by many and strictly forbidden in some cultures/areas/etc.
And part of what I find so brilliant is how Joe embraces and augments the rumination by purposely sidestepping anything that could directly link the first story with the second story, aside from re-using an actor -- a device that may or may not serve a thematic purpose, but at least suggests to the viewer the idea that maybe these two stories *are* somehow related, in body or in spirit.
Not only that, but this time of lower-budget, environmental immersion always gets the best of me (see also: Loktev's THE LONELIEST PLANET, or many of Tsai's features), and thematicism notwithstanding, I was glued solid to the screen for two hours, immersed in both the quiet, understated moments of the first-half and the magisterial moments of the second.
Can't wait to dig into the rest of Joe's filmography. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Based on the stipulations of this list - namely, one film per director, no short films, and not counting the year 2000 as part of this current century (because it's technically not) - I wanted to add a list of films that, if I were to make exceptions to the aforementioned rules, might wind up somewhere on this list.
Films from 2000 that would be in contention:
*DANCER IN THE DARK (Von Trier) - My thoughts on this somewhere above. An excellent, abrasive film that works in spite of itself.
*HIGH FIDELITY (Frears) - One of the best novel adaptations of all time; absolutely perfect casting.
*IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Wong) - Not much needs to be said about this masterpiece of heightened, color-bursting expressionism.
*MEMENTO (Nolan) - Nolan is mostly a hack, but this film is truly superb. No bamboozle. His trajectory from here is unfortunate.
Films directed by someone already appearing on the list:
*GOODBYE, DRAGON INN (2003) - Tsai Ming-liang is literally a god, he only creates masterworks. Watch all of his films.
*THE WAYWARD CLOUD (2005) - See above.
*I DON'T WANT TO SLEEP ALONE (2006) - See above.
*FACE (2009) - See above.
*STRAY DOGS (2013) - See above.
*PARANOID PARK (2007) - I prefer GERRY, but this is Van Sant's second best without a doubt.
*THE LONELIEST PLANET (2011) - Loktev is such a gifted filmmaker, it's a shame she's only done two features thus far.
*DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE (2018) - Zahler is becoming one of my favorite working filmmakers.
*THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (2001) - Maybe the Coens' most overlooked great film aside from MILLER'S CROSSING. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Other great films that just missed the cut:
*LEVIATHAN (2012) - The pseudo-doc, not the polish film from 2014. Insanely abstract "documentary." An experience.
*UPSTREAM COLOR (2013) - Carruth is yet another gifted filmmaker who sadly is not making enough films.
*PRIMER (2004) - See above. This is what brilliance on a budget looks like.
*A SEPARATION (2011) - Heartbreaking film.
*BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) - My favorite of Linklater's BEFORE Trilogy, though SUNSET is also amazing.
*BEFORE SUNSET (2004) - See above.
*FIRST REFORMED (2017) - Schrader's best film in about a billion years. Better than its influences imo (DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST and WINTER LIGHT).
*HOLY MOTORS (2012) - Carax going fully abstract while maintaining "narrative." The result is exquisite.
*NOCTURAMA (2016) - Great film, plain and simple. Haven't seen HOSUE OF TOLERANCE yet but I've heard good things...
*ALL THE LIGHT IN THE SKY (2011) - Swanberg's best film by a mile; touching and heartfelt in all the right places.
*MISTRESS AMERICA (2015) - My favorite Baumbach, slightly edging out FRANCES HA, though quirky/indie detractors beware.
*MICHAEL CLAYTON (2007) - Most underrated film from 2007, besides maybe DEATH PROOF.
*DREAM WORK (2001) - Tscherkassky's masterpiece. This would be #1 on this list if I decided to include short films.
*INSTRUCTIONS FOR A LIGHT AND SOUND MACHINE (2005) - Another great Tscherkassky short.
*THE EXQUISITE CORPUS (2015) - Another great Tscherkassky short. |
Egarran
07.02.19 | Thanks, tec!
>Nolan is mostly a hack, but Memento is truly superb. No bamboozle. His trajectory from here is unfortunate.
[â¤]
|
Winesburgohio
07.02.19 | i luv u, The Exquisite Corpus is one of my favourites of the decade for sure
got my local film festival coming up which means Andrei Rublev and High Life on the big screen and various other excitements along the way, will report back diligently
P.S. now i think about it, surprised not to see Memories of Murder on here... |
Rik VII
07.02.19 | Nice to see Holy Motors. That's an insane film that not many people know. He made a prelude short film for the "Tokyo!" anthology a few years prior, featuring that same green dressed character, so I recommend checking that out. The other two entries are by Michael Gondry and Bong Joon-ho respectively, and I even prefer them over Carax'. Oh, and now that his name dropped I might as well add that I can't wait to see Bong's Parasite. He's one of my favorite directors (top 20 I think) and seeing him win the most important international film award is nice.
Edit: Nice job ninjaing me on Bong, Wines |
Winesburgohio
07.02.19 | OH and while i'm here it would be impudent not to say thank you so so much for Three Times: i was utterly transfixed. in exchange: Yi-Yi by Edward Yang. slow, ponderous and utterly riveting.
i've gone from yearly rewatches of In the Mood for Love to something fast approximating monthly so that's where my life is at!!! |
Winesburgohio
07.02.19 | how did u know about my preefered method of marijuana consumption
(saw Parasite and it's good but it seems like the first time he's pandered to critical acclaim? i'd stick with shoplifters and the ceaselessly under-rated Snowpiercer, which tackles the same themes but in that gorgeous bonkers way) |
Rik VII
07.02.19 | Mother is my favorite Bong, closely followed by Memories, and from what I've heard Parasite seems to be more in line with those. I'm just happy to see him back in that style after two action-based films in a row ... Honestly, to me that's even more important than whether it's FOTY material.
Regarding Wong Kar-wai: As much as I love In the Mood for Love, my favorites he made are still Chungking Express and Fallen Angels (preferably back to back). How do you feel about 2046? |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | ⤠It really is too bad Nolan turned into a parody of himself. FOLLOWING showed so much promise that was capitalized on and perfected with MEMENTO, and then he just went limp. INSOMNIAC remake was lame, don't get me started on his Batman films, and then it's like he became so obsessed with twisty narratives and "hah! gotcha!" reactions while trying to appeal to as large of an audience as possible that all of him films suffer from laborious over-explanation and unnecessary gearshifts. MEMENTO was a gimmick, but at least the gimmick itself served a thematic purpose.
Yes yes yes, Tscherkassky is an amazing filmmaker. I'm sure you're already seen them, but if not, check out OUTER SPACE and DREAM WORK. Probably my two favorites of his, though honestly I've yet to see a bad one. His brand of avant-garde pseudo-horror just gets my bones jingling.
Glad you loved THREE TIMES!! I'm honestly shocked it's not held in higher estimation, even among HHH fans. The first segment is literally perfect, and the final segment reminds me of something Tsai Ming-liang would shoot. Middle section drags *just a tiny bit* imo, but is still amazing and bold going with the silent film conceit. (And I agree YI YI is amazing, it's probably just one small step below the honorable mentions above for me. I think I prefer A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY but it's been a long time since I've seen either; will need to revisit soon.)
And re MEMORIES OF MURDER, I remember liking it but was having trouble remembering exactly why I didn't think it was a masterpiece...Here's a small except from what I wrote about it back when I saw it:
"...Wholly amusing, but frequently pitted by its own exuberance - the overacted brutality, the dropkicks, the comic shoutfests, etc. - to the point where the subtextual delicacy is undermined for the sake of bustle, along with a fairly standard amount of R.D.S. (really dumb shit) when it comes to crime films e.g. casually stumbling in front of a train or, given the state of the city, walking - as a petite female - alone through the woods on a rainy night *sigh*. The penultimate sequence (a/k/a âthe climaxâ) almost derails things completely for meâa bit too comparatively berserk and nonsensical, and Iâm not sure I buy into the overwrought display of tortured agonyâbut the final sceneâs a goodie, circling back to the filmâs most ripened thesis : obsessions never die. Wouldnât mind seeing a leaner and moderately more unsmiling version of this ; as is, itâs sitting just outside the fringe of greatness with one too many ill-advised anchors tied to its ankles."
Another one I might need to revisit. I still found it thoroughly entertaining, though, and am definitely excited to see PARASITE.
|
Winesburgohio
07.02.19 | i saw 2046 first and if i'm honest rented it because my barely teenage self was promised sex scenes and nudity. instead i got something approximating feelings and was VERY let down (i jest: gorgeous film that i owe a lot to, but as a gateway rather than a film unto itself.) I'd go ITM4L and a wonderful Queer one he did(!!!) called Happy Together as my picks for him, although the latter is a bit of a dry run for In the Mood, but I appreciate why any would appeal.
you're not incorrect tec, but i think it's what he *does* with the tropes - inverts and problematises them -- that makes it brilliant. like obviously the petite female walking along thing is so done to death it seems trite, but in his hands in comes across as an exploration of gender dynamics and i don't know the whole way that was shot was ominous, sure, but also really angry in a way i can't describe. actually i think it's a really angry film in general but i only have so many characters
|
Winesburgohio
07.02.19 | (Outer Space is my favourite: the way the man dismantles cultural memory frame by frame and re-pieces it into something alien and bizarre - a platonic form, in his analysis - is unparalleled) |
Rik VII
07.02.19 | Yeah, I pretty much love every Wong film from Chungking Express up until (and including, I know that's unusual) Blueberry Nights. So everything except the first two, Ashes of Time and Grandmaster (which was a mess). He's brilliant. I know 2046 was kinda divisive upon release, but I always adored it as a follow-up to ITMFL. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Oh and somehow I forgot to mention CERTIFIED COPY and LOST IN TRANSLATION as honorable mentions, two films I love and cherish but, again, haven't seen in such a long time that putting them somewhere on this list would feel mostly like a guess. (Though I could say with certainty that LOST IN TRANSLATION would be somewhere on the list, just not sure where; CERTIFIED COPY would be closer to the edge, I think, but a fantastic film either way.)
Also Madden's THE HEART OF THE WORLD is double disqualified - THE FORBIDDEN ROOM is already on this list (and would rank above) plus it's from 2000. But if anyone has six minutes to spare, it's an incredible short film. |
Pheromone
07.02.19 | Crazy that your favourite of the 3 'Before' films is the latter - the former has some of my favourite dialogue in any movie ever. I'd have 'Call Me By Your Name' on my list for sure, re-watched that last night and it's such a gorgeous film that hasn't had a mention on the list or comments here. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Most people give me weird looks when I tell them MIDNIGHT is my favorite, though ultimately all three of them are amazing. I think each person's reaction correlates with where they're at in their life when they see the trilogy, at least for me it was that way. Had I watched them when I was a but younger, I'd probably prefer SUNRISE or SUNSET, though I watched the entire trilogy (for the first time) not long after MIDNIGHT came out, and having been settled into a home, with a wife, etc., put a different perspective on all of the three films for me.
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME was quite good (I think I gave it a B or B+) but it still only placed 16th on my Favorites of 2017 list.
The thing that bugged me the most was that it felt cowardly in the way it showed heterosexuality in graphic detail, but seemed to shy away from homosexuality (e.g. when Elio and the other guy finally sleep together for the first time, the camera immediately pans to the window and shows nothing). Not that I'm looking for skin when I watch movies, but if you're gonna show hetero sex, you have to show homo sex as well, or show neither, otherwise it's kind of stigmatizing the exact thing it's attempting to assuage. |
Egarran
07.02.19 | If Linklater has made a bad movie, I haven't seen it. |
Pheromone
07.02.19 | I've heard that critique before and I definitely understand it, however it never really felt too jarring, or even apparent to me when watching it the first time around (though, it did yesterday).
In regards to the 'Before' trilogy you've probably hit the nail on the head there. I'm just about approaching the age of the duo in the original film, so there's definitely some feeling's there because of it; the second has my favourite ending of the trilogy though, and the third is exactly as I'd hoped it would be. Linklater, at his best, can do no wrong.
I tried watching Clerks yesterday, but could not fuck with it at all. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Kevin Smith might be the worst living filmmaker along with Harmony Korine. |
Egarran
07.02.19 | Clerks was great the ~37 times I saw it in the 90's, but hasn't aged too well. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | You've seen it 37 times? In a row??? |
bloc
07.02.19 | I haven't even listened to any album 37 times |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | (I'm assuming Egarran was riffing on a joke from the movie and I hope I'm not wrong, otherwise my comment won't make sense either.) |
Egarran
07.02.19 | Rewatching that scene, ok the acting is ...well... sub-par, but the dialogue is still funny. |
Pheromone
07.02.19 | 'I haven't even listened to any album 37 times'
i dont know what is less likely! |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Smith is (or, *was*, rather) an infinitely better writer than director and/or actor. But he essentially blew his wad with CLERKS, and everything thereafter was either a sillier rehash of that, or some variant of stoner-philosophizing about his own insecurity complex w.r.t. the opposite sex. And then he dove off the deep end with shit like TUSK and RED STATE. |
Pheromone
07.02.19 | The bumps on this list inspired me to finally check Hertzfeldt's World of Tomorrow (ep 1). It's no 'Such a Beautiful Day' (nothing is), but it was a great watch. |
Rik VII
07.02.19 | "If Linklater has made a bad movie, I haven't seen it."
I couldn't stand Everybody Wants Some. Other than that, same. |
Egarran
07.02.19 | Turns out I haven't seen that. Checks out. |
Rik VII
07.02.19 | It's basically autopilot Linklater in a nostalgia-dripping 80s setting.
Waking Life is his best imo (although the Before trilogy as a whole probably bests it). It's also his most self-indulgent, but I don't have much of a problem with that. |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | Glad you liked it. I think EPISODE II is even a little bit better. But honestly I think Hertzfeldt is mostly a genius, and I adore pretty much all of his work. The Blu-Ray that he sold on his website for IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY came with a bunch of his earlier short films (Including WOT:EP1) and while they aren't as polished as his newest stuff, they're still well worth checking out. WISDOM TEETH, BILLY'S BALLOON, MEANING OF LIFE, and REJECTED are all worth watching.
I didn't think EVERYBODY WANTS SOME was bad, but it felt like he was essentially remaking something he already did way better, 13 years earlier. Some of the gender dynamics were pushed farther and there was arguably more of a "point" to the film (though barely), but he was clinging on nostalgia beats that he'd already vaporized with DAZED AND CONFUSED.
I think TAPE is an underappreciated Linklater film. Just saw that for the first time a few weeks ago, actually.
And it's been a while but I also remember thinking BERNIE was *way* better than I ever expected it to be.
Only Linklater film I truly think is vile is BAD NEWS BEARS...but does that even count? |
iglu
07.02.19 | at least harmony's movies are odd enough to evoke some type of reaction, usually anger and confusion
still remember gummo, don't remember anything from clerks |
tectactoe
07.02.19 | i agree that korine > smith, at least from a perspective of effort. i just can't stand any of korine's films tbh. SPRING BREAKERS was the closet he ever got to something i liked, but the second half of the film sputters. |
Winesburgohio
07.03.19 | sorry for the impending adjective but Linklater is the comfiest director; i don't have to think i just have to snuggle. Before Sunset is my current favourite of the trilogy but it used to be Sunrise by a country mile so there might be some credence to the "resonates with where you're at" theory, although no-one does ephemera better... |
tectactoe
07.03.19 | That's a fair assessment, I can definitely see where you're coming from. If I had to choose my personal "comfiest" director, I'd have to go Wes Anderson for contemporary, and Buster Keaton for old school. I could watch either of their movies all day and just be perfectly content.
I think, interestingly, both Linklater and Anderson love swimming around in nostalgia, but they each attack it from vastly different angles. Linklater more of down-to-earth realist, Anderson more of a dreamy expressionist.
Have you ever read any of the interviews with Linklater about his inspiration for the BEFORE series? It was based on a similar experience he had with a girl named Amy sometime in 1989.
Even as that experience was going on ⌠I was like, âIâm gonna make a film about this.â And she was like, âWhat âthisâ? Whatâre you talking about?â And I was like, âJust this. This feeling. This thing thatâs going on between us.â
Then life took them in separate directions, Linklater met another woman, and as he was making BEFORE SUNRISE, he said he kept secretly thinking/wishing/hoping that Amy might surprisingly show up to a press screening or something, which eventually blossomed into his idea for the opening scene of BEFORE SUNSET (with Jesse at the book signing). Sadly, though, unbeknownst to Linklater at the time, Amy died in 1994 in a motorcycle accident.
Just adds an additional layer of sentiment and warm-fuzzies to the entire project (as if it needed any more). We are honestly lucky to have a trilogy so great.
Maybe the best Trilogy of all time? Only one I can think of that comes close is THREE COLORS. (Not counting non-contiguous or "unofficial" trilogies like the Leone/Eastwood westerns.) |
DoofDoof
07.03.19 | You should probably add 10 placings and rename the list every year no?
30 entries seems limiting as time marches on and you watch a lot more (I guess?) |
tectactoe
07.03.19 | It actually started as a Top 25 of "The Past Decade" (which, at the time was 2008-2017), and I've recently expanded it to the Top 30 of the Current Century (2001 til now), namely because I got bored of seeing more or less the same movies on the list for two years, and there were a lot of films between 2001 and 2008 that were sadly omitted.
Perhaps I could eventually open it up to Top 40 or 50 or expand the time line again. I've thought about just creating separate lists for each decade (00s, 90s, 80s, etc.) but I also like how this topic has kind of morphed into general film discussion overall.
But to semi-answer your question yes, 30 entries is very limiting. Then again, I'd probably find 50, or 60, or whatever else just as limiting. It seems like no matter what number I choose, there are *always* a bunch of films I love that end up sitting just outside on the fringe of the list. :( |
tectactoe
07.03.19 | At one point I wanted to do a Top 50 of All Time (no director or time restrictions) and I got so far as even compiling the list itself, but kept second guessing my choices and getting upset at films I had to omit, and then I just never posted it lol. |
EyesWideShut
07.03.19 | @tectactoe you got a letterboxd broski ? |
tectactoe
07.03.19 | Yes sir, I joined around 2016 after having used IMDb from approx 2012-then. I've only reviewed films I've seen since joining Letterboxd, and films I have rated with no review mean they are carryover from my IMDb scores, but haven't rewatched them yet. Anything I've seen before 2012-ish is either logged with no score or maybe not even logged at all.
That's around the time I really caught the cinephelia bug and it became more of a heavy interest than a passing hobby, though, so that's probably a good thing because my taste in movies is drastically different now than it was back in ~2012 and before. I've rewatched so many films I saw when I was younger and hated only to absolutely adore them now.
Your username, for example -- I think the first time I saw EYES WIDE SHUT was around 2004 ish? I know I was only about 15/16 years old or so. Hated it, thought it was one of the worst things I'd ever seen. Finally revisited it (twice) a couple years ago and it's now among my all time favorites, and I'll argue to the death that it's Kubrick's true opus, his densest and most daring film (yes even over 2001).
So anyway yeah, I've been trying to write short blurbs on everything I've seen since ca. 2016, and it's been both fun and formative to my own tastes. I find that writing about stuff, even in short capsule formats, challenges me to really dig into why I liked/disliked a film.
Here's the EYES WIDE SHUT re-review:
https://letterboxd.com/tectactoe/film/eyes-wide-shut/2/ |
tectactoe
07.03.19 | and my account is just:
https://letterboxd.com/tectactoe/ |
EyesWideShut
07.05.19 | cool mon I just followed you, im EliminatorJr. |
Pheromone
07.05.19 | I noticed a 2.5 on trainspotting there tect, that hurt |
tectactoe
07.05.19 | Sorry mate :( Just not a big Danny Boyle fan, honestly. I think the only film of his Iâve given above 2.5 is 127 HOURS. |
Gyromania
07.05.19 | okay so, after just watching the master, i have to say... no. it has some really hilarious moments, but i don't really get the point of it. maybe a cringe masterpiece but people saying it competes with there will be blood are insane |
Egarran
07.05.19 | Agerd. |
tectactoe
07.05.19 | both great movies but imo THE MASTER > TWBB, and i can attempt to explain why i think itâs a masterpiece if youâd care to listen to me ramble |
EyesWideShut
07.05.19 | The Master is definitely a top 5 movie of this decade |
Egarran
07.05.19 | I think you've explained it before, but I'm up for another round.
Imo
TWBB=10/10
The Master= 6.5/10 |
tectactoe
07.08.19 | First off: None of this is meant as a slight to THERE WILL BE BLOOD, which is still one of the finest films of its decade. It just so happens that I prefer THE MASTER, disqualifying it for contention on this list per my self-inflicted âone film per directorâ rule. THERE WILL BE BLOOD is an exquisite character study on the insatiable thirst for power in a capitalist society (at the macrocosmic level) and the inner-workings of a misanthropic mind hellbent on serving only himself (at the microcosmic level).
From a technical standpoint, I consider them equals. Both are impeccably framed and shot, lacquered in very specific and cohesive color palettes, both contain some of the absolute best performances from any contemporary actors (I might argue that THE MASTER trumps TWBB in this regard, given that it has Phoenix *and* Hoffman, who each are performing at Day-Lewisâs level, but in any case: Acting = superb for both), and both are drenched in well-fitted scores from Mr. Greenwood, each eliciting the proper tone and overarching mood.
Where THE MASTER excels - for me, personally, anyway - is in the breadth of its subtext, which can be parsed in a variety of ways. Iâm allergic to films that try too hard for obfuscated symbolism in order to feign depth or âentice viewer interpretationâ such that they bungle the narrative aspects completely. (Unless the film is specifically designed to forego narrative ârealismâ in lieu of an encompassing abstractness or surrealism or whatever, e.g. most David Lynch films. In those cases I am very hit or miss.) But THE MASTER works so well as a (mostly) non-interpretive, surface-level study of an unhinged mind made malleable through the horrors of war - PTSD and eventually alcoholism - and the search for comfort via ostensible âbelongingâ that even if you chose not to dig into its many layers, itâd still be a fantastic film. Beyond that, if you are the type who enjoys rummaging through the various allegorical registers of such films, thereâs plenty to be found. |
tectactoe
07.08.19 | One of my favorite interpretations is that itâs an extrapolation of the human psycheâthe id (Freddie), the ego (Lancaster), and the superego (Peggie). The id is the pleasure seeker, the thoughtless strand, the no-holds-barred intuition while the superego is the mindâs filter, the one that maintains etiquette, sterility, and societal expectations. The ego is caught in a constant battle between the two (in this case, Lancaster), longing to indulge in the idâs temptations (Freddieâs partying and drinking) while always being reprimanded and whipped back into shape by the superego (Peggieâs constant bossing and unwavering demeanor, right down to her emotionless handjob which is yet another means of control over Lancaster, entirely void of any real sexual interest.)
I think thereâs also merit to the idea itâs a film about two men stranded by loneliness and (mentally) ostracized from the world who find a common ground between their internal isolation. And while Iâm not prepared to say that either of them is truly gay, there are definitely undertones of homoeroticism between Freddie and Lancaster. Freddieâs mental instability and long-time separation from his old girlfriend Dorris make him an extremely vulnerable target for Lancaster, a man trapped in a vapid, thankless marriage who must hold up appearances for his family and his cult of followers, but is desperately looking for an escape.
It could be about manâs superficial search for a âmaster,â or the idea that belonging to somethingâwhether it be a religion, a cult, a subset of society, a political agenda, anythingâis correct and proper and normal and âright.â Freddie finds comfort in Lancasterâs quasi-guidance and his acceptance. He does not particularly care about The Cause or any of its ideologies or views or agendas. He merely likes the feeling of belonging to *something* and having someone - Lancaster, in this case - guide him and âshow him the way.â Only through various tribulations does Freddie eventually come to the realization that he can indeed be *his own* âmaster,â and is capable of guiding his only life in whatever direction he chooses. |
tectactoe
07.08.19 | Furthermore, perhaps âfinding a masterâ is corollary to finding love. Love, in all its forms, is the driving force for Freddie throughout the entire film. His sexual desires are primitiveâhe humps a woman made of sand, jerks off into the ocean, lusts after a woman in the wall, writes a lucrative note to a girl he barely knows, flirts with Clarkâs wife, imagines a room full of people naked, etc. but the deep-rooted motivation for his wandering is his missed connection with Doris, extracted during the processing scene.
In that sense, Doris was Freddieâs true master. He continues along his aimless path all while never getting closure on the one woman he loved. It wasnât until he had full closure with Dorisâtraveling back to her home and learning she was happily married with childrenâthat he was able to completely break free of his commitment to The Cause. He travels back to Lancaster, is offered an ultimatum to stay, and is even persuaded to remain a member of the Cause; but Freddieâs come to the realization of whoâs in control, and with only a few tears, he says goodbye to Dodd and company foreverâafter this, heâs perfectly content with himself.
Thereâs something to be said about the surface-level allegory for organized religions and cult-like mentalities, their general toxicity and how people become so wrapped up in deity worship that they assuage basic human decency and logical decision making. But I really think the film is richer than that and has more to do with battling oneâs internal demons and learning how to break free from the mentality of needing to belong to someone or something in order to be normal. Itâs about taking control of your own life and becoming independent amid a society that pushes dependency. I understand itâs not a film for everyone, but goddamn I love every second of it.
(/end) |
Gyromania
07.08.19 | ridiculously good analysis. i would try to counter some of it, but it would take me a while to do so and if i'm being honest i can't be bothered to engage on an intellectual level this early in the morning lol. for now i'll say i agree with a lot of your analysis on the relationship between the characters, and all the subtext beyond that of them both finding common ground through loneliness and societal isolation, but my contention is still in that it ultimately all seems meaningless (maybe a dumb criticism from me since one of my favourite movies this decade is Ilo Ilo which also doesn't seem to have much of a point to it). i had a problem with the pacing in the master - specifically towards the end of the film, when it felt like it could have - and should have - ended several different times. no matter how well anchored it all seems due to the phenomenal acting, its material still bores me more than not. |
tectactoe
07.08.19 | Thank you. And honestly, I understand. A movie can be bursting at the seams with rich psychoanalytical content and layered subtext and a variety of symbolism, etc., but if you simply don't jive with it on a superficial level, all that other stuff becomes rather meaningless. And, not coincidentally, that superficial/surface-level enjoyment is often the most subjective part of instinctively liking or disliking a film.
I do hope you revisit it at some point in the future, though, whether it be a few months or even years from now; I wasn't "sure" about it when I first saw it, either, but something kept drawing me back to it, and the second time is when it really clicked for me. |
Egarran
07.08.19 | Thank you very much, tec. Always so good to read, I really wish I could share your enthusiasm.
And heed the zen riddle:
"Who is the master who makes the grass green?" |
tectactoe
07.17.19 | Tremendous thumbs up to Joe's SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY. Not quite good enough to bump TROPICAL MALADY from this list, but easily worth your time if meditative cinema is your thing.
Also, not eligible for this list because it's older, but worth noting: Finally getting around to watching some Pedro Almodovar. He's admittedly one of those directors whose work never appealed to me on the surface and I just never bothered to dive into his filmography. But his films were just added to The Criterion Channel so I figured it was my due diligence to finally check them out. Started with WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN and absolutely adored it. Second favorite film of 1988 behind Kieslowski's A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING. Upset at myself for passing this up for such a long time. |
Egarran
07.17.19 | Yeah he owned the 90s. I've seen 3 movies by him and I liked them but I... can't really remember their names. Except JAMON JAMON because of
GUACA
|
tectactoe
07.19.19 | It's possible you are thinking of...... (someone else) |
Egarran
07.19.19 | Damn you're right. Well, it was the same cultural movement, ok? |
ramon.
07.29.19 | o shit u have more lists and more goodness u r a god mister toe jam
for shits and giggles, here's tscherkassky's outer space but with nivathe playing over it
https://youtu.be/CXmjJN5QtrE
im noticing not many people on this site seem to jam takashi miike. given he is simultaneously responsible for audition and visitor q, i'd imagine his creative liberty would at least license some honorable mentions somewhere!! i feel even for as disjointed as his filmography is, he presents a lot of intriguing questions (and some scathing answers from time to time) subtextually across his more notable efforts. |
tectactoe
07.29.19 | I've only seen a handful of his huge filmography (maybe 10, 12 movies?) and I've really liked a few, haven't fallen in love with anything, though. I like AUDITION a lot, but I think my favorite of his is THE HAPPINESS OF THE KATAKURIS. What a wild ride. |
Rik VII
07.29.19 | The only Miike that ever really worked for me was his short film Box (great atmosphere and aesthetic). Katakuris is admittedly kind of a trash masterpiece though and would be more deserving of the hype that Hausu recently got.
Something entirely different - tec, have you seen Tokyo Sonata (by Kiyoshi Kurosawa)? |
tectactoe
07.29.19 | Surprisingly not! Would you recommend?
Only (Kiyoshi) Kurosawas I've seen are BEFORE WE VANISH (not bad, not great), PULSE (loved it), CURE (also loved it), CREEPY (meh), and RETRIBUTION (don't remember much of it, tbh). |
Zig
07.29.19 | No Haneke ? |
tectactoe
07.29.19 | Not a huge Haneke fan, honestly. Something about his super-austere sensibilities and cynicism don't excite me all that much. (E.g. I know many people who think WHITE RIBBON is a masterpiece; it's probably one of my least favorite films of his.)
However, I do really like THE PIANO TEACHER, CACHE, and CODE UNKNOWN. I thought AMOUR was just okay. FUNNY GAMES ain't bad, either, but I always find his films a little enervating to some degree. (I suppose that's partially the point, but I dunno.) Got about 30 minutes into HAPPY END and wasn't feeling it at all, so I stopped it. Might eventually go back and try to finish.
What's your favorite Haneke? |
Rik VII
07.29.19 | "Surprisingly not! Would you recommend?"
Yes, definitely. It'd make my own century list, I'm pretty sure.
"Only (Kiyoshi) Kurosawas I've seen are BEFORE WE VANISH (not bad, not great), PULSE (loved it), CURE (also loved it), CREEPY (meh), and RETRIBUTION (don't remember much of it, tbh)."
Cure is awesome, the other Kurosawa that I really loved. Before We Vanished was hard to sit through, didn't like that one at all. Pulse was pretty good (started amazing but the end is kinda embarassing), haven't seen the others you mentioned. Real is an interesting genre mix that I enjoyed, despite its flaws and (partly because of) its oddities. |
Zig
07.29.19 | @tectactoe
The Piano Teacher is by far my favorite of his. Also like a lot his first film The Seventh Continent. |
tectactoe
07.31.19 | Haven't seen The Seventh Continent. I think I tried looking for it before, but couldn't find a watchable copy.
>'Yes, definitely. It'd make my own century list, I'm pretty sure.'
Nice, I will try to find a copy soon then.
Saw the new Tarantino last weekend. The first two hours were great. The last forty-five minutes were great. But they don't mesh together well, and feel haphazardly abutted with no sense of integration or flow, and end up undermining each other because of it. Still a very good film that will probably rise in my estimation with a revisit or two, but the superfluity of the build up becomes glaring once the "Six Months Later" title card kicks in.
|
Pheromone
08.21.19 | I got on to watching A Brighter Summer Day tonight and it lived up to expectation. Four hours of pure plot but it never overstays it's welcome, and ends up feeling 100% justified given the ending. Ever seen it tect? |
Winesburgohio
08.21.19 | oh to find decent ENG subtitles for that Pheromone :( |
tectactoe
08.21.19 | Yes, love BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY, though it's been a *very* long time since I've seen both that and YI YI, to the point where I no longer know which one I truly prefer. I probably would've said YI YI for a while, but ABSD has grown more in my estimation.
I'd like to revisit both of them, but with a kid and all it's difficult to squeeze in three and four hour films :o(
@Wines: Are English subs really that hard to find? I would think they'd be relatively easier now, esp. since Criterion has released a restored version of the film. |
Winesburgohio
08.21.19 | i will admit it's been a couple of years (read: an embarrassing amounts that will show my age) since i searched for it after Yi Yi; i'll endeavor to find some this very eve |
Egarran
08.21.19 | Dw everyone here is 40 by assumption. |
tectactoe
08.21.19 | david_lynch_thumbs_up.jpg |
Pheromone
08.23.19 | Wines bro if you need a link hit me up - let's keep it on the low though, don't want anyone to know im doing anything illegal. |
ramon.
08.24.19 | yang got me hyped for that 3 hour extended cut of midsommar
definitely in the yi yi > absd camp |
Pheromone
08.24.19 | I've still yet to see Midsommar, it's been out of any cinema near me since I returned from Singapore. Probably my most anticipated new film in a good long while. |
tectactoe
08.24.19 | I didnât love MIDSOMMAR, unfortunately, and while I think Aster is a great compositional director and has a good eye for genuine discomfort, but he needs to forego the subtext next time. It just gets in the way.
Apparently his next film isnât going to be a horror, though. |
ramon.
08.24.19 | I loved the subtext. Felt campy to the point of comedy, and I'm convinced it isn't meant to be taken seriously. Film has a lot of issues and loose ends but I was hugely entertained.
I didn't know that, curious to see what he gets up to in the future. |
Pheromone
08.29.19 | Was just watching The End of Evangelion just then and picked up on a ton of similarities between it and It's Such a Beautiful Day - two stunning pieces of animation, tackling very similar themes in very different ways. Perhaps two of my favourites ever.
|
Rik VII
08.29.19 | My favorite animation films would be Tenshi no Tamago, Whisper of the Heart, Tokyo Godfathers, Mary & Max and, obligatory, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Should probably watch Beautiful Day sometime soon though. |
Faraudo
08.29.19 | Good list. |
Pheromone
08.29.19 | Some good choices; I've actually been meaning to watch Mary & Max for the past week or so, so will get back to you on that soon. In terms of my favourite Ghibli, I'm a meme to myself for going with the melancholic in Grave of the Fireflies but I love everything about that movie.
Yeah definitely check Beautiful Day when you get the chance, it's also my favourite of the 21st Century. |
Rik VII
08.29.19 | Grave of the Fireflies is stunning. Although as far as Takahata goes (R.I.P., still can't quite believe it), Kaguya is my favorite. Beautiful art design and the animation of movement is unparalleled imo.
Ghibli will forever be the best animation film studio ever. No 500 years could ever produce a second studio of that kind, seriously. I love nearly every film they produced. |
Pheromone
08.29.19 | I completely agree. Even the lesser Ghibli films are often a delight. Also your mention of Tokyo Godfathers and your RIP to Takahata got me thinking about Satoshi Kon and how everything he touched was gold. 46 is too young for anyone, but it hurts to think about what he could have made. To leave behind Paprika, Perfect Blue etc. - I don't know if Anime shows are your thing, but did you ever watch Paranoia Agent? That's probably my favourite work of his. |
rockandmetaljunkie
08.29.19 | Great list:
Some other great millennia films are:
The Tree of Life (2011)
Enemy (2013)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Sicario (2015)
Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) |
rockandmetaljunkie
08.29.19 | fuck, this list is two years old? 0_0 |
tectactoe
08.29.19 | I'm checking out of this miniature conversation: I've tried several times, but sadly have been (mostly) indifferent-to-lukewarm on pretty much all of the Ghibli films I've seen. I think my favorite would be either KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE or PORCO ROSSO, but even those I merely "like," and don't especially "love."
IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY is easily my favorite animated film, though some others I really enjoy: THE BUGS BUNNY / ROAD RUNNER MOVIE; TOY STORY 2; MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI; THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE; ANOMALISA; WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT; SON OF THE WHITE MARE; NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS; and, if it counts, 2016's documentary TOWER. |
tectactoe
08.29.19 | @junkie: check the list again - ENEMY is there :) |
protokute
08.29.19 | i only watched Mulholland Drive from here, downloaded Duke Of Bargundy a few weeks ago but never got to watch it yet. The others I don't even know |
Rik VII
08.29.19 | @Pheromone: Agreed. Kon is one of my favorite directors/artists in general ever. One of the few that I'm convinced have never done a film that wasn't amazing. Paranoia Agent is up there, probably tied with Millennium Actress for my second favorite. Man, I cam't praise him enough. Crazy to think what the anime industry was capable of putting out only some years ago. It's become so bad.
Haven't watched any anime series for quite some time (been leaning towards reading more manga instead), but Monster by Naoki Urasawa (anime or manga) is one of my favorite things. |
Pheromone
08.29.19 | Monster, along with Baccano is my favourite anime series. There was meant to be a live action version at one point with HBO, but I canât imagine it would have improved anything. Good choice my dude. |
Rik VII
08.29.19 | Baccano is amazing as well! And yeah, Del Toro was trying to tackle that, but it was never heard of again. Definitely for the better.
If you like manga, I recommend one of Urasawa's other works, Pluto. It's similar to Monster but in a cyberpunk setting. One of my favorite mangas as well. |
Egarran
08.29.19 | >sadly have been (mostly) indifferent-to-lukewarm on pretty much all of the Ghibli films
Well, that's a first. |
tectactoe
08.29.19 | Watched Bong's PARASITE yesterday, finally. Really good, not quite best-of-the-decade material, though, imo. Surprised people are going so ballistic over it. |
ramon.
08.29.19 | the emperor's new groove is the greatest film of all time |
Egarran
08.29.19 | When are you going to see Once upon a time in Hollywood? |
tectactoe
08.29.19 | Bro I did, twice. |
Egarran
08.29.19 | Dude, bro, review, man. I don't see it here.
Ah! But i see you have a QT list. I shall venture there henceforth. |
Pheromone
08.30.19 | @Rik I've never even attempted to read a Manga, but I'll definitely get to reading that. Cheers.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was probably the funnest cinema experience I've had in a long time. |
tectactoe
08.30.19 | Egarran, here are the two (longer) reviews I've written for it:
https://letterboxd.com/tectactoe/film/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood/
https://letterboxd.com/tectactoe/film/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood/1/ |
Pheromone
08.30.19 | That's a really great writeup tect. I know what you mean about it being Quent's funniest - that last 40 in particular had me laughing like I haven't in a while. |
tectactoe
08.30.19 | Thanks! Not sure if the hilarity was amplified by theatrical context; guess we'll see when I finally watch it at home. But aside from maybe PULP FICTION, I can't think of a film that's consistently funnier. |
tectactoe
08.30.19 | (Of his, that is.) |
Pheromone
08.30.19 | Yeah I do think when it comes to watching films in a cinema(if that's what you're saying) / watching comedy at a comedy club etc. compared to watching at home, the laughter is heightened. But I think with this one, even just thinking back to certain moments gives me a giggle.
A good pal of mine drew comparisons with Lebowski with this one, but I luckily enjoyed this a lot more. |
Egarran
08.30.19 | I don't remember many quotes, but I was chuckling the entire time. |
tectactoe
09.30.19 | Finally saw IN FABRIC last night, probably one of my most anticipated films in a loooong time, given my glowing reception of Strickland's previous two films (BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO and THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, the latter of which is on this list).
Liked it (quite a bit), but not nearly enough to dethrone THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY as his masterwork. Fans of Strickland should enjoy it, though it's significantly more pastiche than (his already pastiche-driven) previous films. It lacks the hidden dichotomy of genuine humanism that makes BURGUNDY such a masterpiece. As such, it functions more like an exercise in genre and mood, calling to mind the exorbitant Euro-horrors of the 70s and 80s (think: Argento, Bava, et al) with his own personal touch of wry comedy. Seriously, it is significantly funnier than you'd expect, and I might go so far as to say I appreciate this more as an eminently dark comedy than a horror or homage piece.
Either way, while it lacks the depth to vault itself into true greatness and gets a bit too strange-for-strange's-sake on a few occasions, I had a really good time with it, and, if nothing else, it makes for a completely unique experience. |
Pheromone
09.30.19 | I only just got to Midsommar last night (as I couldn't catch it in the cinema). I enjoyed it, but definitely less than I expected. The characters felt so lifeless? (uninspired, stereotyped etc etc). The atmosphere was the highlight |
tectactoe
10.01.19 | Agreed with all of that. You basically have a banal, twenty minute prologue to underscore the supposed subtext of a curdled relationship between the man and the woman (forget their names). But Aster is pretty careless with carrying that allegory through the entire film in a natural way (or in any way at all) and when he *does* occasionally try to touch base with it, it feels obnoxiously obvious and signposted. |
Pheromone
10.10.19 | What do you guys think about the chance of The Irishman being any good? |
tectactoe
10.10.19 | I think with Scorsese at the helm, it will at least be serviceable, if not pretty good. Though that run-time is a big OOF -- not to say I don't occasionally enjoy long films, but Scorsese's sweet spot is between 100-150 minutes. I like THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, CASINO, and SILENCE, but think they all feel a bit bloated, and could improve with some trimming. So a 209 minute film from him is definitely distressing. But again, I'm trying to imagine a film with this cast (even in their old, past-prime ages) dir. by Martin Scorsese that I end up hating, and it just isn't happening. At least, that's what I'm hoping. After all, he *is* responsible for CAPE FEAR.... |
Pheromone
10.10.19 | I love your use of capitals aha - Yeah, I pretty much agree. I was never able to feel the love for Wolf of Wall Street, definitely grated towards the end. Though, I do feel cautiously optimistic about this one. There's a new Chris Morris film out too, which you American's seem to hate (The Day Shall Come or, for you THE DAY SHALL COME). Though, I can't imagine actively disliking (or even, not loving) anything Chris Morris writes so I'm excited to watch it. |
Ryus
11.13.19 | 3 might be 1 for me, astounding movie
saw parasite this past week, i thought it was terrific |
Ryus
11.13.19 | i was really underwhelmed by 15 for some reason, i thought i would love it but it didnt grab me at all |
tectactoe
11.13.19 | Took me two viewings to really appreciate INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (though I still liked it well enough after one); it's the most measured and lyrical the Coen brothers have been since....maybe ever. I know plenty of people who find it boring and done care for its plotlessness, though, so you're definitely not alone. |
Ryus
11.13.19 | im excited af for uncut gems, looks terrific |
JoeTex
11.13.19 | "What do you guys think about the chance of The Irishman being any good?"
high probability |
Winesburgohio
11.13.19 | Meek's Cutoff looks almost as ravishing as i do in cutoff jeans
gr8 film, really glad i tracked it down. also holy shit Paul Dano is a versatile actor |
Ryus
11.13.19 | does anyone else love phantom thread as much as i do?
set design, cinematography, soundtrack, tone, acting all immaculateâa beautiful movie |
tectactoe
11.14.19 | fuck yeah, Richardt is a goddess. MEEK'S CUTOFF is her best, but i also really love WENDY AND LUCY, CERTAIN WOMEN, and RIVER OF GRASS. (lots of learned cinephiles also put OLD JOY among her best; have seen it twice and enjoyed it enough but it never *clicked* with me totally.)
also yes PHANTOM THREAD is amazing, only reason it isn't on this list is because i prefer THE MASTER (limited to one film per director). otherwise it'd place somewhere around 23-25 or so. |
Ryus
11.14.19 | ahh gotcha. idk which i prefer but those are my two favorite PTA movies. both outstanding |
tectactoe
12.14.19 | MARRIAGE STORY added at #25.
I also feel compelled to note (since I never addressed it before) that I'm purposely not including short films for this list, otherwise Tscherkassky's DREAM WORK would be #1.
ALso updated to a b/w aesthetic because why not. |
Winesburgohio
12.14.19 | im still recovering from marriage story. ye gods man. |
hal1ax
12.14.19 | still need to check phantom thread. but ye the master is top-shelf PTA |
tectactoe
12.14.19 | Hell yes wines, I knew you were a true man of culture. |
Egarran
12.14.19 | Blood>Master>>>Thread
*runs away* |
tectactoe
12.14.19 | I can't even argue with that, honestly. I prefer THE MASTER, but can totally understand the sentiment of those two prefer THERE WILL BE BLOOD.
I prefer them both to PHANTOM THREAD, too. |
Ryus
12.14.19 | stillhavent seen there will be blood even tho master and thread are two of my faves ever lol
ill get around to it this break |
tectactoe
12.14.19 | Yeah man, it's a masterpiece in its own way, if for nothing other than creating one of the most despicable caricatures of the century thus far. |
Egarran
12.14.19 | But the great thing is that this evil man is fucking up a priest. It's capitalism vs. christianity. Anyway, that's what I took away. |
tectactoe
12.14.19 | Thatâs definitely an ostensible theme, though I prefer to inhale it as a simple character study. More fun that way |
hal1ax
12.15.19 | capitalism vs. christianity is a specious view of the film imo. the priest is just as much a capitalist as the oil tycoon, it's just that he peddles a different commodity, and in different tactics of manipulation and domination. to me it is the rapacious tyrant unmasked vs. the rapacious tyrant cloaked in socio-cultural convention. they are working the same scheme from different angles. |
Egarran
12.15.19 | Well said. Religious capitalism, then.
I like that conflict as much the character study - it's a unique angle, and satisfying to watch two enemies fight. |
tectactoe
12.15.19 | Indeed, Daniel slapping Eli down and burying his face in the mud is glorious, and very akin to e.g. âbaptismâ via capitalist pigs |
