|
Mark's Top 10
of 2006
After several disappointing years in cinema, I firmly believe
that we're once again on an upturn. If 2006 is any indicator,
there should be no shortage of interesting, innovative, and entertaining
movies coming out of Hollywood, the indie scene, and from around
the world. This year was one of the most difficult years
I can remember in which to pick just ten movies that qualified
as the best. I wish this list could be three times as long.
That said, here are the best films of 2006, in my humble opinion.
Honorable mention: Brick, Flags
of Our Fathers, The Prestige, The Science
of Sleep,
and Shortbus.
10. United 93: Many say it's too soon to do a film about
9/11 and part of me agrees, but one done with as much respect
and quality as United 93 should never be delayed.
Having witnessed the events of the day firsthand, it is a powerful
experience to relive them from a different perspective, and Greengrass
provides an emotional adrenaline shot for the full film.
9. A Scanner Darkly: Philip K. Dick possessed one of the
most original and twisted minds in science fiction literature,
and there isn't a film adaptation of his I don't enjoy.
Richard Linklater took his infamously paranoid futuristic drug-trip
to a new level of surrealism with the same rotoscoping he used
so well in Waking Life. This isn't your average
animated movie.
8. Borat: Already a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen's central
European journalist, I was pleased to see that he not only took
his subversive political and social commentary to entirely new
heights with this feature, but that it was so well-received.
Few films can do so much to show America's underlying prejudices
as this.
7. Little Miss Sunshine: Every year, one indie film rises
above the rest of the pack and holds its own against the large-budget
Hollywood fare. This year it was the tender and original
Little Miss Sunshine, which features a stellar ensemble
cast and a quirk script that is among the best of the year.
Watching this film is a great time every time I see it.
6. Volver: Revisting themes he first played with almost
twenty years ago in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,
Pedro Almodóvar has once again made an intricate story
of women's lives woven together. Penélope Cruz heads
up this talented group of actresses who all work together to overcome
their problems.
5. The Departed: Yet
another benchmark accomplishment in the long and distinguished
career of Martin Scorsese. He has done the near-impossible task
of remaking a movie into something superior. Every element of
this movie fits perfectly with the rest to make one of the best
crime dramas of all time.
4. The Fountain: Not since What Dreams May Come
has a film touched me on such a deeply spritual level. This
is a complex and experimental journey through time, love, and
a soul's enlightenment. Both visually and emotionally stirring,
Darren Aronofsky has made his best film yet.
3. Notes on a Scandal: This taught drama plays host to
two of the most volatile performances of the year, as well as
one of the most compelling scripts. It's wonderful to see
a movie that relies on character and storytelling rather than
action or special effects to keep us on the edges of our seats.
2. Children of Men: This apocalyptic thriller paints a
grim picture for the future of humanity and makes glaring commentary
on the totalitarian bent of many of our current governments.
Reinforced by superb direction, near-perfect performances, and
the best cinematography of the year, Children of Men
is a film you won't soon forget.
1. Pan's Labyrinth: This film is the fairy tale answer
to the epic high fantasy of Lord of the Rings.
Under the keen guidence of Mexican director Guillermo del Toro,
a dangerous and magical world is unfurled before us as young Ofelia
enters the labyrinth of her imagination to escape the horrors
of her life amidst the Spanish Civil War. Pan's Labyrinth
is one of the most moving films in recent memory as well as one
of the most beautiful.
|
