D.S.'s Top Ten For 2007
I watched so many films this year, it’s hard to remember them all - even some of the good ones. This is by no means, then, a comprehensive sample of the "best" films I saw this year; rather, it represents those films that stick out most in memory. I didn't number them, because I don't usually make that kind of comparison.
Southland Tales - As Kelly puts it: "This is how the world ends". I expected to like this film; instead, I was enthralled. No doubt it’s a mess, and Kelly commits some serious errors in both his storytelling and his production choices. Nevertheless, the characters and narrative blend together into a strange morass of story that pulled me in and made me forget I was sitting in a theater. I saw this twice in the theater in two days - and I can’t wait to see it again on DVD. Maybe this one just speaks to something in me.
Isolation - A group of strangers contend with a scientific accident that could be fatal on a lonely Irish farm. This is one of my big (cinematic) surprises from this year. I bought this based on reviews alone, and watched it without expectations or prior knowledge. I then proceeded to watch it twice more in two days. The cinematography is gorgeous and the story, while derivative, is well told. I will be watching this for years to come.
Crank - A mob assassin is poisoned by a rival, and must take revenge before ideas. A lot of filmmakers use rapid cuts and editing to portray action, but Neveldyne and Taylor, the director/writer team behind Crank, know how to use them right. The film moves quick and Statham lays on his charm and toughness. The action is violent, even for a hard R, while other scenes involving drugs and sex go places you don’t expect to visit in a Western film. I’m definitely someone who’s looking forward to a sequel.
Death Game - A man is visited by two strange girls seeking refuge for the night. Another surprise favorite: Seth bought this because of the cover, and we selected it one night for the same reason. We knew the setup going in, but the execution caught us by surprise. The hysteria and anger that the actresses portray felt real, and the ending was unpredictable.
Brain Damage - A young man discovers a strange friend who gets him high for the price of brains. This was my introduction to Henenlotter’s work, and if the content was any indication of his other films, then I want to see them all. Brain Damage is full of absurdity and gore, and both elements are handled well. I watched this with some friends, and we laughed and yelled throughout.
Inland Empire - As David Lynch describes it: "A woman in trouble". I saw this under ideal conditions: David Lynch screened it at the Cinerama here in Seattle, and held a Q&A session afterwards. His presence and this mammoth, complicated work made for a wonderful night. The film is weird and long and, at times, barely accessible to linear comprehension. If you asked me, I couldn’t "explain" what happens. But the film took me somewhere and scared me more than most others I’ve seen.
Walker - This is a strange take on an American general who subjugated Nicaragua under his rule in the late 19th century. A friend brought it over, claiming that it’s one of the most messed up films he had ever seen; it is now one of my favorites. The filmmakers tinker with history and time and create critical satire. Sometimes they lay it on thick, but I prefer films that go too far to those that don’t go anywhere at all.
Eastern Promises - An English midwife finds the diary of a dead Russian girl that contains dangerous secrets. This is not a gangster movie, despite the presence of the Russian mob and the kind of material you’d expect from such an effort. This is a drama about the immigrants who seek better lives in another country, and the citizens who are largely unaware of their fates. This is a beautiful film that has stuck with me long since I watched it.
The Warriors - I imagine everyone knows the plot: one of the many gangs in an alternate New York end up on everyone’s bad side, and have to fight their way back to Coney Island. I cannot believe how good this film is. Everything about it is smart, from the editing and lighting to the pace, character development, music, and fight choreography. I will be watching it every year for life.
Rescue Dawn - A young pilot is shot down during his run over Laos, and subsequently captured. Herzog takes an early episode from the Vietnam War, and focuses on particulars: who was involved, and how they dealt with their situation. Actor performances exerted a magnetic effect on me, and I experienced a piece of the War that complemented the history books and documentaries I’ve read and watched.
There are other films that I wanted to mention, including: The Prodigy; From Beyond; The Burning; Demons; Revenge of the Ninja; The Lady is the Boss; The Duel; and Lady Terminator. Any one of these will make for a good night’s entertainment.
