The obligatory “best films of/in 2008″ post December 31, 2008
Posted by joost in : film, reflection , comments closedI’ve seen about 136 feature films and 40 short films, give or take a few. As much as I appreciate a list of “best films of 2008″, I feel it never truly fits the moniker. International release dates vary for instance, and films shown on festivals sometimes have been touring the circuit for well over one year. And sometimes I’m blown away by a film that I somehow missed in the year it initially was released.
For these reasons, I usually scribble notes on two lists: the best films that I have seen in the past year, and the best films that have been released in the cinema this year (in the UK where I currently reside). With this in mind, here are my lists.
Best films seen in 2008 (in random order):
- No Country For Old Men (2007)
“Less is more”. A contemplative film cleverly wrapped in a cat and mouse thriller.
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
Superb acting, wonderful cinematography, and probably a lot of symbolism and layers that I will discover during future viewings.
- The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
Had been on my toseelist for a while, and did not disappoint for one bit. Would make a nice double bill with No country for old men btw.
- Il Conformista (1970)
Saw this on the big screen thanks to the BFI. Splendid.
- The Fountain (2006)
The best film I’ve seen (three times) in 2008. Eerily perfect. The narrative, the composition of the shots, the acting, the music, the philosophical subject matter, what’s not to admire? This is the first film I mention when people ask me “Do you have any film recommendations?”, because it is an overlooked jewel of a film that deserves more attention. Luckily there seems to be a growing cult following and appreciation for The Fountain.
- The Fall (2006)
Visually the most stunning film I have seen this year. Incredible locations, costumes and characters, a film about the power of storytelling like you have never seen it before.
- A L’interieur (Inside) (2007)
One of those rare horror films that maximizes the claustrophobic nature of the story and is very gory and bloody, but never crosses the line that would make it ridiculous and funny instead of scary.
- The Orphanage (2007)
Fine example of Spanish magic realism in films intertwined with a dramatic story.
- The Man From Earth (2007)
More a stage play than a film really (based on a book), but a film that succeeds in captivating the audience’s attention for the full 90 minutes based on exploring an intellectual concept is quite extraordinary.
- WALL-E (2008)
Pixar strikes again. Fantastic character design and stunning (virtual) camera work. Very strong start, but a bit too predictable and moralizing in the last act.
- The Dark Knight (2008)
My most anticipated film of the year, and despite all the hype it still delivered. Memorable cinema moment when the first frame of the film in IMAX format showed a helicopter shot over Chicago and the whole audience gasped for breath.
- Paris, je t’aime (2006)
Excellent short films about and set in the city of love, made by established writers and directors. Thanks for not calling me guys!
- Conversations with other women (2005)
Dialogue driven actor’s film told using a split screen. Added to my list of “features that I would like to make as a beginning film maker”.
- Man on wire (2008)
Inspiring and suspenseful documentary about a man, a wire, and the meaning of life.
Best films released in 2008 (in not-so-random order):
- Man on wire
- The Dark Knight
- No Country For Old Men
- There Will Be Blood
- The Orphanage
- WALL-E
- The Fall
- The Kite Runner
Zzzhoot December 9, 2008
Posted by joost in : film, london, reflection, work , comments closedNote to self: must figure out a way to get a night of decent sleep before the first day of a shoot. My nocturnal biorhythm usually clashes big time with the start of a shoot, resulting in a ridiculously short sleep on day 0, a bit more sleep on day 1, and a somewhat decent sleep on day 2. Ugh. Coffee, anyone?
Update – this week’s score: 1, 3, 3.5, 3.5, 4.5, 4 and 4 hours of sleep, resulting in a whopping average of 3 hours and 20 minutes a night…