2011 was definitely the ‘Year of the Film’ for me. Setting up Admit One might just have had something to do with that. Aside from providing me an excuse to overindulge in my passion (and annoy friends by claiming it was work), the site afforded me the opportunity to discover a bunch of cinematic gems I might not have otherwise seen – and also discover a few that made me want to pen a strongly worded letter to the producers demanding my soul back (yes, I’m talking about you, Green Lantern!).
This past week the Admit One crew got together to decide on our top films of 2011. You’ve probably seen a billion Top 10 lists over the last few weeks, as seems to be the custom at this time of year, so we thought we’d just list our favourites in no particular order. If you haven’t seen any of these films yet, we highly recommend you do.
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ADMIT ONE’S FAVOURITE FILMS OF 2011
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Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky followed up his sensational wrestling drama, The Wrestler, with a sensational ballet horror. Neither of those combos should work, but in Aronofsky’s hands they’re spell-binding pieces of cinema. A career highlight for Natalie Portman, whose portrayal of Nina, the dancer mentally unravelling as she strives for perfection, won her almost every award imaginable – and rightly so.
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Drive
If there was an award for coolest movie of the year it would definitely go to Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. The retro-style crime drama about a stuntman who moonlights as a getaway drive oozed cool from every pore. Ryan Gosling was the perfect choice for the lead and can now add ‘action man’ right under ‘ladies man’ on his CV.
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Another Earth
This low budget indie sci-fi showed us exactly what a sci-fi should be: story driven. The touching and engaging drama, about the relationship between a man who lost his family and the girl trying to make amends for the crime, was a breath of fresh air and a true hidden gem. Expect to see much more from co-writer and star Brit Marling in the future.
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Senna
You’d be hard pushed to find a better documentary this year. The story of an extraordinary talent and his battle with the money and politics that ruled his sport, before his untimely death at age 34, Senna is well crafted, insightful and moving. Even if you’re not a fan of motor-racing you would enjoy this film.
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Tyrannosaur
The emotional and heartbreaking story of an unlikely friendship between a self-destructive man and a christian charity shop worker, each struggling with their own demons, is powerful filmmaking at its best – even if it wasn’t always easy to watch. It’s hard to believe this was actor-turned-director Paddy Considine’s first feature film. Powerhouse performances from Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman only add to the film’s quality.
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Red State
Kevin Smith’s turn to the dark side reaps rewards with this dark and gritty ride into the world of extreme christian fundamentalists, armed offenders and misadventurous small town youth. It’s not the subtlest of films but Smith handles it with a deft touch; keeping us glued to the screen all the way through. And Michael Parks’ stunning turn as the Five Points preacher sent shivers down the spine of everyone in the theatre.
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Super 8
JJ Abrams channeled producer Steven Spielberg to remind us all that films can still be fantastical and fun. A homage to the 70’s and 80’s Spielberg classics, this monster movie/coming of age film is a blast from start to finish. The performances of the child actors are first rate and really make the film what it is.
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Melancholia
The tale of two sisters, a wedding, and the end of the world; Melancholia was most definitely a Lars von Trier film. But this time out Lars wraps his fantastic visual styling around a more captivating and intimate story. Superb performances by Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg draw you in to the fears, doubts and insecurities of the characters as the face their fate – death by planet.
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Beginners
Sweet, funny and poignant, Beginners tells the tale of a man struggling to come to terms with his father’s terminal cancel and the father’s new male lover, as he attempts to emotionally connect with his new girlfriend. Melanie Laurent and Christopher Plummer light up the screen, and Ewan McGregor turns in one of his finest performances.
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Love Story
One of the best, and quirkiest, New Zealand films ever made. Florian Habicht”s Love Story is part documentary, part drama, and part comedy (it will make sense when you see it). The film follows Florian as he pursues the beautiful Russian woman he met on the subway. Florian then uses the colourful real-life characters that populate New York City to drive the story forward, in a very unique and utterly delightful way.
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TT3D: Closer to the Edge
TT3D: Closer to the Edge takes us behind the scenes of the world’s most dangerous motorcycle race and in to the minds of the riders who risk their lives in order to tame the Isle of Man track. Riding the fine line between genius and insanity, these guys are a truly special breed. Add in some surprisingly good use of 3D and exhilarating camera work, this film has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
What could easily have been yet another needless Hollywood reboot turned out to be one of the year’s most absorbing action flicks. With a great script, composed directing, and superb motion capture and animation work, Rise of the Planet of the Apes took many by surprise. Andy Serkis as Ceaser (the lead ape) shows us once again that he has no equal – someone please give that man an Oscar!
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The Tree of Life
Genius filmmaking or art-house nonsense? The Tree of Life certainly divided audiences. The story of a boy’s loss of innocence in the 1950’s is not driven by narrative but by the use of imagery – including a 15 minute ‘birth of the universe’ sequence! I loved it, but whatever your thoughts, you are unlikely to have seen a more visually stunning piece of cinema in a long time – if ever.
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Blue Valentine
The incredibly talented Michelle Williams and ‘Man of the Year’ on our list, Ryan Gosling, join forces to bring us the tale of a contemporary couple who’s relationship turns into a toxic marriage. But this film is more than just a story, it poses questions about a state of modern relationships and how they come to pass. Although I haven’t seen this film, Abby has, and loved it – so that’s good enough for me!
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The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
Spielberg and Jackson together for the first time – it’s got to be good, right? Well yes, yes it is. This fun action adventure hits all the right notes and takes you on an incredibly entertaining ride. The motion capture and animation are a cut above anything we’ve ever seen, and the use of 3D shows us it does have a place in cinema today (although I still maintain it only really works with animation).
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The Future
Miranda July’s second feature film continues this talented writer, director and actor’s path to indie off-beat greatness. Narrated by a talking cat, the film follows the radical changes that occur in a couple’s relationship when they decide to adopt a stray from a local shelter. Excellent performances from July and Hamish Linklater match perfectly the film’s quirky premise.
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True Grit
The Coen brother really know how to tell a tale and this remake of the John Wayne wild west classic not only does justice to the original but brings you a film stands out in it’s own right. A darker and more sombre film, True Grit provided us with some powerhouse performances. Jeff Bridges is sensational as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, but the real star of the show is Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross – yet another young star who stole the limelight in 2011.
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Martha Marcy May Marlene
Who knew an Olsen sister could act? Youngest sibling Elizabeth shows some serious acting chops in her turn as an increasingly paranoid and unstable young women, dealing with her time spent in the clutches of an abusive cult. Martha Marcy May Marlene is a compelling, if slightly unsettling, watch; driven by strong and emotive performances. Independent filmmaking at its finest.
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Well, that’s all folks! I hope you had as much fun at the cinema as we did. 2012 is shaping up to be another incredible year and there’s plenty to look forward to. But I’ll save that for another post.
On a side note, starting Admit One was also a huge highlight for me and I look forward to expanding the site in 2012 – as we work towards doing this full-time, rather than in our spare time (fingers crossed!). Thanks heaps to Abby and Kate for being part of the crew. And a big thanks to you guys, our fans, for all your support. Let’s keep indulging ourselves in all thing film!
So now it’s your turn! What films were your favourites of 2011 and why should we see them, if we haven’t already?
