Top 25 Films of 2000-2009, Part the Fourth

Editor's Note: This is just embarassing. When I said this would happen tomorrow ... I must haven't today. But ... lotta shit's been goin' down, and I'm proud to bring the top ten of the last decade. Warm up your opinions and get ready for some fightin' words/films. This shit's gonna be awesome!

- B

"Shocker?'"

Ocean's Eleven

(2001) Steven Soderbergh

I know, I know. Re-makes are a ballsy proposition when considering films that are great, valuable and most importantly, unique. But, seriously, what other movies can you think of where you honestly, guiltlessly refer to them as "cool?" I mean, this thing's a multiple showcase, working as both a crowd-pleasing caper as well as a showcase for that underrated duo of the oughts, Clooney and Soderbergh. Soderbergh's produced something like 15 good to great to perfect indie films over the last decade, and that earns him kudos as likely candidate for director of the decade. But this is him in dual operating modes, making a clever, mainstream, likable heist movie, with artistic (not pretentious) ambitions. This was the peak of his creative powers IMO. Also, Clooney solidified his leading man status by being the coolest dude EVER as Daniel Ocean. Yeah, the crew was perfectly cast and developed, and the writing was just so snappy, and let's not forget that snazzy score. But Clooney became a lead of near Newman-esque heft, handsomeness and affability with this. Who else can get away with ordering "whiskey. and a whiskey." like him?! "Ocean's Eleven" was a great time, easy to rewatch, and far more noble in terms of style and intentions (unlike the sequels, or the original).

Why can't I sound this cool? http://www.youtube.com

"Look closer. Seriously, what the hell am I looking at!?'"

Cache (Hidden)

(2005) Michal Janeke

In post a 9/11, web-ready, Patriot Act world, privacy and security seemed like the biggest of issues for us this last decade. German director Michael Haneke not only understood that everybody feels unsafe, but used that paranoia to create probably the most intelligent, calm and assured mindfuck you'll ever see. And that's just MY interpretation of this unsettlingly potent thriller about a man lead into a disturbing mystery after he finds that someone's leaving tapes on his front doorstep. What are on those tapes? Why, they're merely single take, extended length shots of the man's home (see above picture). This, like many other films on the list, didn't readily affect me until I had time to digest and think about what exactly I had seen. For a better perspective though, I'm gonna have to give the nod to Ebert, and encourage you to read his Great Movies Essay on the film. But I know this: in terms of thrillers, nothing beat this when it came to themes and craft. It almost destroys you while you watch it. Oh Haneke, you awkward auteur.

What do you see? http://www.youtube.com

"What?'"

No Country for Old Men

(2007) Joel and Ethan Coen

Why didn't I realize this sooner?! "No Country for Old Men" IS the very best western film of the decade. Forget the horses and crooning and the John Wayne-ish talkin' pardners of past gunslinger films. "Old Country" was a brave, new western. A thinking man's western. The Coens brought their most accomplished film to date in this infinitely rewatchable film, making both a visceral chase saga and Tex-Mex existentialist piece. When drug money goes missing, somebody's going to find it, come hell or high water. Friendo. Oh, and I won't even bother wasting your time heaping praise on Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh, because, well, he's already got enough praise (second to the other great villian, Heath). A meditation on masculinity (differently embodied by three great actors), "No Country" was a cocktail of potent filmmaking. A near perfect film. But most importantly, it's one smoking hot western. Friendo. Dah! I can't stop!

Please leave my store. http://www.youtube.com

"Oh, snap! I'm outta here.'"

The Hurt Locker

(2007) Kathryn Bigelow

Let's avoid my usual "sobering" anecdote on this one. Who in the hell knew that Kathryn Bigelow had it in her? After I declared this tops for 2009, I set out to buy every other film in Bigelow's filmography, because I wanted to know who the hell this master helmsman was. The smartest, most gripping and potent war film this decade ... was from the director of "Point Break?!" Well, it was improbable ... but certainly not impossible. After years of masculine, structuralist chic (not to mention latent homoeroticism), Bigelow emerged in 2009 with her explosive magnum opus, a meditation on war and its effects on the people that participate in it. Some might argue that bomb defusers as main characters make for all-too-easy ways to evoke tension and drama ... but it seems peripheral when you realize that it's men and women that go to war. In my initial review for the Daily, I postulated that "Hurt Locker" was the best Iraq War film to date, and was deserving of Oscar consideration come the end of the year. Well, I was right and wrong. It certainly deserved its gold statuettes for director and Best Picture. But I was wrong about calling it the "best Iraq film to date." "Hurt Locker" is actually a masterpiece.

Boom! No, I'm not dicking around. http://www.youtube.com

"Does anyone remember laughter?'"

Almost Famous

(2000) Cameron Crowe

You know, this totally planted the seed for my need to write? I mean, not only did Crowe's delightful "Almost Famous" romanticize pop culture and a bygone era of exciting journalism, but it kinda entranced me. 15-year old boy gets picked up by The Rolling Stone to follow a rock band around, and experience some truly life-changing stuff. So, yes, it is a coming-of-age story. But what a grand, heartfelt one it is. Cameron Crowe based the story of teen lead William on his own experiences as a teenaged writer for The Rolling Stone. That's right, Crowe was the lucky bastard plucked from obscurity (thanks to his literate, witty writing style, on display here) to write for the magazine. That's not to say I'm jealous. I've had my brief affair with arts writing. She broke up with me. But I'm trying to get her back. What? Oh, yeah, "Almost Famous" is a wonderful evocation of lost innocence, fame, reality and the experiences that last a lifetime. It goes for the heart.

"I dig music." http://www.youtube.com

Top 25 Films of 2000-2009, Part the Third

Howdy, howdy, howdy. Welcome back to the third round of of Top 25 of the oughts.

Also, stayed tune, because this is the final prelude before the final ten, starting tomorrow. Oooh, it's gonna be a bloodbath! Of film...

"Ach! Das ist ein 'nuisance-phone!'"

Der Untergang (Downfall)

(2004) Oliver Hirschbiegel

You've most likely seen footage of this film, featuring a wildy angry and finger-flailing Bruno Ganz as Adolph Hitler, being informed about some sort of bad news. Usually Adolph's pissed about his favorite sports teams not making it, or about some sort of political problem. It's all very cute and ironic. But, did you know that there's a mesmerizing movie behind all those spoofs? Seriously! It's called "Downfall," and it's Oliver Hirschbiegel's now classic realist observation of Hitler's last days in World War II in his bunker, as told from the point-of-view of his secretary. Think "Das Boot" in terms of scope, interior locations and objective war story-telling. "Downfall" is an amazing look at a historical evil, crumbling right before your eyes. Now, if only we could get beyond those spoof videos...

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com

"It's not fair! No one told me Gaga was coming to Lolla!'"

Mystic River

(2003) Clint Eastwood

Tonight, Dustin (brother-in-law) asked me what exactly makes this super-drama so special. Fair enough. By all accounts, this is just an above average melodrama that's made maybe too many rounds on AMC of late. But I'd argue that Eastwood's "Mystic River" is a culmination of many efforts (straight direction, brilliant acting, arguably perfect writing) that creates a tone far superior to many dramatic efforts of late, making "Mystic River" go beyond its trappings as a drama to become something greater: classical, rapturous tragedy on film. Clint Eastwood had a soulful, thoughtful return to form this past decade. "Million Dollar Baby" and "Gran Torino" just go to show that he was a director of considerable moral talents that go beyond his gun-wielding heydays, and "Mystic River" was his arguably his straight, American masterpiece.

Time to take the above photo serioussly. http://www.youtube.com

"!!!'"

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

(2004) Adam McKay

In my attempts to be fair to comedy, this topic has been discussed by me and friends of late, lot: What's going to be the great comedy of the last decade? What makes a film deserve classical, comedic status the likes of "Animal House?" Well, there were a lot of great films to pick from: "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Borat," "Hot Fuzz," "Old School." All greatly funny movies. But, it's "Anchorman," the wholly, oddly original concept from the dynamic duo of director Adam McKay and star Will Ferrell that deserves props for the simple reasons that it's arguably the funniest, and easily the most memorable film with a sense of humor of late. "Come see how good I look!" "It smells like bigfoot's dick!" "I love lamp." "I stabbed a man in the heart." "Don't act like you're not impressed!" "You pooped in the refrigerator?" I could go on, but the thing of it is, you probably know what each and every one of those quotes refers to. "Anchorman" was unique, and it's already aging all too well.

"I'm ... kinduva big deal." http://www.youtube.com

"Look behind you!'"

Finding Nemo

(2003) Andrew Stanton

In terms of animation, nothing comes close to "Finding Nemo." It has visual innovation (you want the dreamy, beautiful underwater imagery to take up your entire vision). It was fun, fast and funny (and it made stoner turtles more endearing than Keanu Reeves). It's story is deceptively simple, yet resonant and deep (I mean, who hasn't had to come to terms with parents in terms of 'letting go?'). And, above all, it's still probably the finest thing to come out of Pixar, that brilliant wheelhouse of pitch-perfect cartoon movies. "Nemo" just goes to show how you can really make movies for everyone, which seems so damn hard to do.

Got a tissue and minute? http://www.youtube.com

"Mark Wahlberg talks to animals ... oh shit."

The Departed

(2006) Martin Scorsese

Perhaps the biggest shocker about this movie — beyond the ending, and the fact that Leo and Marky Mark sure as hell could act — was the fact that this was a remake, of all things! Based on the lean 2002 crime thriller "Infernal Affairs," "The Departed" took the concept and morphed that film into a (shockingly) superior crime epic of Catholicism, confusing allegiances and first-class thrills. With movie-maestro Martin Scorsese at the helm, working in the kind of salacious material that made him great, "The Departed" goes beyond its simple gangster movie roots to become something immensely entertaining and rewarding. One of the finest compliments this film ever received was from my buddy Eric, claiming that this made him understand what good films were, how they're put together, and why they deserve an audience and/or closer scrutiny. So big, so brutal, so brilliant.

Best of a bad song: http://www.youtube.com

Tune in tomorrow, for ... the Top Ten!

It's gonna get controversial.

Top 25 Films of 2000-2009, Part the Second

Welcome to part two, Contemporaries!

This time, with needed clips!

"Asshole. Pure and simple."

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

(2005) Alex Gibney

Let's face facts: I was an art student and am probably not the best person to consult when it comes to current events or "what's going on." But man, after I watched "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," I felt like we'd been missing the point of this past decade. Our biggest villains weren't really politicians, killers or eery Aryans like usual. The biggest bastards of the oughts were greedy and gross businessman, and "Enron" was the documentary that proved it. Director Gibney made the evils of Enron understandable enough for anyone to watch this movie. A huge selling point for people who just don't understand business, and need to how they've been screwed. Yet Gibney presents the fact in showing how Enron profited by way of the Bushes, forest fires, fudged numbers and so much more that's wrong with big corporations.

Killer Skilling: http://www.youtube.com

"Which one of these is not like the other?"

Billy Elliot

(2000) Stephen Daldry

A fairy tale about being yourself disguised as an English kitchen-sink drama, "Billy Elliot" was a strange kind of magic. Jamie Bell, in a now iconic first role is the titular, toe-tapping Billy, the younger son of an English mine on strike. What should be seemingly pat and cutesy stuff is a balancing act of gritty spectacle and the light touch of dance and music. Is it about coming out and being true? Is this comedy of gender roles? Or is "Billy Elliot" an advocate for the arts and their power to enrich and even save people? A little bit of all of that really. "Billy Elliot" is divine film. And all I know, is that "I ain't no fookin' poof."

Angry dancing: http://www.youtube.com

"F*ckin' Iguanas. How Do They Work?"

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

(2009) Werner Herzog

I've expressed my thoughts on how this commentary on institutional failure is both a supernatural tour-de-force and lead acting showcase. But here's my real argument as to why this deserves to be on more "best of" lists: This may well be the closest damn thing we'll have to a deserving cult classic from the last decade. From iguanas to dancing souls to Nic Cage on crack (on screen this time!) to Werner Herzog's willingness to go hog wild, "Bad Lieutenant" scores for its gonzo memorability. Just watch the clip below and not pull a "WTF"! Start randomly asking people about iguanas. I swear, it'll be worth it! "Bad Lieutenant" was sadly under-seen and deserves an audience, especially a cultish one. You know that general complaint about Nic Cage being a bad actor who makes bad decisions? Watch this film for some new insight on that.

Fucking iguanas. http://www.youtube.com

"They're both single, ladies."

Sideways

(2004) Alexander Payne

This might not have made the list, had I not recently re-viewed it on FX. To compare this film to fine wine is so appropriate, not only because of the plot-based metaphors (two buddies gulping it up in Napa Valley for a bachelor weekend), but because this film really has aged well. I get it much better now. "Sideways" is the ultimate thinking-man's buddy comedy. The film understands the nuances and seeming confusions that come with having best friends. You know the realtionships, where one party always has to explain and account for the other, yet the thought of two people not being friends confuses others. Miles and Jack perfectly embody being buds. Added bonus: "Sideways" also displays Payne's signature freaky and farcical humor. Can you say hilarious full-frontal nudity?

Would you like some Merlot? http://www.youtube.com

"Think Blake, just with records instead."

High Fidelity

(2000) Stephen Frears

Here's another case of a film that just gets better and better as I age. Between its recent addition to the "Frugal Theater," Mark making me piss my pants with a "Kathleen Turner Overdrive," and my just being able to appreciate this film's obsessions for pop culture and love-lives (they really do go hand-in-hand), I find that "High Fidelity" is a movie that really understands me. And hopefully, I've come to understand it too. "High Fidelity" is also probably the romantic comedy of this decade, with its self-aware wit, relatable concerns and affable characters.

We all know the funny scenes. Try this on for some self-reflexivity: http://www.youtube.com

Tune in tomorrow for films 15-11!

Top 25 Films of 2000-2009, Part the First

Welcome to the The Contemporary's Top 25 films of 2000-2009.

This list of the culmination of 8 months of postulating and pondering over what exactly were the best films of the last decade. A lot of critics were jamming there lists out last December or January? I say bollocks! I worked damn hard to see as many films as I could over the last decade. This Top 25 is a collection of favorites, yes. But hopefully more so, it acts as an honest to dog list of what I feel are the 25 best movies of the last decade. So, yes, this is both obejctive and subjective. But, before we begin, a few notes on what I'm thinkin' 'bout here.

Some concerns I've had over this list:

- Wasn't I only 14 in 2000? Yeah, but I was picky even then, as I hated "Gladiator."

- Where's the sci-fi? "Minority Report" and "District 9" came close, I swear.

- Where's the romance? Not here, really.

- Surprisingly, no director appeared more than once. So, Scorsese/Nolan/Soderbergh biases were kept in check. My apologies to those three though. They had a good decade.

- Yes, I tend to enjoy mainstream, melodramatic movies. I also have a penchant for domesticity and shouting. Thank you Cassavettes and Long Grove. I just like drama I suppose. But I swear, this isn't a total attempt at seeming like I dig hip, obscure movies. Or is it?

- If something really big and likable wasn't included ... sorry. Bitch about it in the comments. I'd love to hear why you thought "Return of the King" or "Eternal Sunshine" or (gulp) "Donnie Darko" were classics.

- Why the hell did this list take so long? Dunno. My opinion changes all the time. I love that I can change my feelings about movies. Recent revelations and a need to diversify this list did play a part. That, and my 14-year-old self is a little far away.

- Yeah, I pretty much watched all of these more often than once. Sometimes, much more than that.

UPDATE: We've added necessary clips!

Other than that, enjoy the list, folks!

"Insert appropriate goof here."

4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile (Four Months, Three Weeks, Two Days)

(2007) Christian Mungiu

This should have made my top ten in '07 (saw it after deadline). This documentarian look at a pair of friends seeking abortions in a Ceausescu-dominated Romania in the late 1980s is an accomplishment of the bleak. "Four Months" is about bittersweet successes amidst harsh times. But it's also about finding strength in a time of forced ineptitude. This was a stunning melodrama that will endure due to it's importance of content and earnestness of story.

Part One of the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGhfErhn9TU&feature=related

"MOST. FUN. TRAIN. STATION. EVER."

Slumdog Millionaire

(2008) Danny Boyle

Did anyone not get a buzz off this movie? Danny Boyle's Dickensian Bollywood bash about a young boy and his quest to find his true love was Indian electricity. It was tough picking between this and "Monsoon Wedding," a very similar film also possessing a stellar soundtrack. But, "Slumdog" was the work of audio/visualist Danny Boyle in top form. It pretty much deserved its eight Oscars. And if you don't like it?

"Poverty Porn" you say?

Well, then you're a jerk.

Am I making you nervous? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak70AEHw1as&feature=channel

"Elephant Man: The Prequel!"

El Orfanato (The Orphanage)

(2007) Juan Antonio Bayona

"The Orphanage" is probably the finest horror film of the last decade. A masterful, assured and often scarifying Spanish film about a haunted orphanage, this was a gothic classic. This was like a masters class in horror, as it relied on good old-fashioned tension (be careful about hide-and-seek here), classic horror movie content (it had a psychic!) and emotionally satisfying narrative (the ending will break your heart). Don't like scary movies? That's alright. I can watch this with you! Or loan it to you...

Seriously, don't freak. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHCI4vYIW70&feature=related

"Fly in the ice cube. Real Funny."

Lost in Translation

(2003) Sofia Coppola

Cynically speaking, yes, this is hipster naval-gazing made possible by the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola. But holy shit, this is far grander than most annoying indie films! Stylistically assured with a beautiful eye for Japan, and two soulful leads, "Lost in Translation" was arguably the prettiest film of the oughts. That, and Bill Murray's quite the revelation, using his trademark drollness and reaching out to his audience in a way we've never seen.

For relaxing times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiRy1VqPFqI&feature=related

"You got something, on your, uh... forget it."

A History of Violence

(2005) David Cronenberg

You gotta love Cronenberg's history of body-horror and grotesquely memorable concept movies. But in 2005, he began a great, late stage in his career: graphic dramatist. "History of Violence" is a thrilling, non-pretentious look at the psychology of repression through the actions of a "simple" midwestern man when presented with trouble. How the hell did Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) disarm those thugs at his resteraunt so quickly, cooly and crazily? The implications behind that question, as well as the answers to it keep you watching, every time.

Coffee? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxuzvlMmMbI

Wanna see what happens next on the list? Tune in tomorrow Contemporaries!

-B