Month / Jan 2020

by MatthewJohnson

The Films of the Decade – A Year by Year Recap (2015-19)

From top left to bottom right: The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Moonlight, Lady Bird, The Lobster and Roma

Five years of film down, and five to go. Part one of my Films of the Decade saw an exploration of how film evolved from the start of the 2010’s. We saw a change in what films were popular, and the type of films that were being made, and this is no different in the back end of the decade. We have seen here a variety of films that are exploring different styles, stories and a wide variety of people’s voices are being heard, people who, just a few years ago, would never have to opportunity to tell their story on the big screen. We saw our first LGBT and all black cast Best Picture Winner, we saw the rise in popularity of foreign language films – although there is still a long way to go in the mission to make English speakers watch foreign films and break the barrier of the subtitles – and most importantly, we saw a variety of important, resonant and unique tales being told. Here is part two of my Best Films of the Decade.

2015

3 – The Hateful Eight

Quentin Tarantino’s 8th film – as made clear throughout the entirety of its promotional run – took a long time in the making, and was cancelled on several occasions, but the final product was well worth the wait and the trouble. A film that feels both claustrophobic and expansive at the same time, using the small setting to great effect. Tarantino is at his best here with the screenplay, creating two and half hours of enthralling dialogue and tension, constantly building between the eight characters, with iconic lines and acting, and then finishing it off in iconic Tarantino style.

2 – Ex Machina

Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller is smart, stylish and incredibly well acted. A much needed addition to the sci-fi world that can appeal to a more mature audience, dealing with the real world subject of Artificial Intelligence and the potential capabilities. Not only that but it also explores the lines of morality and what could happen if we take advantage and try to control this technology we are trying to create. Anchored by three strong performances by Oscar Isaac, Domhall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander, this is a refreshing new take on science-fiction that will leave you thinking long after the end credits.

1 – The Lobster

Yorgos Lanthimos is notoriously absurd with his film-making, with his most recent film – The Favourite – propelling him to mainstream attention, but it was 2015’s The Lobster that really put him on the map in the film industry. As ambitious as it is strange, The Lobster is a film that takes a lot to get into, but once you get used to how bizarre it is, it becomes an incredible experience. A unique and ambitious film that, beyond all of the oddities, tells a damning story of modern relationships and creates a highly entertaining tale along the way.

Honourable mentions: The Big Short, Sicario

2016

3 – Manchester by the Sea

Manchester by the Sea is an exhausting experience, but one that you will not forget for a long time. Masterfully crafted by Kenneth Lonergan with an impeccable screenplay and a flawless ensemble of performances, with Casey Affleck providing the performance of his career. An exploration of trauma and the relationships within a family in turmoil, Manchester by the Sea is riveting and will leave you feeling as though you went through the entire experience with the cast. A film that explores with complete realism the struggles of its central character and makes you feel every single moment alongside him.

2 – I, Daniel Blake

Ken Loach’s politically driven film is a damning indictment of the system in Britain that has allowed too many people to slip through the cracks and be left behind in society. The iconic British filmmaker crafts here another vital portrayal of life in modern Britain, providing a voice for those who have not been given one, this time exploring the lives of those left behind by the welfare system in this country. A heartbreaking tale of the many lives impacted by policies made by the government, and a tale that is all too real.

1 – Moonlight

As close to film perfection as you can get. A perfectly crafted film from the directing of Barry Jenkins, that shifts and changes as we go through the three stages of Chiron’s life, from the directing style in each chapter to the achingly beautiful cinematography by James Laxton. Moonlight not only tells a tale that is untold in film and writing, but does it so exceptionally to create a stunning piece of film that will not just resonate with those close to it, but with all of those struggling to find their place. Superbly acted by the ensemble cast, this is a sensitive and raw film that will stand the test of time and pave the way for voices that don’t get heard enough, and don’t feel they can speak up. The best thing to come out of cinema this decade

Honourable mentions: The Nice Guys, Hell or High Water

2017

3 – Get Out

Jordan Peele took the step from comedy to horror in 2017 with his debut film Get Out, and in doing so he created one of the best horrors in recent years, reinventing the genre and bringing a huge amount of popularity. A telling tale of life for black people in America, although told in an extreme context, still very resonant to many people out there. With a strong screenplay and directing, Peele manages to create an all too realistic horror film that made waves in the film world, and proved Jordan Peele was someone to look out for.

2 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Martin McDonagh’s biggest film to date, and arguably his best. He continues to write compelling and highly entertaining films, and is consistently improving his craft as a director. Three Billboards is a captivating film that has one of the best female lades in recent years, with an incredible performance from Frances McDormand, and supported by two superb performances from Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. McDonagh continues his fine form of a long list of dark comedies, but also manages to create a moving drama along the way, with the support of his veteran cast, Three Billboards is a superb piece of cinema.

1 – Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig burst onto the scene with Lady Bird, a superb coming-of-age tale that provides a fresh take on female adolescence. Full of great lines and conversations that feel almost entirely realistic, it is a hugely entertaining film, and it incredibly well directed. Saroise Ronan and Laura Metcalfe give incredibly compelling performances, crafting a human relationship and bringing the script to life. It is a film that manages to brilliantly depict teenage life, from all of the bizarre things to the heartbreaks, a highly moving and entertaining film.

Honourable Mentions: Blade Runner: 2049, The Florida Project, Call Me By Your Name

2018

3 – Shoplifters

Shoplifters is a fantastic portrayal of the effects of poverty and the meaning of togetherness. Hirokazu Kore-eda continues superbly in his collection of humanistic films, exploring the lives of different people. The story of a make shift family and their attempts to cope in a life of poverty results in a bittersweet film, that shows the power of togetherness and unity, and the effects of poverty and what it will lead people to do. This is a film that has possibly began the rise of foreign cinema in the Western film world, with another Asian film to come in the list.

2 – You Were Never Really Here

Acclaimed director Lynne Ramsay’s latest release is a 90 minute thrill ride, with no space to breathe or relax. A brilliantly crafted thriller that showcases Ramsay as one of films most unique voices. Joaquin Phoenix provides one of his best performances as the film explores the struggles of a hit man in New York City, facing suicidal thoughts whilst being hired to kill others. Supported by a superb score from Radiohead’s own Jonny Greenwood, and with superb visuals, You Were Never Really Here is a breathless thriller that continues to improve with every passing minute.

1 – Roma

Alfonso Cuaron took a huge risk when making Roma, going from the blockbuster Gravity, to a personal passion project based upon his childhood, but the result was cinema at its absolute best. In complete control of his craft, from the direction to the cinematography, this is an extraordinary piece of film-making that turns a small personal story of the struggles of a maid in Mexico, into an incredibly ambitious piece of cinema. A landmark film in many ways, and one that can lead the way for the representation of indigenous people in Western media and culture, one of the most important films of the decade.

Honourable Mentions: Leave No Trace, Sorry to Bother You, Widows

2019

3 – The Last Black Man in San Francisco

The debut film of director Joe Talbot tells the semi-autobiographical tale of his best friend, and lead actor, Jimmie Fails, trying to buy back his old house in a middle-class area of San Francisco. It is one of the most visually pleasing films I have seen in recent times, with the cinematography being astonishing, and Joe Talbot proving himself to, already, be a director with an incredible talent. Supported by a brilliant score and honest performances from its local San Francisco cast, The Last Black Man in San Francisco is an incredibly emotional portrayal of a man who is trying to bring back his childhood and memories, and is one of the best debut films for a director in a long time.

2 – Uncut Gems

The Safdie Brothers gained recognition for their 2017 film Good Time, and they took that one step further here with Uncut Gems, using the star-studded cast, and their anxiety inducing directing style to create one of the most exciting films of the year. A story of a Jewish jewellery store owner with a crippling gambling addiction, led by a career best performance by Adam Sandler, who has anchored the film through its promotion, Uncut Gems is incredibly directed and acted, with a score that adds to the claustrophobic feel and a superbly interesting cinematography style. Uncut Gems is pure entertainment and further proves the Safdie Brothers as a new and exciting voice in the film industry.

1 – Parasite

Bong Joon-Ho’s latest addition to his outstanding repertoire of films is possibly one of the most important films in recent times. A nail-biting thrill ride that will leave you floored, but one that is a telling tale of our modern times, and an important piece of class war that will linger long after the end of the credits. This is a film that has massively pushed forward the appeal of foreign films in western film culture and hopefully will lead the way to foreign film becoming an integral part of western film culture and discussion. A meticulously crafted piece of art, every single scene falls perfectly into place and is incredibly well-made from all parties – directing, acting, cinematography. A film that will shock you and leave you wanting more, a film that will stand the test of time, and most importantly, a film that will resonate for millions of people for years to come.

Honourable mentions: 1917, Once Upon A Time… in Hollywood, Portrait of a Lady on Fire

by MatthewJohnson

The Films of the Decade – A Year by Year Recap (2010-14)

From top left to bottom right: Drive, Seven Psychopaths, The Social Network, Frank and Blue is the Warmest Colour

As we come to the close of another decade of film, it becomes time to reflect on the best that has been produced each year. As we look back upon the last ten years there is an array of incredible films that are worth remembering for years to come. We have seen a shift in style, tone, production and style of direction. We have seen genres fall and rise, and cinema has changed in so many ways, for the best or not it is still to see – although some people in the industry, including a certain Martin Scorsese, have very strong opinions on the state of the film industry – but it is clear that the decade has provided a list of films that will stand the test of time and showcase the brilliance of the film industry. Here is a year by year recap of last ten years of film.

2010

3. Four Lions

A British Cult Classic. An iconic satire that is hugely entertaining and provides a vital reflection on our modern society and our views on religion and terrorism. Christopher Morris’ directorial debut provides more than just a dark comedy, it also provides a great reflection of our society and the lives of Muslim people in Western society and remains relevant to this day.

2. The Social Network

A writer and director both at the peak of their powers. Sorkin and Fincher – writer and director respectively – create a masterful film both in their own unique ways. A filmmaking masterpiece that explores the past decade through the life of one of the most important and influential men of this period. It is witty, exciting while remaining poignant and perceptive

1. Inception

Christopher Nolan created here a modern Hollywood masterpiece. Off the back of the success of The Dark Knight, Nolan was given his first chance of fulfilling one of his bold ideas with a huge financial backing. He became a leader of modern directors in his ability to be a box office hit, whilst creating smart and challenging films. An exploration of reality and the idea of our dreams. It is incredibly well-written, and features some of Nolan’s best directorial work to date. Starting off the decade in the best way possible.

Honourable mentions: Shutter Island, Kick-Ass.

2011

3 – Drive

Mixing great visuals, sound and acting, Drive is art-house cinema at its finest. Danish director Nicholas Winding crafts a film that quietly but effectively shows the growth of a relationship and the graphic violence that comes from it, intertwining the two with expert skill. The film knows its place and does not try to make the action any more than it should be, with great performances and a director in control of his craft, Drive is a unique and quietly brilliant film.

2 – The Tree of Life

Terrence Malik’s epic film took several years to develop, missing two release dates, but in the end, the final product was well worth it. An exploration of humans place on earth, our actions and how we came to be where we are today. Malik uses the lives of a handful of people in America to intertwine with the creation of life as we know it, and how they are so similar. It is a film that explores mankind’s place here on Earth, and does so in astonishing ways.

1 – We Need To Talk About Kevin

The adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s 2003 novel of the same name, with Lynne Ramsey at the helm, provides a view on the aftermath of what happens to good parents with bad children. The effect that a child, who cannot be punished, has upon his mother who takes the blame. A brilliantly effective portrayal of sexism and feminism in our modern world, and the effect a man can have on a woman’s life and everything she has worked towards. Lynne Ramsey uses the subject material to create a film that works on many levels, from a psychological thriller to a tale of a mother trying to earn the love of her son and prevent him from ruining her life as well as his own.

Honourable mentions: The Artist, Melancholia

2012

3 – Seven Psychopaths

Martin McDonagh’s follow up to In Bruges is a character centred film that provides commentary on the film industry and plays heavily on stereotypes and clichés of modern films. The screenplay is the driving force here, giving the cast, with talents such as Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, all the chances possible to showcase their acting ability. A film that is able to walk the line between self-parody and over criticism of the film industry, and to brilliant effect. Martin McDonagh showed he is a talented writer and director with an ability to write a highly entertaining screenplay and direct it to great effect.

2 – Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino’s highly anticipated, highly controversial (is there any surprise in that?) seventh film was met with both criticism and acclaim. Concerns about the language used, the violence and the way the subject was portrayed simply sum up Tarantino’s career. A vastly entertaining film that ridicules the slave trade, and creates a unique portrayal of the history of African Americans, turning Django into a hero, killing as many slave owners as possible in the process. From the impressive cinematography to the incredible acting and screenplay, it is just another massive accomplishment in the career of one of the most acclaimed directors of all time.

1 – The Master

Paul Thomas Anderson added to his already glowing repertoire with a captivating film that reveals as much and as little as Anderson chooses to, exploring father-son relationships, master-apprentice relationships and people’s attempts to find their place in society. Masterfully acted with career best performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams, supported by an encapsulating score by Johnny Greenwood it is Paul Thomas Anderson at his absolute best.

Honourable Mentions: The Dark Knight Rises, Argo

2013

3 – Inside Llewyn Davis

The Coen Brothers find themselves in fine form in this film. Exploring a struggling folk musician in the 1990’s they manage to portray the experience of artists who refuse to compromise their craft, balancing both a hugely funny and entertaining film, that also exudes a feeling of melancholy. Voted the 11th best film of the century by the BBC, Inside Llewyn Davis is a great exploration of what life is like for many people out there, and Oscar Isaac manages to brilliantly create an easily watchable lead character, that shouldn’t be so appealing.

2 – Blue is the Warmest Colour

Recently 2019’s Parasite became the first unanimous winner of the Palme D’or since Blue is the Warmest Colour, and that is exactly the level this film is. An achingly beautiful film that is filled with elegant and absorbing drama from the very start. Supported by two incredible lead performances this is a powerful film that conveys with convictions and almost complete realism the emotion and heartbreak that many experience throughout their lives.

1 – Her

Spike Jonze’s film works on so many levels, as a character study, as an exploration of modern relationships and as a gag on modern society. It’s easy to see this is a joke film, but it is much more than that, it is a genuine exploration of relationships in modern society and a great, and unique, portrayal of modern relationships. Spearheaded by a solo on-screen performance by the incredible Joaquin Phoenix, who is only just beginning to receive the mainstream acclaim that he deserves, however, there is also a hugely important supporting voice role provided by Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, the AI system that becomes the love interest, as she manages to portray genuine emotion and create a real relationship without ever stepping foot on screen.

Honourable mentions: The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years A Slave

2014

3 – Frank

Kicking off my, by far, favourite year of film in the decade is Frank. Michael Fassbender famously hiding behind a huge helmet may have gained attention as a gimmick, but take nothing away from this hugely entertaining and poignant film. A great screenplay supported by a stellar cast, and a superb performance from Fassbender, who steals the show even without ever showing his face. An irreverent film that balances the line between strange and experimental.

2 – Whiplash

A tour-de-force of a film that showed the film industry that Damian Chazelle is a talent to be reckoned with. Whiplash portrays the relationship between a budding musician and his teacher in a way that resembles a battleground, intense and well-acted with incredible performance from Miles Teller and J.K Simmons – the latter especially, Whiplash is an absolute thrill of a film, and features one of the best soundtracks in recent times.

1 – Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s best film to date, which, upon release, received mixed reviews from some critics, but since its release it has become a classic with fans and critics alike and is one of the most – if not the most – iconic films of the decade. Filled with incredible practical effects, superb acting performances and a story that is both filled with realism and sci-fi entertainment, Interstellar is the crowning glory of a director who has led the way for modern cinema and continues to break new ground.

Honourable Mentions: Birdman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Nightcrawler, The Babadook – an incredible year of film, and the majority of these films would’ve made it into the top 3 in every other year on the list.