As many have already said, this movie is Scorsese’s love letter to film. “Hugo” strays away from the usual Scorsese. Yet in many ways, this is one of my favorites he has ever done. The film is a fun experience for movie lovers of all ages, commemorating some of cinema’s greatest early moments. “Hugo” uses its’ stunning 3D effects, sweeping camera moves, autochrome-colored cinematography, and gorgeous art design to exemplify the progression of filmmaking from the days of Melies. The movie is fun, happy, heartbreaking, and everything you could ask of a family film. It is a work of cinematic exuberance that exhibits the elaborate artistry of one of cinema’s greatest talents. Scorsese, you’re the man.
Nicolas Winding Refn undoubtedly deserved the award for Best Director at Cannes Film Festival for this epic film. Ryan Gosling also deserves Oscar attention for his role as the tender hearted, yet deeply angered driver. The film starts as an action movie, then ends as a bloody, Godfather-like thriller. I don’t think anyone who watches “Drive” for the first time expects the punch the movie brings. “Drive” is filmmaking at its’ finest. Refn is so good at using his shots, actors, music, and editing to portray the subtext of the film. I can’t wait for more of his work.
There were definitely parts of this movie that were hard to watch. The NC-17 rating makes sense in my opinion. However, the movie shouldn’t have been portrayed in any other way. It was brutally real and honest. Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan are both Oscar-worthy in this drama about addiction, sex, relationships, love, loss, and loneliness. Few movies this year have moved me as deeply as “Shame” did. Director Steve McQueen’s use of exceptionally long shots was incredibly successful at portraying the deep hurt of the characters. The film is audacious, therefore it will be controversial. The content might even be unbearable at times. Yet as an act of filmmaking, “Shame” is a masterful work of art that presents a story that digs a lot deeper than you’re expecting.
This movie is surprisingly riveting. The film depicts all aspects of truth in such a way that it shows you don’t need crazy murderers, spies, or gangs to create an enthralling adventure for an audience. Every part of this movie was amazing: directing, editing, cinematography, acting. What I especially loved was the fact that no music was used. It was as if we were watching everything unfold right before our eyes. “A Separation” is as riveting as “12 Angry Men” and as deeply moving as this years’ “Shame.” After first seeing it, I thought about this movie for a while.
5) “War Horse”
I always have been and always will be a fan of Steven Spielberg. He is the blockbuster king. Not only that, he is the master of storytelling. Backed by John Williams’ epic soundtrack (my personal favorite of the year), this movie takes us through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. There are part of the movie that are completely reminiscent of “Saving Private Ryan.” There are also parts that have a little bit of “E.T.,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Schindler’s List.” This movie is Steven Spielberg at his finest. I loved the beautiful cinematography by Spielberg’s partner Janusz Kaminski. Though seemingly old school, the visual style of “War Horse” was refreshing.
6) “The Artist”
I’m pretty sure that this film will win many Oscars. And rightfully so. The movie is a concept film. Not many concept films end up being intriguing. “Memento” seemed to be one of the only films to do so. However, by the last scene in “The Artist,” I was on the edge of my seat as if I were watching the top totem spinning in the closing shot of “Inception.” The film reeks of creativity. It is a metafilm like no other, paying homage to hundreds and hundreds of classic movies.
7) “Moneyball”
It’s unusual to see a sports movie on the top of everyone’s list. It’s because “Moneyball” isn’t really a sports movie. It’s a story about a character who has to fight for what he believes in. It’s a story about trust in yourself and in the ones that you work with. Brad Pitt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jonah Hill were all spot on in this movie. And when you team up two greats like Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillan, you know the script is going to be absolutely incredible. I was surprised at how great this film was.
8) “The Descendants”
I will admit, when I first saw this movie, I didn’t really think anything of it. I thought it had amazing actors, an amazing filmmaker, and a great location (of course), but for some reason I wasn’t sold. After all the buzz that surrounded it, I decided to watch it again. And I was thoroughly impressed. I think my Hawaiian background changed my view of the movie the first time around. When I saw it again, I was so impressed at how Alexander Payne portrays comedy and drama at the same time. Like “About Schmidt” and “Sideways,” Payne loves to dance on the line of funny and sad. I was actually moved to tears the second time around. George Clooney deserves awards for his performance.
9) “Midnight in Paris”
Woody Allen is a genius at what he does. “Midnight in Paris” is one of my favorites that he’s ever done. I’d put it right up there with “Annie Hall.” When you read the log line for the film, you can’t help but be a little skeptical. Yet Woody Allen takes Parisian and literary history and creates a comedic, thought-provoking, fantasy of a film. The best part of the movie is the script. Obviously, Allen did his research before putting together this masterpiece. Or maybe he’s just that brilliant.
10) “The Tree of Life”
This is definitely one of the most controversial movies of the year. “The Tree of Life” is a polarizer: you either love it or you hate it. I absolutely loved it. Yes, there was no continuity. Yes, I didn’t understand every part of this movie. Yes, there are hundreds of random lens flares throughout. I still loved it. This is the most audacious film I’ve seen since Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” I hope that this film will get as much credit as Kubrick’s did. The cinematography is jaw-dropping. The choice of music is perfect. Though this movie is chalk-full of metaphors, you can’t help but admire that Terrence Malick has created something that no one else would dare to do. “The Tree of Life” proves that films don’t always have to abide by the rules.
These would be numbers 11-20 on my list of the Best Films of 2011:
11) “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
12) "The Help”
13) “Super 8”
14) “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
15) “Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol”
16) “The Ides of March”
17) “50/50”
18) “Warrior"
19) “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
20) “Like Crazy”
Honorable Mention (Alphabetical):
“The Adventures of Tintin,” “Another Earth,” “Bridesmaids,” “Contagion,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” "Melancholia," “The Muppets,” “Rango,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Terri,” “X-Men First Class,” “Young Adult”