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Rumpus Book ClubThe Twenty Best Films of the Decade According to This Guy
OK, I don’t keep a list like my friend Ben, but here, I think, are the 20 best movies of the decade for me listed without explanation. Also, looking at Ben’s list I would say we disagree on movies quite a bit. The Dark Night? WTF.
Surprisingly we agree on the number 1 movie. Sometimes I wonder if I’m ranking Talladega Nights too high. Maybe I should see that movie again, just to be sure. Was it really better than Before Night Falls or The Pianist or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon?
Shake and bake.
Best movie:
City of God
2nd Tier:
Before Sunset
The Royal Tenenbaums
Waltz With Bashir
Adaptation
3rd Tier:
Children of Men
Juno
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Hurt Locker
There Will Be Blood
Traffic
Best movies that aren’t as good as the movies I’ve already mentioned but are still really good:
The Science of Sleep
Talladega Nights
Man On Wire
No Country For Old Men
Half Nelson
Mulholland Drive
Moulin Rouge
Slumdog Millionaire
Making it 20:
Sideways
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Stephen, I think you are a wonderful writer. You are, however, making one of the most common mistakes in criticism. You are confusing your favorites (or films that reached you, spoke to you, pleased you) with “best”. I realize it’s just a list, but unless you defend your reasons for the choices we are left with the thankless task of guessing why, or just going “No way!”, or “Uh-huh.” You naughty, lazy boy…
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Stephen, your list lacks one critical film called “Eastern Promises,” directed by David Cronenberg and featuring the inimitable Viggo!
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I haven’t seen it. But tonight I saw Syecdoche New York and I think I have to make room on the list.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Achtung Television Babies:
Great call! Synecdoche, New York (Kaufman’s directorial debut!) is an indescribably powerful movie. The profundity of such an ambitious project is conceived by a synthesis of ethereal story, well-crafted dialogue, flawless acting, exquisite set design, precise editing, impeccable direction (once again, Kaufman’s directorial debut!) and an engaging score. Synecdoche, New York is as transcendent as it is vast. An epic, existential masterpiece!
PS: For best results, don’t watch this film with more than 1 person at a time, pause/rewind when needed, set subtitles, take notes, and finally, don’t form any strong opinions until after 3 or more viewings.
-JaePM