My Official 100% Authentic Complete Top 10 of 2017
1. The Shape of Water:
What can I say about this film other than that Del Toro is a true master of his craft. Expertly crafting this unorthodox story of love between a human being and a captive fish creature none of Del Toro's creature feature aesthetic and feeling is lost to the narrative. In fact Del Toro manages to infuse a Russian espionage thriller into the mix and the results are even more rewarding for the viewing audience. It is a true example of what film can be when originality takes a huge place within the writing and directing of a story.
2. The Big Sick:
Judd Apatow has been sort of a Michelangelo of romantic comedies, a sort of master of love stories juxtaposed with humor and heart. This movie really exposes how much work Apatow has to go before he ever becomes a true story telling aficionado. Filled to the brim with heart and humor, this movie is one of those examples of forbidden love where you don't feel bogged down by pretentiousness and artfulness normally associated with stories where a character is being roadblocked by those around into abandoning his true love.
3. Lady Bird:
A lot of times a coming of age story is restricted by a sort of hypothetical rubric, a grading guideline for which these movies must be crafted. Lady Bird is as much about the concept of those around the main character maturing a tale of growth for the main character. Beautifully isolating and examining the story of a girl striving for more than the dull existence she was told she was destined for, it juxtaposes in a love letter to the home of our youth and the dynamic that comes between a parent and their child.
4. Dunkirk:
A war movie is usually known for it's visceral and grotesque analyzing of war, never settling on a clear message or deep meaning but rather an imaginary contest with some non existent competing war movie to see how violent it can become. This movie subverts that norm, focusing on a more claustrophobic and water based aesthetic to show you that war is more than brutality and bloodshed but also a psychological struggle for survival. Beautifully combining a score utilizing the directors own person stop watch with Hoyt Van Hotema's brilliant photography this film is a marvel. '
5. The Florida Project
The theme of this year's cinema seems to be about the dynamic of the relationship between a mother and her children. Whether it be a mother mourning an already deceased child or another mother dealing with a daughter who is lying in a hospital bed with no particular knowledge of what will happen being available. This film views that dynamic only as one between a poor mother in a pay for rental motel, one that seems to have a good relationship with her daughter but also one that sees her being very poor at her job. It is a beautiful look at poverty and even takes a harrowing turn into what a woman might do to survive.
6. The Disaster Artist
Not since the 1995 Peter Dinklage vehicle "Living in Oblivion" has a humorous and quirky look into the making of a film been so enjoyable. "The Artist" a movie that I personally enjoy immensely does view the film making process but like "Argo" the following year is more concerned with the actually artistry it doesn't stop to think about entertaining it's widespread audience. This is a film of touching moments, emotionally satisfying interactions and overflowing with wonderful performances, especially that of the lead James Franco. This is one of the better comedies of the year, a sort of miracle of cinema, considering that Franco has not been very successful with directing.
7. The Post
Steven Spielberg has always been one of the more fascinating and astounding directors to stand within the empty warehouses that house movie sets. He is a brilliant mind, a sort of Hawking of cinema, being matched only by the forefathers of cinema and the current filmmaker Martin Scorsese. No one else could muster the talent and fortitude to turn the subject matter that drives this movie into something so compelling. Wearing it's relation to the current media administration turmoil proudly, it never feels too much like a commentary on modern issues, but rather beautifully examines the attempt by Nixon to silence the New York Times. They don't make historical dramas like this anymore.
8. Call Me By Your Name
This movie is taboo technically speaking as it examines a relationship about a man and a professor's son, one which could be viewed as being a model of inappropriateness and deviancy by those who find it's subject a sin in the eyes of their god. That being said I cannot lie and must proclaim that this is one of the best homosexual works of cinema in a long time, beautifully telling its central story while alternating as a coming of age story. It views this boys struggle with love and his sexuality in a way that straight cinema doesn't seem to be able to. Perfectly written and directed and excellently acted especially by Michael Stuhlbarg and Timothee Chamalet a new up and comer this movie aims for the sky and nails it.
9. Only the Brave
Movies like this generally tend to be crafted in such a way that only people from red states might enjoy, viewing every hero and action as some sort of machismo act of amazing circumstance. This film is about the relationships and struggles that drive its characters, a love letter to fire fighters and a PSA about the dangers that they face. Miles Teller and Josh Brolin steal the show with their intersecting fire fighting story being juxtaposed against their personal narratives taking place within the quiet yet overwhelming background of the grand scheme of the film. It's a great and inspiring story, yet a harrowing and melancholy one simultaneously.
10. Baby Driver
This is a modern fairy tale, one that is as much about escaping the life you live with the person you love as it is a dark and gritty look into the heist genre. The movie's strength lies in the fusion of sounds and action against a backdrop of music. Never have I encountered a film that could so beautifully master a trope that has never been witnessed before. It all goes back to the 2007 film Shaun of the Dead and that musical number in which three characters bludgeon a zombie with pool sticks while a Queen song plays in the background. On top of all this the movie is beaming with joyful exuberance while also feeling a bit nerve wracking, especially with the existence of Jon Hamm's intimidating Buddy.
Honorable Mentions: Logan a detailed look into aging and the passing of the torch on to the next generation while also delving into the mind of someone who is about to give up
Wonder which is a "cute" and heartwarming tale about a deformed child coming to grips with who he is while others around him become better with who they are also.
War of the Planet of the Apes, A beautiful tale that captures the plight of the apes as they battle one last time for survival against the evils of man
A Ghost Story, A simple yet nuanced look at what we think about our legacy and how the world will continue after we die. It is a tale of life, love, death and pain filled with realism and intimacy
