Top 10 of 2011
Honorable mentions: "Super 8," "The Lincoln Lawyer," "My Week With Marilyn," "War Horse," "Midnight in Paris," "Contagion," "J. Edgar," and "Moneyball."
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- DirectorTate TaylorStarsViola DavisEmma StoneOctavia SpencerAn aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.This powerfully moving film set in the early 1960s excellently depicts heavy issues around today; women’s rights and racism. The message isn’t harshly directed to its viewers, and the great story is backed up by Oscar-worthy performances from both lead and supporting roles.
- DirectorJodie FosterStarsMel GibsonJodie FosterAnton YelchinA troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communication.A dark comedy, which auteur Mel Gibson uses as an artistic reflection of his own celebrity troubles masked under the subject of depression. The flawless script, tremendous performances and, an unpredictably funny story craft the best film of the year.
- DirectorMichel HazanaviciusStarsJean DujardinBérénice BejoJohn GoodmanWhen George, a silent movie superstar, meets Peppy Miller, a dancer, sparks fly between the two. However, after the introduction of talking pictures, their fortunes change, affecting their dynamic.An absolutely beautiful film that not only provides a great tribute to the silent film era, but gives a perspective on appreciating the simplicity of past film making, compared to the often senseless, plot lacking, and misusers of CGI today. This is all through "The Artist's" own brilliant story, humorous acting, and clever use of black and white.
- DirectorGeorge ClooneyStarsPaul GiamattiGeorge ClooneyPhilip Seymour HoffmanAn idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.This is a dirty film. It's the nightmare of every politician. "The Ides of March" is expertly written and paced to show a dark, cynical side to politics, and filmed in such a way to let the audience decide the fate of these unconnected characters surrounded by falsity.
- DirectorAsghar FarhadiStarsPayman MaadiLeila HatamiSareh BayatA married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease.This critically acclaimed Iranian film consists of a simple story that escalates into complexity with every minute, encompassing all the different characters' sides through strong performances. But that is not the only reason to love this film. The aesthetic of "A Separation" is that its themes are universal, set in a Middle Eastern region dictated by tradition, yet heavily influenced by the western world.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsMichael FassbenderKeira KnightleyViggo MortensenA look at how the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud gives birth to psychoanalysis.This provocative and compelling film about psychoanalysis is put together superbly by a well-layered script and glorious sets. The cast is solid as well, especially Keira Knightley, whose performance is spectacular, strong, and even frightening.
- DirectorGeorge NolfiStarsMatt DamonEmily BluntLisa ThoresonThe affair between a politician and a contemporary dancer is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.A dramatic romance put into the sci-fi world contains excellent visual effects that don't attempt to overpower the story which is compelling enough, and is laced with solid onscreen chemistry between the two stars, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. "The Adjustment Bureau" is the different kind of sci-fi film that we've been waiting for.
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.The end of the famous decade long saga comes out as the series’ best, with a stable narrative, great cinematography, wonderful visual effects and superb acting. (Ralph Fiennes’ Voldemort steals the show). A pleasing film no matter if the book was read or not.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsAsa ButterfieldChloë Grace MoretzChristopher LeeIn 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.An amazing film that consists of beautifully sweeping cinematography with a typical (but still well told) "find yourself" story and a great tribute to film in the 1920s.
- DirectorMike CahillStarsBrit MarlingWilliam MapotherMatthew-Lee ErlbachOn the night of the discovery of a duplicate Earth in the Solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident.A highly underrated film of 2011. This compelling drama is eerie, but in a fantastically beautiful way, with great performances, a discomforting, effective score, and one of the best endings of 2011.