Best Films of the 21st Century
 

Naturally, I can't include films I haven't seen, like The Best of Youth, Bus 174, etc.

So here you go:

10. Mulholland Drive, David Lynch, 2001

Mind-altering. That's the only way I can describe Lynch's film. You don't go into this one expecting to "figure it out." You go and let the colors, the music, the emotion wash over you like a dream. It shouldn't work: it has characters coming and going without any relation to what's supposed to be the plot; actors changing character in mid-movie; an ending that poses more questions than it answers...but it does work. Somehow, Lynch has concocted a feverish nightmare of a movie that only grows more insane - yet seductive - with each subsequent viewing.


9. Once, John Carney, 2007

I'm in love with this film and I can't wait to own it. I've already bought all the music I can find from musician and star Glen Hansard. It's such a simple concept: 2 people meet, make music together, and (maybe) fall in love. Every so often a film comes a long and completely captures my imagination. Once is one of those films.


8. City of God, Fernando Meirelles, 2002

An astoundingly self-assured and gorgeous film. Harsh, alien and brutal, but also beautiful, funny and life-affirming at the same time. The performances the director coaxes out of his non-professional child actors is remarkable. The real-life brutality of life on the streets in Rio is an eye-opener and one I still can't quite believe reflects real-life, even though I know it does. The fact that is also one of the most fantastic-looking films in recent memory only makes it that much better.


7. Lost in Translation , Sofia Coppola, 2003

There are films that come along that could only have been made by one person - that's how original and personal they are. Lost in Translation is one of those films. Coppola's perfect script, minimalist direction, and the knowledge and trust that, yes, this meandering character study is absolutely fascinating, works on a gut level that is inexplicable. It's at once too cool for school and incredibly moving and romantic all at the same time. Murray and Johannson are perfect together and their romance is not in the least creepy. Fantastic film.


6. Amelie, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001

Some movies are just perfect in their execution; Amelie is that kind of movie. Whimsical, romantic, funny and completely original. Amelie plays like an adult fairy tale, and it's one I love revisiting over and over. This is how I like to remember Paris, too. Audrey Tatou's Amelie is absolutely nutso but we love her anyway. I've met one or two people who don't like this movie. I've never talked to them again.


5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2003, Peter Jackson

Fifty years from now I fully expect these three films (and you can't really separate them) to be recognized as classics, on par with The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca. They are that good. Jackson and Company created magic, pure and simple. If you really want to see what all the fuss is about, get the three extended version DVDs - you'll actually love that there's even MORE of these films than you thought! The casting was perfect, the special effects revolutionary, and the story was and still is, magic.


4. Sex and Lucia, Julio Medam, 2001

Forget the fact that star Paz Vega is absolutely luminous (and often naked) in this gem of a Spanish film, Sex and Lucia is a pure masterpiece of high-definition digital video-making. If you have any doubts that HD is the future of film making, just take a look at this gloriously beautiful film. It's that good. Medam has a novelist's way of spinning a yarn: we go back and forth in time, following "real" characters and "fictional" ones without knowing which is which...it's sexy, romantic and funny...what more could you want from a movie?


3. Before Sunset , Richard Linklater, 2004

This is a sequel to Before Sunrise, a film that followed 20-somethings Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke around Vienna over the course of one night, talking and falling in love. Before Sunset picks up the same twosome 9 years later, meeting in Paris for the first time since their one night long ago. They talk, they walk, they laugh, they cry. No plot. Just magic. Is there a more perfect ending to any movie than Celine's little song she sings to Jesse? Some films make you think, others make you feel. This one does both. Who knew wistful melancholy could be so attractive?


2. United 93 , Paul Greengrass, 2005

Forget for one moment that this movie is about real events and that it even stars some of the people who went through that awful day in September, 2001...if you were to look at United 93 as a purely genre film, I don't think you could find another movie that so successfully ratchets up the tension like this one does. I have never been more on the edge of my seat than the last 20 minutes of this movie. It's an astounding accomplishment that Greengrass makes this movie even watchable, let alone how he's made what will most likely be thought of years from now as his masterpiece. It's powerful without being melodramatic, moving without being manipulative. Quite simply, perfect.


1. In the Mood For Love , Kar Wai Wong, 2000

This film is truly a masterpiece. A love affair between two Taiwanese people in the 60s...told with such a clarity of vision, such masterful framing and editing, such pure passion. From a purely visual sense, In the Mood For Love might just be the most gorgeous film ever made. But it's more than that. It's romantic in a way that most of us can relate to: that yearning for something we cannot have. Or even when we do have it, it's not quite HOW we want it. I firmly believe that with this film the director and his cinematographer created a new way of looking through the camera. It's that startlingly original.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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The Best of Youth

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what are you waiting for?

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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The Best of Youth

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what are you waiting for?

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For it to come on pay per view? I haven't ventured into a video store in years. [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The Best of Youth

[/ QUOTE ]

what are you waiting for?

[/ QUOTE ]

For it to come on pay per view? I haven't ventured into a video store in years. [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

really? it isn't yet? it's been out of dvd forever.

if you swing by my place, i'll loan you my copy [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The Best of Youth

[/ QUOTE ]

what are you waiting for?

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For it to come on pay per view? I haven't ventured into a video store in years. [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

really? it isn't yet? it's been out of dvd forever.

if you swing by my place, i'll loan you my copy [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

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It's odd. I don't rent DVDs anymore. I either buy something or wait until it's HDNet, pay-per-view, etc. Like today, I'm going to go buy The Lives of Others, not rent it. Even though I haven't seen it yet!

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

i do that sometimes. i bought Yi Yi sight unseen.

thing about the Best of Youth is it's fantastic, plus as long as 3 films, so one hell of a bargain

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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7. Lost in Translation , Sofia Coppola, 2003


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I found this unwatchable. I tried (twice) and only made it 30-40 minutes in before I couldn't take the total boredom anymore. I watch movies to be entained or educated or at least intrigued. For me this did none of those. I realize many people liked it but I have never met one of them. My experience with it has been similar to "most" people I know.

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6. Amelie, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001


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I only gave this one about 15 minutes and couldn't find a reason to keep watching. Then again subtitles give me a headache so I avoid them whenever I can. I realize many of my tastes may be considered "pedestrian".

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5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2003, Peter Jackson


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I thought these were "okay". Well done and worth a watch but ultimately forgetable.

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2. United 93 , Paul Greengrass, 2005


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I thought this was absolutely a terrific movie. This is one of the best movies ever. The tension is awesome even when you know exactly what is happening.

These are the only ones I have seen (partially!) from your list. Before Sunset is definitely on my list as I really enjoyed Before Sunrise.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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7. Lost in Translation , Sofia Coppola, 2003


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I found this unwatchable. I tried (twice) and only made it 30-40 minutes in before I couldn't take the total boredom anymore. I watch movies to be entained or educated or at least intrigued. For me this did none of those. I realize many people liked it but I have never met one of them. My experience with it has been similar to "most" people I know.

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6. Amelie, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001


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I only gave this one about 15 minutes and couldn't find a reason to keep watching. Then again subtitles give me a headache so I avoid them whenever I can. I realize many of my tastes may be considered "pedestrian".

[ QUOTE ]
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2003, Peter Jackson


[/ QUOTE ]

I thought these were "okay". Well done and worth a watch but ultimately forgetable.

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2. United 93 , Paul Greengrass, 2005


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I thought this was absolutely a terrific movie. This is one of the best movies ever. The tension is awesome even when you know exactly what is happening.

These are the only ones I have seen (partially!) from your list. Before Sunset is definitely on my list as I really enjoyed Before Sunrise.

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Hmmm...guess I'm never talking to you again! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] Let us know how you like Before Sunset...there's even a whole thread here on it somewhere!

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I agree completely with Dominic's comments on LOTR & United 93 and also with mrbaseball's assessment of Lost in Translation.

In each instance they have summed things up precisely.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

Dom,

I've shown In the Mood for Love to my film students, and most of them love it. I also show them the clip where Maggie Cheung's dress keeps changing throughout what looks like one scene on the first night of class to see how many of them notice. I'd probably place it as my first selection also.

BTW, who's the father of the baby?

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dom,

I've shown In the Mood for Love to my film students, and most of them love it. I also show them the clip where Maggie Cheung's dress keeps changing throughout what looks like one scene on the first night of class to see how many of them notice. I'd probably place it as my first selection also.

BTW, who's the father of the baby?

[/ QUOTE ]

Where do you teach, John? I've been thinking of getting into teaching, as well...I have an MFA in Communication Arts, plus a lot of experience (an no, I'm not including porn, dammit)...if I wanted to approach my local university (UNLV) how would you propose I do so?

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

Dom,

I teach at the Community College of Rhode Island. I get to teach a course we call Film as Lit, but it's really an Intro to Film course. I use Bordwell and Thompson for the textbook. It counts as a lit. elective, so I try to give students a good dose of films they never will get to see outside of a course. I also teach composition and various literature courses. I'm lucky; I have a full-time, tenured position.

I think you should send out resumes to colleges in the area that offer film courses. Many colleges will often need instructors for the basic courses and use adjunct instructors. I would just check the on line course offerings and send out resumes. Also, if they have a film department, I'd call and ask to meet with the chair to discuss teaching possibilities.

At least it would get you out of the house and the casino.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dom,

I teach at the Community College of Rhode Island. I get to teach a course we call Film as Lit, but it's really an Intro to Film course. I use Bordwell and Thompson for the textbook. It counts as a lit. elective, so I try to give students a good dose of films they never will get to see outside of a course. I also teach composition and various literature courses. I'm lucky; I have a full-time, tenured position.

I think you should send out resumes to colleges in the area that offer film courses. Many colleges will often need instructors for the basic courses and use adjunct instructors. I would just check the on line course offerings and send out resumes. Also, if they have a film department, I'd call and ask to meet with the chair to discuss teaching possibilities.

At least it would get you out of the house and the casino.

[/ QUOTE ]

thanks! And boy do i need a reason to get out of the house.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2003, Peter Jackson

Fifty years from now I fully expect these three films (and you can't really separate them) to be recognized as classics, on par with The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca. They are that good. Jackson and Company created magic, pure and simple. If you really want to see what all the fuss is about, get the three extended version DVDs - you'll actually love that there's even MORE of these films than you thought! The casting was perfect, the special effects revolutionary, and the story was and still is, magic.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice level.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2003, Peter Jackson

Fifty years from now I fully expect these three films (and you can't really separate them) to be recognized as classics, on par with The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca. They are that good. Jackson and Company created magic, pure and simple. If you really want to see what all the fuss is about, get the three extended version DVDs - you'll actually love that there's even MORE of these films than you thought! The casting was perfect, the special effects revolutionary, and the story was and still is, magic.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice level.

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instead of snideness, how about posting your own choices or why you disagree with mine? And if you can't do that, post a pic of your hot wife in something skimpy.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I have seen the majority of the movies on this list and I would agree with most of the picks except maybe Mulholland Drive.

Hotel Rawanda, Last King of Scotland, and Dodgeball would rank a little higher on my list.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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I have seen the majority of the movies on this list and I would agree with most of the picks except maybe Mulholland Drive.

Hotel Rawanda, Last King of Scotland, and Dodgeball would rank a little higher on my list.

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If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I've read Lord of the Rings probably 20 times. I hated the Bakshi animation piece. I was a little sick when I heard they were going to film it again. I thought Jackson did a helluva job.

Loved 'Lost in Translation'. Hard to explain why, I just liked the 'feel'.

My only criticism, Dom, is that 2000 was actually the last year of the 20th century [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I agree with some of the movies you said but since you already said them I won't repeat them.

Some of these are on my list because of technical merit, some because they are entertaining, most are both.

Children of Men
Road to Perdition
Batman Begins
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
The Departed
Hotel Rwanda
Downfall (Der Untergang)
Letters from Iwo Jima
Knocked Up
Requiem for a Dream
Bourne Identity

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
I've read Lord of the Rings probably 20 times. I hated the Bakshi animation piece. I was a little sick when I heard they were going to film it again. I thought Jackson did a helluva job.

Loved 'Lost in Translation'. Hard to explain why, I just liked the 'feel'.

My only criticism, Dom, is that 2000 was actually the last year of the 20th century [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

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[img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

I was actually going to be a nit and say that and not include any films that were released before January 1st, 2001, but that would've meant I would have to leave off my favorite film of the period! So I bent the rules.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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10. Mulholland Drive, David Lynch, 2001

Mind-altering. That's the only way I can describe Lynch's film. You don't go into this one expecting to "figure it out." You go and let the colors, the music, the emotion wash over you like a dream. It shouldn't work: it has characters coming and going without any relation to what's supposed to be the plot; actors changing character in mid-movie; an ending that poses more questions than it answers...but it does work. Somehow, Lynch has concocted a feverish nightmare of a movie that only grows more insane - yet seductive - with each subsequent viewing.



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This movie absolutely blew me away. This scene in particular is just incredibly powerful, imo. I actually can't bring myself to watch it again because my experience seeing it in the theatre was so... intense, I find myself putting down the DVD and watching Anchorman or something again [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I think alot of viewers (myself included) enjoy working through the myriad "solutions" to the temporal fragmentation issues in the plot, and coming to some sort of conclusion. But I agree with Dom, I don't even think that's critical in truly enjoying this movie. I think it ends up being a much more visceral appreciation than cerebral one.

Question - how is this movie considered in the Lynch oeuvre, and also film history in general? I have no sense of this, but recall critical acclaim when it came out.

-Al

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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[ QUOTE ]
10. Mulholland Drive, David Lynch, 2001

Mind-altering. That's the only way I can describe Lynch's film. You don't go into this one expecting to "figure it out." You go and let the colors, the music, the emotion wash over you like a dream. It shouldn't work: it has characters coming and going without any relation to what's supposed to be the plot; actors changing character in mid-movie; an ending that poses more questions than it answers...but it does work. Somehow, Lynch has concocted a feverish nightmare of a movie that only grows more insane - yet seductive - with each subsequent viewing.



[/ QUOTE ]

This movie absolutely blew me away. This scene in particular is just incredibly powerful, imo. I actually can't bring myself to watch it again because my experience seeing it in the theatre was so... intense, I find myself putting down the DVD and watching Anchorman or something again [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I think alot of viewers (myself included) enjoy working through the myriad "solutions" to the temporal fragmentation issues in the plot, and coming to some sort of conclusion. But I agree with Dom, I don't even think that's critical in truly enjoying this movie. I think it ends up being a much more visceral appreciation than cerebral one.

Question - how is this movie considered in the Lynch oeuvre, and also film history in general? I have no sense of this, but recall critical acclaim when it came out.

-Al

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It seems to be regarded as his "second masterpiece," after Blue Velvet. And yes, it got incredible reviews when it came out. Wouldn't you have loved to see the TV show this was supposed to be??

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

Of your top 10 I love 6 of them and haven't seen two of them ("Sex and Lucia" and "Once"). I will definitely see them when I get a chance. I love Paz Vega, I remember I rented "Hable con Ella" because I thought she was in it. She was in it, but only for 15 minutes. I ended up loving that movie, which unfortunately is not on your list (I would have it in mine for sure).
When I saw "In the Mood for Love" the people I watched it with talked a lot during the movie, so I couldn't get into it. I'll try to see it again.
I didn't love Lost in Translation. I thought it was very good, but I didn't love it.
I love the rest of the list. Mulholland Drive was the first Lynch movie I saw and I saw it 3 times in a week. I want to see it again and again.
I loved Amelie, being my favorite movie for a couple of years (until Vertigo by Hitchcock took its place as my favorite movie). I have seen Amelie about 7 times each time with a different person, I try to get new people to see the movie. It is a nice movie that can get people into seeing foreign films.
Before Sunset was amazing. I personally like Before Sunrise more, but I think those are the two best romantic movies I have ever seen.
Lord of the Rings was great. I think Peter Jackson is great, I love his other movies too. I liked King Kong a lot and I thought "Heavenly Creatures" was excellent.
City of God was a fantastic film. It got me thinking for a long time. Great film.
I liked United 93 a lot, but this year I liked Pan's Labyrinth more.

Great list Dom.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
Of your top 10 I love 6 of them and haven't seen two of them ("Sex and Lucia" and "Once"). I will definitely see them when I get a chance. I love Paz Vega, I remember I rented "Hable con Ella" because I thought she was in it. She was in it, but only for 15 minutes. I ended up loving that movie, which unfortunately is not on your list (I would have it in mine for sure).
When I saw "In the Mood for Love" the people I watched it with talked a lot during the movie, so I couldn't get into it. I'll try to see it again.
I didn't love Lost in Translation. I thought it was very good, but I didn't love it.
I love the rest of the list. Mulholland Drive was the first Lynch movie I saw and I saw it 3 times in a week. I want to see it again and again.
I loved Amelie, being my favorite movie for a couple of years (until Vertigo by Hitchcock took its place as my favorite movie). I have seen Amelie about 7 times each time with a different person, I try to get new people to see the movie. It is a nice movie that can get people into seeing foreign films.
Before Sunset was amazing. I personally like Before Sunrise more, but I think those are the two best romantic movies I have ever seen.
Lord of the Rings was great. I think Peter Jackson is great, I love his other movies too. I liked King Kong a lot and I thought "Heavenly Creatures" was excellent.
City of God was a fantastic film. It got me thinking for a long time. Great film.
I liked United 93 a lot, but this year I liked Pan's Labyrinth more.

Great list Dom.

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Hmmm...I don't Habla con Ella! I'm going to have find this one...

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

This list is honest and awesome. I love seeing Lost in Translation in there. Let us know what you think of The Lives of Others, I''m about to rent it and have heard it's great.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I don't normally frequent The Lounge (given my post count and joining date, it could be rightly said I don't frequent anywhere on 2+2), but Dominic's recent post on Andrew Vachss' Burke novels (where's the crime fiction thread, eh Dominic?) brought me over, and I'm a big film/tv/book fan, so seeing the powers that be want more posts, I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. Hope no one minds a contribution from someone who isn't likely to be a regular.

That's an interesting list, Dominic. Half I would agree with - Amelie, In The Mood For Love, Mulholland Drive, Lost In Translation. Half I haven't seen - United 93, Once, City of God, Before Sunset (it's currently sitting in my watch-this-week pile, alongside Before Sunrise, Little Children, and Sunset Blvd). Sex and Lucia I don't see as quite so much of a classic as you seem to, and the LotR movies I can't stand, despite loving the books (the first is OK, mostly due to the evocative treatment of the Boromir's tragedy subplot, but for me the second and third went progressively more downhill, with the Frodo/Sam strand getting ever more cloying, Aragorn ever more wooden, and the pacing ever more jarring).

According to Flixster, my favorite movies of the 21st century include:

Hero: A theme both compelling and at odds with most of its genre, cinematography to rival Wong Kar Wai, cleverly cast, and a nicely overlaid meta-story about the nature of storytelling, that didn't distract from the main theme. I know for many Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was too similar and better done, but I got a lot more out of Hero.

The Incredibles: More adult than most of Pixar's range, and boasting some really clever character work that's nothing to do with the animation (such as the way Syndrome wipes his nose on his way to his big entrance, or the sly look Edna gives when she knows she's trading on her wacky persona to mess with Helen's marriage), I found this fun (not funny, though it was that too) as hell. Nice use of the medium too, you could never tell this story this way using live action.

Almost Famous: OK, it's almost cliched to like this, but the performances were so good and the writing so strong that I don't mind being cliched here. Frances McDormand was robbed.

Children of Men: Wow this was well done. This is a director's film. Two scenes were world-class (both the long shots, the ambush and the 6-minute siege shot, despite the plotting weakness immediately after), and the tone was superbly executed (it's hard to make such quiet bleakness enjoyable - haven't seen it done so well since Requiem for a Dream, though The Bourne Supremacy gets a mention for the ending).

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Perhaps this wasn't mainstream enough to be a blockbuster, perhaps it did a bit too much, but I found it funnier than most comedies and more exciting than most thrillers that year. Val Kilmer got right back on the horse (factor in Spartan, and perhaps he's remembering he can act), Robert Downey Jr was pitch perfect, and Shane Black's script was so slick it's worth reading on its own (though in a couple of spots you remember that there's a reason voiceover isn't considered a good device).

Honorable mentions to A History of Violence, Oldboy, Batman Begins, Man on Fire, Training Day, and Requiem for a Dream (only because it wasn't enjoyable to watch, despite being so well done). I wonder what it says that this list would be halved in size if you'd excluded films made in 2000?

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

For some reason, I have felt compelled to watch United 93 about a dozen times, so I know it pretty well and am very impressed with it, more so each time I watch it. It's one of those films that will do well in time, as people are finally able to watch it, and appreciate it as they get separated from the actual event. I still tear up at the ending, BTW.

Now, although I've watched it to death, I had never turned on the director's commentary until yesterday. When I learned how Greengrass actually shot the film, I was even more impressed, as I know of no other film shot this way. What was done is this - For each of the locations where the film was shot, the various ATC centers, Herndon, Rome Air Defense, and the plane itself, the sequence was shot as one continuous take in real time with two cameras, the cameras reloading when necessary. That means for some of the locations, the takes are like an hour long. Not only that, most of the "actors" are not actors, they're professionals or people playing themselves, so they have to relive the worst day of their lives over and over. And the performances are by and large improvised, with guidelines given to the performers on what they have to do and when. In a way, this should never work, but somehow it does, with Greengrass then taking all these long shots and getting out what he needs to make a film unlike any other. (As a slight aside, it also explains some of the small discontinuities I've noticed, like planes changing direction on the scopes when they shouldn't, but every film has those problems, so no points off.)

I have been trying for some time to try and separate my feeling for the film because it's based on real events versus what it would be like if it were just a film. The more I watch it, the more I realize that he's made one of the greatest thrillers of all time, on par with the best of Hitchcock or the original Alien. The fact that it's real only makes it even better, as it's a terrific tribute to those lost that day, and will allow future generations to know just how terrifying it really was.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

I think all of the films on this list that I've seen would be on my list too. That kinda makes me want to see the rest of them more then I already did:

Mulholland Drive: never got around to seeing it.
Once: never even heard of it...?
United 93: I've owned this for months and can't bring myself to watch it.
In the Mood for Love: was already in the top10 on my Netflix queue, now bumped to 1.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

[ QUOTE ]
I don't normally frequent The Lounge (given my post count and joining date, it could be rightly said I don't frequent anywhere on 2+2), but Dominic's recent post on Andrew Vachss' Burke novels (where's the crime fiction thread, eh Dominic?) brought me over, and I'm a big film/tv/book fan, so seeing the powers that be want more posts, I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. Hope no one minds a contribution from someone who isn't likely to be a regular.

That's an interesting list, Dominic. Half I would agree with - Amelie, In The Mood For Love, Mulholland Drive, Lost In Translation. Half I haven't seen - United 93, Once, City of God, Before Sunset (it's currently sitting in my watch-this-week pile, alongside Before Sunrise, Little Children, and Sunset Blvd). Sex and Lucia I don't see as quite so much of a classic as you seem to, and the LotR movies I can't stand, despite loving the books (the first is OK, mostly due to the evocative treatment of the Boromir's tragedy subplot, but for me the second and third went progressively more downhill, with the Frodo/Sam strand getting ever more cloying, Aragorn ever more wooden, and the pacing ever more jarring).

According to Flixster, my favorite movies of the 21st century include:

Hero: A theme both compelling and at odds with most of its genre, cinematography to rival Wong Kar Wai, cleverly cast, and a nicely overlaid meta-story about the nature of storytelling, that didn't distract from the main theme. I know for many Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was too similar and better done, but I got a lot more out of Hero.

The Incredibles: More adult than most of Pixar's range, and boasting some really clever character work that's nothing to do with the animation (such as the way Syndrome wipes his nose on his way to his big entrance, or the sly look Edna gives when she knows she's trading on her wacky persona to mess with Helen's marriage), I found this fun (not funny, though it was that too) as hell. Nice use of the medium too, you could never tell this story this way using live action.

Almost Famous: OK, it's almost cliched to like this, but the performances were so good and the writing so strong that I don't mind being cliched here. Frances McDormand was robbed.

Children of Men: Wow this was well done. This is a director's film. Two scenes were world-class (both the long shots, the ambush and the 6-minute siege shot, despite the plotting weakness immediately after), and the tone was superbly executed (it's hard to make such quiet bleakness enjoyable - haven't seen it done so well since Requiem for a Dream, though The Bourne Supremacy gets a mention for the ending).

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Perhaps this wasn't mainstream enough to be a blockbuster, perhaps it did a bit too much, but I found it funnier than most comedies and more exciting than most thrillers that year. Val Kilmer got right back on the horse (factor in Spartan, and perhaps he's remembering he can act), Robert Downey Jr was pitch perfect, and Shane Black's script was so slick it's worth reading on its own (though in a couple of spots you remember that there's a reason voiceover isn't considered a good device).

Honorable mentions to A History of Violence, Oldboy, Batman Begins, Man on Fire, Training Day, and Requiem for a Dream (only because it wasn't enjoyable to watch, despite being so well done). I wonder what it says that this list would be halved in size if you'd excluded films made in 2000?

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Very cool, with contributions like this, you'll be a very welcome presence in The Lounge!

Hero, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Children of Men and The Incredibles almost made my list...so did Memento and Brokeback Mountain.

And feel free to post something in my Andrew Vachss thread - I was always a little disappointed that didn't get very many views.

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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For some reason, I have felt compelled to watch United 93 about a dozen times, so I know it pretty well and am very impressed with it, more so each time I watch it. It's one of those films that will do well in time, as people are finally able to watch it, and appreciate it as they get separated from the actual event. I still tear up at the ending, BTW.

Now, although I've watched it to death, I had never turned on the director's commentary until yesterday. When I learned how Greengrass actually shot the film, I was even more impressed, as I know of no other film shot this way. What was done is this - For each of the locations where the film was shot, the various ATC centers, Herndon, Rome Air Defense, and the plane itself, the sequence was shot as one continuous take in real time with two cameras, the cameras reloading when necessary. That means for some of the locations, the takes are like an hour long. Not only that, most of the "actors" are not actors, they're professionals or people playing themselves, so they have to relive the worst day of their lives over and over. And the performances are by and large improvised, with guidelines given to the performers on what they have to do and when. In a way, this should never work, but somehow it does, with Greengrass then taking all these long shots and getting out what he needs to make a film unlike any other. (As a slight aside, it also explains some of the small discontinuities I've noticed, like planes changing direction on the scopes when they shouldn't, but every film has those problems, so no points off.)

I have been trying for some time to try and separate my feeling for the film because it's based on real events versus what it would be like if it were just a film. The more I watch it, the more I realize that he's made one of the greatest thrillers of all time, on par with the best of Hitchcock or the original Alien. The fact that it's real only makes it even better, as it's a terrific tribute to those lost that day, and will allow future generations to know just how terrifying it really was.

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pretty amazing, isn't it? I haven't heard the commentary yet, so I'll have to check that out.

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I think all of the films on this list that I've seen would be on my list too. That kinda makes me want to see the rest of them more then I already did:

Mulholland Drive: never got around to seeing it.
Once: never even heard of it...?
United 93: I've owned this for months and can't bring myself to watch it.
In the Mood for Love: was already in the top10 on my Netflix queue, now bumped to 1.

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Once is incredible. Don't go expecting some masterpiece, though, because it is a tiny little wisp of a film...low-budget, with no stars...incredible music and performances, though...I absolutely love it.

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Chairman of the Board is a masterpiece.

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Dom,

I teach at the Community College of Rhode Island. I get to teach a course we call Film as Lit, but it's really an Intro to Film course. I use Bordwell and Thompson for the textbook. It counts as a lit. elective, so I try to give students a good dose of films they never will get to see outside of a course. I also teach composition and various literature courses. I'm lucky; I have a full-time, tenured position.

I think you should send out resumes to colleges in the area that offer film courses. Many colleges will often need instructors for the basic courses and use adjunct instructors. I would just check the on line course offerings and send out resumes. Also, if they have a film department, I'd call and ask to meet with the chair to discuss teaching possibilities.

At least it would get you out of the house and the casino.

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I've thought about this if I moved back to AZ. Most the people I took classes with there had little no background or exp in the industry or even screenwriting.

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Zodiac
Fight Club(99 but close enough)

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Dominic,

Great list. How do you feel about The Host?

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Dominic,

Great list. How do you feel about The Host?

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I thought the Host was great fun with an incredible monster and an interesting group of characters.

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I am not going to be a great contribution to the lounge.

sadface

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I agree with some of the movies you said but since you already said them I won't repeat them.

Some of these are on my list because of technical merit, some because they are entertaining, most are both.

Children of Men
Road to Perdition
Batman Begins
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
The Departed
Hotel Rwanda
Downfall (Der Untergang)
Letters from Iwo Jima
Knocked Up
Requiem for a Dream
Bourne Identity

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nice list...why not tell us why you like them so much?

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Dom, great list, I have to wonder why that Far From Heaven isn't on there. I finally got around to watching it, and after I was done, I had to ask myself why I didn't see it sooner. It just hits on many different levels with me and it is just brilliant overall. We really get to see that many of the problems that existed 50 years ago still exist today. On top of that, the writing is just sublime in it's simplicity and depth at the same time. No words or scenes are wasted, which is something that we so rarely see these days.

Also, Dom, go out and buy Hable Con Ella. It's magnificint and is what Almodovar is all about. He really explores what motivates us to love and just what motivates us as people

Re: Best Films of the 21st Century
 

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Dom, great list, I have to wonder why that Far From Heaven isn't on there. I finally got around to watching it, and after I was done, I had to ask myself why I didn't see it sooner. It just hits on many different levels with me and it is just brilliant overall. We really get to see that many of the problems that existed 50 years ago still exist today. On top of that, the writing is just sublime in it's simplicity and depth at the same time. No words or scenes are wasted, which is something that we so rarely see these days.

Also, Dom, go out and buy Hable Con Ella. It's magnificint and is what Almodovar is all about. He really explores what motivates us to love and just what motivates us as people

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Oh, Hable Con Ella is Talk to Her! duh [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] seen it. I admire Almodovar a lot more than I love him. Talk to Her is probably my favorite of his, though, and garnered consideration for my list. So did Far From Heaven.