Top Tens
My Top Ten of 2012
As with last year's list, these are my favourite films of the year (according to UK release dates) rather than the ten "best" of 2012. The way I look at it is by asking myself "what films would i want to watch right now, more than the others?" Two movies that I really wanted to see but didn't get a chance to in 2012 are PT Anderson's The Master and Beasts of the Southern Wild. Otherwise, if your favourite film doesn't appear on here, have a moan in the comments.
10 - The Descendants
Seven years is a long time in cinema. Alexander Payne had been very quiet since the remarkable Sideways graced our screens in 2005, but his trademark blazing wit and heartfelt originality has returned in full force. As Matt (Clooney) tries to come to terms with his comatose wife, he has to contend with his rebellious daughters and troublesome relatives. The performances are exceptional all-around, especially from star-in-the-making Shailene Woodley (above), but the stand out is the stunning setting of Hawaii island Kaua'i.
9 - The Avengers
In many ways this is a miracle film. Joss Whedon's Herculean task of bringing together these diverse heroes, from different backgrounds, into one cohesive, thrilling story had to be daunting...but he absolutely nailed it. As well as righting some of the wrongs of previous installments like Iron Man 2, Whedon brings much-needed humour that had been lacking in the stunted, formulaic superhero genre. Critical appreciation, along with a gross of over $1 billion, is a huge achievement and will hopefully pave the way for more talented writer/directors to have creative control over blockbuster movies.
8 - Detachment
Tony Kaye is one of the most wonderfully polarizing filmmakers working today. Compared to American History X, this is his artistry going of the rails and not flourishing, but stewing in what many might call pretentious despair but captures my penchant for poetically depressing films. The ensemble cast are excellent as Adrien Brody's substitute-teacher subverts the conventional inspiration story and virtual unknown Sami Gayle (also pictured) is a revelation as a young prostitute who is taken under his wing. Detachment is extreme and overbearing at times, but certainly powerfully captivating.
7 - Killer Joe
Having been on my list of films to look out for in 2012, William Friedkin's dark-humoured drama didn't disappoint. Adapted from his own play by talented playwright Tracy Letts, it follows Chris (Emile Hirsch) as he tries to pay off a debt by putting a hit out on his mother to collect on her life insurance policy. Stand-out performances come from McConaughey's truly terrifying cop-turned-contract killer and Juno Temple who, as Chris's mentally unstable sister, is inadvertently placed at the centre of the action. The last couple of scenes will disgust and enthrall in equal measure, with no holds barred.
6 - Silver Linings Playbook
Despite on-set bust-ups in two of his previous three films, writer/director David O Russell's ability as a storyteller has never been in question. Adapted from Matthew Quick's 2008 novel, SLP centres on Pat (Cooper) as he wrestles with his bipolar tendencies and embarks on a self-improvement regime to win back his wife. Along his way, he meets fellow sufferer Tiffany (played by an extraordinary, Oscar favourite Jennifer Lawrence) and...you can guess the rest? Well, not exactly. This is not a perfect film but as far as romantic comedies go, this is as good as it gets, without shying away from its neurological issues. Truly uplifting and hilarious, with great songs from Alabama Shakes and Alt-J, it's the feel-good film of the year.
5 - The Imposter
The only documentary on my list, The Imposter really is a lot stranger than fiction. The story goes that when Frédéric Bourdin, found alone on a wet night in Spain, claims he is the son of a Texas family who had been missing for three years. When he's "reunited" with the family, they inexplicably accept him as their real son. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, the relentless tension of the unfolding story was reminiscent of Man on Wire. Having received several awards, I was surprised not to see it nominated for an Oscar but this really is a solid 'blind-buy' for anyone.
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4 - Your Sister's Sister
This represents mumblecore's first real success in the mainstream. Lynn Shelton's follow-up to the underrated Humpday, was shot on a minuscule budget of $125,000 and made over $1.5 million in the U.S. alone. Jack (Mark Duplass) is still recovering from the loss of his brother and, when Iris (Emily Blunt) recommends the family cabin as a source of solace, he meets Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt) in a night of heady drinking and tequila-fuelled relief. I have boasted about the performances so far in previous films, but none of them compare to the collective masterclass of naturalistic acting that Duplass, DeWitt and Blunt put on show in this rare gem of a film. Sometimes simplicity is the perfect recipe for success and Your Sister's Sister is acting at its purist.
3 - Martha Marcy May Marlene
Writer/director Sean Durkin's debut is a tour de force in compelling storytelling and masterfully absorbing filmmaking. An astonishing Elizabeth Olsen is at the helm as Martha, a troubled young woman, who, having escaped an abusive cult group, tries to rejoin society in the shape of her older sister and husband. It's difficult to put into words how psychologically affecting MMMM is. John Hawkes' turn as the cult leader, the beautifully nuanced direction and clever editing are all factors in what proves to be one of the most compelling dramas of the year, with a killer ending.
2 - Safety Not Guaranteed
This is the one feature that stole my heart this year. Mark Duplass, who's really been on fire in 2012, plays a outcast who advertises that he's planning on travelling back in time with a partner who's safety is not guaranteed. For a quirky indie fest like this to have such depth is rare, with wonderful performances from Parks and Recreation's Aubrey Plaza and New Girl's Jake Johnson providing comedy and genuine humility in equal measure. It feels like a Garden State with a lot more nouse and will endure endless viewings with Duplass effortlessly anchoring the narrative. This is truly a cinematic one-off as all parties involved will surely move on to bigger things.
1 - Looper
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Some films that just missed out on my top ten include Jeff Who Lives at Home, Margin Call, The Cabin in the Woods, Indie Game: The Movie, Moonrise Kingdom and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.
