All the best and worst lists that came out at the 11th hour this past year (weird to say that) got me thinking about all the movies that didn't get a mention, because even for the Razzie winners, there is no such thing as bad publicity. So here's my two cents:
5- Bright Star
Can't say I had high hopes for this, especially since Abbie Cornish's angsty face is on the poster, but boy did this little film show me. Don't be afraid, it's not a John Keats biopic, and it's not an over the top melodrama either. The story is subtle yet captivating, and the cinematography is stunning. Abbie Cornish is rather good as well. Check it out, you won't be sorry, and read some Keats to fuel your pretentious ways while you're at it.
4- Nowhere Boy
Never ever will there be enough creative content on John Lennon. He is probably one of the most fascinating human beings EVER. That said, I was very confused as to why this film didn't receive more attention. For one thing, the acting, particularly by Aaron Johnson, who played the young Mr. Lennon was brilliant. So many of these 'before they were stars- type' films make annoying foreshadowing gestures, but this film makes you forget the enormity of his future celebrity, and really focuses on the coming-of-age story. Ah-mazing.
3- A Single Man
Two Words: Tom Ford.
I was going to leave it at that, but between this film and An Education I wish I could time travel back to the 60s, and never come back...yes, just freeze me in that decade, thank you.
2- Sin Nombre
Talk about impactful. I challenge you to watch this and not feel something. I just learned that it was EP-ed by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, so if you don't trust my opinion, then their association should say something. Not only does this film add perspective to the immigration debate, it raises questions often left out of the discourse. MUST WATCH.
1- Never Let Me Go
For those of you who have seen One Hour Photo, you might have a slight idea of what you're in for. But only slight, because Romanek (who is mainly known for his music videos, remember MJ and JJ's Scream? yea, that was him) is given MAJOR ammo to work with thanks to Ishiguro's fantastical novel. If you've read the book and are afraid the film won't live up to it, fear not. Yes, it's that good. If you haven't read it, you most likely will after watching. Carey Mulligan is perfect. Please just see it because anything I say won't do it justice.
** some of these may have technically been in production in 2009, but were not released until 2010 (in the US). Just go with it people.
Most underrated film composer of 2010
Alexandre Desplat
His score for Coco before Chanel (also completely underrated, Audrey Tatou was fabulous) was awesome, and he also did these other little movies some of you may have heard of, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. But more notably check out his work in The Painted Veil (and also for Ed Norton!)
First!
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