Best Films of 2011

I thought 2011 was another great year in film! I managed to watch 188 movies. 132 first time viewings and 56 re-watched. Among those 188 movies, 42 were considered 2011 releases (or at least close enough as far as I’m concerned). If I watched a film more than once in the same month it only counted as being viewed one time. Also, I caught bits and pieces of movies here and there on TV, but those are not accounted for in this report. Interesting observation, somehow Kelly McGillis, of Top Gun (1986) fame, ends up on two of my favorite horror movies of the year! Also, here are some films that I haven’t seen yet that probably would’ve changed the following list: 13 Assassins, 50/50, A Dangerous Method, The Skin I Live In, Take Shelter, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I know there’s more, but I’m really interested in seeing those.

Here is my top 15 2011 films. Enjoy and discuss!

15. Another Earth - Lo-fi indie drama labeled “sci-fi” but really has more of a metaphysical feel. Focus is on character and existential questions about life. An impressive debut from Mike Cahill and more impressively co-written by lead actress Brit Marling who gives an excellent, understated performance.

14. Contagion - I went into this star-studded Soderbergh film with curiosity, but with reservations. However, I was won over by the film’s pace and it’s take on a virus apocalypse. I’d rather see an intellectual disaster film that focuses on a few characters and their fears and bureaucratic  elements rather than just blowing up a bunch of stuff. It also put all of my already existent OCD on high alert!

13. Amer - This French horror/thriller has hints of Lynch and a lot of Italian giallo, right down to its killer soundtrack. There’s little dialouge, and it’s not needed, as the film is driven by it’s extremely visceral qualities, creepiness and sound design. I caught this late in the year and given more time to re-watch this one could climb the rankings.

12. Marwencol - A wonderfully made biography that is beautiful, profound and heartbreaking. I don’t want to say too much, but simply put its about a man dealing with tragedy by creating a world in which he can escape.

11. Stake Land - A unique and excellent take on a vampire apocalypse. A great indie horror film that is introspective and thought-provoking more along the lines of Matheson’s “I Am Legend.”

10. X-Men: First Class

- Easily the best super hero film of the year (and the best of this franchise). Great performances by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender and Director Matthew Vaughn very capably delivers the goods! Has a great James Bond feel too.


9. The Innkeepers 

- Another great slow-burn horror film from indie writer/director Ti West, of The House of the Devil (2009) fame, that gets better with repeated viewings. Largely because the two leads, Sara Paxton and Pat Healy are outstanding. They easily win you over and their chemistry is excellent. Also, surprisingly, the film is funny and charming which adds to the impact of the inevitable horror that you know is coming.

8. Martha Marcy May Marlene

- This psychological thriller is easily the understated film of the year. It’s an incredible film, let alone a debut by Sean Durkin. Elizabeth Olsen gives an outstanding performance and John Hawkes is equally great in his supporting role.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

- As a huge fan of the books and movies in the series, I only hoped the final film could deliver. And of course, it did.

6. Hugo

- I thought this seemed a weird turn for Martin Scorsese, but I’m so glad he did it (and I understand why). It’s a film for film lovers. Excellent use of 3D and wonderfully nostalgic. Great performances from the young Asa Butterfield and Chole Grace Moretz.

5. Super 8/Attack the Block

- I know, I took the cop out route and decided to make these a tie. There is commonalities, kids versus aliens stuff. However, one made me feel like I was re-living the first time I saw ET (1982), Goonies (1985) or Monster Squad (1987) and the other was like watching those films but with a John Carpenter twist. Both have great performances from young actors. I mean, how great is John Boyega as Moses? And, both are excellent films.

  

4. The Tree of Life

- I believe this is the film that Terrance Malick has been working toward making his whole career. It’s epic, challenging, melodic, poetic, deeply personal, and divisive. I thought it was a thing of pure beauty. I must say too, the camera work by Emmanuel Lubezki is superb.

3. Melancholia

- Lars Von Trier’s divisive film about fear and clinical depression is held together by breathtaking set design and a superb cast. It’s a dark film as Von Trier addresses his own personal issues of depression. Yet, as I’ve done some digging and thinking, there are perhaps some positives to be found. The film feels a bit like Ingmar Bergman in atmosphere and I love that’s its about an apocalyptic event but keeps it intimate focusing on just the characters at the estate and not showing what the rest of the world is doing. Whatever is troubling Lars Von Tier, I do hope he can overcome it. But I also hope he continues to make powerful and challenging films.

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

- Long before this film came out, I’d already decided I will go see anything David Fincher does. He’s got the track record. However, I came into this film with some reservations as it was a remake of a film that has already been done in Sweden. And apparently, done well. I haven’t seen the Swedish film (yet) or read the books. So, my opinion my be different than those of you that have. Now that I’ve laid the groundwork, on to this film. I loved it. Everything about it. The story, the sets, the mumbling/thick accents, the aesthetic, the Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross score, and most of all, the acting. Daniel Craig is the best I’ve seen him and Rooney Mara gives my favorite female performance of the year. I did not care or even notice the film is nearly 160 minutes long. It’s a dark and unsettling story, but Fincher, Craig, Mara and the supporting actors don’t hold back.

 1. Drive

- I felt director Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive was the outstanding movie of the year for many reasons. I love it when a film, such as this one, comes along out of nowhere and totally blows me away. It has an atmospheric and dreamlike quality with an 80’s feel. It beautifully mixes quiet and understated moments with raw violence. Its soundtrack is essential listening. In other words, it has style. However, it’s also ambitious enough to have substance as well. Ryan Gosling officially won me over for his performance as the nameless driver (and for his scorpion jacket) and Albert Brooks plays an excellent villain. I give it my highest recommendation.

Honorable Mentions:
Hanna
Hobo with a Shotgun
Sucker Punch
Trollhunter
Tucker and Dale vs Evil