10. Ida (2013)
Blu-rayThis austere gem from Poland succeeds on pure aesthetics; its story and shocking climax mere stretchers for the visual canvas of director Pawel Pawlikowski. Cinematographers Ryszard Lenczewski and Lukasz Zal must share in the glory as well, for while Ida has the look of distant memory, its melancholy of regret is timeless.
9. Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)
Theatrical - Review
Birdman is a either a great movie or complete bullshit. I still can’t decide. Until I get a chance to see it again, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Birdman is a either a great movie or complete bullshit. I still can’t decide. Until I get a chance to see it again, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt.
8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Theatrical
This was the most fun new movie I saw in 2014, no question about it. Ralph Fiennes got a chance to do what he does best: be totally insufferable. But this time his character was supposed to be that way so it was a win-win.
Perhaps the most competently executed film I saw this year, with superb work in all phases of production. The film also offers compelling insights into the international politics of the Reagan years and Pope John Paul II’s sneaky attempts to manipulate public perception.
I’m so tired of people whining that they don’t know what this film is “about.” People, it's Godard. Put your big boy pants on and watch this marvelous thing and shut up. Or go see fucking Transformers again, I really don’t care.
This was the most fun new movie I saw in 2014, no question about it. Ralph Fiennes got a chance to do what he does best: be totally insufferable. But this time his character was supposed to be that way so it was a win-win.
7. The Jewish Cardinal (2013)
French TV - ReviewPerhaps the most competently executed film I saw this year, with superb work in all phases of production. The film also offers compelling insights into the international politics of the Reagan years and Pope John Paul II’s sneaky attempts to manipulate public perception.
6. Goodbye to Language 3D (2014)
Theatrical - ReviewI’m so tired of people whining that they don’t know what this film is “about.” People, it's Godard. Put your big boy pants on and watch this marvelous thing and shut up. Or go see fucking Transformers again, I really don’t care.
5. The Past (2013)
Blu-ray - ReviewAsghar Farhadi takes dull stories of ordinary people with boring lives and turns them into riveting thrillers. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
4. Whiplash (2014)
Theatrical - ReviewWhiplash turns every cliche of the student vs. teacher genre up to 11. If J.K. Simmons doesn’t get an Oscar I’m going to have a fit. Watch this space.
3. Nebraska (2013)
Theatrical - ReviewAlthough I saw it 11 months ago, Nebraska’s brilliant construction of a decaying, wobbly Americana sticks in my foggy old mind like a glorious sunset.
2. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Theatrical - ReviewThe times may have been a changin, but the life of this wandering minstrel remained a twisted muddle.
1. The Great Beauty (2013)
Blu-ray - ReviewThe Great Beauty is composed of magical moments - often seemingly unconnected - that amuse, mystify and occasionally befuddle. Through an ebb and flow of images and imaginings, truth is revealed in the Roman dawn while flocks of birds fill a gleaming sky.
Honorable Mention: Gloria (2013), The Theory of Everything (2014), Gabrielle (2013), The Lunch Box (2013), La Tendresse (2013)
I'll be doing a post later on the year's best older films on home video and rewatches.
I'll be doing a post later on the year's best older films on home video and rewatches.
4 comments:
An excellent and interesting list, Mr. Anderson. Of those I've seen, excellent. Of those I've not yet seen, interesting. I'd expect no less.
Ida keeps growing in my thoughts the more I think about it. The performances really have stuck with me, especially Agata Kulesza. I also caught up with both Nebraska and Inside Llewyn Davis this year on DVD and enjoyed them. The latter made quite an impact with the great music plus the sense that if he could get out of his one way, this guy could really be someone.
Great suggestions, thanks.
Finally. Excellent pick, Mr. Anderson.
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