Every ten years, film enthusiasts who keep a close on top ten lists get a special treat. Not only do they get a peek at the best films of the year, but many critics release lists of the best films for the entire decade. According to Movie City News, the film that appeared on the most end of the decade lists for the aughts was the Coen Brothers’ “No Country for Old Men,” a worthy choice. Unfortunately, given that it’s 2012, these enthusiasts will have to wait for another seven and a half years. But there’s no reason we can’t reflect on the best films of this young decade so far. Sure, the sample at our disposal is small, but two and a half years can provide ample time for at least five electrifying films.
As far as I’m concerned, the best film so far this decade is David Fincher’s kinetic “The Social Network.” The film, about the founding of the social networking site facebook, paired up the wildly gifted filmmaker with the acerbic script written by famed television writer Aaron Sorkin. On the page, the two men would seem to be an unlikely pair. In fact, their respective styles married so well that I consider it a shame that the two men don’t have another project in production right now. “The Social Network” is a fast-paced legal thriller/comedy that at all at once explores several dichotomous relationships: Geeks vs. jocks, old business practices vs. new business practices, networking “friends” vs. physical friends.
The only foreign entry you will see on this list is “A Separation.” This mesmerizing masterpiece from Iran is about the dissolution of a marriage, and the severe consequences that follow. Writer/director Ashgar Farhadi’s story works on several levels, without the viewer even noticing. It works as a tragic melodrama, a dour legal thriller and a sharp observation about religious traditions and their place in an increasingly secular world. Given the current political dynamics on the global stage, it’s hard not to watch this film without geopolitics entering into the mind, but Farhadi stays largely apolitical, yet educates us on a culture we don’t fully understand. And if you’re looking for extraordinary ensemble work, look no further.
Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” is a film seen by most, understood by few. Thankfully, you don’t have to fully understand everything that’s going on to take in Nolan’s jaw dropping visual work and moving central love story. Nolan is has again amassed some of the best below the line craftsmen of the modern era, and it shows. His incredibly unique story, about a crew (led by the always sensational Leonardo Dicaprio) of criminals who invade the dreams of others. It is a mind-bending tale that will leave you having long, thoughtful conservations about the relationship of reality and dreams. Oh yeah, and the action sequences are some of the best ever committed to the silver screen.
Woody Allen didn’t have the best decade last time around. With the exception of a couple of minor successes, it appeared that the legendary and prolific director had lost his touch. “Midnight in Paris” proved his critics wrong. Not only was it just a comeback, it might just be one of the best films in a career that has been responsible for a lot of pretty splendid ones. Allen’s tale about a writer who gets caught up in the Paris nightlife due to a supernatural occurrence is as funny as he’s ever been. The dialogue is as sharp and incisive as his work in the 80s, and the Paris scenery he uses is gorgeous. Welcome back Woody.
The final film on the list is about as funny as open heart surgery. Derek Cianfrance’s devastating “Blue Valentine” tells two stories: One about a young, love hungry couple who meet and connect instantly, the other about that same couple five years later, on the brink of a nasty divorce. The young Cianfrance has the eye of a skilled documentarian, and the emotions he captures from his lead performers Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams (both at their phenomenal peak) feel raw and visceral. This film is at once more romantic than most mainstream Hollywood romantic comedies, but turns on a dime to be a dark and brutal tale of love gone wrong.
Sure, there are seven half years’ worth of films to look forward to, many of which will be just as good or better as the ones I’ve mentioned. But consider this a preview for those of you salivating for your next list fix. Movieroomreviews.com has great info on movies such as The Social Network and actors such as Leonardo Dicaprio.
Zach Mandell is a freelance writer for www.movieroomreviews.com.