My Exhaustive Summing Up of 2001 Movies
Dec 07 '02 (Updated Dec 16 '02)
The Bottom Line This is really long, read in segments if you must...
Wow.
This reassessment of 2001 sh*tty year for movies has been a long time coming. I got a little performance anxiety when d_fienberg joined the Epinions family and continued to write the best film reviews on this site. Then he went and put together lists that made me think that perhaps my favorite films in any given year are just plain silly. (To break with this ego booster, Dan is still wrong about Minority Report, said movie is trash)
It's been nearly a year and I have seen many of these so-called great films. Mulholland Drive? Put me to sleep 3 times. Still haven't seen past the 45-minute mark. Gotta say that Justin Theroux and Naomi Watts finally got parts worthy of their underrated talents though. Too bad the movie is a snoozer. The Shipping News despite a good performance from my favorite up and comer, Jason Behr, and a stellar cast, this film was just excruciatingly bad. Hedwig and the Angry Inch? Still waiting for a review that acknowledges the lack of a cohesive story and character and the abominable performance by Michael Pitt. (who, incidentally, has been near perfect in everything since, go figure?). The Man Who Wasn't There was about as gorgeous a film as can be...and as boring. And last year's overrated gay-themed movie, the Don Roos-produced stinker All Over The Guy was offensive. Offensive, because there wasn't likable or believable character in the whole film...but loved Lisa Kudrow's cameo. She makes everything better, witness season 9 of Friends, or that fact there are even 9 seasons at all.
Didn't care about Bridget or her diaries...regarding Moulin Rouge, thought Kidman's voice was good, and the film was fun and all, but where was the recognition for Ewan?...preferred the ghost performance of Kidman's but was pi**ed that the film was so predictable...couldn't have cared less about Amores Perros after the first segment...thought Amelie almost as overrated as Vanilla Sky, A.I. and Mulholland Drive combined...thought Yi Yi was okay...but was even more indifferent about Gosford Park, a film I loved the first time I saw it, and all the hoopla surrounding it (gotta say that Philippe was rather good). Wanted desperately to love A.I. but was beaten to a pulp with the subtext by heavy handed over lauded directing. Wanted desperately to hate films like Legally Blonde and crazy/beautiful, but the charms of the leading ladies can NOT be denied. Here's to hoping they don't lower themselves to this type of drivel in the future.
My weird delights? Was deeply impressed with Tortilla Soup. Thought The Mexican was pretty impressive as well. Can't get anyone to agree with me that Original sin was bad fun. Was kinda freaked out by the first half of Jeepers Creepers and definitely was surprised to find that after seeing Rock Star it is a sure thing that I'll see anything where Jennifer Aniston kisses a girl. More surprised Joy Ride was a watchable as it was. And finally was deeply impressed, but emotionally removed from the valiant try that was Lantana.
Wondering why Kevin Spacey fell off so HARD...worried that Tomb Raider will be Angelina Jolie's legacy...this is gonna be weird, but, wasn't Christopher Meloni hilarious in Wet Hot American Summer...wondering why actors like Brad Renfro and Robert Downey Jr. continue to screw up, but turn in brilliant performances at nearly every turn...pondering why foreign film was such a downer in 2001, excluding the exquisite Our Lady of the Assassins...wondering if the Oscar stuff is really even worth this sentence....speaking of, could anyone have been more un-enthused by Denzel's performance in Training Day than me...this is proof that the members of the Academy have never seen a single one of his films. Wondering why men like Rob Schneider and Tom Green get to make films when perfectly interesting comedians like Margaret Cho have to make fun of themselves in (admittedly, hilarious) concert films.
Wow, yep. It took me a good year to play catch up, and I realize that my original list was remarkably accurate for my tastes. There are only a few changes. I've taken off A Beautiful Mind. Realized one brilliant performance and sweeping score does not a film make...at least not after the first viewing. I was struggling with this list the first go round and I definitely need to apologize for the injury that might have occurred had you jumped up and banged you foot on your desk when you saw From Hell on this list. It has made the honorable mention list, but anything, save Boogie Nights, that features such a terrible performance by Heather Graham doesn't deserve a place on this list.
Anyway, 2001 great films. Here it goes...
THE LIST
1. The Royal Tenenbaums
The beautiful thing about The Royal Tenenbaums is that it is clever enough to not be too clever or self-aware. The actors (particularly Luke Wilson and Gene Hackman) play each role so believably that the idiosyncrasies come across the way they need to in order to make the film work. Wes Anderson has made a film that celebrates dysfunction without making dysfunction the focus of the film. And isn't it nice to see Danny Glover again?
2. O
Yep, still a fan of this (Sorry, Dan...agree to disagree, buddy?) Honestly, I don't know why people didn't like this more. All I can say is that the film was flagrantly misread. Mekhi Phifer's O was meant to be a symbol of black stereotypes, just as Othello is the symbol of pure jealousy in the original play. It deserves a second watch, because honestly I could find no fault with it. Kudos to Josh Hartnett for his chilling performance.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
This film is nothing short of breathtaking. It is expansive, stirring, thrilling, and emotionally draining. There isn't a flaw in the cast (special kudos to Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Elijah Wood, and Orlando Bloom for a most regal and stunning Legolas) and this is the first film in a while to use effects that are PERFECTLY seamless along side the real actors and scenery. (take that Mummy) I honestly don't think it could have been better.
4. Bully
The most daring and harrowing film of the year. Led by the Oscar-worthy performances of Brad Renfro and Nick Stahl, Bully makes real the pain that is infecting our suburbs and the stupidity of a generation whose parents are too busy to raise them. Yes it is violent and sex-y (not sexy), but that is life. There is nothing overtly offensive about the film, unless of course you are someone who identifies with the shocked and dumbfounded looks of the parents in the last scene. In which case, talk to your kids, don't censor movies.
5. L.I.E.
Were it not for the conclusion, L.I.E. would be in top 3. But it isn't . No matter, this film is a wonderful little slice of life exploring inter-generational relationships in a believable and, yes, heartwarming way. Paul Franklin Dano is astonishing in his debut and Billy Kay is mesmerizing. Mark my words, they will be stars.
6. .Things Behind The Sun
I caught this film on IFC and couldn't take my eyes off the screen. If ever there is a film that handles rape as sensitively, truthfully, and as compellingly as Things Behind The Sun, let me know. Gabriel Mann proves here that he doesn't need to back up Freddie Prinze in trash like Summer Catch ever again. Don Cheadle continues to astound, and Kim Dickens can take a bow. This film should have had a wide release. These actors, and director Allison Anders, have constructed a stunning portrait of people confronting their demons.
7. Memento
This is my gimme pick. It's on a billion top ten lists and that alone makes me want to take it off. But then I bought the DVD and damn, this is truly a great film. Skeptics might say the backwards thing is a gimmick, but it is intrinsic to the understanding of Guy Pearce's character. The film is engrossing the way those old-fashioned film noirs and mysteries were. Can't beat it, in that respect
8. Monster's Ball
This film is flawed to be sure, the biggest flaw being the director's undercutting of his leading lady (you'll have to wait for the full review of this film for explanation, this is running long). Leticia is a fascinating character. She's broken and the relationship between her and Billy Bob's Hank develops believably and subtly. This is one of the most tremendous stories about racism that doesn't preach or belittle its characters. For my money though, the real revelation here is Sean Combs...yes, Puffy P-Diddy himself in a fine performance. I say here and now he should give up the remixing loop job he calls production and be an actor. His performance here and in Jon Favreau's Made make him the most welcome new presence in film this year. I am not kidding.
9. Tape
I am still kicking myself for not including this the first go round. I had seen it. But in my defense, Tape is a difficult film and I only really began to appreciate it after repeated viewings. It's like a big flower, pull back layers and get more surprise, and more and more layers. All three actors, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard, and especially Ethan Hawke, in the performance of his career, are achingly good.
10. Angel Eyes
Angel Eyes is the most intriguing and sweetest romantic drama of last year. Jennifer Lopez shines again, playing a cop who falls for Jim Caviesel's Catch. The film is small, intimate and ultimately you feel better after having seen it. If you aren't moved by Lopez' last speech and see her for the stellar actress she's always been (despite her multimedia campaign to be the next Madonna), then I don't know what to tell you.
Here is the link for my original review--http://www.epinions.com/content_83069210244
HONORABLE MENTION--In order
1. From Hell
2. Donnie Darko
3. A Beautiful Mind
4. Our Lady of the Assassins
5. The Man Who Cried
6. Lantana
7. The Deep End
8. The Mexican
9. Diamond Men
10. Ghost World
11. The Caveman's Valentine
12. Center of the World
13. Tortilla Soup
BIGGEST SURPRISES
1. Waking Life and Tape
I've been a fan of Richard Linklater for years but he outdid himself last year with two very fine films. In my opinion, Tape was the better film, but Waking Life is the more critic-philic, so to speak.
2. Legally Blonde
I don't like romantic comedies usually. But anything with Reese Witherspoon is, at least, worth matinee price. Well Legally Blonde was a damn good film and funny too.
3. Crazy/Beautiful
You just can't go wrong with Kirsten Dunst. And she is phenomenal, but the real surprise here is Jay Hernandez who provides the cool strong center for the film and the anchor for Dunst's Nicole. He is destined for big things.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
1. Vanilla Sky
Tom Cruise was miscast and the film was too aware of itself. Poor gimmick ridden direction didn't help. Plus it wasted its best asset....Jason Lee. For shame *wagging finger*
Here's the link to my full review--http://www.epinions.com/content_78516817540
2. In the Bedroom
Everything the critics and Epinions writers have said is true...except the film is a snoozer. Kudos to the cast though.
3. Life as a House
It is trite, insulting, contrived, silly, ignorant, and malevolent in its portrayal of about 15 stupid and ill-drawn characters. Hayden Christensen was good, very good even, but a Golden Globe nomination? I don't think so.
ACTING AWARDS
Best Ensemble: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
runner-up: The Royal Tenenbaums
Best Actor: Brian Cox, L.I.E.
runner-up: (tie) Brad Renfro, Bully and Gene Hackman, The Royal Tenenbaums
Best Actress: Halle Berry, Monster's Ball
runner-up: Kim Dickens, Things Behind The Sun
Best Supporting Actor: Nick Stahl, Bully and In the Bedroom
runner-up: (tie) Billy Kay, L.I.E. and Josh Hartnett, O
Best Supporting Actress: Uma Thurman, Tape
runner-up: Scarlett Johannsen, Ghost World
Best Director: Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
runner-up: Richard Linklater, Tape and Waking Life
BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCES
1. James Franco, James Dean--A special nod goes to James Franco in TNT's James Dean. I won't go into detail, but let it be said that there aren't words for the performance Franco gave in a TV biopic. Good Lord the best and truest thing that can be said is that Franco's performance is the best TV performance given in a TV biopic ever. Simply stated, it is probably the best performance of last year, period.
2. Donnie Wahlberg, Diamond Men
3. Gabriel Mann, Things Behind The Sun
4. Luke Wilson, The Royal Tenenbaums
5. Rachel Miner, Bully
6. Ryan Philippe, Gosford Park
7. Sean Combs, Made and Monster's Ball
8. Tamara Mello, Tortilla Soup
Wow, that was long. My bad...
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