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2001: A Film OdysseyJul 08 '08 (Updated Jul 31 '08) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Like Kubrick being ahead of his time, the first actual calendar year of the millenium proved to exceed expectation, innovation and almost imagination itself. Fifteen Finest Films of Two Thousand and One. Another strong year in film, 2001 saw some great movies from around the world with sharp comedies, intricate dramas, witty horror, action-packed films with an edge, adolescence to old age exploration, universal themes, unusual romances, wars, human conflicts and the ones between or within nations (or within individuals.) All these memorable movies held a common thread of thought-provocative content and an incredible amount of creativity,originality and an uncompromising willingness to explore uncharted territories and make daring discoveries. Rest assured that the films mentioned here are but the tip of the iceberg*. Also an inspired year for television. Asian Artsy Allegories Beonjijeompeureul hada (aka Bungee Jumping of Their Own) Chung mo yim (aka Wu yen) Sennen joyû (aka Millennium Actress) Must See Pictures 15. Thirteen Conversations About One Thing 14. L'emploi du temps (aka Time Out) 13. Der Tunnel (aka The Tunnel) 12. The Man Who Wasn't There 11. I Am Sam Top 10 Movies of 2001 10. A Beautiful Mind Director: Ron Howard Writer: Akiva Goldsman Geniuses have problems too. One of the year’s great all around picture that works in so many ways. Beautiful biopic with a twist; even with all the laudable competition, it did not have to snuck in the back to make the list. 9. Bijitâ Q (aka Visitor Q) Director: Takashi Miike Writer: Itaru Era Bring your open-mindness and then open it further. This film is the equivalent of being raped… and liking it. 8. In the Bedroom Director: Todd Field Writer: Todd Field Todd Field writes and directs the acting ensemble of the year. This drama will arouse feelings in the most uninvolved viewers. Guaranteed potent performances on the pellicle. With great story and dialogue (spoken and unspoken) to match, this only gets better with further viewing. 7. Mulholland Dr. Director: David Lynch Writer: David Lynch The fact that you may never understand this Lynchian mind game does not mean you won’t enjoy it ; it probably actually will increase your enjoyment! Lynch goes beyond his eccentric enigmas, antics and aesthetics to create a multi-level masterpiece. Underneath the facade of the two gorgeous leads lies a meticulous mystery with the semblance of simplicity. 6. Vanilla Sky Director: Cameron Crowe Writer: Cameron Crowe Another mind game, this one a remake of Amenábar’s Abre los ojos, but with great acting and directing to make it almost as potent as the original. To quote an overused movie quotable: “you can’t handle the truth.” Note: Amenábar made the gripping The Others (see below… the iceberg) 5. Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (aka Amélie) Director:Jean-Pierre Jeunet Writers: Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Guillaume Laurant Magical, hilarious and very French. I mean, very fresh! Amelie brings you in the heart of Montmarte in Paris and in the life of an ordinary girl. This movie has exquisite style & storytelling and deservedly dominated the year’s international casual moviegoers with its irresistible charm. A breath of fresh air. 4. Moulin Rouge! Director: Baz Luhrmann Writers: Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce The perfect mixture of art, music and romance. Exclamation point. This movie experience is a stunner from beginning to end with imaginative directing and captivating acting, singing and dancing performances. A reminder that we can always aim to tell better stories and that we can always tell them in a better way. Sheer genius. 3. Lantana Director: Ray Lawrence Writer: Andrew Bovell A simple story that goes a long way. An Australian drama that gets it. From the screenplay to the acting and directing, even though it won numerous awards, this remains one of the most overlooked and underrated movie, maybe of the decade. Count on raw emotions that usurp the notion of overdramatic murder mystery. Just the right dose, the right tone, the right pace… Do yourself a favour and discover it for yourself. 2. Y tu mamá también (aka And Your Mother Too) Director: Alfonso Cuarón Writers: Alfonso Cuarón & Carlos Cuarón The short lives we are fortunate enough to have have many crossroads, yet we can only choose between our possible worlds. What are you doing reading this if you haven’t seen this yet ! Go see it immediately… and your mother too. 1. Waking Life Director: Richard Linklater Writer: Richard Linklater Slightly pompous perhaps. Preachy some will say. Don’t believe the naysayers, this is the movie any curious, involved person will adore. Dreams, discussions and dissolutions. Granted that it is not for everyone, I cannot say otherwise that this movie has the potential to open one’s mind in many interesting and unexpected ways. Word to the wise: this should be a required viewing in all philosophy classes. ================== Special Mentions ================== Best Shorts Regular: Coming Out IMAX: Journey Into Amazing Caves Best TV Series Regular : 24 Cable : Six Feet Under Miniseries: Band of Brothers ================== Related Reviews ================== In this 2000 Series Fifteen Finest Films of 2000 Fifteen Finest Films of 2001 Fifteen Finest Films of 2002 Fifteen Finest Films of 2003 Fifteen Finest Films of 2004 Fifteen Finest Films of 2005 Fifteen Finest Films of 2006 Fifteen Finest Films of 2007 For the 1990s check out : Top Ten American Films of the 1990s Top Five Foreign Films of the 1990s Other related Reviews Top 15 Sex Scenes in Film (Part 1: 15-11) Top 15 Sex Scenes in Film (Part 2: 10-1) *See also, under the water surface : Babí léto (aka Autumn Spring) Black Hawk Down Bully Comment j'ai tué mon père (aka How I Killed My Father) Failan Ghost World Hannibal El Hijo de la novia (aka The Son of the Bride) Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Kairo (aka Pulse) Kissing Jessica Stein Last Orders The Others Otogiriso (aka St. John’s Wort) Patul lui Procust (aka Bed of Procust) Pearl Harbor La Pianiste (aka The Piano Teacher) Promises Swordfish Training Day Two Can Play That Game When Strangers Appear  |
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