The year of the strange
Feb 02 '00
Though there were still some movies this year that adhered to basic Hollywood formulas (Notting Hill and The Hurricane leap to mind) this year the motto clearly was "The odder, the better." There was a greater trend toward dark comedies, unusual camera work and an underlying sense of realism. Anyway, here are my picks for the best of the year.
10. Girl, Interrupted: Yes, more conventional than the other films on the list, as it's a straight narrative based on fact. But the fine acting, particularly from supporting player Angeline Jolie, makes it worth a nod.
9. The Talented Mr. Ripley: Long, and not as faithful to the novel as purists might like. But this gorgeously photographed, flawlessly acted movie proves that thrillers don't have to be bathed in shadows to be chilling. "Ripley's" sun-drenched landscapes (and the presence of cinematic golden boy Matt Damon as a charming killer) make this all the more haunting.
8. Toy Story 2: Technically brilliant,sweet and funny. This is what family movies should be.
7. Dick: Clever, funny take on the Watergate scandal with a great comedic performance by Dan Hedaya as Richard Nixon and vivacious performances by Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst as the fictional young ditzos who unwittingly cause his down fall.
6. The Sixth Sense: He may pick a lot of clinkers, but movies like these are what keep Bruce Willis from fading away. One of the few genre movies that manages to be entertaining, but also inventive and emotionally wrenching. With fine performances from Willis, Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette.
5. The Winslow Boy: Arch, slow and old-fashioned. But Nigel Hawthorne's quiet stubbornness as a father staunchly defending his son against a larceny he didn't commit is awesome. Even more powerful is Jeremy Northam's electric turn as a flamboyant lawyer. Classy and well done.
4. The Insider:Like so many of the year's films, this true tale of a tobacco company whistleblower who exposes his former bosses on 60 Minutes is a mite long. However, its dazzling cinematography and brilliant performances by Russell Crowe (as the whistleblower) and Al Pacino (as the newsman who fights to get the 60 minutes segment aired) make a powerful movie experience.
3. Election: Oddly, the year's best political movie is about a Nebraska high school's race for student council president. But with good reason. The movie is sharp and funny and Reese Witherspoon is brilliant as the race's ruthless frontrunner.
2. Three Kings: Though this Gulf War drama will likely get shut out of the Oscar race (except for possibly a best screenplay nod), it's a showstopper. Smart, funny, exciting and poignant -- in short, everything a movie should be.
1. American Beauty: Without a doubt, the best. Kevin Spacey, as a disillusioned suburbanite who suddenly rebels against his smothering life, is at his best, and the dark, bitingly funny script pulls no punches. A triumph.
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cudaaman
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