2014's TOP 10 MOVIES

1.     Birdman

Combining an excellent all start ensemble cast with an interesting meta-narrative, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s Birdman is a true cinematic experience and, in my opinion, the best movie of the year. The movie’s highlight is clearly Michael Keaton’s performance (and the not-so-subtle Batman jokes are just the tip of the iceberg that is the environment in which Keaton’s Riggan is immersed in) who delivers a character displays a wide array of characteristics and faces challenges with which we can all relate to. A career defining performance.

Why it’s on this list: Inventive, experimental and overall different, Birdman delivers a cinematic experience that deserves to be witnessed in the big screen. If “The Dark Knight” raised the question: “Why So Serious?”, Birdman provides us with an answer.

2.     Gone Girl

For the third consecutive time in 4 years, David Fincher is able to capture the zeitgeist. To successfully adapt into a tense thriller what is considered by some an “airport novel” is nothing short of a feat. Other than a somewhat speedy narrative that doesn’t allow tension to build as much as it should, Gone Girl is flawless movie that is enriched by Rosamund Pike’s Amy. With what appears to be somewhat of an outlandish premise the movie develops into a very common story where the viewer ends up being presented with the following: A marriage in crisis, displayed in a non-linear storyline and where the audience can’t empathize with any of the two main characters.

Why it’s on this list: Gone Girl is one of those films that leave you processing the message and its details long after you left the cinema. Definitely ranks up as one of Fincher’s best movies.

3.     American Sniper

Ignoring the current criticisms and propaganda accusations, I chose to see “American Sniper” as the new “The Deer Hunter”.  While Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial output is not his magnum opus (despite being his most successful movie in a four decade spanning career), it’s an intense ride yet simple and far less pretentious than say “The Hurt Locker”.  It’s easy and uncomfortable to keep up with Cooper’s Kyle motivations, sense of detachment and the tour de force he subjected to. Bradley Cooper’s performance is a strong one albeit generic, something that works in its favour as it contributes to the character’s detachment. 

Why it’s on this list: A war movie that benefits from Eastwood’s ability to deliver a movie that’s both raw and well structured. There’s a lot left unsaid  

4.     A Most Violent Year

      In line with the previous entries of J.C. Chandor’s short filmography, “A Most Violent Year” seems to be in line with core storyline explored in his two previous movies: the reaction to a pending disaster. A crime story that explores the “partners in crime” side of a relationship (much like the second entry on this list). A movie that also explores the dark side of the current-ish American Dream.  More than an empire building tale and the moral challenges of what it means to make it in this world, the movie delivers in multiple layers. Jessica Chastain steals the show and was unfairly snubbed by the Academy in what I consider to be the best performance by a supporting actress of 2014.

    

Why it’s on this list: Not a dull moment in the well-crafted, small budgeted movie that channels a Sopranos Early Years-like atmosphere. More than a simple crime story.Possibly the best movie ever made about heating oil.

5.     Boyhood

An ode to movie making and a tribute to Richard Linklater’s dedication, Boyhood ranks as a superior coming of age. Granted that without the 12 year real life time span, the story that Linklater tells us is not original. Perhaps it’s that very same simplicity that makes this movie an enjoyable experience and one with which we can all sort of relate with. With some bloated moments and too much melodrama in some scenes, Boyhood will stand the test of time. Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke enriched the movie with award worthy perfomances that fit nicely with the overall concept.

Why it’s on this list: A landmark in movie making. A movie that should be celebrated by it’s concept and execution and how they highlight a linear and simple narrative.

6.     Nightcrawler

     Nightcrawler is the type of movie Michael Mann should be making and isn’t. Part “Collateral” (2004), part “Network” (1976) Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a knockout performance as the despicable Louis Bloom- a demented overachiever that thrives on other’s misfortune. A sharp satire of today’s society and a sardonic comment on the meaning of career success. Rene Russo’s BAFTA nominated performance is one of the highlights of the movie. She plays an updated version of Faye Dunaway’s Diana Christensen in the current media overkilled world. James Newton Howard’s soundtrack is the cherry on top of the cake (worth checking the closing theme adequately titled “If It Bleeds, It Leads”).

     Why it’s on this list: Dan Gilroy’s directorial debut is a neo-noir thriller that proudly exposes   what he’s capable of. Perfectly set in Los Angeles, the movie develops it’s own atmosphere and drags you along for an intense ride. The best genre movie in 10 years.

7.     Inherent Vice

Known for his gritty and dysfunctional portrayals of America (“The Master” (2012), “There Will Be Blood” (2007) ), Paul Thomas Anderson takes a “lighter” approach with this adaption of the pulp tale set in 1970’s California. A bizarre rollercoaster filled with intriguing characters, an hypnotic background and a killer soundtrack. It requires multiple viewings to get fully immersed on this gem, but perhaps the movie works best the less you try to understand it. An great ensemble cast that is completely in on the joke and fully embody the dopehead vibe.

Why it's on this list: A movie that clicked well with me, perhaps because I watched it immediately after “Boogie Nights“ (1997). A “just go with with flow” mindset is required to fully enjoy this one, and that’s what makes it stand out from all the 2014 entries.

8.     Under The Skin

    “Under The Skin” is the thinking-man “Species” (1995).  Jonathan Glazer’s conceptual movie is a thought provoking study on what makes us human. It tends to get too stuck on two very specific themes: humanity’s superficial and shallow aspects and how we, as a specie, “cannibalize” each other. The casting of Scarlett Johansson was spot on (perhaps a bit ironic that she was cast in a role that aims to debunk how western civilization perceives beauty). A brilliant piece of Sci-Fi that outranks all other major genre releases (and that includes Nolan’s Interstellar).

      Why it’s on this list: The movie’s “mirror image” approach allows the viewer to learn a bit more about himself. A “One-of-a-Kind” movie.

9.     The Theory of Everything

A well executed biopic that benefits from Eddy Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking and that achieves what is not common in this type of movies: a screen balance between the personal and professional life of the character under analysis. It properly explores the world beyond the genius mind of Hawking and provides a good insight on the flawed human. James Marsh manages to avoid the pitfalls of over sentimental and still deliver sad and heartfelt sequences.

Why it’s on this list: A above par biopic on an interesting subject.  An immediate personal favourite that ranks up there with “Nixon” (1995) and “The Aviator” (2004)

10.  Foxcatcher

    While its pace works against it, Foxcatcher is an interesting movie. In order to fully appreciate “Foxcatcher” you need to let it sink in. It overexploits the notion that the most dangerous people, in some cases, occupy positions of power and are well regarded by society. An over the top Steve Carrel is counteracted by more human performances by both Tatum and Ruffalo. A cold and and distant movie that makes you feel uncomfortable from the beginning to the end.

    Why it’s on this list: The years second best movie (after “A Most Violent Year”) to deal with how deceiving power can be. A great directorial effort that creates a constant chilling atmosphere.