2011 is finally over so we have collated The Film Pilgrim teams top 10 films of 2011. 2011 was the year of Ryan Gosling. but also saw some great British films emerge including success stories Tyrannosaur, Submarine as well as the global recognition for The King’s Speech. Top of the pops with the most votes by a mile was Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, with Submarine and The King’s Speech in tied second place. There are some surprising choices on these lists though, including a few hidden gems you may have missed this year.. let us know your favourite films of 2011 below…
Aidan Largey’s Top Ten
1 - Drive
For a grim, fatalistic fatalistic noir this had more heart to it than almost any film this year and with it Gosling firmly deserves his place in the A List. Stunning film making by Nicholas Winding-Refn, Michael Mann meets Paul Scrader with a stunning electro soundtrack. Cinema at it’s best.
2- Tyrannosaur
In easily the best British (or any) directorial debute of the year Paddy Constantine proves a deft hand with story and actors while Peter Mullan gives the performance of a hugely impressive career.
3 – Hugo
Scorsese takes what should have been a disposable gimmicky childrens film and turns it into what could be the most personal and emotional film of a very personal and emotive career. A must see for any cinema lover.
4 – The Guard
The Mc Donagh family genius shines through in this brilliant, oddball and hilarious cop comedy anchored by the peerless Brendan Gleeson, giving it equal glee and gravitas in the lead role. Utterly un-PC and all the better for it.
5 – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Gary Oldman brings the heart and soul to what could easily have been dry, humorless spy tale of paranoia and deceit. Here’s hoping he finally gets his long deserved Oscar.
6- The Fighter
Wahlberg fought to make this film for years and his passion pays off in his best role since Boogie Night’s, even as Bale steals the show as his conflicted crack addicted brother “Where’s the fucking car Boo Boo?” A heavyweight film.
7 – Animal Kingdom
As hard to watch as it is to forget, this Aussie crime drama lingers as much as it stands out. One to to hunt down as relentlessly as it’s main characters.
8- The Inbetweeners Movie
As crude and heartless towards it’s main characters as it is heartfelt, this film is as funny as it is brutal (and often because of it’s refusal to gives it’s protagonist’s even the slightest glimmer of redemption. Comedy of the year.
9 – Fast Five
The Rocky 4 of Action film’s forget the Expendables, with the addition of The Rock, Lin proves he knows how to do it right, great one liners, fantastic action and best of all, rooted in character and the previous film’s legacy. The series’ fifth entry and yet the best installment.
10- Captain America
A fun romp through a superhero version of WW2. Loses points for not having the grit to use Nazi’s but there’s nice theme development and an ending that’s perhaps the most emotionally resonant of all the Marvel films.
Alexandra Ferguson’s Top Ten
1 – Tyrannosaur
A true glimpse into the empty, lost souls of a catastrophic Britain. Peter Mullan and Olivia Coleman are untouchable, giving performances that are out of this world. Paddy Considine is ruthless in his debut, but every single second is worth it. This is creation that could only exist in British cinema.
2 – Drive
By throwing out the rule book, Nicolas Winding Refn presents a movie of graphic violence, music and an atmosphere that can’t be shaken. Though I wasn’t bowled over by Carey Mulligan’s performance, Ryan Gosling is at his best conveying something other than human. An incredible experience.
3 – The King’s Speech
Tom Hooper’s film breaks the confines of the yawn inducing period drama, with a script by David Seidler which is both touching and empowering, a breathtaking score thanks to Alexandre Desplat and a performance from Colin Firth which transports us with blind commitment to 1930′s Britain.
4 – The Artist
Film is a universal language, and Michel Hazanvicius The Artist showcases the simplicity of character and story with extraordinary performances from Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.
5 – TT3D: Closer to the Edge
A funny, charming and literally jaw-dropping documentary. A must see even if you’ve never heard of the TT.
6 – Tangled
Sweet, sticky and eye popping, Tangled is everything a Disney fan could wish for.
7 – Scre4m
The highly anticipated return from horror master Wes Craven resurrects everything to love about the original trilogy, but brings it into the new media obsessed decade by being bigger, gorier and nastier than ever.
8 – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
An impressive transition from the astounding Let The Right One In, Tomas Alfredson places the outstanding Gary Oldman in a faded watercolour of Britain in a era of hidden secrets and unbreakable vows.
9 – Stake Land
Not perfect but something quite different that captures the apocalyptic landscapes and blind faith of Fallout, as well as the whispers of the teen road movie… with vampires.
10 – Thor
I went in expecting a disaster but Kenneth Branagh’s wonderfully camp comic book adaptation is a total joy.
Alex Salzedo’s Top Ten
1 – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Oh, where to start? This truly is a masterpiece of British cinema. Some great acting, a fantastic storyline, brilliant cinematography. There’s nothing better than a cold war thriller, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy pulls it off beautifully.
2 – Midnight in Paris
This is a beautiful film, and who would expect any less from Woody Allen? Words can’t describe my love for this film. Sorry
3 – The Hunt for Tony Blair
Not sure if this really counts, as it was technically a TV movie, but I loved this. It was engaging, politically sharp and generally well executed. Not to mention the glorious film noir style. Oh, why can’t everything be like Double Indemnity?
4 – Super
A bit of an odd film, but absolutely hilarious. Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page are brilliant, I cried with laughter at this twisted comedy.
5 – Submarine
A thoroughly enjoyable film from Richard Ayoade. Funny, apt and beautifully shot.
6 – One Day
Not usually a rom-com person, but I loved seeing one of my favourite books brought to life on the big screen. Those who haven’t, read David Nicholls’ book – it’s a thousand times funnier than the film.
7 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
I’m not a massive Potter fan, but I have read the books and kept up with the films – after all, it’s been around most of my life. The last film was pretty action-packed, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t like a bit of mindless escapism
8 – The Wave
This film is hauntingly good. There’s a great political level to it too, but even without that it’s chilling.
9 – Bad Teacher
For an typical blockbuster comedy, this was pretty good. I laughed, and that’s good enough for me.
10 – Johnny English: Reborn
This one makes the list purely because it was not as awful as I had expected, for a sequel it’s actually not bad.
Charlotte Quamina’s Top Ten
1 – Paul
One of two films in my top ten to feature Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (they star in Tintin as well), Paul is a touching and funny look at people who believe in (and hang out with) aliens. Voiced by Seth Rogen, Paul is unique and cleverly written film from the people behind of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead.
2 – Friends with Benefits
One of the very few romantic comedies I’ve been able to sit through, Friends with Benefits is a funny, tender and honest look at trying a new take on a friendship. Of course it still has it’s clichés and Hollywood ending but the film as a whole is enjoyable and Timberlake and Kunis make a gorgeous couple even if it lacks a little in the chemistry department.
3 – 30 Minutes Or Less
30 Minutes or Less features Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari as best friends who come up with a plan to turn a traumatic event (Eisenberg has a bomb strapped to him and is forced to rob a bank), in their favour. This film works so well because the protagonists have no idea how to handle their dilemma and resort to utilising people they know and movie references in order to succeed.
4 – Attack the Block
Down to earth and crazily realistic for a film about alien invasion, Attack the Block makes us question what we would do if massive hairy aliens crashed down in our neighbourhoods. Featuring a cast of new and upcoming talent, it is a clever and altogether brilliant British film that will become a cult favourite in no time.
5 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara star in the powerful adaptation of the Stieg Larson novel of the same name. It’s cold and disturbing but effectively portrays the dark and dangerous persona of serial killers.
6 – Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
After a two year wait, Sherlock and Watson return to the big screen for more crime solving and witty observations. Robert Downey Jr shines in this role and Jude Law’s Watson is the perfect responsible counterpart to Holmes’ ambitious and irrational mind. Although he doesn’t stick to the Conan-Doyle plots, both Guy Ritchie adaptations are still great fun in their own right.
7 – Bridesmaids
By far the best comedy of 2011, Bridesmaids is laugh out loud funny from start to finish. Kristen Wiig stars as Annie who thinks that competitiveness and upstaging may be the only way to win her best friend back. It’s an hysterically realistic portrayal of what you would put yourself through for the people you care about most. Wiig is outstanding in this role; completely believable and totally lovable.
8 – The Guard
Set in a village in Ireland, The Guard is a hilarious look at small town stereotypes and confrontations. The film is amazingly cast with Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle as the officers in question.
9 – The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
Finally Tintin has been remade for a new generation and beautifully so. The use of live performance caption 3D is so well done you forget you aren’t watching real people within the first ten minutes. The action is a little grown up for younger audiences but after years of watching the television series and reading the comics by Belgian artist Herge, Tintin’s long awaited return to our screens is more than welcome.
10 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two
The concluding part of the Deathly Hallows and the final Potter film ever, hit our screens this year. The films, based on the fictional books by author J K Rowling have been transformed for the big screen over the last decade and now we finally get to see what becomes of our friends at Hogwarts. Full of adventure, action and very emotional moments, this film was well worth the ten year wait.
Chris Hart’s Top Ten
1 – The Tree of Life
Perhaps the greatest director alive honed in the philosophies and themes that his previous films broached, and moulded them into an incredibly deep, utterly beautiful and career defining work. One of the best films ever made.
2 – Drive
Nicholas Winding Refn delivered his best film to date (no small claim). Unutterably cool and featuring a great cast, it’s a film that’s already buried itself in collective film-fan consciousness as a true classic.
3 – Rise of the Planet of the Apes
A prequel so good that it easily outstrips the rest of its series. The emotional content is wonderfully acute and the CGI is excellent.
4 – The Guard
The other McDonagh brother (John Michael) proved he has as much talent as his brother when it comes to crafting brutally funny crime satires. A remarkably witty and intelligent film.
5 – Apollo 18
An underrated and superbly executed hand-held camera horror. Transferring this filmmaking trend to science fiction was an incredibly smart move, which paid off well. Alphas’ Warren Christie puts in a strong turn.
6 – The Debt
The smartest and most engaging spy narrative of the year, and a film brimming with great performances from Chastain and others.
7 – A Lonely Place to Die
A truly thrilling action/kidnapping feature. Melissa George delivers, as ever. As does Lights Out‘s Eamonn Walker, Sean Harris, and the rest of the great cast. British action films are rarely this great and powerful.
8 – Black Swan
Aronofsky added yet another excellent film to his remarkable body of work. It builds to a beautiful crescendo.
9 – Beginners
A simple, yet thoroughly endearing little film, recommended for all. Ewan McGregor, Mélanie Laurent and Christopher Plummer deliver in spades. The narration is commendably clever and unique.
10 – 50/50
A film that feels like a combination of Rogen’s usual comedy affairs melded with the emotional competence and subject matter of The Big C. Joseph Gordon-Levitt impresses, as ever.
Christopher Hogg’s Top Ten
1 – Bridesmaids
Laugh out loud funny but also tender and real without becoming smaltzy.
2 – The Guard
What would happen if you relocated a buddy cop movie to the rustic Irish coast? A black comedy gem. Beautifully shot, daring, funny and Gleeson’s best role to date.
3 – True Grit
The Coen brothers take on the Wild West blending their talent for realising eccentric characters with a dazzling cast of which Jeff Bridges shines brightest as drunken anti-hero Rooster Cogburn.
4 – Hugo
Scorsese’s love letter to classic cinema using 3D effects to craft a fairytale world of 1920s Paris anchored by excellent performances by his young leads.
5 – 50/50
Manages to be both consistently funny and sensitive and true to the realities of facing cancer.
6 - Submarine
A razor sharp British comedy taking addressing teenage awkwardness in an honest, funny and distinctly un-Hollywoodised way.
7 – 127 Hours
A film largely consisting of only one man as he contemplates cutting off his own trapped arm, it shouldn’t work! But Boyle and Franco manage this unlikely feat keeping viewers glued to the screen to the extent you forget to anticipate the amateur amputation.
8 – The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
Perhaps not the classic Herge fans have been waiting for. But a sumptuous and playful antidote to the hundreds of gimmicky 3D cash-ins we’ve had to endure this year.
9 – We Need To Talk About Kevin
A dark, stylish and unsettling tale held together by a strong set of performances, particularly by Tilda Swinton as a mother wrestling with guilt and responsibility for the actions of her psychotic son.
10 – The King’s Speech
Inspirational Oscar fodder? Perhaps. Whilst I feel this film perhaps didn’t deserve the whitewash it achieved at the Oscars, the wonderful bubbling, sparkling chemistry between its leads brings an allure that’s hard to resist.
David Whitehead’s Top Ten
1 – Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky’s masterpiece of audience manipulation provided one of the great cinema-going experiences of recent years. Black Swan is an exhilarating psychological thriller which scares and seduces in equal measure. Brilliant.
2 – Kill List
The most unsettling film of the year is also the hardest to forget. Ben Wheatley’s hitman thriller unnerves and then horrifies before leaving you frozen to your seat with a terrifying final act.
3 – Super 8
J.J Abrams’ masterful piece of Spielbergian Sci-Fi was the blockbuster of the summer. His young cast shine to produce the kind of magical family adventure that they just don’t make anymore.
4 – Crazy, Stupid, Love
Steve Carell leads a terrific cast in this refreshingly grown-up romantic comedy. Unpredictable, genuinely romantic and very funny. If only Hollywood would make more films like this and less like New Year’s Eve.
5 – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
This adaptation of John le Carré’s celebrated spy novel is virtually flawless. The exquisite recreation of 70s Britain and its Cold War mentality is as impressive as Gary Oldman’s note perfect lead performance.
6 – Senna
It’s been a great year for documentaries. Asif Kapadia’s Senna led the way with its compelling, cinematic retelling of racing driver Ayrton Senna’s life. Whether you’re a F1 fan or not, this is unmissable drama.
7 – Tangled
A film made with the ambition of Pixar, grown-up humour of Dreamworks and fairy tale magic of Disney. One for the whole family and an absolute thrill from start to finish.
8 – Of Gods and Men
This true story of Algerian monks under threat from Islamic fundamentalists is one of the achievements of the year. The complex subject matter is handled with incredible skill by director Xavier Beauvois. It’s a rare film of beauty, intelligence and heartfelt emotion.
9 – The King’s Speech
Practically everyone in the UK saw this Oscar winning film in 2011. It may not be innovative or challenging but The King’s Speech is a joy to watch and features two of the year’s best performances from Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush.
10 – Rise of the Planet of the Apes
An unexpectedly brilliant blockbuster from British director Rupert Wyatt. The economic script and fine supporting cast provide strong foundations but it’s Andy Serkis’ motion capture performance as Caesar which steals the show.
George Harrison’s Top Ten
1 – Hugo
At number 1 in my list and my favourite film of the year is Martin Scorsese’s Hugo. Set in 1930s Paris, Hugo is an enchanting tale about Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), a young orphan who lives in the clock tower of the train station. Hugo follows Hugo and Isabelle (Chloe Moretz) on an adventure of discovery as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the automaton. The acting is of the highest standard all round with exceptional performances from Chloe Moretz and Ben Kingsley, Scorsese’s direction is superb with a wonderful and fitting focus on film history and I have never before been so impressed with or accepting of the use of 3D. From start to finish Hugo is positively captivating, I cannot remember a time when I was so disappointed to see a film finish and my respect for Scorsese and his tribute to George Mêliés could not be greater.
2 – 50/50
As a huge fan of both Joseph Godron-Levitt and Seth Rogen I knew I would enjoy Jonathan Levine’s 50/50 and yet for some reason I almost let it pass me by, assuming it would be a good, if largely forgettable film. How wrong I was, 50/50 is one of the greatest and most impressive films I’ve seen in recent years. Levine’s handling of such a delicate subject matter is very refreshing, I was completely taken aback by how funny and yet also subtly powerful Levine’s film could be in places. One scene in particular stuck with me where Adam (Levitt) is about to be put to sleep before his life threatening operation, his reaction is totally convincing and poignant to watch. The acting is also of the highest standard with Gordon-Levitt and Rogen typically brilliant as the two leads whilst there are notable backing performances from Anjelica Huston as Adam’s mum, Anna Kendrick as Adam’s therapist and Matt Frewer as Mitch the dope smoking cancer patient. 50/50 is a wonderful and refreshing piece of cinema.
3 – Drive
My top three films are all exceptional, and whilst Drive only makes it to number 3, there is a huge gap between my top three choices and the rest. From start to finish Nicholas Winding Refn’s Drive is a wonderful experience. The non-diegetic soundtrack and the heavy, almost brutal use of diegetic sound generates an enthralling atmosphere that holds you in. Furthermore Refn’s direction is superb; the quick editing adds a great fluidity and intensity. Ryan Gosling also gives his finest performance to date (high praise indeed!) as the brutal and seemingly primal Driver; Gosling has a commanding screen presence that few other actors could replicate whilst going for the ‘hard man’ image.
4 – Immortals
For many this will seem like a controversial choice coming at number 4 in a list Black Swan, Melancholia and Warrior, to name a few, failed to make, and yet this is not a slight on any of those films, instead I personally enjoyed Tarsem Singh’s Immortals immensely. Aside from Mickey Rourke’s King Hyperion there are no real stand out acting performances to mention, and yet it is the visual quality of Immortals and the outlandish world that Singh creates that drew me in. I have also never seen the gods integrated so well into a Sword and Sandals epic, the finest scenes involve the gods, when Poseidon (Kellan Lutz) jumps from Olympus to earth to create a tidal wave and during the film’s climactic conclusion when the gods led by Zeus (Luke Evans) join the humans to combat the Titans. This final battle is also one of the greatest action sequences of the year and a testament to Immortals quality
5 – Anonymous
For me Roland Emmerich’s Anonymous was a hugely underrated film that failed to gain the attention it deserved. Whilst there were certain historical discrepancies embedded in the narrative, the plot was notably original and successfully did what it set out to do, to praise and pay homage to the range of work attributed to William Shakespeare. Rhys Ifans’ performance as Edward De Vere Earl of Oxford was one of the finest performances of the year and Emmerich created a visually stunning world for his cast to populate. For me Anonymous is one of the greatest and most unique takes on the Tudor genre and well worth a look.
6 – The Tree of Life
The Thin Red Line is one of my favourite films of all time, so when I heard Terrence Malick would be directing a new film focusing on the tragedy of premature death starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn I was overjoyed. Whilst The Tree of Life does not quite replicate the effect The Thin Red Line had on me, it is nevertheless a wonderfully visual experience and another example of why cinema should be considered fine art.
7 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
I never would have thought a Harry Potter film would make my top 10, and yet the final entry in the series is, for me, by far the greatest. Daniel Radcliffe gives a quite surprising and yet brilliant performance as Harry, stepping up at the perfect time when the focus must remain on him. We are also reminded of the acting quality on show, with superb performances from Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes in particular. David Yates subtly manages to remind us of all the things we love about the Harry Potter franchise, with emotional references to various characters and subplots. The decision to split the Deathly Hallows in two is made quite clear, everything is set up in Part 2 for Yates to produce a stunning and quite fitting conclusion to what has been a global phenomenon.
8 – The Inbetweeners Movie
I was under the impression that I could only ever be let down by an Inbetweeners feature film, considering how much I love the fluidity and down to earth quality of the series’, and yet The Inbetweeners Movie is quite simply brilliant! All the character of the series translates surprisingly well to the big screen and the requirement to add a slightly more extensive narrative and point to the episode does not ruin any of the Inbetweeners’ charm, in fact Will, Simon, Jay and Neil become even more lovable as a result. Furthermore there are plenty of laughs to be had, in particular when the boys attempt to woo members of the opposite sex.
9 – Insidious
To say there were only 8 films I enjoyed more than Insidious in 2011 would be wrong. Enjoyed is definitely not the right adjective to describe my viewing of Insidious, but gripping? Thrilling? Terrifying? Yes, yes and yes! Granted watching it alone on DVD at midnight might have had something to do with it, but Insidious really is a horrifying horror and for sheer scare factor it is the only horror to make it into my top 10.
10 – X-Men: First Class
Whilst not quite reaching the same heady heights of Kick-Ass, Matthew Vaughn’s addition to the X-Men franchise was for me the finest super hero movie of 2011! McAvoy and Fassbender are the perfect duo as Xavier and Magneto whilst Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon and Nicholas Hoult provide excellent backing performances. The focus on the younger mutants and their coming together is also particularly good to watch; who would have thought an X-Men film without Hugh Jackman could be so enjoyable!
Greg Hayes Top Ten
1 – Chillerama
An amalgamation of love for horror and trash cinema, Chillerama is a celebration of the lost drive-in culture, sporting mini-titles like Wadzilla, I was a teenage werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All amazing in their own right, I can’t decide which I enjoyed more; the spoof Kaiju killer sperms from Wadzilla or Joel Moore confessions in The Diary of Anne Frankenstien. A must watch
2 – Hanna
A young girl is raised as a ruthless assassin, perfectly crafted to be the deadliest of all killers. Hanna breathes new life into a male dominated genre without the sleaziness of earlier female assassins like Ms. Croft or Xena. Great performance from Saoirse Ronan and a definite watch.
3 – Rise of the Planet of the Apes
A prequel of Planet of the Apes, it follows the genetically enhanced chimpanzee’s rise to freedom and ruling. It successfully covers plot holes from the original and basically, anything with monkeys yelling, destruction and violence I’m game for. No highbrow taste or reasons, I just like monkeys going ape-shit
4 – A Seperation
A couple have opposite ideas to living abroad and relationship turmoil spills from the screen. This film closed the Iranian film festival (LTFF) this year and was emotionally enthralling from start to finish with great cinematography and performances throughout.
5 – Hobo with a Shotgun
This is a post-grindhouse production with a trash aesthetic that revels in the fondness of tacky, whacky and dirty filmmaking. All about a local vigilante that, as the title suggests, is a hobo with a shotgun. Dialogue like “You an’ me are going on car ride to hell. You’re riding shotgun” or “It’s a beautiful day for skate r**e” make this one of the best.
6 – Snowtown
Based on the Snowtown murders this flick focuses on a young teenagers relationship with John Bunting. Horrible in parts, try to bare with it as with its intense depiction of violence it successfully conveys the power this notorious serial killer had. If you enjoy watching this however, you may want to question your sanity.
7 – The Human Centipede Part II
Disturbed loaner Martin loved part I so much, he felt it necessary to pay homage to it in pure post-modern self-referential fashion. By recognising the first film as a film, part II explores what effect cinema has on our society which is a refreshing take in modern film making.
8 – The Artist
The arrival of sound has an un-expected effect on George Valentine and Peppy Miller. With great performances all round this brings the birth of the talkies to life much better than Scorsese’s retrospective look of Georges Milies in Hugo (2011).
9 – The Skin I Live In
Almodovar’s most recent exploration in obsession and desires focuses on a plastic surgeon that has created a new synthetic scene. One of Pedro’s favourites, Antonio Banderas has a performance reminiscent of Atame! (Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down, 1990). Full of sass, colour and a touch of class.
10 – Drive
High paced and action packed, a Hollywood stunt driver works on a side as a contacted wheelman. Normally not my cup of tea but carried out with excess and constraint in the right parts Drive packs a punch.
Helen Murdoch’s Top Ten
1 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The final Harry Potter film marked the end of an era for a British institution and the end for many childhoods. This pitch perfect film was a fantastic adaptation of Rowling’s final novel and delivered film goers exactly what they wanted – an ending to one of the greatest franchises of all time.
2 – The Skin I Live In
Pedro Almodovar’s The Skin I Live In was by all accounts a disturbing and twisted film; it was also a master of direction combined with powerhouse performances. The subject matter was unsettling and the film often violent but it was some of the best cinema produced in 2011.
3 – The Inbetweeners Movie
In my opinion by far the best comedy of the year. The transition from small screen to big was perfect and ended the Inbetweeners properly. With hilarious moments as well as some touching scenes between the boys, this film delivered laugh after laugh. Along with a barrage of new dance moves that are a staple in any club.
4 – My Week with Marilyn
With an Oscar worthy performance from Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn was a phenomenal film which provided audiences with a refreshing story then the ones usually heard about Marilyn Monroe. With a phenomenal supporting cast and a touching story, it would surprise me if this film wasn’t talked about for years to come.
5 – Bridesmaids
The sleeper hit of the year, Bridesmaids was a genuine fresh take on a girly comedy which has gone on to immense success. Melissa McCarthy’s performance stands out but everyone in this film is hilarious and given the amount of screen time they deserve.
6 – Super 8
The premise of Super 8 could have made an awful film, thankfully with the input of JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg, what was produced was a touching, beautiful and frightening film. From the opening train crash through to the film’s climax, the young actors give stellar performances and the emotions keep coming.
7 – Thor
It is rare nowadays to see a superhero film which you genuinely enjoy and would watch again and again. Thankfully with Kenneth Branagh directing, Thor was a success as well as an enjoyable couple of hours in the cinema. Chris Hemsworth as the title character was perfect and hopefully the sequel will be just as entertaining.
8 – The King’s Speech
Just fitting into the beginning of 2011, The King’s Speech was one of the most touching and unique films of recent years. With a phenomenal performance by Colin Firth, this simple story was transformed into a film which has touched everyone the world over.
9 – The Rum Diary
This adaptation of Hunter S Thompson’s novel was by no means perfect, it was however extremely funny and entertaining as well as a return to form for Johnny Depp. With the perfect blend of rum, drugs, surrealism, sex and fast cars, The Rum Diary was a perfect nod to its predecessor Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
10 – Melancholia
Possibly the oddest film of the year and the one that has divided most people. Melancholia has to be included in my top 10 as it is still the most beautifully filmed movie that I have ever seen. From the opening twenty minute montage through to its epic conclusion, Melancholia was a film like nothing anyone had seen before. Hopefully it will be remembered for this rather than Lars Von Triers comments at Cannes.
Jodie Hatley’s Top Ten
1 – Tyrannosaur
As a massive fan of independent British film, Paddy Considine’s directorial debut was without question the standout film for me this year. Relentlessly grim yet oddly stunning, and Olivia Colman really is extraordinary in this. If she doesn’t win an Oscar, well, I sure will be angry.
2 – Drive
Possibly the hottest actor around right now (quite literally), Ryan Gosling sure was busy in 2011. But it was in this super-stylish neo-noir that he really shone. This film is ultra-violent and really thrilling, with an electrifying soundtrack and some of the most gorgeous cinematography I’ve ever seen. Superb.
3 – 127 Hours
Claustrophobic, thrilling and ultimately uplifting, 127 Hours could have been a disaster under different direction. But Danny Boyle makes this work perfectly, and, in my opinion, James Franco deserved the Oscar for this. There, I said it.
4 -Submarine
Writer/director Richard Ayoade is a comedic genius. Fact. Submarine is touching, hilarious and just bloody brilliant. Fact.
5 – The Inbetweeners Movie
As a huge fan of the series, I really didn’t think the movie was going to be any good. But it really was, and it had me crying with laughter from start to finish. It’s testament to the consistent quality of the writing from Iain Morris and Damon Beesley and the ever-solid performances from the four leads that The Inbetweeners made such a triumphant transfer to the big screen.
6 – Bridesmaids
I don’t really care that this was a genuinely funny comedy written, performed and aimed at women, I just care because it was a genuinely funny comedy. Kristen Wiig is a very, very, very funny lady.
7 – The King’s Speech
It was wonderful to watch the success of The King’s Speech in what has been such a great year for British film. Wonderful cinematography, wonderful script, wonderful performances. The only conceivable flaw with this film is that Colin Firth didn’t swear more
8 – Weekend
Andrew Haigh’s refreshingly honest love story was just that; wonderfully honest. The best love stories are the ones that actually feel real, and in a genre where that is so rare, Weekend came as such a breath of fresh air.
9 – Black Swan
Upon first viewing, I wasn’t sure what to make of Black Swan. But this film haunts, and its beauty and terror lingers for a long time afterwards. And nobody can deny that Natalie Portman fully deserved her Oscar. It will be interesting to see what Darren Aronofsky does next.
10 – The Help
OK, so on the whole, this is probably not one of the best films of 2011. But as an adaptation, it is, for a change, largely faithful, and benefits from a phenomenal performance from Viola Davis. I loved the book, and was, to my surprise, very pleased with Tate Taylor’s loyal adaptation.
Kevin Knapman’s Top Ten
1 – Drive
Nicolas Winding Refn gave us his finest and most satisfying film yet with this stunning homage to 70′s and 80′s cinema. Channeling Walter Hill’s The Driver and Michael Mann’s Thief (with according to Refn a bit of John Hughes thrown in), Drive was the epitome of cinematic cool in 2011. Visually stylish with Refn managing to combine the beautiful and the ugly often within the same scene (The slow motion kiss in a lift followed by the most brutal head stamping scene ever being a perfect example of that). Far from being the fast moving action movie you might expect from a film about a getaway driver, it turned out to be something of a menacing slow burner. Downtown LA via European arthouse. It also gave us Ryan Gosling’s most controlled and magnetic performance of the year. Carey Mulligan was just as impressive as the vulnerable next door neighbour and some of Hollywood’s finest character actors (Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman) complete the cast. Cool, strikingly shot, well acted and with an awesome soundtrack, I loved Drive a lot. 2011′s best movie by a considerable margin and undoubtedly 2012′s first must have blu-ray. January 30th can’t come soon enough.
2 – True Grit
I had a feeling back in January that come the end of the year the Coen brother’s masterful adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel would still be near or at the top of my best of 2011 list. I wasn’t wrong. What seemed like an odd choice for the brothers if looked at as a remake of the John Wayne film, made more sense when considered as another adaptation of the book as the Coen’s proved to be a perfect match for Portis’ quirky characters. Jeff Bridges gave Rooster Cogburn a gruffness and sense of brutality that Wayne’s star-turn could only hint at and was perfectly matched by Hailee Steinfeld’s tough no-nonsense teenager. Throw in excellent support from Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper, stunning photography from Coen’s regular Roger Deakins and a beautiful hymn-inspired score by Carter Burwell and you have one of the most satisfying films of the year.
3 – Blue Valentine
By now, everyone knows that 2011 turned out to be the year of Ryan Gosling. It started in excellent style with Derek Cianfrance’s stunning drama Blue Valentine, the first of a batch of excellent films that showcased his talents. A raw and emotionally compelling look at the start and end of a relationship between Gosling’s carefree furniture mover and Michelle Williams’ (having a pretty good year herself with this, Meek’s Cutoff and My Week with Marilyn) ambitious pre-med student. The contrast between the naive lovers and the embittered married couple often made for uncomfortable viewing and Cianfrance’s decision to intertwine these two time frames only made the death of a relationship even more upsetting and emotionally involving. Grizzly Bear provided some of their excellent back catalogue for the film’s soundtrack and it also has one of the year’s finest end credits sequences.
4 - Tyrannosaur
One of 3 British films in this top 10 that mark the feature length debut of a filmmaker more familiar in front of the camera. Written and directed by actor Paddy Considine, this expands on the characters and themes of his award-winning short film Dog Altogether, and he delivers one of the most powerful and bleakest 90 mins of the year. With Joseph and Hannah he also gave us one of the most complex and hopeful relationships of the year, brilliantly bought to life by Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman. Though we’ve seen Mullan play this kind of role before, Peep Show‘s Colman was a revelation. The scene where she implores husband Eddie Marsan to stop hurting her was one of the most heartbreaking of the year. Not one for dog-lovers admittedly but an impressively directed and fine start to a promising directorial career.
5 - Submarine
The IT Crowd‘s Richard Ayoade made his directorial debut with this charming and beautifully shot Welsh coming of age story based on the excellent novel by Joe Dunthorne. The very good Craig Roberts made an impressively awkward anti-hero with Oliver Tate, well-matched by Yasmin Paige as Jordana, the girl of his dreams. Both Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine offered fine support but it was Noah Taylor who took the acting honours as Oliver’s dad, a lifetime of disappointment etched on his face. Ayoade’s direction may have been a case of trying out every visual trick in the book and different film stocks that is often a trait of a first-time director but considering the results proved to be as impressive as this, any indulgence was forgiven. This is also the second film in the top 10 (after Tyrannosaur) to feature the excellent work of DoP Erik Wilson. Some wonderful original songs from Arctic Monkey’s frontman Alex Turner were the icing on the cake.
6 - Attack the Block
That one of Adam & Joe would get around to making a feature length film seemed inevitable. After all, their short film spoofs using toys were a highlight of 90′s television (just type Adam & Joe Toy Trainspotting into Youtube if you need proof). Thankfully Joe Cornish’s creature feature debut proved to be one of the most purely enjoyable films of the year. A film that saw Cornish indulge his love of 80′s horror, sci-fi and action movies to wonderful effect (JJ Abram’s Super 8, which only just missed out on a top 10 place, proved to be it’s bigger budgeted Hollywood sibling). Great performances from it’s young cast including the scene-stealing Probs & Mayhem (2011′s finest double act) and excellent support from it’s adult cast. Striking and original creature design too. Here’s hoping Cornish’s big budget Hollywood debut (which will surely happen) is just as accomplished as this.
7 - Hugo
Martin Scorsese bought his passion for film preservation to the screen for this magical and enchanting adaptation of Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Though initial trailers proved to be slightly underwhelming, the finished result was a wonderful film. A beautifully realised Paris train station full of likeable characters proved to be the mere backdrop for an exploration of film history. Which in theory may have sounded a bit hard going for what is essentially a kid’s film though in reality proved to be anything but. Excellent performances from the kids and adults (Ben Kingsley and Helen McCrory in particular), a rare example of an effective use of 3D and a genuinely heartfelt & emotional script made Hugo a delight from beginning to end.
8 – Senna
2011 turned out to be a very strong year for big screen documentaries. So while honourable mentions go out to The Interrupters, We Were Here, Project Nim, Tabloid and TT3D: Closer to the Edge, it was Asif Kapadia’s look at the life and death of legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna that managed to make the biggest impact. Avoiding the usual documentary staple of talking heads, Kapadia relied on extensive and, in many cases, unseen archive footage to convey Senna’s life. An all the more impressive job, when you consider that he had to take 15,000 hours worth of footage and turn it into a feature length film. The result was one of the most thrilling, absorbing, powerful and moving films of the year.
9 – The Skin I Live In
Almodóvar’s stunning body horror/sci-fi drama may have seemed like something of a departure for the Spanish enfant terrible but it turned out to be the perfect platform for many of the subjects and themes that he’d tackled many times before. Familial entanglements, issues of gender and sexual identity, betrayal and revenge were all thrown into the heady mix, in a film that managed to be consistently surprising, deeply perverse and gloriously twisted. Antonio Banderas’ reunion with Almodóvar after 21 years gave him his best role in years but was well matched by Elena Anaya as his human guinea pig. A wonderful and deliciously dark film.
10 – We Need to Talk About Kevin
Nine years after her impressive 2nd feature Morvern Callar, Scottish director Lynne Ramsay finally made a return to cinema screens with this extraordinary adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s book. Most impressive was the way she turned a very insular literary work (it’s told through a series of letters) into a complex and powerful visual experience. Brilliantly shot by Atonement’s Seamus Garvey with a palate of vibrant bloody reds, it also had one of the most impressive uses of sound that ensured that the film managed to get under the skin in the most unsettling way. Tilda Swinton gives another fine performance and was complimented by the excellent Ezra Miller as the eponymous Kevin.
Kieron Moore’s Top Ten
1 – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tense, suspenseful thriller with so many perfectly cast top quality actors given interesting, deep characters to explore. Excellent, brilliant, wonderful. Bring on the Oscars. So good that “ginger gay Benedict Cumberbatch” is not even my favourite part.
2 – The King’s Speech
A strong drama with a great cast, worthy of all the awards it received (except Best Director, which should have gone to Fincher).
3 – True Grit
There aren’t a great amount of Westerns these days, but this one is amazing. The Coens’ beautiful cinematography makes the Old West stunning yet bleak and dangerous. Splendid cast, especially the young Hailee Steinfeld. Plus, you can’t go wrong with lots of silly moustaches and a man dressed as a bear.
4 – Drive
Extremely violent, extremely gripping, yet strangely artistic modern noir. Ryan Gosling is wonderful (and broodingly sexy), ditto Carey Mulligan (replace ‘broodingly’ with, err, ‘innocently’).
5 – The Fighter
This dark character study is up there with the best sports movies. Excellent and believable performances from Wahlberg, Leo and Bale are the highlights.
6 – Senna
Documentary at its finest, Asif Kapadia gathered an impressive amount of footage of Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna and structured it into a detailed, immersive, tragic narrative that can capture the attention and emotion of those (myself included) who know nothing about the sport.
7 – 127 Hours
I love how the exciting cinematography and a great performance from James Franco come together to make a compelling film out of what could be a tediously uninteresting story. Surprisingly realistic bloody amputations are always nice, too.
8 – Life in a Day
An uplifting study of humanity. Moving and profound. It’s hard to describe this successful experiment in words; it simply has to be seen.
9 – Super 8
A solid Spielbergian homage, blending thrilling sci-fi action with a good sense of humour; one of the most accomplished and all-round entertaining films of the summer.
10 – Le Quattro Volte
A beautifully engaging Italian film; goats, trees, charcoal and stunning photography are a molto bene combination!
Natalie Gallacher’s Top Ten
1 – Drive
A love letter to the 80s, Drive is a brilliant mix of action, performance and an enticing soundtrack. Ryan Gosling gave the best performance out of his run of films this year as the Hollywood stunt driver with a violent streak.
2 – The Help
With a great, predominantly female, cast, The Help manages to be highly emotional yet funny at the same time. One of the highlights is Bryce Dallas Howard’s performance as the racist Hilly, who get her comeuppance courtesy of a special pie.
3 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
It marked the end of an era with exceptional flare. Action-packed from the word go, it was the perfect goodbye from Harry, his friends and Hogwarts.
4 – The Devil’s Double
Undoubtedly a film of performance, Dominic Cooper proved his acting worth taking on the night and day roles of Uday Hussein and Latif Yahia.
5 – Bridesmaids
With girl power in spades, this hilarious comedy gave the Hangover boys a run for their money, and Melissa McCarthy finally got the recognition she deserves for her scene stealing expertise.
6 – Super 8
Spielberg, aliens, brilliant special effects and kids reminiscent of The Goonies. Need I say more?
7 – The Skin I Live In
Pedro Almodovar out does himself again in this shocking psychological thriller with one of the best twists in cinema this year.
8 – Warrior
Superb, realistic fight scenes with a stand out performance from Tom Hardy.
9 – The King’s Speech
The film that helped the Brits dominate the Oscars. Colin Firth gave a great performance of King George VI in a film that on paper, perhaps didn’t sound like the most exciting story, but when brought to life, proves to be entertaining and interesting from beginning to end.
10 – Black Swan
Beautifully thrilling, ballet comes to the forefront as Natalie Portman embraced her demons to become the fated Black Swan. Wonderfully shot close ups, enchanting dancing and Portman’s performance pushed this film to the success it deserved.
Nick Reid’s Top Ten
1 – Submarine
It was tagged early on as a British Wes Anderson film, but Richard Ayoade’s debut feature (he started off directing Arctic Monkeys’ videos) is much more than that. It draws on references from Jean-Luc Godard and Karl Theodor Dreyer, both of which push past the quirky nature that the Anderson reference would threaten to tie it down to.
2 – Norwegian Wood
Like The Tree of Life, Norwegian Wood is more than anything a beautifully shot filmed. Unlike Terrence Malick, however, director Tran Anh Hung has no problem finding that beauty from human interaction. Where Malick pictures trees and plants waving in the wind, Hung shows a touching rendition of the titular song, or a dark room lit only by the lights of a birthday cake.
3 – The Inbetweeners Movie
It was a risk to transfer the hugely popular Inbetweeners series to the big screen (as it always is with these adaptations) adaption, but it paid off massively. Not only was The Inbetweeners Movie one of the highest grossing British comedy films of all time, it is also one of the funniest.
4 – The Tree Of Life
Although it did have a tendency for navel-gazing, Terence Malick’s The Tree Of Life was still one of the best films of the year. Fantastic performances from the entire cast, and the usual stunning cinematography that you get in a Malick film were the main draws here, although the ruminations on the meaning of life (not for everyone, certainly) urge repeat viewings if that’s your kind of thing.
5 – 50/50
Although the ubiquitous nature of Seth Rogen’s performance threatens to sit the film uncomfortably between stoner bromance and touching drama, 50/50 manages to get out the other side unscathed, driven largely by a fantastic performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a 27 year old who contracts a rare form of cancer.
6 – Page One: Inside The New York Times
Around half way through Andrew Rossi’s look at the sad decline of a once dominant newspaper industry, veteran reporter and news traditionalist David Carr holds up a printout of the front page of a popular blogging site, with all the reports that originated from newspapers cut out. The paper is riddled with holes – like the film, a simple but effective look at the importance of the printing industry.
7 – Neds
A teenager (playing brilliantly by a newcomer) from a working class background, brought into the local gang culture because of peer pressure and father problems – Neds is basically This Is England for seventies Glasgow, and just as good.
8 – Attack The Block
Joe Cornish, of The Adam and Joe Show, directed and wrote this science-fiction comedy with unlikely heroes, in the form of an inner-city teenage gang, tasked with fighting off impressive looking aliens that besiege their tower block homes. Loads of fun, even with the overly-soppy ending.
9 – Hobo With A Shotgun
Although I was never a big fan of the original Tarantino/Rodriquez Grindhouse films, I am at leat grateful they have led to last year’s Machete and this year’s Hobo With A Shotgun. While Hobo… is the less enjoyable of the two, due to it’s much darker and more depressing content, it is just as quintessentially outrageous as the other three films.
10 – The Skin I Live In
Like a modern day, more twisted Frankenstein, The Skin I Live In featured Antonio Banderas on fantastic form as a cosmetic surgeon obsessed with a woman he keeps locked in his attic. Probably the most unsettling film of the year.
Nicola Lampard’s Top Ten
1 – The Artist
The Artist is unlike any other film this year. Set back when cinema was silent this riveting film captures the transition from the silent films to the ‘talkies’. Full of humour and moving moments this film brings a reflexive look at the development of cinema. Virtually silent and in black and white this film is outstanding in every way. With one of the most moving moments in complete silence it creates tension that is almost unbearable, heightened to the extreme. A fantastic use of music complements and takes the place of dialogue, this film is a must see for any film fan and if it doesn’t sound like a film you would usually watch, you should take a chance on it. It will surprise you and will take you on a journey that you won’t want to end.
2. Submarine
With an outstanding original soundtrack this British film about love and loss is exceptional. Submarine is quirky and sweet and follows a teenage boy who is trying to lose his virginity by his next birthday and save his parents’ marriage. A big challenge for a 15 year old boy. A brilliant directorial debut by Richard Ayoade makes this film even more unique. Featuring many witty changes and cinematography that is beautiful as it is idiosyncratic.
3 – Cell 211
Set predominantly in a prison, Cell 211 follows the two sides of a prison riot. When an officer gets caught up in the riot and has to pretend to be a prisoner the drama begins to unfold. When the negotiation starts the tension rises as all is dependent on whether the new officer can keep his real identity a secret. Cell 211 is cleverly written, and at times brutal and shocking, however this brutality doesn’t feel as if it is there just for shock value. A gripping film that will have you on the edge of your seat makes this one of the best films of 2011.
4 – We Need To Talk About Kevin
This is a thriller that is visually stunning as well as being shocking and thought provoking. We Need To Talk About Kevin shows how a mother copes with a son who shows little emotion and worrying signs of violence. It is very interesting to see the development of Kevin from a new born baby to adolescent all the way through to the terrifying conclusion of the film. A clever use of music is at times completely opposite to what is being shown on screen. This suspenseful thriller is full of skillful acting and plotlines that have you guessing what will happen next with some astonishing developments that you don’t see coming.
5 – Senna
Based on the life of Ayrton Senna this documentary is consists of interviews and original footage – including videos of family holidays and the infamous crash that caused his death at the age of 34. This incredible documentary is heartfelt and reveals a shy side to Senna which is contrasting with his sometimes ruthlessness on the track. A film which appeals to everyon, not just the F1 fanatics, its brilliant composition makes it an outstanding film.
6 – Biutiful
This gritty and dramatic film follows Uxbal, a single father, through the chaos that his life falls into. It is a powerful and compelling film as well as seemingly showing a grim relentless trail of devastation. Uxbal is diagnosed with terminal cancer and the sacrifices he makes for his children are limitless. This film is unique and thought provoking, and reveals more than just about the individual characters, but about life and death itself
7 – A Separation
An Iranian couple are torn between staying in Iran to look after his ailing father or moving away for a better future for their daughter. Their harrowing decision is made more difficult by the fact that they don’t agree on what would be best for their family. Many twists and turns make this film unexpected and very dramatic, with flawless performances from the cast A Separation is a brilliant portrayal of a society and the gut wrenching decisions that change people’s lives.
8 – Gasland
Josh Fox embarks on an exploration to see what fracking has done to America and what it could do the land around his family home. The music immediately stands out and sets the tone of this film, with banjo music played by none other than Josh Fox himself. It’s beautifully shot which brings even greater sorrow when it is contrasted to the devastation and destruction to land and livelihood that fracking has caused. The most shocking moment is seeing people who live in areas where fracking has taken place light their tap water on fire! A brilliant film that is as entertaining as it is scary.
9 – True Grit
A reimagining of the 1969 classic, this follows a tough US Marshal (played excellently by Jeff Bridges) helping a young girl to find the murderer of her father. Talented Hailee Steinfeld is brilliant in her role as Mattie Ross, the young girl searching for her father’s killer. This western tale brings laughs as well as tension and draws upon the conventions of the genre without being bound by them.
10 – The Rum Diary
Based on the Hunter S. Thompson novel of the same name comes this great adaptation. Johnny Depp plays the character of Paul Kemp with his usual charisma. This was an enjoyable and funny film that brings the audience along on the eventful adventure.
Paul Hughes Top Ten
In no particularly order
Senna
Asif Kapadia delivers an uncritical yet powerful account of the maverick driver. Assembled completely from footage shot at the time the film is compelling enough to enthral even the most sports-phobic of cinema goers.
Bobby Fischer Against The World
Drawing together the social and political contexts of Fischer’s raise to grandmaster the film admirably offers a deeper insight into the troubled mind of the reclusive genius.
The Guard
Boasting the most enjoyable performance of the year in the form of Brendan Gleeson’s titular guard and a script that nimbly jumps from profane to sweet. The Guard is a hilarious and unexpected gem of a film.
Attack the Block
Blending a street smart script with seat of the pants tension, Attack the Block was far and away the freshest British film of the year announcing Joe Cornish as British cinema’s most exciting new talent.
Hanna
Joe Wright’s smart action movie contained some of the most memorably images of the year alongside terrific performances from Tom Hollander and Saoirse Ronan and great Chemical Brothers soundtrack.
Drive
Overall overrated it may have been, but Drive‘s neon washed stylish visuals harked back to the best of Michael Mann surrounding man of the moment Ryan Gosling with a cast of characters Elmore Leonard would be proud of.
X Men: First Class
Powered by the intense performance of Michael Fassbender, Matthew Vaughn’s prequel managed to expertly draw together multiple storylines will delivering the year’s best great action set pieces.
Rise of The Planet of The Apes
Director Rupert Wyatt not only delivered a satisfying and emotionally engaging summer blockbuster but also in Caesar the most sympathetic and lovable CGI creation yet.
Midnight In Paris
While still being a shadow of his seventies best, Midnight in Paris saw Woody Allen mix his romance and comedy in a sweet souffle of a film.
Source Code
Building on the success of his debut feature Moon, Duncan Jones’ existential Sci Fi blockbuster fully delivered on its complex conceit.
Rob Parker’s Top Ten
1 – Senna
A thrilling journey as much for Ayrton Senna fans as those who aren’t, and a true feat of filmmaking. The most gripping cinematic experience of the year.
2 – Tyrannosaur
A raw, seething tale of loneliness and vulnerability expertly realised by Paddy Considine, who elicited great conviction from Olivia Colman, Eddie Marsden and Peter Mullan.
3 – Animal Kingdom
A thrilling film about an Australian crime family which hurtles along with urgency. Great performances by Guy Pearce, and of course James Frecheville as the teenager caught in the centre of an imploding family.
4 – Submarine
Richard Ayoade brought great cinephile flair to this adaptation, whilst remaining faithful to Joe Dunthorne’s debut novel. Alex Turner’s soundtrack makes the film complete. We can but hope that Ayoade does tackle Fydor Dostoevsky’s The Double as his next project.
5 – Neds
A brutal yet sensitively crafted depiction of a promising young man’s descension into violence, directed by Tyrannosaur star Peter Mullan. Although described upon release by some as a Scottish This is England, Neds manages to alternately shock and charm in a way few films do.
6 – The Deep Blue Sea
Terrence Davies’ screen adaptation of Terence Rattigan’s play is achingly melancholic without becoming sombre, held together by the resplendent Rachel Weisz.
7 – The Tree of Life
Far from a masterpiece (the genesis scenes do seem overblown and ill-advised), but you can’t fault Malick’s ambition. A visually stunning exploration of adolescence and the complexities of family.
8 – A Separation
A portrait of an Iranian couple’s struggle to juggle conflicting obligations which is not only convincing, but wholly immersive. Leila Hatami and Peyman Maadi are excellent in the two central roles.
9 – True Grit
Hailee Steinfield’s Mattie Ross ventures into a distinctly eery adult world, the film’s creeping tension punctuated by genuine, unforced humour expertly provided by Jeff Bridges’ Rooster Cockburn. A high point in the Coens’ already exceptional careers.
10 – Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
This Swedish documentary, crafted from previously unseen by those instrumental in the Civil Rights movement such as Stokely Carmichael and Angela Davis, is an important film and essential viewing.
Sam Tipton’s Top Ten
1 – We Need to Talk About Kevin
In all honesty, several films in this list are worthy of the top spot. But, it is the astounding uniqueness of We Need to Talk About Kevin that places it above the rest. Novel-to-film adaptations are not an easy practice, oftentimes much gets lost in the translation between mediums. In this case, however, Lynne Ramsay and Rory Kinnear’s screenwriting manages to conserve all of what made Lionel Shriver’s novel so deeply moving. Furthermore, Ramsay utilises the cinematic medium to its full potential. The manipulation of sound is incredible, audio from within the diegesis of the film is brought out and distorted and slowed down to create eerie atmospheric effects. This is most notably achieved with the sound of the lawn sprinklers, taken from the most shocking and striking scene of the film; the sound reappears throughout the narrative to haunt Eva whenever she reminisces about the tragic events. The cinematography is equally magnificent, on several occasions we see imposing extreme close-ups that zoom slowly into ultra-extreme close-ups of just one feature (most effective is the slow zoom into one of Kevin’s eyes to reveal the reflection of his archery target). Economy of effect and the subtle use of foreshadowing make Kevin gripping to the very last. There aren’t enough superlatives to do this film justice, the best release of 2011.
2 – The King’s Speech
In an interview following the release of this film, Colin Firth revealed that the archive footage of King George VI stammering all the way through his address to the 1925 British Empire Exhibition brought the actor to tears. This is no surprise, however, when you consider the profoundly sincere and Oscar-winningly fervent performance that Firth delivered. He clearly felt a connection with the monarch that led him to produce one of the most noteworthy performances of the past few years. But, this film wasn’t just a carriage for Firth’s performance, every facet of the filmmaking garners significant praise. Hooper’s direction – also Oscar winning – and both Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter’s contributions are sublime to say the least. The idiosyncratic way in which much of the dialogue is shot and framed promotes the explosive chemistry that Rush and Firth clearly shared with one another. It’s touching, compelling, quite often hilarious, and, like all the greatest of great films, embodies a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates it beyond the sum of its already excellent parts.
3 – Camp Victory: Afghanistan
Camp Victory, Afghanistan is a remarkable piece of work. It was created using over 300 hours of original documentary footage, shot over three consecutive years in the heart of the Afghan troubles. Whereas last year’s highly acclaimed Restrepo depicted the futility of the Afghan war solely from the American perspective, this film portrays their ongoing attempts at a successful exit strategy, from both sides of the cultural gap. For one filmmaker to shoot three years worth of footage solo, armed only with a Sony PD150 and a radio and shotgun mic, and to transform it into this extraordinary piece of cinema is a phenomenal achievement. It’s raw, on-the-ground documentary film of the very highest calibre, a supremely affecting experience.
4 – True Grit
Looking over the Coen’s body of work, True Grit is clearly one of their most genre-following films, as compared to their more typical genre-busting approach. It is one of two Westerns to appear in this list but, in contrast to Rango, it does not try to satirise the genre. Rather, the Coens have endeavoured to abide by as many principles of the Western style as possible. The whole look and feel of True Grit oozes authenticity. It is, of course, not without some distinctive strokes of the Coen’s genius, the very first shot of the film – an extremely slow pull into focus of the scene where Mattie Ross’ father is murdered – is a work of art in itself. Bridges is on top form as usual, in fact comparing this film to the original 1969 adaptation of Portis’ novel simply serves to highlight the extremely limited acting ability of John Wayne. In a year where sequels and remakes have been abundant, it’s nice to see one that was actually worth making. Yet another monumental success for the brothers Coen.
5 -Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Adapted from John le Carré’s 1974 novel of the same name, Alfredson’s approach to this narrative is nothing short of genius. Set in London in the early ’70s, Tinker follows a spyhunter (Gary Oldman) who is brought out of retirement to track down a Soviet double-agent at the very top of the British secret service. In the hands of a lesser director, the fairly complex web of secrets and whispers would surely become too difficult to follow or understand fully. But, the most resounding success of this film is that suspense is maintained, almost scientifically, right up until the final scene. Gary Oldman’s performance is especially noteworthy, he embodies the brooding intelligence of agent George Smiley with a particular class and zeal, and he’s supported by an absolutely stellar cast of British talent. Forget Hollywood, this is the suspenseful espionage film done properly.
6 – Rango
Johnny Depp is Rango, the affable Chameleon with a penchant for acting. Following an amazingly animated car accident, Rango is thrust into the wild west and forced to fend for himself. What is so brilliant about this film is that the writing manages to create the level-spanning enjoyment that is the signature of The Simpsons. Kids will enjoy the colourful animation, the slapstick comedy, and some of the more simple humour; whilst the adults will enjoy the colourful animation, the slapstick comedy, and the humour, but also the abundance of smart, savvy, and wordy dialogue. It is littered with references to the old established visual language of the Western (as well as a cheeky little reference to Fear and Loathing at the start), and it ultimately becomes an articulate satire of the genre, very Blazing Saddles-esque. This was also the first feature outing by Industrial Light & Magic, and it has to be said that the animation is ridiculously fantastic. There is no way of faulting this film, definitely the best animation of 2011.
7 – Biutiful
Set in the grim underworld of Barcelona, Biutiful is undoubtedly the darkest and bleakest film on this list, but also one of the most poignant. Javier Bardem is Uxbal, a man plagued at every turn by his failing health, his disintegrated marriage, and his unfulfilling and illicit line of work. He finds solace with his two children, but his life continues to unravel. Much like Gerardo Naranjo’s Miss Bala (also released this year) you will leave the cinema feeling almost numb at the level of suffering that is inflicted upon the protagonist. However, it becomes clear that Uxbal’s stoic dedication to his children, and the sacrifices that he makes for their livelihood is what is truly beautiful about this film.
8 – George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Scorsese’s archival documentary about the most enigmatic member of the Beatles is a wonder to behold. The scope follows Harrison’s story from his young Liverpudlian upbringing, through Beatlemania, to his tours of India. A wealth of interviews offer fantastic insight into the man and his music. Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam, and fellow band members Paul and Ringo – to name but a few – feature to discuss Harrison’s genius. Whether you’re a Beatles fan or not, this film should be watched as it represents an invaluable document of the most exciting era for popular music, and one of its most gifted exponents.
9 – Inside Job
Charles H. Ferguson’s documentary about the banking crisis in America is a masterclass in elucidation. To take something as convoluted and dry as the economic notion of derivatives and to turn it into a gripping, shocking, and angering film is a magnificent feat. The film includes interviews with over forty individuals from a plethora of backgrounds, from CEOs to professional escorts. The amount of research that must have been conducted by Ferguson and his team is astounding, it is no wonder that Inside Job won the Oscar for best documentary feature at last year’s Academy Awards. It is an eloquent indictment of the evils of capitalism, and the unforgivable way in which big business set out to defraud the average consumer, truly terrifying and enraging cinema.
10 – Animal Kingdom
Probably the most successful Australian release of the year, Animal Kingdom tells the story of the trials and tribulations of a notorious Melbourne crime family. Superbly acted all round – most notably by Jacki Weaver, who received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the family’s influential matriarch – this film is a testament to the increasing prominence of the Australian film industry on the international stage.
Sara Hemrajani’s Top Ten
1 – Inside Job
2011 was dominated by economic crises and financial turmoil. How did we get here? Charles Ferguson’s absolutely brilliant documentary turns a cool, analytical eye on the irresponsible banks and politicians who got us in this mess. It captures the defining moment of this decade – and possibly our generation.
2 – Super 8
Monsters, conspiracy and curious kids…J.J. Abrams blends sci-fi and family dynamics in the vein of Steven Spielberg – and he does a fantastic job. It is classic summer blockbuster material and the young actors are outstanding.
3 – 127 Hours
Think of the pitch: a self-involved climbing enthusiast finds himself trapped under a boulder, alone for days on end until he hacks his arm off. It is a tough sell, but Danny Boyle turns this true life account into a gut-wrenching and inspiring big screen journey. There is never a dull moment, in fact prepare for a full sensory assault!
4 – Midnight in Paris
Woody Allen loves to indulge in nostalgia and now he pays tribute to the legendary writers and artists living in 1920s Paris. Any fans of the period will grin at the witty impersonations of Ernest Hemingway, Picasso and Gertrude Stein. Offbeat and wonderfully escapist.
5 – The Fighter
Albeit a tad formulaic and meandering, this boxing-character drama is muscular and surprisingly compelling. The tone is distinctly old-school and there are solid turns by Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams.
6 – Drive
Ryan Gosling has become Hollywood’s favourite leading man, and apparently can do no wrong. He is achingly cool and silently dangerous as the Driver in Nicolas Winding Refn’s atmospheric modern film noir. The soundtrack is ace
7 – Submarine
Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut is fresh and quirky, showing the messiness and insanity of adolescence. Two thumbs up for Craig Roberts who brings a whimsical charm to his lead role.
8 – My Week With Marilyn
Although some of the cast’s performances verge on caricature, Michelle William shines as the iconic blonde bombshell. She manages to convey Monroe’s mystery and appeal amidst the turmoil of her personal life. Kenneth Branagh is particularly hilarious as Laurence Olivier. Plus, a touch of Fifties Hollywood glamour never goes amiss.
9 – Rio
Fun and colourful, this is the best 3D animation of the year. Jesse Eisenberg brings his trademark neuroticism to a blue macaw let loose in the urban wilderness of the South American city. With catchy songs and stellar voice work from an all-star cast, Rio is an unapologetically feel good cinematic treat.
10 – Melancholia
An epic ode to depression, Lars Von Trier’s apocalyptic drama is far from enjoyable. But there is something haunting about the grand visuals and how each character faces impending doom. It is also a great comeback for the criminally underrated Kirsten Dunst.
Stephanie Huettner’s Top Ten
1 – Drive
Nicolas Winding Refn’s film is a blistering tale of an enigmatic stunt driver who willingly walks in to a world of danger to help a man and his family. It is the most innovative and creative film of the year. Refn’s homage to 80′s action flicks combined with an elegant sensibility made this a visceral and beautiful experience.
2 – Hugo
Martin Scorsese’s love letter to cinema, Paris, literature, and life is possibly his most personal work yet. A brilliant adaptation of a beloved children’s book, “Hugo” is filled to the brim with brilliant performances, gorgeous set design, and the best use of 3D to grace the screen in the modern era.
3 – Take Shelter
Jeff Nichols’s sophomore effort reunites him with Michael Shannon to create a haunting, heartbreaking, and deeply moving film. Shannon gives one of the best performances of the year as a man who becomes increasingly disturbed by visions and dreams of an apocalyptic storm. This performance combined with Nichols’s screenplay creates a character who remains sympathetic even as his actions become harder to justify.
4 – Tree of Life
An ambitious, visually stunning film that employs Terrence Malick’s non-traditional storytelling method which has been his weapon of choice since returning to the director’s chair in 1998. A mosaic of images from the beginning of time to the modern day, “Tree of Life” encompasses a lifetime of emotions through the experiences of one family. Bolstered by three brilliant new child actors (Hunter McCracken, Laramie Eppler and Tye Sheridan), Brad Pitt’s most mature performance to date, and a strong turn from Jessica Chastain, the film is a challenging and enriching experience.
5 – The Artist
A traditional silent medium is used to tell the story of a silent film star at the end of the era. Sound is used occasionally to great effect. Jean Dujardin’s performance is the stuff on which old Hollywood careers were built. Full of heart, charm, and lots of good comedy with a dog.
6 – Animal Kingdom
Writer/Director David Michod’s story of a crime family in decline is a reminder of just how damn good Aussies are at making understated, gritty films. An immensely impressive ensemble cast brings the family to life, while Guy Pearce gives a heart to a detective trying to save the youngest member of the family from himself.
7 – I Saw the Devil
Another ultraviolent film from South Korea that also happens to be one of the finest revenge films in years. Byung-hun Lee gives a stunning performance as a husband who goes beyond mere revenge tactics against his wife’s killer. The viewer is pulled in to a calculated series of attacks against the man and others in his circle, culminating in the final devastating shot of the film.
8 – Page One: Inside the New York Times
The state of traditional news and the newspaper business in particular has been in a state of upheaval in recent years. “Page One” spends a year at one of the world’s most prestigious news outlets as it adapts to new methods of reporting. Media Desk Editor David Carr is the star of this documentary. His wry wit, journalistic integrity, and impatience for those who don’t shoot straight make him a fascinating character.
9 – Win Win
Thomas McCarthy’s third directorial effort is another satisfying drama. A tight ensemble cast works together flawlessly to create an array of nuanced characters. The story of a young runaway who becomes involved with a struggling social worker/wrestling coach is refreshingly free of cliches and engaging from beginning to end.
10 – Hanna
Director Joe Wright leaves behind period pieces to take on this dramatic thriller about a young girl trained by her father to be an assassin. Saoirse Ronan is perfection in the titular role and Eric Bana is in top form as her father. Also splendid is Tom Hollander in a creepy, disturbing turn as a bounty hunter. As for Cate Blanchett, it would be just if she has as many Academy Award nominations as Meryl Streep one day. What the script lacks in the third act the film makes up for in imagination and genuinely thrilling action scenes.
Stephen Bowron’s Top Ten
1 – Super 8
It’s hard to believe that JJ Abrams has only directed two other movies, what with his name being so household and his films more than impeccable. I doubt that I am alone in thinking that even though Super 8 took on those mighty Speilbergian styles and tones, Abrams has surpassed Spielberg’s name of recent – what with his recent string of lacklustre films. Super 8 was sentimental, and had a heart as good as its script – something that left everyone I know that saw it a very satisfied cinemagoer.
2 – Drive
Again, not every film that has a getaway driver in it has to be impersonal garbage as Drive proved to us recently. One woman was so disappointed she tried to sue the film for ‘not being like the Fast & Furious franchise’; I guess she just doesn’t like gripping drama that’s more about character than it is about hot people nonsensically weaving in and out of tiresome action scenes.
3 – Never Let Me Go
Humanism is what drove this genuinely sob-worthy film. Not all science fiction films have to have robots shooting in every direction whilst the editor attempts to give us all seizures. The drama and empathy that fuelled Never Let Me Go was faultless and makes it one of this year’s best movies.
4 – X-Men: First Class
For four films X-Men has tried to be epic. It reached new heights with The Last Stand but then Origins: Wolverine basically punched its audience in the face. Matthew Vaughn however, made X-Men: First Class something spectacular. Not a perfect film, but certainly one hell of a show.
5 – Source Code
After Moon, Duncan Jones had a lot to live up to. Jones did not disappoint with this Groundhog Day-esque film about terrorism, packed with war allegory and a multitude of morality themes. There was action and mind boggling to boot and it would have been higher in my list if the end of the film hadn’t swindled us all.
6 – Battle: Los Angeles
Some may cry foul at this decision but Battle: Los Angeles had perfect structure, fantastic acting, some amazing action and photo-realistic CGI that should have put Avatar fans to shame
7 – Super
Never has a film turned around my expectations so brashly and had me teetering on the edge of my seat with my jaw on the floor. I expected a fun film with Rainn Wilson that had a Kick-Ass vibe and I walked away as tormented as the BBFC judges were at The Human Centipede2
8 – Winnie The Pooh
Nostalgia all the way.
9 – Tangled
Six years of production and a cost of $260m – Disney’s Tangled could have bombed hard. Not following the traditional Princess story and appealing to a new generation without trying to be ‘hip’ and ‘cool’ was the key to this film’s very cool success.
10 – Midnight In Paris
The combination of Owen Wilson, subtle fantasy and some stellar production value returned Woody Allen’s directorial name to awesomeness after some of his less-than-decent films of late.
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would like to see more reviews by chris hart as totally agree with his top 10 films of 2011
@Paul Hughes – Bobby Fischer against the World FTW. Forgot that film came out this year! Definitely would’ve made it into my 10 as well. Amazing.