Back to the Pictures is a new segment where the Mezzo-Culture Staff will put on our nostalgia caps and choose a random year of film to list the top 10 of that year. We do this not to expound on our lists (as we recognize the arbitrary nature of doing this), but to give a list of films to revisit. Plus it’s just a fun game to play. Feel free to put yours down below!
2005. Ironically, exactly 10 years after the last "Back to the Pictures" segment we wrote, Hollywood had already took a significant quality drop, comparability speaking. A year away from Blu Ray discs first exploding onto the scene, DVDs were the most popular form of home video. The Star Wars prequels were concluding, to much pleasure of fans in general and the Internet itself. The Harry Potter franchise was continually making money and beginning to establish itself as among the most consistent film franchises (in quality, not necessarily tone). Branjelina was born with "Mr and Mrs Smith". Quite the banner year for Hollywood, wouldn't you say?
Kyle's Picks:
10. Good Night, and Good Luck
Although George Clooney has continually proven himself as one of the great modern actors, the same can be said for him as a director. His smaller, more intimate directorial efforts can also be about some of the biggest, most provocative subjects in the American era. This one, focused on Edward R Murrow's war against McCarthyism, has Clooney in a role, but in typical fashion, he plays a supporting character. The film squarely hit the zeitgeist as it came out, something Clooney's films seem to do, whether he's directing or acting. Questions about the media's relationship with the government are important ones that still need to be evaluated on a regular basis. Released in black in white, Good Night and Good Luck's look is fantastic and echoes a time where morality was more focused and clear. Although, in reality, this is simply an illusion, like the process of film itself.
9. Capote
I recently saw this film for the first time about a month or two ago and was simply spell bounded by Phillip Seymour Hoffman's performance. Sure, Bennett Miller's direction, the script, and the rest of the cast were all top notch, but it was Hoffman who elevated the film to the great one that it is. I always associate him for his tougher, more masculine roles who's aggression is boiling at the surface. Here, his reserve and restraint with which he portrays the gay, acclaimed Southern author caught in the middle of a Midwestern murder case is uncanny and ranks among the best screen performances I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I frequently joke about the accent he uses in the movie. But that's only because, ultimately, it's such a layered and tragic one.
8. Kicking and Screaming
At this point in his career, Will Ferrell was on a roll, coming off the comedic masterpiece of Anchorman. Although this movie had some forgettable moments, the epic struggle for a loser dad trying to turn his son's soccer team into winners has always brought a smile to my face. This is mostly because of the characters of the movie. While nowhere near as complex or multi-layered as the ones from the two previous films I mentioned, the ones here are actually pretty distinct and hilarious. Robert Duvall is easily the best part of the movie, playing Ferrell's competitive father who will stop at nothing to win, even if it means sitting his own grandson on the bench. Mike Ditka makes a surprising role in this as himself. All of the personalities who make up Ferrell's soccer team are lovable losers who you just know are destines to win in an ending you could have seen from 5,280 feet away. But this movie is still really funny and is worth checking out.
7. Munich
Along with Schindler's List, Munich ranks as Steven Spielberg's most mature and dark films. But don't take this as an insult to Sir Stephen, as this would hold the same place on nearly an other director's filmography as well. Another perfect film from this year to hit the zietgiest, Munich attempts to tackle the questions we faced and still face in a post 9/11 world about the ethics of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Eric Bana, in my opinion, gives his best performance in this piece, along with a very good cast that included the future Bond, Daniel Craig. It seems like this one's been frequently ignored in recent years and I'm not sure if it's because of what this film had to say or because people found it unmemorable. I certainly didn't.
6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Anticipate a blog in the future from me defending the Star Wars prequels at length. Sure, they had their problems, but the were the story that Lucas wanted to tell and they done a lot for special effects and how they're utilized in cinema. This one is has always clearly been the best one in the pact, satisfyingly setting up A New Hope and making an unexpectedly dark entry into the Star Wars franchise. The fight scene between Obi Wan and Anakin Skywalker is as legendary as anyone could have possibly dreamed up. Hayden Christensen gives a better performance of Skywalker, although that's not to say it still isn't as good as it could be with someone else. There are some laughable moments, most notably the infamous shouting of "NO!" by Darth Vader. But I like the guilt with which Lucas thrusts upon Vader, giving the character more depth in the original trilogy. Oh, and the opening shot is among the best in cinematic history. Don't believe me? Go back and watch it.
5. King Kong
Peter Jackson's first directorial effort following The Lord of the Ring's franchise proved to be a successful one, both commercially and artistically. Like anyone else, I will agree that the original film from 1933 is groundbreaking and great, in its own way. But now, it views dated and this remake made the material feel fresh again and can easily make one forget about the abysmal 70s attempt. Jack Black channels Orson Welles in his role as a struggling film director who wants to prove his detractors wrong by making one huge epic set in a jungle paradise. This quickly turns into a jungle hell as dinosaurs and creatures of all kind attack the film crew. But the mighty ape arrives to save the damsel. As promised, he's captured and brought back to America to be put on display. The tragic ending is as so as it was in the original. The effects still rival anything Hollywood puts out today, in both scope and detail. Yet another great film from a great director.
4. Batman Begins
Oh how I love you, Christopher Nolan. Only you could have took a franchise that was a dead as Dillinger and crafted a modern epic about a tortured soul fighting both himself and the criminals of Gotham City. This film was a revolutionary step in the genre that focused on contemporary storytelling and believable characters that still echoed the archetypes upon which they originated from. Creating some of the definitive film versions of the classic roles and providing both satisfying action pieces that are (GASP) relevant to the story, Nolan's Batman serves to both entertain us and make us think about the idea of a "hero" in a modern world. I don't like this one as much as the sequel, The Dark Knight, it's still great and is a great turning point for the genre.
3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Somehow, this film walks the very fine line of a perfect black comedy that provides a very sophisticated mystery and some of the heartiest laughs you'll ever exhibit. The first part of the Robert Downey Jr. comeback express starts with the immense talent of Shane Black, known for creating the Lethal Weapon franchise. The pacing and direction this movie takes is impeccable and is done with such control, you wouldn't believe this is Black's directorial debut. Val Kilmer is also hilarious in this movie as Gay Perry, a never-endingly sarcastic private detective who is also gay, believe it or not. Such a fun movie to enjoy over and over again to piece together what exactly happened.
2. Syriana
It's easy to make the mistake thinking that Steven Soderbergh made this film, as it has that docudrama feel to it that is so prevalent in the bulk of his more recent works. Turns how, he served as the producer of this one, supporting the directorial debut of Stephen Gaghan, screenwriter of Traffic. My favorite film of 2005, Syriana isn't one you necessarily look forward to seeing frequent repeat viewings of. A proud member of one of my favorite sub-genres, hyperlink cinema, this movie's ensemble cast do a brilliant job of crafting the patchwork story of the oil world and the worldwide consequences it has. Maybe my favorite thing about this movie is the efforts it goes to to humanize, to some extent, all the characters of the movie. There's no absolute evil present in the majority of these characters. But that doesn't make them heroic or un-complex. In a movie full of interesting subplots and story threads, the most meaningful to me is the one that Jeffery Wright's character undergoes with his alcoholic father. Although many of the other ones are set against eternal struggles of power or are solved in tragic ways, that is one that is open-ended at the very final moments of the film.
1. The New World
A visual tone poem so akin to what you expect from the great Terrence Malick, The New World was clearly, in my opinion the best and most beautiful film of 2005. I remember I didn't like this movie the first time I saw it, but this sentiment changed in sweeping fashion upon repeated viewings. This serves as an interesting melding of the hard, historical accounts and facts of the establishing of the Jamestown colony and the popular legends perpetuated by Disney and other sources. The look of this movie is unparalleled and leaves one floored with its combination of music and visual. I feel like I don't have a whole lot to say about this one that the film can't say for itself. The tragic results that inevitably come from the conquering of a people can provide some of the greatest possibilities of hope and opportunity humanity can feebly muster. And that's what this film does so brilliantly.
Phillip's Picks:
10. Cinderella Man
Much like when I previously mentioned Apollo 13 in the last segment, Ron Howard is amazingly consistent. As far as boxing films are concerned, this is one of the best. As far as depression-era underdog stories go, this is one of the most enchanting. Russell Crowe steps into the sliding shoes of one of the most legendary figures, James J. Braddock, the Bulldog of Bergen. Renee Zelwegger, who can often be miscast in roles, is great as his wife. The scenes are beautifully filmed and just as heart wrenching or uplifting each and every time.
9. Walk the Line
Joaquin Pheonix is one of my all-time favorites, and debating his recent turn in I’m Still Here, his best performance is as Johnny Cash. The country legend comes alive in what is surely one of the best biopics of all time, certainly of a musician. The standout at the time was Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash, and while she deserved every acclaim, it is Pheonix’s performance that begs you to watch the film. I remember buying the soundtrack still, as the covers the cast do are superb, some better than their real life counterparts.
8. Jarhead
One of the most underrated films in recent memory; this is one of the best war films from the decade. Sam Mendes, always in top form, turns his character focused camera to the Gulf War and what it means to be a soldier. More importantly, it shows us how a man trained to kill deals with never having killed anyone. Instead of being haunted by the war, he has hunger for it. Jake Gyllenhaal gives his best performance of the year, which means his best ever (Brokeback Mountain was also released), and Peter Sarsgaard is a revelation as usual.
7. Wallace & Gromit: the Curse of the Were Rabbit
One of the absolute best animated films of all time, this Claymation masterpiece is one all others should look to and only Fantastic Mr. Fox equals. The comedy in this film is hilarious and never lets up. The writing is oh so very British, but in the best way it can be. It delivered greatly on the promise of the Oscar winning short.
6. Batman Begins
What arguably may be the best comic book film of all time, Christopher Nolan’s introduction to his now infamous series is only equitable by Nolan’s own infamous fanboy acclaim. The film is much different than its sequel, but in the best ways. This film feels much more restrained, and much more focused on the character than Bruce Wayne rather than the mayhem of its lead villain. It is also interesting to note that the main villain is rarely ever seen and only interacts with Bruce at the end . . . or does he? Just kidding, we all know who Ra’s Al Ghul really is by this point.
5. Good Night, and Good Luck
George Clooney’s second directorial effort is heads better than his last. Combining the most fascinating journalistic story of the year and the pacing of a low toned thriller, Clooney make the story of Edward R. Murrow the best it ever could be. Much of the film’s explosion is also due to David Stratairn’s magnetic performance as the man himself. Also featuring Robert Downey Jr and Clooney himself in a supporting role, the cast is tremendous. The best part about the film, though, is very simple: it is in black and white. It transports you to the time and mood as well as any story element ever could.
4. Crash
The best picture winner of this year has been widely undercut in recent memory. The uproar just after this film won over Brokeback Mountain is still echoed today. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, this film is great. It may be overdone now and have elements that are overly coincidental, but the film is a powerful first watch. And, at least for me, holds up for repeated viewing.
3. Pride & Prejudice
Joe Wright’s first feature is the best Jane Austen adaptation there ever has been. Kiera Knightley is best here as she ever has been, and proves she is an entirely viable actress. The highlight performance wise is definitely Matthew McFadyen as the legendary Mr. Darcy. It is not mistaking though, this is Wright’s film. It is beautiful, majestic, and lovely, everything Jane Austen wrote as.
2. Capote
This film is flatout amazing. A stunning watch both in its story, direction, and performance, Bennett Miller’s first narrative film is on par with not only some of the best films of the decade, but of all time. The most legendary aspect of the film is still its best: Philip Seymour Hoffman as writer Truman Capote. The film chronicles the process he took to write In Cold Blood, his masterpiece crime novel. The story of the writing is possibly more engrossing than the novel itself.
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Forget Lethal Weapon and The Last Action Hero, this is Shane Black’s masterpiece and probably always will be. The film’s premise sounds overused: an ironic take on the classic noir. This is one of a kind though. It combines all the aspects of classic and neo noir to breathtaking fashion. The fourth wall narration and comedy is hilarious, not to mention the interaction between Downey JR and Val Kilmer. Kilmer’s character, Gay Perry, is a sarcastic ass, but a lovable one. My heart skipped upon hearing Downey and Black are reteaming for Iron Man 3. This film is fun to watch no matter what mood or circumstance you find yourself in. Plus, I mean, it's Michele Monaghan as one of the sexiest vixens in noir history.
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