January 16, 2012
Most of the films below may have been made in 2010, but they didn’t come to Oxford until 2011, hence their inclusion in this review of the year.
1) SennaI have no interest in motor racing, but found Senna utterly enthralling. Done well, documentary can be so much more powerful than fiction. Senna doesn’t need a narrator to embolden what is an epic story. Brilliant. More on this film...
2) Never Let me Go
Amazingly well-judged translation of Kuzuo Ishiguro’s novel. From Alex Garland’s excellent screenplay to the perfectly pitched performance of Mulligan, Knightley and Garfield, the tone throughout is just right. Given the challenges of a story set in the future but evocative of the past, that’s not an easy thing to do. A wonderful film. More on this film...
3) The King’s Speech
In his review of 2011, Charlie Brooker pointed out that the denouement to The King’s Speech - Colin Firth’s stutter-free announcement of the start of World War II – shouldn’t really be classified as heart-warming. It’s a good point. Still, it’s difficult not to love Tom Hooper’s film. The performances are humane and heartfelt, and Geoffrey Rush arguably steals the show. A film that merited all the hype. More on this film...
4) Point Blank
Great French language thriller about a male nurse who finds himself caught up in a criminal conspiracy. It’s a hectic succession of chase scenes and plot twists, and the energy is fantastic. Paris looks wonderfully seedy. I left the cinema feeling slightly breathless. More on this film...
5) True Grit
Basically it’s Jaws on Horses, with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon sparring just like Quint and Hooper. But although the film is fairly loyal to the original book, there’s a sprinkling of laughs, brutality and plain old weirdness to satisfy Cohen brothers fans everywhere. Loved it. More on this film...
6) Tyrannosaur
David Cameron please take note - British cinema needs films like Tyrannosaur just as much as it needs those like The King’s Speech. Director Paddy Consadine will develop further as a film-maker, and the bleak tone to Tyrannosaur will not be to everyone’s taste, but we should defend to the death Consadine’s right to make it. Not everything of value can be measured in money, Mr Cameron. More on this film...
7) Limitless
Slick but surprisingly thoughtful thriller about the discovery of a drug that allows its takers to access their full cerebral potential. From unblocking writers to running for President, it’s an exciting ride into lucidity. An interesting fantasy that will keep you gripped right up until the surprising ending. More on this film...