You’re probably wondering why my top 10 list is coming in two weeks into the new year, and long past the time that anyone cares about reading it. Well, truth be told, it was kind of hard for me to throw together a list this year. Let’s just say that 2006 is not exactly the second coming of 1999.
That’s not to say that there weren’t any good films—there were a bunch of well-made, entertaining movies that I enjoyed sitting through. But there just weren’t a whole lot of fantastic, amazing, mind-blowing films, or strong contenders to lock away in the “best of all time” vault. December, usually the time of year where the best movies arrive, didn’t offer too many toasts of the town. It also didn’t snow once in New York—perhaps there’s some kind of climate connection?
But as a movie fan, I did see quite a few films that put a smile on my face and/or really got me thinking—something that can have dangerous consequences. After finally putting an end to my favorite hobby, procrastination, here is the list of films that I enjoyed the most in 2006:
1. The Science Of Sleep
Written & Directed By: Michel Gondry Starring: Gael García Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alain Chabat, Miou-Miou, Emma de Caunes
First there were those crazy, hypnotic music videos. Then there was 2004’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Now, with The Science Of Sleep, Michel Gondry serves up another visual and emotional masterpiece. The film speaks to creative artists trying to survive in a disciplined, corporate world, and Gondry adds just enough of his stylistic magic to make it a true work of art. Gael Garcia Bernal turns in his most layered performance to date, portraying a lonely man who prefers his dream world over the real world, since it’s the only place he can actually have what he wants. The awe-inspiring visuals, a tortured love affair and a funny script combine to make this my favorite movie of 2006.
Best Moment: When Gael demonstrates his Disastrology calendar to his boss and co-workers.
CB Quote:”It's a visual and emotional masterpiece, the type of dream you never want to wake up from.” [CB Review]
Directed By: Marc Forster Written By: Zach Helm Starring: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Queen Latifah
I literally could not stop smiling for about an hour after walking out of his movie—and, being a grumpy New Yorker, that is really saying something. In an era of sequels and rehashes, it’s nice to see a film with a brand new premise that’s not afraid to be too clever. Ferrell has proven that he can be over-the-top funny, but he finally shows his softer side in Stranger Than Fiction, playing a man who hears his life being narrated and realizes he is the lead character in a book (being written by Emma Thompson), destined for a fatal ending. The film is equally sweet and amusing, and rises above its central gimmick to be an all-around gem. Plus, it’s got one of the best soundtracks of the year.
Best Moment: When Ferrell strums his guitar and sings Wreckless Eric’s “The Whole Wide World” to Maggie Gyllenhaal.
CB Quote:”Zach Helm's script makes describing Harold's wristwatch an artform, a discussion of a store's selection of guitars becomes an examination of what it means to be a man with a six-stringed ax.” [CB Review]
Written & Directed By: Nicole Holofcener Starring: Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, Jason Isaacs, Simon McBurney
Is this movie a masterpiece by any stretch? No, but it’s a perfect example of filmmaking at its most subtle and most pleasant. I adored Nicole Holofcener’s Walking and Talking, and Friends With Money continues to show her knack for observing and understanding female behavior. This film is full of laughs and the top-notch actors (Keener, McDormand, Aniston, Cusack) play off each other delightfully. Since I can certainly relate to the friction that money causes among close friends, it may have spoken a bit louder to me at this juncture of my life. But, overall, I love its funny way of depicting truths—and watching McDormand wig out at line-cutters in Old Navy is priceless.
Best Moment:: The very last scene.
CB Quote:”Friends With Money is a rich blend of insights told with a smirk.” [CB Review]
Written and Directed By: Bill Condon Starring: Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx
If you’re a big fan of musicals, it doesn’t get much better than Dreamgirls, arguably the most crowd-pleasing film of the year. I can’t remember the last time I’ve attended a press screening and heard nearly everyone applaud and cheer with such enthusiasm. When I felt a “Woo-hoo!” fly from my lips after seeing Jennifer Hudson bring down the house with “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” I knew I was a goner. Bill Condon has a brilliant eye for style, and Dreamgirls is loaded with plenty of razzle dazzle and knockout songs. Eddie Murphy turns in the performance of a lifetime…enough to distract you, briefly, from the upcoming Norbitt.
Best Moment:: Hudson singing the song mentioned above. This will probably go down as one of the most evocative scenes of any musical, ever.
CB Quote:”Long after you're home and you've forgotten the movie, you'll remember Jennifer Hudson's big, belting voice. You'll remember her on stage, shaking the room as she croons for failure, success, and lost love. You'll remember the music, the stage lights, the cheering crowds.” [CB Review]
5. The Departed
Directed By: Martin Scorsese Written By: William Monahan. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Vera Farmiga
It’s a happy time indeed when Martin Scorsese returns, with a bang, to his gangster roots. The Departed resuscitates the best things about his old films—a great ensemble cast (Nicholson, Damon, DiCaprio, Wahlberg), loads of violence and a cutting edge script that never makes it clear where it’s headed. In my eyes, it’s his best work since 1995’s Casino and shows that the bushy-eyebrowed director still has plenty of great films left in him. Will the Academy finally take notice? Now, now, let’s not get crazy. The Departed is an action-packed, cat-and-mouse chase between informants within the Boston police department and the Irish mafia—it’s one heck of a thrill ride. I double dog dare ya not to have a good time with this one.
Best Moment:: Wahlberg’s unorthodox ways of interrogating.
CB Quote:”Cops versus killers has been done to the point of improbability, but in front of Marty's lens it's a brand new game.” [CB Review]
6. Deliver Us From Evil
Written & Directed By: Amy Berg Featuring: Oliver O'Grady, Thomas Doyle, and a whole lot of traumatized victims.
Deliver Us From Evil gets my vote for most disturbing and thought-provoking documentary of the year. Father Oliver O'Grady spent decades preying on children as a “man of God,” while the Catholic Church turned a blind eye and allowed him to go ahead with it. Whenever an “incident” came to light, instead of locking him away where he couldn’t be a menace…they transferred him. Time and time again. Watching O’Grady talk about his actions—jumping between denial and complete lack of empathy—and listening to Amy Berg get testimonials from the countless people he hurt really sheds light on an issue that demands attention. It’s not a jolly thing to watch, but it’s truly harrowing and eye-opening.
Best Moment:: When the father of one of the victims breaks down and cries. It’s impossible not to cry with him.
7. A Prairie Home Companion
Directed By: Robert Altman Written By: Garrison Keillor Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Lily Tomlin, Garrison Keillor, John C. Reilly, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, Lindsay Lohan
Before you roll your eyes—no, this movie is not on my list because Robert Altman died. I loved every second of it, and it would have made the cut whether he appeared in the obituaries or not. A Prairie Home Companion is just a kick-back-your-feet-and-smile kind of movie, with a lot of silly comedy bits and equally silly tunes, not to mention a whole bunch of people talking over each other (this is Altman, after all). I was never a big Garrison Keillor fan, but the mesh of the two of them together proves a winning formula. And, as an added surprise, who knew that a movie with Lindsay Lohan would ever find its way onto a top 10 list?
Best Moment:: Just about anything that Kevin Kline does as Guy Noir.
CB Quote:”Sometimes less is more and in this case, there is more than enough joy to go around.” [CB Review]
Directed By: Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady. Featuring: Becky Fischer, Mike Papantonio, and a group of Evangelist kids doing scary things.
Suddenly, the problems of typical sleepaway camps—bugs, cafeteria food, bunk beds—seem trivial by comparison. Jesus Camp is a documentary about young Evangelist kids shipped off to a camp to worship Jesus, leading them to spasm on the floor and cry as they repent for their mortal sins. The film is frightening, partly because of how good Pastor Becky Fischer is at her job (i.e., manipulating the children), and partly because these kids are homeschooled and taught that “science doesn’t prove anything.” Directors Ewing & Grady find success by steering clear of Michael Moore-antics and telling a story without ever preaching (no pun intended). Still, these devoted kids could be running the country someday. Bring on the nightmares.
Best Moment:: When Fischer prays and asks Jesus to bless her Powerpoint presentation. And no, I’m not joking.
CB Quote:”Evangelical Christians are taking the nation by storm, and the kids in this film will likely be running the country someday. Just like their predecessors are right now.” [CB Review]
9. The Queen
Directed By: Stephen Frears Written By: Peter Morgan Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms
I love Stephen Frears’ laid-back approach to making movies, just sitting tight and letting the material speak for itself. He surprised and impressed me with 2003’s Dirty Pretty Things, and now he’s done the same with The Queen. He takes a topic that I don’t have a vested interest in—the monarchy, the media frenzy surrounding Princess Diana—and turns it into a fascinating character study of a misunderstood woman who tries to run the royal kingdom the best way she can. Helen Mirren is a shoo-in for an Oscar this year, and it’s hard to complain: She owns this movie. It’s a tour de force performance that speaks volumes with its quiet intensity.
Best Moment:: When the Queen shares a moment with a wild deer.
CB Quote:”Frears and writer Peter Morgan have created a fair-minded interpretation of events, finding the real person behind the permanent sourpuss expression.” [CB Review]
Directed By: Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris Written By: Michael Arndt. Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Paul Dano
What’s not to love about a downer comedy full of losers with squashed dreams? It’s bittersweet, riotous and touching. The extremely talented actors—including Carell as a suicidal scholar, Breslin as a loveable pageant hopeful and Arkin as a trash-talking grandpa—deliver their lines with deadpan hilarity, but they also give their characters an extra helping of heart. Little Miss Sunshine has so many great moments and memorable interactions that it successfully charmed its way onto my list.
Best Moment:: The big climax at the talent competition. Enough said.
CB Quote:”The movie plays broad, but not because it waters itself down to a point where the lowest common denominator can stomach it.” [CB Review]
Great stuff that didn't make the cut:
The Fountain, Half Nelson, The Proposition.
2005 releases I saw this year (and loved) but didn’t qualify:
Tsotsi, Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story
Just in case you were wondering:
Tideland was the worst film of 2006. Terry Gilliam proves that he’s officially lost his mind, and not in the quirky, endearing way that we’ve grown to expect from him. Spare yourself from watching two hours of a screeching child, a mentally-challenged man trying to make out with her, and Jeff Bridges rotting at the dinner table. Ick.
For all of Cinema Blend's Best of 2006 coverage click here!
