My Top 10 Favourite Films of all Time

I originally drew up a list of 50 of my favourite films for this list and have carefully narrowed it down to  the final ten! It took a while to decide and i'm still pretty unsure on a couple, but I think this list (in no particular order) best represents my favourite ten films, along with a good mix of my favourite directors and actors. Enjoy:

1. The Royal Tenenbaums - 2001, Directed by Wes Anderson

Although this list is in no particular order, The Royal Tenenbaums is probably my favourite film, while Anderson is one of my favourite directors, with his other films, Rushmore and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zizzou only just missing out on my top ten. The Royal Tenenbaums mixes oddball charm, a superb cast and Anderson's innate ability to make wonderful relationships between characters on screen to create a classic. The film also boosted my opinion of Gwyneth Paltrow, before, I saw her as a mediocre, second rate actress, but her emo-like portrayal of Margot won me over. A wonderful, charismatic film, and Wes Anderson's finest. 

2. Midnight in Paris - 2011, Directed by Woody Allen

Midnight In Paris is one of Woody Allen's masterpieces, it is surreal, fun and beautiful. On first viewing I absolutely loved it, the idea, the script, the wonderful cinematography, Paris has never looked better. Owen Wilson is fantastic in the lead role, and channels some of Allen's mannerisms from his script perfectly. It deserved a lot more than the one Oscar it received (Best Original Screenplay), it was however critically acclaimed on release. I'm sure over the next few years, Midnight in Paris will become timeless. 

3. Manhattan - 1979, Directed by Woody Allen

Like Midnight In Paris, Manhattan is aesthetically pleasing. Filmed in magnificent black and white against the backdrop of a 70s New York, it follows the life of an intelligent comedy writer, Isaac (played by Woody) and his romantic and social endeavours. If Allen's direction and writing wasn't wonderful enough, his acting is also spot on, and doesn't suffer from the 'triple burn out' of writing, directing and acting. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and lost out on both, but deservedly won the BAFTA for best film. Manhattan hasn't aged at all, it is charming and still hilarious, and Allen's love letter to New York.

4. Lord Of The Rings Trilogy - 2001-2003, Directed by Peter Jackson

There was only room for one trilogy in my top 10, and The Lord Of The Rings only just made it. The Back to the Future trilogy had always been my favourite up until very recently when I re-watched Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Tolkien's books. Not only are the movies action packed and consistently brilliant over each film, they are also filled with stunning visuals and engrossing acting, Peter Jackson creates a realistic world no one ever wants to leave. Other trilogies also challenged the LOTR, Christopher Nolan's recent Batman trilogy is comparable, as is the inspiring Toy Story franchise, but the sheer scale of LOTR just sets it apart from the others, and in my opinion is the greatest movie trilogy of all time.

5. Reservoir Dogs - 1992, Directed by Quentin Tarantino

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Quentin Tarantino is one of the finest film directors of the past 25 years. Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill films, Jackie Brown, Death Proof, all very good films in their own right, but Reservoir Dogs, in my opinion is his greatest achievement. Stylistically it is perfect, from the grimy cinematography, the sharp suits, to the ever-cool soundtrack, the cast is also spot on with superb acting from everyone, particularly Tim Roth. 

6. Inglorious Bastards - 2009, Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Inglorious Basterds is again one of Tarantino's masterpieces, although I don't rate it as highly as Reservoir Dogs, it is still absolute genius. The cast is stella, with under rated performances from Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Melanie Laurent, but Christopher Waltz's Hans Lada stole the shine with his calmly creepy portrayal. He deservedly won the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award for his performance. Inglorious Basterds is Tarantino's best film since Pulp Fiction, and I can't wait for his next epic, Django Unchained, released in the UK in January.

7. Taxi Driver - 1976, Directed by Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly a director who's lasted. From Taxi Driver to Raging Bull, to Goodfellas and The Departed, his films are undeniably some of the greatest of the past 50 years. In my opinion Taxi Driver is his best film, it shows us the other side of 70s New York to the one portrayed in Woody Allen's Manhattan. Robert De Niro's Travis Bickle explores the trashy New York, from the scummy neon lit streets to the city's crooked underbelly. You can't criticise his acting, De Niro is faultless. Taxi Driver is a timeless classic, and heavily recommended.  

8. The Squid and the Whale - 2005, Directed by Noah Baumbach

I only watched The Squid and the Whale for the first time a couple of weeks ago, but it didn't need much time to become one of my favourite films. It is tragic yet comical and one of the most under rated independent films of the past 10 years. Noah Baumbach manages to translate the confusingly balanced relationships on screen into some what simple viewing. The camera work is great and unlike some films (for example, Adventureland, ironically also starring Jesse Eisenberg) makes the film truly look like it's from the 1980s. The film also ends before it gets too far past its depth, clocking in at 1 hour 17 minutes, Noah Baumback knows his limits.

9. The Graduate - 1967, Directed by Mike Nichols

The Graduate could make my top 10 list merely for Dustin Hoffman's perfectly neurotic performance as Benjamin Braddock. But this 1967 BAFTA Best Film award winner goes so much deeper than that. It is a mis-guided, angst ridden, delightful journey through the eyes of a post-university graduate. Not only is it quite moving, it is also humorous and wonderfully satirical. The ending scene will either leave you happy or tenderly sad depending on your interpretation. Set to a superb soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel, this coming-of-age tale will leave you more than satisfied.   

10. The Iron Giant - 1999, Directed by Brad Bird

There's always a kind of snobbery when an animation film is talked up in the same way as a good real life movie. Yet animation films continually move us and make us laugh, more so than many real life dramas or comedies. The Iron Giant is no exception. Made in 1999, at the box office it was not well received, mostly due to poor advertising, yet it was praised by critics. I loved The Iron Giant when I was younger and had the pleasure of watching it again recently, it is still just as wonderful years on. It follows the tale of a young boy and his friendship with an alien robot, although the animation is basic, the story is heart warming and hilarious, and the film's finale will leave you shedding more than a few tears.

And 10 films that narrowly missed the cut...

The Dark Knight Trilogy

Rushmore

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Moonrise Kingdom

Annie Hall

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zizzou

Back to the Future Trilogy

The Trip
No Country For Old Men

Dead Poet's Society 

Beasts Of The Southern Wild Review

Masterful and alluring, Beasts Of The Southern Wild is a true American masterpiece; the definition of cinematic beauty 

If you were going to create a film based on the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there are many directions a film maker could go in. An action film probably starring Dennis Quaid, perhaps? A political thriller based on the slow reaction from George W. Bush? None could have predicted this part-fantasy, part drama about poverty, moonshine, climate change, and a young girl just trying to make sense of the universe. Set on the Louisiana gulf coast in a small island the inhabitants call 'The Bathtub', the story follows a six year old cutely named Hushpuppy, and her alcoholic, often abusive Father, Wink. Every actor or actress in this film were locals hand picked by up and coming director Benh Zeitlin, none were professional before doing the film. Quvenzhane Wallis stars as Hushpuppy and also acts as the films philosophical commentator as we see everything through her wondering imaginative eye while Dwight Henry, who was chosen while reading his lines in a bakery, plays Wink. 

Beasts Of The Southern Wild begins on the fictional swampy 'Bathtub' island, full of rickety wooden houses, farm animals and raggedy children. The period of the film was uncertain to start off, with the opening shots you could see it being a pre american civil war slavery plantation or even a distant apocalyptic future, yet this just made the film even more alluring. In a beautiful first shot we see Hushpuppy running with sparklers, the colours and camera movement are sublime, while it also shows us the carefree yet ignorant and stubborn nature of the Bathtub natives. 

Living in separate shacks, we see Hushpuppy and her father Wink's relationship as different from the start. Treating her like a pet as he throws her a big chicken carcass to eat and to 'share with the dog' as well as this it is clear he tends to disappear with no notice after drunken binges with other islanders, leaving Hushpuppy very much to her own devices. As the film continues we see their relationship taking different turns as Wink's health deteriorates and Hushpuppy goes on the search for her absent Mother. 

When Hurricane Katrina hits the Island, only a few loyal natives remain, using what's left of the wooden wrecks to construct a smallish house for the community. Despite the abusive nature of Wink, the other islanders are good hearted and well meaning and look after each other well regardless of their squalid living conditions. As the storm gets worse, the islanders are forced to leave their only home and go to hospitals on the main land, where their stubbornness and ignorance is again proven. While the story continues, it is obvious Hushpuppy deeply misses her Mother, and what follows in the search of her is strange, yet heart warming. Hushpuppy's continuing struggle to understand the world and people around her are beautifully symbolised towards the film's tragic end.

It is refreshing to see that the gamble taken by Zeitlin in casting locals pays off. Wallis as Hushpuppy steals the show in a magnetic and humbling performance. A scrappy mix of tomboyish charm, ferocious nature and strong emotion are all beautifully portrayed by the young actress. I would be surprised if she did not receive an Academy Award nomination. Dwight Henry as Wink portrays a broken man, long past his prime, but regardless of his abusive behaviour, his love for his daughter is clear from the start, and even clearer at the end, while we do see spurts of his playful if somewhat unorthodox nature with Hushpuppy. His performance is powerful, and much like Wallis, you'll have a hard time believing that acting isn't his day job. The film is shot on a Super 16 handheld camera, making for dizzying and wonderful viewing, while this also intermits with images of crumbling glaciers and pre-historic aurochs. All this sounds confusingly chaotic, but somehow it blends not just simply but stunningly to create a truly beautiful piece of cinema.

Beasts Of The Southern Wild is a fantastical fairy tale full of grit. It is a modern day fable, full of colour, masterful acting and life affirming vividness not matched by any other film this year. 5/5

Skyfall Review

007 is back in a thrilling new outing, but it is the film's emotive undercurrent which cements Daniel Craig as a Bond legend

The James Bond franchise returned to our screens last week in its 50th anniversary year with the latest incarnation, Skyfall. Directed by the British film maker Sam Mendes, Daniel Craig again plays the suave yet brutal MI6 spy while Judi Dench continues in her role as the stalwart M. On villainous duties is the ever superb spanish actor Javier Bardem who plays the whimsically frightening Raoul Silva, a cyber terrorist with a grudge. Naomie Harris plays fellow MI6 agent, Eve, who Bond quickly strikes a rapport with while Berenice Marlohe is the sexy secondary bond girl, Severine. Ralph Fiennes as Mallory and Ben Whishaw as Q also feature to add to a fantastic cast.

In typical Bond style, the film begins with breathtaking cinematic scenery of a foreign land, tracking Bond down to Istanbul, Turkey. Following an action packed introduction sequence in which Bond attempts to chase down an assailant to reclaim stolen information (making the film's premise clear) Bond is accidentally shot by fellow agent Eve (Harris). M's stone cold reaction to the misfiring, against the backdrop of a rainy London leads us all to believe our beloved spy is dead. But of course he isn't, Bond never dies. After 'enjoying death' for a number of months, Bond decides to return to London after a terrorist attack is made on MI6 headquarters, yet he is far from his glorious best. Returning to M disheveled and out of shape, Bond struggles to keep up with the physical pressures of his previous life. However M, with such confidence in her man, entrusts Bond to go after the culprit (Javier Bardem's Silva) who attacked MI6. Yet of course, all is not as simple as it seems with the intelligent Silva constantly one step ahead of Bond. His use of cyber terrorism creates chaos in London, as shootouts in courtrooms and tube crashes ensue. However this is not MI6's only problem, with Ralph Fiennes' Gareth Mallory telling M she is being forced to retire. We are also introduced to Bond's new quarter master (Ben Whishaw) who banters well with 007. Set in the stunning, foggy highlands of Scotland with an appearance from Albert Finney, the film's climactic and beautiful ending is as tragic as it is thrilling, with Silva proving more than a match for Bond.

Daniel Craig's understated performance is true to form, as always. Combining the usual smouldering cheek that he brings to the character as well showing us a deeper side to Bond. In Skyfall we dig into Bond's history more than ever before, something which was never particularly featured in the more recent adaptations, yet is mentioned in Fleming's books. Learning of Bond's history pays off and creates a more genuine character that audience's can identify with. M's history is also revealed throughout the story. While Judi Dench's M has more often than not been seen as emotionless and harsh, M's softer side is routinely shown in Skyfall while in the film's finale it was the first time you could describe her as acting 'elderly'. The relationship between M and Bond is almost maternal towards the end, and the fact despite everything going on, Bond never once loses faith in her shows the strength of their friendship. This exploration into their chemistry makes the ending all the more tragic. Javier Bardem's Raoul Silva was everything I expected from the actor after his Oscar winning performance in 2007's No Country For Old Men. He brought a pinch of the villainy of past Bond baddies and combined it with a psychotic edge, reminiscent of Heath Ledger's Joker. His playful nature, on display in the Bond interrogation scene sent shivers, while his quiet intelligence is a treat, Bardem's performance is the jewel in the crown. Naomie Harris as Eve was a nice touch by Mendes, a realistic and strong Bond girl who at times was the only one who could keep up with Bond. Ben Whishaw is a stand out as the new Q, although young he brings a certain wisdom and gentleman presence to the role. Q was not the only nod to classic Bond, the introduction of the iconic Aston Martin was great while not seeming cheesy or gimmicky. The only negative of the film is that we did not see more of Berenice Marlohe's Severine who's mysterious background and intense chemistry with Craig's Bond was one of the film's highlights.

Skyfall is Bond back in action after the failure that was The Quantum of Solace (but hey, every Bond actor needs at least one bad movie right?). The film dives deeper into Bond than ever before while keeping true to classic Bond themes. The story was clever enough to satisfy film buffs while also broad enough to not alienate the younger audience. Although it was serious, the film was not light on its humourus moments (which is what Q of S often lacked), which provided great comic relief. Mendes has created a classic Bond film while Craig has surely cemented himself as the best actor in a generation to don the tuxedo. The audience delves into Bond's steely and secretive life like never before, Skyfall is daring yet stirring. 4.5/5