Top Ten Movies of '00

Many critics approach creating the annual “best of” list with dread. Certainly history may not validate your opinion as to the importance of a certain film. For example, at the time it came out, very few people could have guessed that Shawshank Redemption would rank as the top film on IMDB. And yet, I find these opportunities enjoyable chances to reflect on the movies that have expanded my understandings, caused me to laugh or cry, whether they’ve challenged me or simply been pleasurable escapism.

Looking back over the films I’ve seen in the past decade, I am left with the impossible task of choosing merely ten. The following are movies (listed alphabetically) that have moved me more than challenged the form of cinema (although there are a couple of those as well). I realize that the movies I’ve selected on the most part don’t represent an expansion of my understanding of cinema, but a confirmation of my belief that good storytelling is timeless.

Adaptation

Being a writer, no film has captured the process of writing with more authenticity than Charlie Kaufman’s meta-insanity Adaptation. The desire to write something original, the realization that structure actually matters, berating teachers, and a divine intervention to end it all… all writers have been there. 

Brokeback Mountain

After all the controversy surrounding the release of this film and losing the Oscar for Best Picture, surprisingly this movie survives not because it breaks barriers, but because it is a romance seeped in timeless classic storytelling like Casablanca, Romeo and Juliet (the play), and Wuthering Heights (the novel).

Dancer in the Dark

One of only two films to make me cry in theaters, Dancer in the Dark remains my favorite musical of all time. A tragedy beyond belief about the love of a blind mother who would sacrifice anything to save her son from her same fate. Bjork in her only leading performance is astonishing and the sound track heartbreaking. Lars Von Trier, the poster child of the Dogma 95 movement, at his best.

In America

The second film to make me cry in theaters. In America, based on the life of the director Jim Sheridan and his daughters, tells the all too familiar story of Irish immigrants, but with amazing subtly and perfection in acting, especially from Sarah Bolger who plays the elder of two daughters. Watching this family overcome their tragedies reminded me of the strength of family that brought me through my own.

Minority Report

Science fiction at its best and Spielberg’s best of the decade as well. Minority Report, an almost Kubrickian film, descends into the philosophical depths of a justice system built on arresting people before they commit a crime.

Mulholland Drive

My favorite David Lynch film. A movie whose mysteries only increase with future watchings, each one bringing a new understanding to one of the most haunting, mysterious, and strange films of the decade. Not for the faint of heart.

No Country for Old Men

A technically perfect film offering a despairing view of the world that forces the audience to re-examine their own. At the center of this film, the portrait of a true monster, Anton Chigurh, in the now iconic performance by Javier Bardem.

Saraband

The last breath and steady hand of the master of cinema, Ingmar Bergman. In the sequel to his despairing and depressing epic Scenes from a Marriage, we find Bergman (often described as an insanely depressing director) at the end of his life exploring the hope of redemption before the end. Beautiful.

Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki, the king of Japanese animation, creates a movie of exploration and discovery. Every new image is a joy. A world without evil, filled with the wonderous creations only a child’s mind could create.

United 93

Without a doubt the most moving film experience of the decade. Seeing this film open at the Tribecca film festival with the families who lost loved ones on United 93 reminded me of the power of cinema to bring people together in a shared experience. Paul Greengrass’ film is made without manipulation and for those who thought the film was too soon… perhaps now is a time to look.