I have been able to see quite a few movies in the cinema this year. That may not sound particularly unusual but when you are married with kids it can be hard to find the time, babysitters and motivation for a night out at the flicks together. Fortunately, Mrs Big Mouth doesn't object to me having the occasional jaunt into London with an approved cinema companion so I have managed to squeeze in a decent number of films during 2011.
Of course, some of the movies in this top ten were watched at home on the sofa, or on my iPad in various locations, but they were all viewed by me for the first time this year which is the only qualification necessary.
I think I have enjoyed every Pedro Almodovar film I have ever seen. I just don't feel compelled to watch his stuff all that often. I have a box set floating around somewhere, which includes most of his best work, but many of the DVDs in it are unwatched. Not sure why. Perhaps I am just lazy.
I did watch his new one though. Antonio Banderas is a surgeon who appears to be holding a woman captive in his home. As far as you can tell, early on, he is experimenting on her in some way. It is most peculiar. The true story unfolds, largely in flashback, and reveals itself to be completely bizarre. It is twisted and horrific but has its own sense of logic which makes it most compelling. Not a film you'll forget in a hurry.
I watched this on my iPad while staying in a cabin on the banks of Loch Fyne. The wind and rain beating against the roof sometimes made the (often mumbled) dialogue inaudible but there was no getting away from the stunning central performance by Jennifer Lawrence. She's good. Very good.
8. Black Swan
You don't need me to tell you much about this one. Claustrophobic, dark, dense and disturbing. Both Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis are excellent. One cinema trip that will stay with me for a long time.
Three more gems tomorrow.
Black Swan is on my to-watch list when I get the bottom of my Sky+ box (which may involve deleting whole series, recordability is a mixed blessing).
Posted by: Ellie | December 06, 2011 at 06:49 PM
I'm with you on Winter's Bone Scott not too sure about Black Swan. Hoped I don't see Snowtown further up the list.
Posted by: John Brassey | December 06, 2011 at 06:56 PM
"Hope" even
Posted by: John Brassey | December 06, 2011 at 06:58 PM
The only movie on your list I've watched is Black Swan. I thought it was beautifully filmed. The juxtaposition of a painful mental disorder against the backdrop of beauty was disturbing.
I watched Blue Valentine last night and, you were right, it wasn't a laugh a minute. I found it shockingly truthful at times and I thought Michelle Williams' performance was outstanding. There were things to admire and dislike about both of the characters. They were both flawed. Interesting and disturbingly honest film.
Posted by: Janet | December 10, 2011 at 05:01 PM