DISQUS

StanleyRumm · 2 months ago

I finally saw The Hurt Locker last week and I must say I'm having difficulty in remembering everything I've seen before it this year it's so good. OK, I realise from reading reviews from Marines, etc. there are a lot of inaccuracies, but to me it's simply about "war as a drug" -being fuelled by adrenalin- than anything in the specifics.
If it was more reality-based it would probably be impossible to reflect that adrenalin-fix. The movie has to scare the pants off the viewer for them to get the point. It succeeds admirably in my opinion. It also goes a long way to avoid plot and character cliches and thwarts audience expectation at every point. I love that.
All that makes The Hurt Locker probably movie of the year for me so far, although that's not to say I'm forgetting something that I might later recall as the explosive ringing in my ear dies down. None of the others in the list above triggers a recollection to suggest I enjoyed them more or felt they were "better" (whatever that means).

allisoni · 2 months ago

Wow, that's a lot of guys.

Ana · 2 months ago

Yes, and in following Allisoni's line of thinking, I have a few possible suggestions/additions to the list to give the women in cinema their due in 2009.
1. Seraphine - Talented old woman artist vs. society
2. Bright Star - Young woman asserts herself even when warned against it
3. The Hurt Locker - A perceptive movie about men directed by a woman (Kathyrn Bigelow)
4. Humpday - Another perceptive movie about men directed by a woman (Lynn Shelton)
I still love the list Gareth, don't get me wrong. I just think it could be enhanced!

GarethHiggins · 2 months ago

Hi Ana - Hey - thanks for enhancing the list; please forgive the implied chauvinism in my list - it reflects rather than endorses the gender problems in the industry; haven't seen Bright Star or Seraphine yet; and you're absolutely right about Humpday and The Hurt Locker.

Ana · 2 months ago

Hi Gareth, Thanks for your open-minded response. I appreciate the fact that TFT leaves room for this kind of discussion. I love movies because they open up the world to so many diverse perspectives including gender, ethnicity, age, all of it. Unfortunately, some of the best movies are the hardest to find (I think you've talked about that in previous posts). I thought of two more movies for possible contemplation at the end of the year Re: women in cinema 2009. "Precious" (mostly still on the film festival circuit) and Lorna's Silence (not my favorite Dardenne brothers' film of all time, but still worth a see).

allisoni · 2 months ago

Right on, Ana, and I agree that this is a great place for these discussions. I'm starving for more solid movies with interesting, multidimensional female characters. Ready for the revolution. I also have to say I appreciated Gareth & Jett's review of The Hurt Locker all the more for not making a big deal about Bigelow's gender.

I think my favorite from '09 was a terrific romantic comedy called "Breaking Upwards" -- in which the co-writer/filmmaker and his ex-girlfriend star in the real-life story of their experimental part-time breakup. It's so tender and funny, and Zoe Lister-Jones is an absolute superstar. I'm shocked it hasn't gotten distribution yet. Andrea Martin from SCTV's in it too.

Also, I think I'm still waiting for the best films of 2009.

Phil · 2 months ago

My top 5 "Best Premise" nominations (in no particular order):

1. Crank 2
2. Hurt Locker
3. District 9
4. Moon
5. Up

I would nominate "Watchmen", but I'm not sure it counts due to the notoriety of the book.

(Also note, "best premise" doesn't always = "good film" in my list)

I would not rankInglorious Basterds as having one of the Top Premises, but I would rank it near the top for best executed.

Tom · 2 months ago

How about 'The Class' in which a young, optimistic teacher DOESN"T manage to miraculously change the hearts and minds of the troubled teenagers in his charge? So much for dead poets and mona lisa..