December 16th, 2009 / 3:09 pm
Film

BEST MOVIES OF THE DECADE (THE NEW YORKER’S AND MINE)

HanekeCacheimage

Dale Peck as a child

And here’s Denby’s list of the best movies of the decade. The only ones that I really love are There Will Be Blood and Caché (even if it’s probably in my top 20 rather than top 10).  He also includes The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which I had extreme difficulty sitting through.  I don’t care if the movie is about a guy who’s lost the use of his body and can’t even really open his eyes.  I don’t want to spend the first twenty minutes looking at a lens smeared with Vaseline.

My list, which you should feel free to dismember, is after the jump.

1. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (seriously one of the great movies of all time)
2. Oldboy (I’m sure I’ve seen this more than twenty times)
3. Children of Men
4. There Will Be Blood
5.  Mulholland Drive
6. Irreversible
7. Undertow
8. War of the Worlds
9. District 9
10. Requiem for a Dream
11. The Departed
12.  (3way tie) The Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum and United 93

Yeah… I guess I’m just not quite as into comedies, now that I think about it.

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325 Comments

  1. jereme

      wow war of the worlds?

      seriously?

  2. jereme

      wow war of the worlds?

      seriously?

  3. Blake Butler

      i stopped reading Denby’s after the 1-2 donkey punch of Mystic River and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? is he for real?

      your list i agree with some, particularly mulholland drive and irreversible. i have always meant to ask you, though, about your fascination with the Jesse James film. i found it so longwinded and flat. colors were nice, but overall not, to me, memorable. what struck you about it?

  4. Blake Butler

      i stopped reading Denby’s after the 1-2 donkey punch of Mystic River and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? is he for real?

      your list i agree with some, particularly mulholland drive and irreversible. i have always meant to ask you, though, about your fascination with the Jesse James film. i found it so longwinded and flat. colors were nice, but overall not, to me, memorable. what struck you about it?

  5. bruiser brody

      Oldboy is great. Gotta see that again. Makes the Marathon Man scenes involving dentistry look like a little cleaning.

      I love love Children of Men and keep watching it. It’s never gotten the love from friends/critics.

      I have re-watched THere WIll Be Blood a few times and feel like I’m getting obsessed. The baptism scene goes down in the annals. Also, the “bastard in a basket” screaming is brilliant.

      I had already seen Infernal Affairs (and dug it) so when I saw the Departed I was underwhelmed. You’d definitely dig IA, if you haven’t seen it.

      Also a huge Bourne fan (well, of the first two).

      So yeah, this list resonates. I wasn’t as impressed with W o t Worlds, maybe b/c of the ending. The first half was good.

  6. bruiser brody

      Oldboy is great. Gotta see that again. Makes the Marathon Man scenes involving dentistry look like a little cleaning.

      I love love Children of Men and keep watching it. It’s never gotten the love from friends/critics.

      I have re-watched THere WIll Be Blood a few times and feel like I’m getting obsessed. The baptism scene goes down in the annals. Also, the “bastard in a basket” screaming is brilliant.

      I had already seen Infernal Affairs (and dug it) so when I saw the Departed I was underwhelmed. You’d definitely dig IA, if you haven’t seen it.

      Also a huge Bourne fan (well, of the first two).

      So yeah, this list resonates. I wasn’t as impressed with W o t Worlds, maybe b/c of the ending. The first half was good.

  7. bruiser brody

      i meant to also comment on the jesse james movie. i had LOW expectations of this one b/c of all the shit it was taking from local critics. i really enjoyed it. i loved the last five minutes, so much so that i kept watching that part again and again. I really like the music playing when ford gets whacked and how you “see” his life at the bar before he’s killed.

      The movie did drag at parts for me but I remember really enjoying much of it and thinking I needed to watch it again. Maybe I’ll do that now.

      So yeah, I’m curious like Blake to hear your thoughts.

  8. bruiser brody

      i meant to also comment on the jesse james movie. i had LOW expectations of this one b/c of all the shit it was taking from local critics. i really enjoyed it. i loved the last five minutes, so much so that i kept watching that part again and again. I really like the music playing when ford gets whacked and how you “see” his life at the bar before he’s killed.

      The movie did drag at parts for me but I remember really enjoying much of it and thinking I needed to watch it again. Maybe I’ll do that now.

      So yeah, I’m curious like Blake to hear your thoughts.

  9. davidpeak

      did you read ron hansen’s novel? i think he might be one of the best “historical fiction” writers i’ve ever read. hitler’s niece, too. he’s got this real taut power like his scenes are carved in wood with words. weird.

  10. davidpeak

      did you read ron hansen’s novel? i think he might be one of the best “historical fiction” writers i’ve ever read. hitler’s niece, too. he’s got this real taut power like his scenes are carved in wood with words. weird.

  11. Stu

      Pretty good list. “Oldboy” is fucking excellent on many levels. I went into “The Departed” kind of wanting to not like it, so maybe that’s why I liked it so much. I wasn’t impressed with “Children of Men” and I agree with you on “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, but that could be because I have a low opinion of Julian Schnabel. “Basquiat” was horrible… and pretty much anything associated with that man, to my tastes, is garbage.

      If I were to compile a list, I think that “Head-On” and “The Edge of Heaven” from Fatih Akin, would be my top two films of the decade. “Requiem for a Dream” would be on it as well.

      I think I was the ONLY person that liked “The Brown Bunny” and that would probably be on a top twenty list for me. But it’s always interesting to discuss films that are either widely adored or hated and listen to the contrarians make a case for why things should be the opposite.

  12. Stu

      Pretty good list. “Oldboy” is fucking excellent on many levels. I went into “The Departed” kind of wanting to not like it, so maybe that’s why I liked it so much. I wasn’t impressed with “Children of Men” and I agree with you on “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, but that could be because I have a low opinion of Julian Schnabel. “Basquiat” was horrible… and pretty much anything associated with that man, to my tastes, is garbage.

      If I were to compile a list, I think that “Head-On” and “The Edge of Heaven” from Fatih Akin, would be my top two films of the decade. “Requiem for a Dream” would be on it as well.

      I think I was the ONLY person that liked “The Brown Bunny” and that would probably be on a top twenty list for me. But it’s always interesting to discuss films that are either widely adored or hated and listen to the contrarians make a case for why things should be the opposite.

  13. Adam R

      That’s what I thought. I was also really disappointed in District 9 and Children of Men. Was that the one with Clive Owen? And I thought The Wrestler killed Requiem for a Dream and The Bourne Identity was the best of the three. I disagree with this list so much that I actually like it. Lots of surprises.

  14. Adam R

      That’s what I thought. I was also really disappointed in District 9 and Children of Men. Was that the one with Clive Owen? And I thought The Wrestler killed Requiem for a Dream and The Bourne Identity was the best of the three. I disagree with this list so much that I actually like it. Lots of surprises.

  15. bruiser brody

      i love ron hansen and have been trying to get my hands on his robert ford book…cheap ass that i am i’ve been tyring the biblioteca route. may have to amazon it.

      thanks…dp.

  16. bruiser brody

      i love ron hansen and have been trying to get my hands on his robert ford book…cheap ass that i am i’ve been tyring the biblioteca route. may have to amazon it.

      thanks…dp.

  17. bruiser brody

      the wrestler is great. over the weekend i re-watched the scene where he tells her the world doesn’t give a fuck about him. pulls it off without being maudlin.

      and i screwed up below (shocker)….i agree the identity is the best of the bunch. i liked the second one but really didn’t like the third one. the first one, particularly at the end with the moby hook, is amazing.

  18. Rob

      A best films of the 2000’s list without “City of God” is not really a list at all. And what’s with people liking “The Departed” so hard? Average at best… James Gray did the average crime film thing a whole lot better.

  19. bruiser brody

      the wrestler is great. over the weekend i re-watched the scene where he tells her the world doesn’t give a fuck about him. pulls it off without being maudlin.

      and i screwed up below (shocker)….i agree the identity is the best of the bunch. i liked the second one but really didn’t like the third one. the first one, particularly at the end with the moby hook, is amazing.

  20. Rob

      A best films of the 2000’s list without “City of God” is not really a list at all. And what’s with people liking “The Departed” so hard? Average at best… James Gray did the average crime film thing a whole lot better.

  21. bruiser brody

      and the parts with him working the deli are beautiful. i did think it got a bit hackneyed with the woman who kept ripping him for being an ounce over. i worked in a grocery store for years and that woman wouldn’t have made it out of the store. they’d have carried her back and made some rib eye.

  22. bruiser brody

      and the parts with him working the deli are beautiful. i did think it got a bit hackneyed with the woman who kept ripping him for being an ounce over. i worked in a grocery store for years and that woman wouldn’t have made it out of the store. they’d have carried her back and made some rib eye.

  23. Nick Antosca

      Seriously. I saw it three times in the theater. One of the best movies about terrorism ever made. And one of the best movies Spielberg has ever made.

  24. Nick Antosca

      Seriously. I saw it three times in the theater. One of the best movies about terrorism ever made. And one of the best movies Spielberg has ever made.

  25. Nick Antosca

      Ha ha, we’re pretty much in disagreement on everything. With the Bournes, I thought the first one was very good but pretty straightforward stylistically. With the second two, I loved how Greengrass edited the movies into these rocketing, visceral machines. Amazing.

  26. Nick Antosca

      Ha ha, we’re pretty much in disagreement on everything. With the Bournes, I thought the first one was very good but pretty straightforward stylistically. With the second two, I loved how Greengrass edited the movies into these rocketing, visceral machines. Amazing.

  27. Amber

      Denby’s list was really terrible. And what is this? Denby: “and some of the movies that smart people find cool, like “The Dark Knight,” I find appalling, not to mention depressing as hell.” Really? Appalling? Dark Knight is easily one of my favorite movies of the decade. I kind of want to ask Denby if he’s one of those people who saw the South Park movie and complained about how there was too much swearing.

  28. Amber

      Denby’s list was really terrible. And what is this? Denby: “and some of the movies that smart people find cool, like “The Dark Knight,” I find appalling, not to mention depressing as hell.” Really? Appalling? Dark Knight is easily one of my favorite movies of the decade. I kind of want to ask Denby if he’s one of those people who saw the South Park movie and complained about how there was too much swearing.

  29. Nick Antosca

      And yeah, I thought Children of Men was near-perfect… incredibly thoroughly realized vision of the future.

      And I actually *didn’t* like the Wrestler. It seemed to me a completely formulaic movie wearing a verite disguise. I did love Rourke in it though–incredible performance.

  30. Nick Antosca

      And yeah, I thought Children of Men was near-perfect… incredibly thoroughly realized vision of the future.

      And I actually *didn’t* like the Wrestler. It seemed to me a completely formulaic movie wearing a verite disguise. I did love Rourke in it though–incredible performance.

  31. Nick Antosca

      The kid being alive at the end of War of the Worlds sucks. But I honestly think it’s the only misstep in an otherwise incredible film.

      And it’s not so different, actually, from the ending of Jaws, with Dreyfuss showing up alive after the shark explodes (although we did see him, very briefly, swimming away from the mangled cage).

  32. Nick Antosca

      The kid being alive at the end of War of the Worlds sucks. But I honestly think it’s the only misstep in an otherwise incredible film.

      And it’s not so different, actually, from the ending of Jaws, with Dreyfuss showing up alive after the shark explodes (although we did see him, very briefly, swimming away from the mangled cage).

  33. Amber

      I was really disappointed with Children of Men, too. I had high expectations and I felt like the movie was beating me over the head the whole time. Like, Get it? GET IT? GET IT!!!!???? Ohmygodthechildisthesaviorofhumanitywow.

  34. Amber

      I was really disappointed with Children of Men, too. I had high expectations and I felt like the movie was beating me over the head the whole time. Like, Get it? GET IT? GET IT!!!!???? Ohmygodthechildisthesaviorofhumanitywow.

  35. Nick Antosca

      I loved the Dark Knight too. Probably in my top 20 or 25 of the decade. What about it did he find appalling, I wonder?

  36. Adam R

      I do love the 2 or 3 seconds of a scene that is shot through the LCD of a video camera that fell to the ground. That is great.

  37. Nick Antosca

      I loved the Dark Knight too. Probably in my top 20 or 25 of the decade. What about it did he find appalling, I wonder?

  38. Adam R

      I do love the 2 or 3 seconds of a scene that is shot through the LCD of a video camera that fell to the ground. That is great.

  39. Nick Antosca

      No way! What, The Yards? We Own the Night? Those pack nowhere near the kinetic, paranoid energy of The Departed. Plus, The Departed has a sense of it’s own absurdity & is even more fun because of it. And the performances are way better. (Duvall in We Own the Night notwithstanding.) Did you see Pride & Glory? I like that better than We Own the Night but some things about it are similar and you would probably like it.

  40. Nick Antosca

      No way! What, The Yards? We Own the Night? Those pack nowhere near the kinetic, paranoid energy of The Departed. Plus, The Departed has a sense of it’s own absurdity & is even more fun because of it. And the performances are way better. (Duvall in We Own the Night notwithstanding.) Did you see Pride & Glory? I like that better than We Own the Night but some things about it are similar and you would probably like it.

  41. Nick Antosca

      Oh, I actually *don’t* like that one shot. Because all the electronic devices are supposed to have shut down at that point due to the electromagnetic pulse, no? So wtf?

      But that whole scene, with the running and the dust and the people getting disintegrated, was amazing.

  42. Nick Antosca

      Oh, I actually *don’t* like that one shot. Because all the electronic devices are supposed to have shut down at that point due to the electromagnetic pulse, no? So wtf?

      But that whole scene, with the running and the dust and the people getting disintegrated, was amazing.

  43. talvin

      requiem for a dream and district 9 were both stylized nonsense, i thought. the tripod carnage in war of the worlds is some of the best piece of movie i’ve ever seen. and there;s nothing quite like the fever-dream of there will be blood…

  44. talvin

      requiem for a dream and district 9 were both stylized nonsense, i thought. the tripod carnage in war of the worlds is some of the best piece of movie i’ve ever seen. and there;s nothing quite like the fever-dream of there will be blood…

  45. Blake Butler

      Inland Empire is, I think, the most important work of art of the 00s.

      just felt like throwing that out there.

  46. Blake Butler

      Inland Empire is, I think, the most important work of art of the 00s.

      just felt like throwing that out there.

  47. Amber

      I’ll bet it was the violence and darkness.* I remember at the time it came out, most reviewers loved it but there were a few who were like “Oh, the humanity, how can people enjoy this violent, cruel movie,” as if that wasn’t the whole point of the movie.

      *Yep, I was right. I just did a search, and here he is: “The Dark Knight” has been made in a time of terror, but it’s not fighting terror, it’s embracing and unleashing it” It’s here: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/the_dark_knight_nolan.

  48. Amber

      I’ll bet it was the violence and darkness.* I remember at the time it came out, most reviewers loved it but there were a few who were like “Oh, the humanity, how can people enjoy this violent, cruel movie,” as if that wasn’t the whole point of the movie.

      *Yep, I was right. I just did a search, and here he is: “The Dark Knight” has been made in a time of terror, but it’s not fighting terror, it’s embracing and unleashing it” It’s here: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/the_dark_knight_nolan.

  49. davidpeak
  50. Nick Antosca
  51. davidpeak
  52. Nick Antosca
  53. Nick Antosca

      “unleashing it”

      ha ha ha ha

  54. Nick Antosca

      “unleashing it”

      ha ha ha ha

  55. Ken Baumann

      Great list.

      Some more greats:
      Eyes Wide Shut (’99 release date still counts, right?)
      Punch Drunk Love
      Inland Empire
      Synecdoche, NY
      The Piano Teacher
      Time of the Wolf
      Antichrist

  56. Ken Baumann

      Great list.

      Some more greats:
      Eyes Wide Shut (’99 release date still counts, right?)
      Punch Drunk Love
      Inland Empire
      Synecdoche, NY
      The Piano Teacher
      Time of the Wolf
      Antichrist

  57. Ken Baumann

      Also: I don’t understand the Dark Knight love. It’s messy, too long.

  58. Ken Baumann

      Also: I don’t understand the Dark Knight love. It’s messy, too long.

  59. Ken Baumann

      Really agreeing with you (Nick) on 3-7 and 10.

  60. Ken Baumann

      Really agreeing with you (Nick) on 3-7 and 10.

  61. Rob

      I’m a HUGE Scorsese fan, but I’ve been pretty disappointed with everything Post-Casino. Everything just seems so formulaic and safe… lacking the camerawork and care that he put into films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. I’m also not a big fan of his usage of A list celebrities – though Alec Baldwin was the best part of The Departed. The film (Departed) just seemed to me like a bunch of big name (mediocre) actors hanging out and goofing around. Sure, Nicholson shouldn’t be considered a mediocre actor, but he’s gotten to that point in his career where every roll he plays is just a caricature of his persona.

      I haven’t seen Pride and Glory, but I enjoyed Narc.

  62. Rob

      I’m a HUGE Scorsese fan, but I’ve been pretty disappointed with everything Post-Casino. Everything just seems so formulaic and safe… lacking the camerawork and care that he put into films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. I’m also not a big fan of his usage of A list celebrities – though Alec Baldwin was the best part of The Departed. The film (Departed) just seemed to me like a bunch of big name (mediocre) actors hanging out and goofing around. Sure, Nicholson shouldn’t be considered a mediocre actor, but he’s gotten to that point in his career where every roll he plays is just a caricature of his persona.

      I haven’t seen Pride and Glory, but I enjoyed Narc.

  63. Rob

      Inland Empire was about an hour too long. It could have been a really tight film if they spent some extra time in the editing room. Have you seen Taxidermia? I think it would be right up your alley.

  64. Rob

      Inland Empire was about an hour too long. It could have been a really tight film if they spent some extra time in the editing room. Have you seen Taxidermia? I think it would be right up your alley.

  65. davidpeak

      i think the point was that it was never meant to be a “tight” film, but more of an exploration, a discovery process.

  66. davidpeak

      i think the point was that it was never meant to be a “tight” film, but more of an exploration, a discovery process.

  67. Amber

      I love The Departed, too. In fact, that might be the movie at the very tip top of the list for me. It was nearly perfect.

  68. Amber

      I love The Departed, too. In fact, that might be the movie at the very tip top of the list for me. It was nearly perfect.

  69. Amber

      If 99 counts, then hell yes to Eyes Wide Shut.

  70. Amber

      If 99 counts, then hell yes to Eyes Wide Shut.

  71. Blake Butler

      i think it should have been twice as long.

      i had taxidermia on a desk that a friend sent me, and somehow it disappeared before i got to watch, was pissed about that.

  72. Blake Butler

      i think it should have been twice as long.

      i had taxidermia on a desk that a friend sent me, and somehow it disappeared before i got to watch, was pissed about that.

  73. davidpeak

      well then i’m throwing on julien-donkey boy, too

  74. davidpeak

      well then i’m throwing on julien-donkey boy, too

  75. Stu

      Well let’s just throw in ’98 too. “Happiness”

  76. Stu

      Well let’s just throw in ’98 too. “Happiness”

  77. Blake Butler

      there’s a pretty great movie from 1942 called Beembeepseat

  78. Blake Butler

      there’s a pretty great movie from 1942 called Beembeepseat

  79. Nathan Tyree

      Oldboy, Children of Men and There Will Be Blood make my list too. No Country for Old Men, Antichrist and Inglourious Basterds (Say what you will) go as well.

  80. Nathan Tyree

      Oldboy, Children of Men and There Will Be Blood make my list too. No Country for Old Men, Antichrist and Inglourious Basterds (Say what you will) go as well.

  81. Nathan Tyree

      Mystic River is lovely. Crouching Tiger is simple entertainment. Fun- but no depth. Mullholland Drive, though. Yes.

  82. Nathan Tyree

      Mystic River is lovely. Crouching Tiger is simple entertainment. Fun- but no depth. Mullholland Drive, though. Yes.

  83. jereme

      nick, dude, i am just in fucking awe you thought that hunk of mass marketed shit was incredible.

      here’s a misstep: casting tom cruise. the first 45 minutes all i could think was “kooky bitch scientologist”

      another misstep: how come nobody made a full suit of clothing to protect against the death rays in the beginning? living tissue == ashes but hot topic t-shirt falls to the ground fine? okay so i’m walking around in a bee suit.

      fuck your stupid death ray aliens! i got the protective power of cotton!

  84. jereme

      nick, dude, i am just in fucking awe you thought that hunk of mass marketed shit was incredible.

      here’s a misstep: casting tom cruise. the first 45 minutes all i could think was “kooky bitch scientologist”

      another misstep: how come nobody made a full suit of clothing to protect against the death rays in the beginning? living tissue == ashes but hot topic t-shirt falls to the ground fine? okay so i’m walking around in a bee suit.

      fuck your stupid death ray aliens! i got the protective power of cotton!

  85. jereme

      hah such a surprise coming from you.

  86. jereme

      hah such a surprise coming from you.

  87. jereme

      so disagree about PDL.

      PSH was great but the film itself was like squeezing a hot turd in your hand.

  88. jereme

      so disagree about PDL.

      PSH was great but the film itself was like squeezing a hot turd in your hand.

  89. jereme

      eh i would cut about 15 minutes from it. that’s all.

      character building takes time plus you need the gratuitous action scenes. you can’t have both and have a short film.

  90. Nathan Tyree

      I’m torn on the Departed because my wife’s cousin is in in (plays the young priest in the scene with Nicholson in the diner). I have to like it because of that. Otherwise, it’s great but. . . why the fuck is Nicholson chewing the goddamn scenery? He’s better than that.

  91. jereme

      eh i would cut about 15 minutes from it. that’s all.

      character building takes time plus you need the gratuitous action scenes. you can’t have both and have a short film.

  92. Nathan Tyree

      I’m torn on the Departed because my wife’s cousin is in in (plays the young priest in the scene with Nicholson in the diner). I have to like it because of that. Otherwise, it’s great but. . . why the fuck is Nicholson chewing the goddamn scenery? He’s better than that.

  93. Nathan Tyree

      DK is easily the best comic book movie ever. Certainly not top 10 of the decade, but easily top 100

  94. Nathan Tyree

      DK is easily the best comic book movie ever. Certainly not top 10 of the decade, but easily top 100

  95. jereme

      yeah i think we are on the same page adam especially in regards to disagreeing so much that i like the list.

      district 9 should not be on this list.

      any movie that compromises its story for the sake of setting up a sequel can eat my scab shavings.

  96. jereme

      yeah i think we are on the same page adam especially in regards to disagreeing so much that i like the list.

      district 9 should not be on this list.

      any movie that compromises its story for the sake of setting up a sequel can eat my scab shavings.

  97. jereme

      you mean a movie based on comic book characters right? because dark knight was never a comic book story line.

      it used elements of a few different story lines.

      i would say The Crow holds higher than DK as far as “best comic book inspired” movie

  98. jereme

      you mean a movie based on comic book characters right? because dark knight was never a comic book story line.

      it used elements of a few different story lines.

      i would say The Crow holds higher than DK as far as “best comic book inspired” movie

  99. Nathan Tyree

      yes, I mean based on a comic book character. The Crow takes the number 2 spot in my mind.

  100. Nathan Tyree

      yes, I mean based on a comic book character. The Crow takes the number 2 spot in my mind.

  101. Stu

      Mass marketed shit. That’s Spielberg all over.

  102. Stu

      Mass marketed shit. That’s Spielberg all over.

  103. Amy McDaniel

      Yeah Inland Empire did lots. I saw it and then went and shot guns at a driving range in a new york city basement shooting gallery. Everyone wanted the targets shaped like human bodies rather than bulls eyes. then i went bowling. I don’t think IE would have worked shorter. It couldn’t be shorter and still be called Inland Empire. I lived in the IE for 4 years and Lynch really gets it right. Now I want to see it again now.

  104. Amy McDaniel

      Yeah Inland Empire did lots. I saw it and then went and shot guns at a driving range in a new york city basement shooting gallery. Everyone wanted the targets shaped like human bodies rather than bulls eyes. then i went bowling. I don’t think IE would have worked shorter. It couldn’t be shorter and still be called Inland Empire. I lived in the IE for 4 years and Lynch really gets it right. Now I want to see it again now.

  105. Rob

      The Squid and The Whale
      The Savages
      Amelie
      Amores Perros
      City Of God
      The Devil and Daniel Johnston
      In The Realms of the Unreal
      The Royal Tenenbaums
      Oldboy
      Adaptation

      10 from the top of my head that could be on my top 10.

  106. Rob

      The Squid and The Whale
      The Savages
      Amelie
      Amores Perros
      City Of God
      The Devil and Daniel Johnston
      In The Realms of the Unreal
      The Royal Tenenbaums
      Oldboy
      Adaptation

      10 from the top of my head that could be on my top 10.

  107. Amy McDaniel

      Gosford Park and Capturing the Friedmans would be on my list to top.

      but mostly I’m just really glad nobody has said pan’s labyrinth, lost in translation, or eternal sunshine is in their top. all on my bottom 10.

  108. Amy McDaniel

      Gosford Park and Capturing the Friedmans would be on my list to top.

      but mostly I’m just really glad nobody has said pan’s labyrinth, lost in translation, or eternal sunshine is in their top. all on my bottom 10.

  109. Nick Antosca

      I don’t think District 9’s story was compromised for the sake of having a sequel. I don’t think a sequel is planned, in fact. (someone will correct me by posting a link to variety or something…i’m too lazy to look this up right now) But I liked how the ending was open. I liked how the refugees weren’t saved and the camps kept getting bigger… that felt “real.”

  110. Nick Antosca

      I don’t think District 9’s story was compromised for the sake of having a sequel. I don’t think a sequel is planned, in fact. (someone will correct me by posting a link to variety or something…i’m too lazy to look this up right now) But I liked how the ending was open. I liked how the refugees weren’t saved and the camps kept getting bigger… that felt “real.”

  111. Nick Antosca

      I like your point, but I think maybe the death rays went *through* the clothes to destroy the living tissue within? I mean, they weren’t just shooting people only in the head & hands with the death rays.

      And Tom Cruise was great in WotW. I’m not kidding at all. He was also great in Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut, Born on the Fourth of July, Vanilla Sky, A Few Good Men, and probably some others I’m forgetting.

      I don’t mind my movie stars batshit insane.

  112. Nick Antosca

      I like your point, but I think maybe the death rays went *through* the clothes to destroy the living tissue within? I mean, they weren’t just shooting people only in the head & hands with the death rays.

      And Tom Cruise was great in WotW. I’m not kidding at all. He was also great in Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut, Born on the Fourth of July, Vanilla Sky, A Few Good Men, and probably some others I’m forgetting.

      I don’t mind my movie stars batshit insane.

  113. Nick Antosca

      I did love Head-On. Did you know the female lead, who won the golden bear at Berlin for the role, is also a porn star?

  114. Nick Antosca

      I’m with you on that.

  115. Nick Antosca

      I did love Head-On. Did you know the female lead, who won the golden bear at Berlin for the role, is also a porn star?

  116. Nick Antosca

      I’m with you on that.

  117. Nick Antosca

      I’ve been to that shooting range. In like lower midtown? It was fun. But they chain the rifles to the desk and the bullets were very small and they made us take a lame little class first teaching us how to use the rifles. I later went to a shooting range in LA where they simply handed me a high-powered shotgun and a magnum with NO instructions on how to load or fire them. I had to figure it out by myself. And the guns weren’t chained to anything. Anyone there could have easily murdered everyone there. (Except they all had guns.)

  118. Nick Antosca

      I’ve been to that shooting range. In like lower midtown? It was fun. But they chain the rifles to the desk and the bullets were very small and they made us take a lame little class first teaching us how to use the rifles. I later went to a shooting range in LA where they simply handed me a high-powered shotgun and a magnum with NO instructions on how to load or fire them. I had to figure it out by myself. And the guns weren’t chained to anything. Anyone there could have easily murdered everyone there. (Except they all had guns.)

  119. Nick Antosca

      Yeah Pan’s Labyrinth is among the most overhyped I’d say. Incoherent, silly. And it could have been over twenty minutes earlier if one character had just had the fucking intelligence to kill the villain instead of merely… slashing him.

  120. Nick Antosca

      Yeah Pan’s Labyrinth is among the most overhyped I’d say. Incoherent, silly. And it could have been over twenty minutes earlier if one character had just had the fucking intelligence to kill the villain instead of merely… slashing him.

  121. alan rossi

      i happened to like the Jesse James film a lot, too, so, here: it’s a bit too long and gives too much time to some secondary characters, those are the main flaws i see in it. it reminds me a lot of early terrence malick, say Days of Heaven, which i think many people think is really slow and boring, but which i can’t stop watching. i liked the movie because it demanded a lot of the viewers patience and attention to quiet things. there’s a scene around a kitchen table that is very quiet and very tense and filled with all these strange and kind of ever-changing emotions. also, i felt like, for a western, it did something new, in that it really developed character (i value character a lot), and casey affleck’s effeminate, adoring, and often-misty-eyed portrayal of Robert Ford was very interesting, unique, breaking a bit from western archetype. it did something new without announcing it was doing something new. there were things in it that at first felt overwrought (like the voiceovers) to me, but then i felt the voiceovers were a kind of reverent narration in line with Ford’s character, which fit the trope or motif of his character reading books about james, and therefore there was actually a built in ‘point’ or ‘vehicle’ or some other better word i can’t think of for the narration – as though we were reading the film through someone’s eyes like Ford. a clever structuring device. the visuals were excellent, too.

      uh, as for District 9 – i have to disagree with nick. i was super-disappointed by it. some of the others i’m with: Mullhulland Drive, Children of Men. i’d add some quieter stuff: Old Joy, for instance. Junebug. Goodbye, Solo. just to shake things up on the giant. loud flicks here, but all good, too.

  122. alan rossi

      i happened to like the Jesse James film a lot, too, so, here: it’s a bit too long and gives too much time to some secondary characters, those are the main flaws i see in it. it reminds me a lot of early terrence malick, say Days of Heaven, which i think many people think is really slow and boring, but which i can’t stop watching. i liked the movie because it demanded a lot of the viewers patience and attention to quiet things. there’s a scene around a kitchen table that is very quiet and very tense and filled with all these strange and kind of ever-changing emotions. also, i felt like, for a western, it did something new, in that it really developed character (i value character a lot), and casey affleck’s effeminate, adoring, and often-misty-eyed portrayal of Robert Ford was very interesting, unique, breaking a bit from western archetype. it did something new without announcing it was doing something new. there were things in it that at first felt overwrought (like the voiceovers) to me, but then i felt the voiceovers were a kind of reverent narration in line with Ford’s character, which fit the trope or motif of his character reading books about james, and therefore there was actually a built in ‘point’ or ‘vehicle’ or some other better word i can’t think of for the narration – as though we were reading the film through someone’s eyes like Ford. a clever structuring device. the visuals were excellent, too.

      uh, as for District 9 – i have to disagree with nick. i was super-disappointed by it. some of the others i’m with: Mullhulland Drive, Children of Men. i’d add some quieter stuff: Old Joy, for instance. Junebug. Goodbye, Solo. just to shake things up on the giant. loud flicks here, but all good, too.

  123. Amy McDaniel

      yes! exactly! and therein lies the beauty of experiencing inland empire, which is so steeped in that kind of peculiar nakedness and optimism of california, on the same day as this weird, stunted ny shooting place, with these tidy suspicious new yorkers begging for the human-like targets to hit with the ammo of thin featherweight rifles

  124. Amy McDaniel

      yes! exactly! and therein lies the beauty of experiencing inland empire, which is so steeped in that kind of peculiar nakedness and optimism of california, on the same day as this weird, stunted ny shooting place, with these tidy suspicious new yorkers begging for the human-like targets to hit with the ammo of thin featherweight rifles

  125. Nick Antosca

      So, hm, how to explain or defend what affects us most? Assassination of Jesse James seems to me one of the most perfect harmonies of all the elements of moviemaking… it’s beautiful, it has a narratively and thematically rich story that is also (at least to me) extremely affecting… its takes on mortality, friendship, worship, and love are complex and fascinating and, i think, profound… every performance is terrific. Also, the music is my favorite film score in I can’t think how many years. I mean, I have an artifact of how I felt an hour or two after first seeing it, because I immediately canceled my plans for after the movie and just came straight home to sit and think about it, I was literally that shaken, and I had to write something (it reads pretty hyperbolic, but I still stand by it and feel basically the same way now): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-antosca/the-assassination-of-jess_b_65427.html.

      Honestly, although everyone comments on how long it is and how much attention is paid to all the characters, I can truly say I was never, ever bored for a second watching the movie, even the third time I saw it in the theater. There are so many moments that are burned in–

      -the ghostly train robbery
      -the beheading of the snakes
      -the surreal, comic dinner & seduction at the elderly uncle’s house
      -the moonlight horse ride ending in murder
      -suicidal jesse james shooting at fish under the ice
      -paul schneider’s every scene
      -the “assassination”
      -the sad, strange long shot where the final killer comes toward the bar at the end to kill Robert Ford with the haunting music over it

      –that I just never get bored. I’m sure I’ll watch it many, many more times.

  126. Nick Antosca

      So, hm, how to explain or defend what affects us most? Assassination of Jesse James seems to me one of the most perfect harmonies of all the elements of moviemaking… it’s beautiful, it has a narratively and thematically rich story that is also (at least to me) extremely affecting… its takes on mortality, friendship, worship, and love are complex and fascinating and, i think, profound… every performance is terrific. Also, the music is my favorite film score in I can’t think how many years. I mean, I have an artifact of how I felt an hour or two after first seeing it, because I immediately canceled my plans for after the movie and just came straight home to sit and think about it, I was literally that shaken, and I had to write something (it reads pretty hyperbolic, but I still stand by it and feel basically the same way now): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-antosca/the-assassination-of-jess_b_65427.html.

      Honestly, although everyone comments on how long it is and how much attention is paid to all the characters, I can truly say I was never, ever bored for a second watching the movie, even the third time I saw it in the theater. There are so many moments that are burned in–

      -the ghostly train robbery
      -the beheading of the snakes
      -the surreal, comic dinner & seduction at the elderly uncle’s house
      -the moonlight horse ride ending in murder
      -suicidal jesse james shooting at fish under the ice
      -paul schneider’s every scene
      -the “assassination”
      -the sad, strange long shot where the final killer comes toward the bar at the end to kill Robert Ford with the haunting music over it

      –that I just never get bored. I’m sure I’ll watch it many, many more times.

  127. jereme

      nick,

      that ending stunk of sequel. i’m sorry.

      there is an untitled neil blomkamp in the works. i am going to guess, and i could be wrong, but that is the sequel they are working on.

      also, the fact the preview had scenes in it that were not in the movie also led me to believe they cut scenes out just before release.

      this is just a hunch but i’m guessing we are going to see that footage in the sequel.

  128. jereme

      nick,

      that ending stunk of sequel. i’m sorry.

      there is an untitled neil blomkamp in the works. i am going to guess, and i could be wrong, but that is the sequel they are working on.

      also, the fact the preview had scenes in it that were not in the movie also led me to believe they cut scenes out just before release.

      this is just a hunch but i’m guessing we are going to see that footage in the sequel.

  129. Nick Antosca

      I read some of it but not all, and I liked what I read. It seemed to me that the movie and book were very different in some elemental way–the way James Jones’ The Thin Red Line is NOTHING like Malick’s adaptation. They’re not even about the same things, even though the plot and characters are the same.

  130. Nick Antosca

      I read some of it but not all, and I liked what I read. It seemed to me that the movie and book were very different in some elemental way–the way James Jones’ The Thin Red Line is NOTHING like Malick’s adaptation. They’re not even about the same things, even though the plot and characters are the same.

  131. jereme

      well i respect your opinion, you like what you like and i’m not trying to change that.

      personally, i think spielberg has made nothing but garbage movies for several years.

      i found cruise to be his normal mediocre self in WotW.

      the scene with tim robbins was over the top and awkward.

      what ruined the movie, if i could get past all the other shit, was the lack of consequences.

      the son didn’t die because my guess is that it wouldn’t go over well with the general populace and that would decrease profit margins.

      spielberg is about $$$ and nothing more these days it seems.

  132. jereme

      well i respect your opinion, you like what you like and i’m not trying to change that.

      personally, i think spielberg has made nothing but garbage movies for several years.

      i found cruise to be his normal mediocre self in WotW.

      the scene with tim robbins was over the top and awkward.

      what ruined the movie, if i could get past all the other shit, was the lack of consequences.

      the son didn’t die because my guess is that it wouldn’t go over well with the general populace and that would decrease profit margins.

      spielberg is about $$$ and nothing more these days it seems.

  133. alan rossi

      yeah, agree with you completely that every performance is terrific and about the harmonies of moviemaking, etc. i’ve also watched it several times since first seeing it. one scene i’d add, just to play: where jesse roughs up the young cousin (can’t remember whose cousin). i stand by the idea that there’s a couple tedious/unnecessary scenes, though i can’t think of any at the moment. felt more like a novel to me than any movie has in a long time.

  134. alan rossi

      yeah, agree with you completely that every performance is terrific and about the harmonies of moviemaking, etc. i’ve also watched it several times since first seeing it. one scene i’d add, just to play: where jesse roughs up the young cousin (can’t remember whose cousin). i stand by the idea that there’s a couple tedious/unnecessary scenes, though i can’t think of any at the moment. felt more like a novel to me than any movie has in a long time.

  135. jereme

      i disagree. the departed was the movie that made me like dicaprio as an actor.

      i saw flashes of his ability in the aviator but not enough to change my view on him.

      a list actors work with scorsese because it’s an honor. they seek him out.

      plus marty likes to use the same people which is good i think. he’s already got a rapport with them and obviously believes in their ability to act.

      and the departed was much better than infernal affairs. remaking a movie that is better than the original is almost impossible.

      marty got the swerve yo.

  136. jereme

      i disagree. the departed was the movie that made me like dicaprio as an actor.

      i saw flashes of his ability in the aviator but not enough to change my view on him.

      a list actors work with scorsese because it’s an honor. they seek him out.

      plus marty likes to use the same people which is good i think. he’s already got a rapport with them and obviously believes in their ability to act.

      and the departed was much better than infernal affairs. remaking a movie that is better than the original is almost impossible.

      marty got the swerve yo.

  137. Matthew Simmons

      Synedoche, New York indeed. Loved that one.

      In the Mood for Love?

  138. Matthew Simmons

      Synedoche, New York indeed. Loved that one.

      In the Mood for Love?

  139. jereme

      i don’t have time to really think this through and i don’t know how some one could say “best of” if they haven’t watched ALL movies from 2000-2009 but here’s a few i loved :

      sexy beast (.uk)

      battle royal (.jp)

      nowhere to hide (.kr)

      the wackness (.us)

      9 souls (.jp)

      kill bill vol 1 (.us)

      hard candy (.us)

      memento (.us)

  140. jereme

      i don’t have time to really think this through and i don’t know how some one could say “best of” if they haven’t watched ALL movies from 2000-2009 but here’s a few i loved :

      sexy beast (.uk)

      battle royal (.jp)

      nowhere to hide (.kr)

      the wackness (.us)

      9 souls (.jp)

      kill bill vol 1 (.us)

      hard candy (.us)

      memento (.us)

  141. Matthew Simmons

      A couple more for the discussion:

      Fog of War
      Wall-E
      Let the Right One In
      This Is England

      I liked Children of Men. District 9 lost me about halfway through and never got me back.

  142. Matthew Simmons

      A couple more for the discussion:

      Fog of War
      Wall-E
      Let the Right One In
      This Is England

      I liked Children of Men. District 9 lost me about halfway through and never got me back.

  143. jereme

      forgot a couple that just popped:

      coffee and cigarettes (.us)

      ghost dog (.us)

  144. jereme

      forgot a couple that just popped:

      coffee and cigarettes (.us)

      ghost dog (.us)

  145. jereme

      fog of war is a good one.

  146. jereme

      fog of war is a good one.

  147. Kati

      I think it’s a matter of aesthetic here and what you want from a film. Some people are fine with movies being pieces of art and nothing else. Some people want stories. Pan’s Labyrinth and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind would 100% be in my top 10 of the decade–incoherent and silly are the last words I would use for the latter, sorry, Nick–as well as at least one Pixar film and Spirited Away. A sense of magic and story is probably what I respond to the most. That said, City of God is practically perfect.

  148. Kati

      I think it’s a matter of aesthetic here and what you want from a film. Some people are fine with movies being pieces of art and nothing else. Some people want stories. Pan’s Labyrinth and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind would 100% be in my top 10 of the decade–incoherent and silly are the last words I would use for the latter, sorry, Nick–as well as at least one Pixar film and Spirited Away. A sense of magic and story is probably what I respond to the most. That said, City of God is practically perfect.

  149. Sampson Starkweather

      http://sixthfinch.com/boehl1.html

      “I have a man date to go and see The Wrestler. I told my coworker that, and she told me not to cry at all the father daughter touching scenes. Then she said that she said that wrong. I don’t think she knows what it is inside of all of us that makes us want to see The Wrestler.”

  150. Sampson Starkweather

      http://sixthfinch.com/boehl1.html

      “I have a man date to go and see The Wrestler. I told my coworker that, and she told me not to cry at all the father daughter touching scenes. Then she said that she said that wrong. I don’t think she knows what it is inside of all of us that makes us want to see The Wrestler.”

  151. Jesse Hudson

      Totally agree with Blake on Inland Empire. I wouldn’t have minded if it was even longer.

  152. Jesse Hudson

      Totally agree with Blake on Inland Empire. I wouldn’t have minded if it was even longer.

  153. Jesse Hudson

      Eyes Wide Shut!! Perfect movie. Still my absolute favorite. ’99 certainly counts.

  154. Jesse Hudson

      Eyes Wide Shut!! Perfect movie. Still my absolute favorite. ’99 certainly counts.

  155. Jesse Hudson

      Irreversible and Mulholland Drive are definitely in the top 10. I think that my top three would have to be:
      1. Eyes Wide Shut (if you, like Ken says, count ’99)
      2. Inland Empire
      3. Irreversible
      Hell, those are probably my three favorite films ever.

  156. Tony Perez

      I’ll play:

      1. Mulholland Drive
      2. In The Mood For Love
      3. Cache
      4. Talk to Her
      5. The Lives of Others
      6. No Country for Old Men
      7. The Squid and the Whale
      8. Synecdoche, New York
      9. Man on Wire
      10. 2046
      11. Ghost Dog
      12. The Piano Teacher
      13. The Royal Tenenbaums
      14. Code Unknown
      15. Inland Empire
      16. City of God
      17. The Fog of War
      18. Punch Drunk Love
      19. There Will Be Blood
      20. Let The Right One In

  157. Jesse Hudson

      Irreversible and Mulholland Drive are definitely in the top 10. I think that my top three would have to be:
      1. Eyes Wide Shut (if you, like Ken says, count ’99)
      2. Inland Empire
      3. Irreversible
      Hell, those are probably my three favorite films ever.

  158. Tony Perez

      I’ll play:

      1. Mulholland Drive
      2. In The Mood For Love
      3. Cache
      4. Talk to Her
      5. The Lives of Others
      6. No Country for Old Men
      7. The Squid and the Whale
      8. Synecdoche, New York
      9. Man on Wire
      10. 2046
      11. Ghost Dog
      12. The Piano Teacher
      13. The Royal Tenenbaums
      14. Code Unknown
      15. Inland Empire
      16. City of God
      17. The Fog of War
      18. Punch Drunk Love
      19. There Will Be Blood
      20. Let The Right One In

  159. Amber

      I loved Gosford Park, but I loved Pan’s Labyrinth, too. I thought it was amazing and beautiful and sad.

      I think the one thing I’ve learned from all these best of lists is that taste is crazy and personal and makes it impossible to really make these lists at all. :) but it’s fun to try.

  160. Amber

      I loved Gosford Park, but I loved Pan’s Labyrinth, too. I thought it was amazing and beautiful and sad.

      I think the one thing I’ve learned from all these best of lists is that taste is crazy and personal and makes it impossible to really make these lists at all. :) but it’s fun to try.

  161. Amber

      Oh, yeah, Spirited Away, for sure. Good call.

  162. CB

      Bodysong
      Il Divo
      The Intruder
      Hidden
      Birth
      An Injury to One
      Reflections of Evil
      Zodiac
      The Bridge
      Eureka
      Tokyo Sonata
      Los Angeles Plays Itself
      A Serious Man
      Songs from the Second Floor
      Innocence
      I Am A Sex Addict
      Team Picture
      The American Astronaut
      Dance Party, U.S.A.
      Moon
      Palimdromes

  163. Amber

      Oh, yeah, Spirited Away, for sure. Good call.

  164. CB

      Bodysong
      Il Divo
      The Intruder
      Hidden
      Birth
      An Injury to One
      Reflections of Evil
      Zodiac
      The Bridge
      Eureka
      Tokyo Sonata
      Los Angeles Plays Itself
      A Serious Man
      Songs from the Second Floor
      Innocence
      I Am A Sex Addict
      Team Picture
      The American Astronaut
      Dance Party, U.S.A.
      Moon
      Palimdromes

  165. Stu

      “Amores Perros” is one of those films that finishes as powerful as it starts. It’s a really good character study and Emilio Echevarría’s performance is one of my favorites ever. Cage was really good in “Adaptation”. Sometimes I forget how good he can really be.

      When I saw “The Squid and the Whale” all I could think was that Baumbach’s best stuff was behind him. I just couldn’t get into it. Part of it is that I really don’t like movies that focus on children. I might watch it again to see if there’s anything I like, but I doubt I’ll come up with much.

  166. Stu

      “Amores Perros” is one of those films that finishes as powerful as it starts. It’s a really good character study and Emilio Echevarría’s performance is one of my favorites ever. Cage was really good in “Adaptation”. Sometimes I forget how good he can really be.

      When I saw “The Squid and the Whale” all I could think was that Baumbach’s best stuff was behind him. I just couldn’t get into it. Part of it is that I really don’t like movies that focus on children. I might watch it again to see if there’s anything I like, but I doubt I’ll come up with much.

  167. Stu

      Also, going back to “Amores Perros” … it was one of Bernal’s first films (another excellent performance)… have you seen “Sin Noticias de Dios”? That movie is fucking awesome.

  168. Stu

      Also, going back to “Amores Perros” … it was one of Bernal’s first films (another excellent performance)… have you seen “Sin Noticias de Dios”? That movie is fucking awesome.

  169. Charles Dodd White

      Agreed. Hansen is a much bigger deal than he gets credit for. I want to read ATTICUS. Has anyone read that?

  170. Charles Dodd White

      Agreed. Hansen is a much bigger deal than he gets credit for. I want to read ATTICUS. Has anyone read that?

  171. Charles Dodd White

      Yes, DAYS OF HEAVEN. Great Film. The scene where Gere stabs Sam Shepherd and then asks him if he should take the knife out KILLS me.

  172. Charles Dodd White

      Yes, DAYS OF HEAVEN. Great Film. The scene where Gere stabs Sam Shepherd and then asks him if he should take the knife out KILLS me.

  173. Stu

      “Eternal Sunshine…” is a little silly, you gotta admit. All of Gondry’s films are. It’s charming in a way, but it’s also a failing. When I watched the film set “Tokyo!” I felt that Gondry’s submission was the weakest (Bong Joon-ho’s tale about the hikikomori was fucking amazing) because it was a bad story that got worse when it went to Kafkaesque imagery almost on a dime. It was kind of a “what the fuck?” moment.

      I felt that way with “Eternal Sunshine”. I didn’t like the story. I didn’t like the characters, and I felt like Gondry was trying to cover it up with cutesy cinematography. Kind of like what Wes Anderson does now.

  174. Stu

      “Eternal Sunshine…” is a little silly, you gotta admit. All of Gondry’s films are. It’s charming in a way, but it’s also a failing. When I watched the film set “Tokyo!” I felt that Gondry’s submission was the weakest (Bong Joon-ho’s tale about the hikikomori was fucking amazing) because it was a bad story that got worse when it went to Kafkaesque imagery almost on a dime. It was kind of a “what the fuck?” moment.

      I felt that way with “Eternal Sunshine”. I didn’t like the story. I didn’t like the characters, and I felt like Gondry was trying to cover it up with cutesy cinematography. Kind of like what Wes Anderson does now.

  175. alan rossi

      oh man, yeah, Hard Candy. and jarmusch, yes. how good was ghost dog? i mean, i know you like if you’re listing it, and i love his stuff, and yet, everyone seems to hate ghost dog. why?

  176. alan rossi

      oh man, yeah, Hard Candy. and jarmusch, yes. how good was ghost dog? i mean, i know you like if you’re listing it, and i love his stuff, and yet, everyone seems to hate ghost dog. why?

  177. alan rossi

      oh oh oh: Man on Wire. so lovely and amazing. i do remember thinking, after he’d down that walk, how he could just never ever do anything that cool ever again. like knowing you’d just written you’re best book ever.

  178. alan rossi

      oh oh oh: Man on Wire. so lovely and amazing. i do remember thinking, after he’d down that walk, how he could just never ever do anything that cool ever again. like knowing you’d just written you’re best book ever.

  179. Brandon

      I was disappointed with “Children of Men,” too. I own the DVD, but I just can’t bring myself to watch the entire movie again.

  180. Brandon

      I was disappointed with “Children of Men,” too. I own the DVD, but I just can’t bring myself to watch the entire movie again.

  181. Nick Antosca

      battle royale, yes! i forgot about that. not quite top ten for me, but close.

  182. Nick Antosca

      battle royale, yes! i forgot about that. not quite top ten for me, but close.

  183. Nick Antosca

      I dig the movies you list very much, but it’s worth noting the “let’s count 1999” thing opens a lot of doors. Doors labeled

      Fight Club
      Magnolia
      Three Kings
      The Limey
      The Matrix
      Being John Malkovich
      The Insider

      Not saying all those would be on my list, they certainly wouldn’t, but 1999 was a big year.

  184. Nick Antosca

      I dig the movies you list very much, but it’s worth noting the “let’s count 1999” thing opens a lot of doors. Doors labeled

      Fight Club
      Magnolia
      Three Kings
      The Limey
      The Matrix
      Being John Malkovich
      The Insider

      Not saying all those would be on my list, they certainly wouldn’t, but 1999 was a big year.

  185. I. Fontana

      Dog Days (Hundstage)
      Import/Export
      L’Enfant
      Unknown Pleasures
      Antares
      Sympathy for Mr Vengeance
      Lust, Caution
      Lie to Me (sans audio)
      Last Life in the Universe
      The Son

  186. I. Fontana

      Dog Days (Hundstage)
      Import/Export
      L’Enfant
      Unknown Pleasures
      Antares
      Sympathy for Mr Vengeance
      Lust, Caution
      Lie to Me (sans audio)
      Last Life in the Universe
      The Son

  187. Matt K

      I know this is being picky, and not to be all technical, but how does 1999 count? The beginning of 2000 to the end of 2009 is ten years, so 1999 technically out of scope of last decade. But those are some great films.

  188. Nick Antosca

      “sans audio” I love it.

      Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance *almost* made my list. A squeaker. There are too many movies on your list that I haven’t seen… maybe they’d be on my list if I had.

      That’s the *real* problem with these lists, the problem we just have to assume and expect… you just can’t see every movie or read every book ever.

  189. Nick Antosca

      “sans audio” I love it.

      Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance *almost* made my list. A squeaker. There are too many movies on your list that I haven’t seen… maybe they’d be on my list if I had.

      That’s the *real* problem with these lists, the problem we just have to assume and expect… you just can’t see every movie or read every book ever.

  190. Brandon

      I love “The Departed,” even with the presence of Damon and DiCaprio.

      And why is there no mention of “Downfall”? That’s my pick for the best film of the decade.

      I wouldn’t say “The Dark Knight” was appalling, but it was pretty silly and senseless. When I think of this movie, I don’t think of Ledger’s freak Joker; I think of Bale’s unintentionally funny, growly Batman voice. That voice annoyed the hell out of me.

  191. Brandon

      I love “The Departed,” even with the presence of Damon and DiCaprio.

      And why is there no mention of “Downfall”? That’s my pick for the best film of the decade.

      I wouldn’t say “The Dark Knight” was appalling, but it was pretty silly and senseless. When I think of this movie, I don’t think of Ledger’s freak Joker; I think of Bale’s unintentionally funny, growly Batman voice. That voice annoyed the hell out of me.

  192. Amy McDaniel

      That’s true, Amber. I could tell you all the reasons Pan’s Labyrinth didn’t work for me, but even if you understood my points it wouldn’t matter as long as you found beauty in it. Often a reviewer will level totally valid criticisms against a movie I love, and I’ll even agree that the movie was at fault in all the ways enumerated, but it doesn’t change anything for me. I guess that’s true of books, too, but somehow taste in movies seems even more quixotic, for lack of a better word. It’s much harder for me to pinpoint a “kind” of movie I like than a kind of book or music.

  193. Amy McDaniel

      That’s true, Amber. I could tell you all the reasons Pan’s Labyrinth didn’t work for me, but even if you understood my points it wouldn’t matter as long as you found beauty in it. Often a reviewer will level totally valid criticisms against a movie I love, and I’ll even agree that the movie was at fault in all the ways enumerated, but it doesn’t change anything for me. I guess that’s true of books, too, but somehow taste in movies seems even more quixotic, for lack of a better word. It’s much harder for me to pinpoint a “kind” of movie I like than a kind of book or music.

  194. Brian Foley

      Grizzly Man

  195. Brian Foley

      Grizzly Man

  196. reynard

      since january of 2000 the criterion collection has released over 436 films, most of which were rarely seen after their initial release in their countries of origin.

      that’s all i have to say.

  197. reynard

      since january of 2000 the criterion collection has released over 436 films, most of which were rarely seen after their initial release in their countries of origin.

      that’s all i have to say.

  198. Roxane

      Irreversible was an outstanding movie. The sheer brutality of the movie was so well-executed and Monica Belluci was flawless, as she always is. Anytime I have to cover my eyes and ask someone to tell me when the unspeakable thing is over and yet I’m peeking through my fingers, a director has done his job well. I also thought the ending was so hopeful which was such a contrast to the beginning which really was the ending. Total mindfuck.

      On Denby’s list, I really loved The Lives of Others and Mystic River (that scene with Laura Linney and Sean Penn at the end where she says, “You are a king,” is perfect). Another movie I’d add to my own list is a Dutch film, Black Book.

  199. Roxane

      Irreversible was an outstanding movie. The sheer brutality of the movie was so well-executed and Monica Belluci was flawless, as she always is. Anytime I have to cover my eyes and ask someone to tell me when the unspeakable thing is over and yet I’m peeking through my fingers, a director has done his job well. I also thought the ending was so hopeful which was such a contrast to the beginning which really was the ending. Total mindfuck.

      On Denby’s list, I really loved The Lives of Others and Mystic River (that scene with Laura Linney and Sean Penn at the end where she says, “You are a king,” is perfect). Another movie I’d add to my own list is a Dutch film, Black Book.

  200. Roxane

      I loved Gosford Park, too. I saw it on cable the other day and was just so charmed by the upstairs/downstairs, the constrained dialogue filled with subtext, British manners. Awesome.

  201. Roxane

      I loved Gosford Park, too. I saw it on cable the other day and was just so charmed by the upstairs/downstairs, the constrained dialogue filled with subtext, British manners. Awesome.

  202. Nick Antosca

      You mean a Dutch film… by the director of Showgirls! I liked it too.

      I love The Lives of Others. But, weirdly, the freeze frame at the end has always struck me as so tonally off, so cute and weird compared to the maturity and intelligence of the rest of the movie, that I don’t remember it with the fondness it really deserves.

  203. Nick Antosca

      You mean a Dutch film… by the director of Showgirls! I liked it too.

      I love The Lives of Others. But, weirdly, the freeze frame at the end has always struck me as so tonally off, so cute and weird compared to the maturity and intelligence of the rest of the movie, that I don’t remember it with the fondness it really deserves.

  204. Kati

      At long last, I do say we have done ourselves a disservice by not putting Zoolander on here.

  205. Kati

      At long last, I do say we have done ourselves a disservice by not putting Zoolander on here.

  206. reynard

      okay, i can’t help it

      The Royal Tenenbaums
      LOL
      Tears of the Black Tiger
      Storytelling
      There Will Be Blood
      Bamboozled
      Mutual Appreciation
      3-Iron
      The Five Obstructions
      Nobody Knows

      making this list made me depressed

  207. reynard

      okay, i can’t help it

      The Royal Tenenbaums
      LOL
      Tears of the Black Tiger
      Storytelling
      There Will Be Blood
      Bamboozled
      Mutual Appreciation
      3-Iron
      The Five Obstructions
      Nobody Knows

      making this list made me depressed

  208. Ron Drummond

      I was pleased and surprised to see Talk to Her on Denby’s list — it’s definitely my number one film of the decade. Have you seen it?

      I am intrigued by your advocacy of the Jesse James film. I liked it, but not THAT much — still, your comment makes me want to watch it again.

      I liked Children of Men well enough, but virtually everything in the film is designed to provide the context for, and is secondary to, the scene of the baby’s birth and how everyone reacts to it — that scene is utterly priceless, and justifies pretty much everything else in the film. Still, it makes for something more than a little lopsided.

      Code 46 is a better movie — the best SF film of the decade, hands down.

      Kill Bill (both parts taken together) deserves a spot in the top ten.

      My Top Nine:

      Talk to Her
      Revenger’s Tragedy
      A Very Long Engagement
      Kill Bill
      Amelie
      Code 46
      Across the Universe
      Let the Right One In
      Volver

  209. Ron Drummond

      I was pleased and surprised to see Talk to Her on Denby’s list — it’s definitely my number one film of the decade. Have you seen it?

      I am intrigued by your advocacy of the Jesse James film. I liked it, but not THAT much — still, your comment makes me want to watch it again.

      I liked Children of Men well enough, but virtually everything in the film is designed to provide the context for, and is secondary to, the scene of the baby’s birth and how everyone reacts to it — that scene is utterly priceless, and justifies pretty much everything else in the film. Still, it makes for something more than a little lopsided.

      Code 46 is a better movie — the best SF film of the decade, hands down.

      Kill Bill (both parts taken together) deserves a spot in the top ten.

      My Top Nine:

      Talk to Her
      Revenger’s Tragedy
      A Very Long Engagement
      Kill Bill
      Amelie
      Code 46
      Across the Universe
      Let the Right One In
      Volver

  210. bruiser brody

      -the sad, strange long shot where the final killer comes toward the bar at the end to kill Robert Ford with the haunting music over it

      YES

      am going to watch this movie over the weekend, if not tonight

  211. bruiser brody

      -the sad, strange long shot where the final killer comes toward the bar at the end to kill Robert Ford with the haunting music over it

      YES

      am going to watch this movie over the weekend, if not tonight

  212. bruiser brody

      i love sean penn “shooting” kevin bacon at the parade

  213. bruiser brody

      i love sean penn “shooting” kevin bacon at the parade

  214. bruiser brody

      yeah i thought nicholson was chewing the scenery to the point of choking on it

  215. bruiser brody

      yeah i thought nicholson was chewing the scenery to the point of choking on it

  216. bruiser brody

      yes, the squid and the whale. fuck, why didn’t i list that yesterday. i love it. and i’ve watched tenenbaums and rushmore so many times i can’t really estimate. i also loved the savages, especially P S Hoffman’s performance (his crying scene was amazing…almost as good as when he cried/yelled at his dead father in before the devil knows you’re dead).

  217. bruiser brody

      yes, the squid and the whale. fuck, why didn’t i list that yesterday. i love it. and i’ve watched tenenbaums and rushmore so many times i can’t really estimate. i also loved the savages, especially P S Hoffman’s performance (his crying scene was amazing…almost as good as when he cried/yelled at his dead father in before the devil knows you’re dead).

  218. bruiser brody

      i couldn’t watch it. i got through about 20 minutes and was like, are you kidding? what am i watching?

  219. bruiser brody

      i couldn’t watch it. i got through about 20 minutes and was like, are you kidding? what am i watching?

  220. bruiser brody

      yes, batman’s voice was much worse in DK than in BB. i thought it was preposterously silly…like Bale had to be trying for laughs at himself.

  221. bruiser brody

      yes, batman’s voice was much worse in DK than in BB. i thought it was preposterously silly…like Bale had to be trying for laughs at himself.

  222. Gene Morgan

      My top one:

      Into Great Silence

  223. Gene Morgan

      My top one:

      Into Great Silence

  224. Greg Gerke

      Did that happen in that film? Jesus. All I remember is the golden beginnings.

  225. Greg Gerke

      Did that happen in that film? Jesus. All I remember is the golden beginnings.

  226. Jeff

      A few of mine that I don’t think have been menitoned yet (or not much):

      The New World
      Esther Kahn
      Beau Travail
      Century of the Self
      Los Angeles Plays Itself
      Yi Yi
      Morvern Callar

  227. Jeff

      A few of mine that I don’t think have been menitoned yet (or not much):

      The New World
      Esther Kahn
      Beau Travail
      Century of the Self
      Los Angeles Plays Itself
      Yi Yi
      Morvern Callar

  228. Amy McDaniel

      Ohh yeah good call on Morvern Callar was excellent. I think about that movie/character a lot.

  229. Amy McDaniel

      Ohh yeah good call on Morvern Callar was excellent. I think about that movie/character a lot.

  230. bruiser brody

      the ending was a bit over the top ha ha

      yeah, that was brutal, wonderful

  231. bruiser brody

      the ending was a bit over the top ha ha

      yeah, that was brutal, wonderful

  232. Nick Antosca

      I haven’t seen Code 46… never really heard that much about it, in fact. Certainly not the claim that it’s the best sci-fi film of the decade. I guess I better see it, and quick.

  233. Nick Antosca

      I haven’t seen Code 46… never really heard that much about it, in fact. Certainly not the claim that it’s the best sci-fi film of the decade. I guess I better see it, and quick.

  234. Roxane

      I totally forgot that Verhoeven directed Black Book but it makes sense. I loved Showgirls. Best movie of the century, that. Yes, really.

  235. Roxane

      I totally forgot that Verhoeven directed Black Book but it makes sense. I loved Showgirls. Best movie of the century, that. Yes, really.

  236. reynard

      he’s the man

  237. reynard

      he’s the man

  238. Sabra Embury

      Park’s entire Vengeance Trilogy is amazing. Especially Lady Vengeance. Old Boy should be watched first. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance last.

      I didn’t like District 9 as much as I thought I was going to with all the hype. I really didn’t like the Wrestler. It had too many heart/violence/trailer park gimmicks.

      Good movies:

      La Vie en Rose
      the Brothers Bloom
      Vicky Christina Barcelona
      the Pianist
      Gone Baby Gone — seriously, total surprise!
      the Children of Heaven

      p.s. I think Leonardo and M.Damon look like Mr Potato people. I can’t watch movies with them in them. And M.Wahlberg. Departed? Haaa…no.

  239. Sabra Embury

      Park’s entire Vengeance Trilogy is amazing. Especially Lady Vengeance. Old Boy should be watched first. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance last.

      I didn’t like District 9 as much as I thought I was going to with all the hype. I really didn’t like the Wrestler. It had too many heart/violence/trailer park gimmicks.

      Good movies:

      La Vie en Rose
      the Brothers Bloom
      Vicky Christina Barcelona
      the Pianist
      Gone Baby Gone — seriously, total surprise!
      the Children of Heaven

      p.s. I think Leonardo and M.Damon look like Mr Potato people. I can’t watch movies with them in them. And M.Wahlberg. Departed? Haaa…no.

  240. Nathan Tyree

      sexy beast. Fuck yes! I had almost forgotten how great that film is. Memento is a hell of a movie too. Coffee and Cigarettes (esp the Waits Pop scene) and Ghost Dog are two faves as well

  241. Nathan Tyree

      sexy beast. Fuck yes! I had almost forgotten how great that film is. Memento is a hell of a movie too. Coffee and Cigarettes (esp the Waits Pop scene) and Ghost Dog are two faves as well

  242. Nathan Tyree

      Gone baby Gone surprised the hell out of me too. I expected it to suck, then found myself totally sucked in. Overall a pretty good flick with some balls, but not top ten material in my mind

  243. Nathan Tyree

      Gone baby Gone surprised the hell out of me too. I expected it to suck, then found myself totally sucked in. Overall a pretty good flick with some balls, but not top ten material in my mind

  244. Sabra Embury

      Let’s fight! Grrr…

  245. Sabra Embury

      Let’s fight! Grrr…

  246. Tom

      Sure…why not:

      1. Cache – I think this should (meaning I don’t think it will) go down as one of the most important, best movies ever made.
      2. Inland Empire
      3. Mulholland Drive
      4. Oldboy
      5. Irreversible
      6. Dogville
      7. The Piano Teacher
      8. Inglorious Basterds
      9. The Royal Tanenbaums
      10. Palindromes

  247. Tom

      Sure…why not:

      1. Cache – I think this should (meaning I don’t think it will) go down as one of the most important, best movies ever made.
      2. Inland Empire
      3. Mulholland Drive
      4. Oldboy
      5. Irreversible
      6. Dogville
      7. The Piano Teacher
      8. Inglorious Basterds
      9. The Royal Tanenbaums
      10. Palindromes

  248. Tom

      Honorable mention to Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2, the other Wes Anderson movies, Talk to Her, and Code Unknown.

  249. Tom

      Honorable mention to Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2, the other Wes Anderson movies, Talk to Her, and Code Unknown.

  250. Rob

      I’m not sure what people see in Cache. I’m all about “experimental” and “difficult” films, but all I can really remember from watching Cache was being frustrated at the long pointless shots of the house. About ten minutes of a videocam shot of a house. Lost Highway handled that scenario in a more interesting way.

  251. Rob

      I’m not sure what people see in Cache. I’m all about “experimental” and “difficult” films, but all I can really remember from watching Cache was being frustrated at the long pointless shots of the house. About ten minutes of a videocam shot of a house. Lost Highway handled that scenario in a more interesting way.

  252. Rob

      Yeah, Morvern Callar was really good. Great soundtrack. If we are counting back ten years from now, then Ratcatcher would be another one for the list.

  253. Rob

      Yeah, Morvern Callar was really good. Great soundtrack. If we are counting back ten years from now, then Ratcatcher would be another one for the list.

  254. bruiser brody

      I’m with Nate on GbG. Almost to the T. It surprised me.

      Sabra, you’re tough, but no way you’re taking us both out. I once sparred three rounds with Tyson. He knocked me into bolivian but still.

  255. bruiser brody

      I’m with Nate on GbG. Almost to the T. It surprised me.

      Sabra, you’re tough, but no way you’re taking us both out. I once sparred three rounds with Tyson. He knocked me into bolivian but still.

  256. bruiser brody

      “it” being GbG, not my agreeing with Nate.

  257. bruiser brody

      “it” being GbG, not my agreeing with Nate.

  258. Rob

      I found Squid to be brilliant. Everything was played out with such a straight face, but yet it was such a funny film. A brilliant literary script that was like a mishmash of Salinger and Pinter. I haven’t seen that other Bernal film… I think it passed under the radar for me. One day.

  259. Rob

      I found Squid to be brilliant. Everything was played out with such a straight face, but yet it was such a funny film. A brilliant literary script that was like a mishmash of Salinger and Pinter. I haven’t seen that other Bernal film… I think it passed under the radar for me. One day.

  260. bruiser brody

      storytelling was great

      Mikey: “Consuelo, what is rape exactly?”

      Consuelo: “It is when you love someone and they don’t love you and you do something about it.”

      That scene was so creepy, partly b/c Consuelo was played by the nice woman from Chuck and Buck.

      I wouldn’t put Storytelling or Chuck and Buck in my top 10, but I enjoyed both quite a bit.

  261. bruiser brody

      storytelling was great

      Mikey: “Consuelo, what is rape exactly?”

      Consuelo: “It is when you love someone and they don’t love you and you do something about it.”

      That scene was so creepy, partly b/c Consuelo was played by the nice woman from Chuck and Buck.

      I wouldn’t put Storytelling or Chuck and Buck in my top 10, but I enjoyed both quite a bit.

  262. Sabra Embury

      Speaking of Almodovar, All About My Mother! I forgot. So good. The Royal Tenenbaums too. Amelie was good. I liked Frida.

  263. Sabra Embury

      Speaking of Almodovar, All About My Mother! I forgot. So good. The Royal Tenenbaums too. Amelie was good. I liked Frida.

  264. bruiser brody

      a few lines from children of men that i loved:

      (1) You see, Theo’s faith lost out to chance. So, why bother if life’s going to make its own choices?

      (2)

      Patric: This never fucking happened, so don’t go telling tales ’cause we’ll be watching you. At work, when you sleep, when you have a piss, we’ll be watching. All the *fucking* time.

      Theo: Jeez, your breath stinks.

      Patric: No, it doesn’t.

      Theo: Yes, it does.

      (3)

      Theo: A hundred years from now there won’t be one sad fuck to look at any of this. What keeps you going?

      Nigel: You know what it is, Theo? I just don’t think about it.

  265. bruiser brody

      a few lines from children of men that i loved:

      (1) You see, Theo’s faith lost out to chance. So, why bother if life’s going to make its own choices?

      (2)

      Patric: This never fucking happened, so don’t go telling tales ’cause we’ll be watching you. At work, when you sleep, when you have a piss, we’ll be watching. All the *fucking* time.

      Theo: Jeez, your breath stinks.

      Patric: No, it doesn’t.

      Theo: Yes, it does.

      (3)

      Theo: A hundred years from now there won’t be one sad fuck to look at any of this. What keeps you going?

      Nigel: You know what it is, Theo? I just don’t think about it.

  266. bruiser brody

      Tenenbaums has about 100 killer lines, particularly “so, she smokes.”

      i love that movie, especially gene hackman’s role. kills.

  267. bruiser brody

      Tenenbaums has about 100 killer lines, particularly “so, she smokes.” \

      i love that movie, especially gene hackman’s role. kills.

  268. Sabra Embury

      Watch it on Scotch, bruiser. Scotch makes everything better.

      I once sparred six rounds with Tyson. He said: Thanks for the humility. I been meaning to check it out. “It” being my South Paw deluxe.

      I might’ve just lied a lot.

  269. Sabra Embury

      Watch it on Scotch, bruiser. Scotch makes everything better.

      I once sparred six rounds with Tyson. He said: Thanks for the humility. I been meaning to check it out. “It” being my South Paw deluxe.

      I might’ve just lied a lot.

  270. Jeff

      If you like Morvern’s character, Esther Kahn is something of a sister to her. Equally fascinating and initially forbidding.

  271. Jeff

      If you like Morvern’s character, Esther Kahn is something of a sister to her. Equally fascinating and initially forbidding.

  272. james

      yeah the wrestler’s great

  273. james

      yeah the wrestler’s great

  274. james

      punchdrunk was awesome.

  275. james

      punchdrunk was awesome.

  276. Amy McDaniel

      sweet, thanks! added to my netflix queue

  277. Amy McDaniel

      sweet, thanks! added to my netflix queue

  278. barry

      the departed… eh. anybody seen dicaprio in BODY OF LIES. that movie was pretty fucking great.

  279. barry

      the departed… eh. anybody seen dicaprio in BODY OF LIES. that movie was pretty fucking great.

  280. bruiser brody

      ha! damn, six rounds isn’t too bad.

      will try scotch tonight with it. Starz has it on demand.

  281. bruiser brody

      ha! damn, six rounds isn’t too bad.

      will try scotch tonight with it. Starz has it on demand.

  282. Mr. Green

      In no order, though some of these are certainly better than others:

      In The Mood For Love
      2046
      Climates
      Distant
      Japón
      Battle In Heaven
      Amores Perros
      City Of God
      The New World
      Grizzly Man
      Songs From The Second Floor
      Inland Empire
      Mulholland Drive
      Caché
      No Country For Old Men
      The Limits Of Control
      The Bridge

      A few notes:

      Haven’t seen Let The Right One In, White Ribbon, Il Divo, A Serious Man, and I’m sure a bunch of others.

      Charlie Kaufman is the antitheis of a good filmmaker. I can’t think of anyone who cares less about his characters than he.

      Glad to see love for Inland Empire on here. The Bridge, too.

      Vicky Christina Barcelona is the worst film Woody Allen has ever made, and that’s saying something.

      Too much great foreign stuff is getting overlooked, here. Wong Kar Wai and Michael Hanake are obviously favorites, but Carlos Regadas and the Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan deserve major, major accolades for their work. Japón, Distant, and Climates are just pretty much perfect films, in my opinion.

  283. Mr. Green

      In no order, though some of these are certainly better than others:

      In The Mood For Love
      2046
      Climates
      Distant
      Japón
      Battle In Heaven
      Amores Perros
      City Of God
      The New World
      Grizzly Man
      Songs From The Second Floor
      Inland Empire
      Mulholland Drive
      Caché
      No Country For Old Men
      The Limits Of Control
      The Bridge

      A few notes:

      Haven’t seen Let The Right One In, White Ribbon, Il Divo, A Serious Man, and I’m sure a bunch of others.

      Charlie Kaufman is the antitheis of a good filmmaker. I can’t think of anyone who cares less about his characters than he.

      Glad to see love for Inland Empire on here. The Bridge, too.

      Vicky Christina Barcelona is the worst film Woody Allen has ever made, and that’s saying something.

      Too much great foreign stuff is getting overlooked, here. Wong Kar Wai and Michael Hanake are obviously favorites, but Carlos Regadas and the Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan deserve major, major accolades for their work. Japón, Distant, and Climates are just pretty much perfect films, in my opinion.

  284. Nick Antosca

      I’d say Anything Else is the worst movie Woody Allen has ever made.

  285. Nick Antosca

      I’d say Anything Else is the worst movie Woody Allen has ever made.

  286. Nick Antosca

      Nice… I like this list a lot. (Despite my hatred of von Trier…)

  287. Nick Antosca

      Nice… I like this list a lot. (Despite my hatred of von Trier…)

  288. mark

      Alice gets my vote. Curse of the Jade Scorpion was real bad, too.

      VCB was wonderful — not Manhattan or Husbands and Wives, but a serious pleasure.

  289. mark

      Alice gets my vote. Curse of the Jade Scorpion was real bad, too.

      VCB was wonderful — not Manhattan or Husbands and Wives, but a serious pleasure.

  290. reynard

      i thought the bros bloom was really good too. my ex-gf talked me into it and i was very surprised at how much i liked it. did some new things and of course tons of 8 1/2 references.

  291. reynard

      i thought the bros bloom was really good too. my ex-gf talked me into it and i was very surprised at how much i liked it. did some new things and of course tons of 8 1/2 references.

  292. reynard

      this is easily the most interesting list on here

  293. reynard

      this is easily the most interesting list on here

  294. mark

      ones i haven’t seen here that would be in my top 15 or so:

      Rodger Dodger
      Howl’s Moving Castle
      Tekkonkinkreet
      Happy Go Lucky
      Ghost World
      Gerry

      first 3 minutes of the aqua teen movie is also pretty great, tho the rest isn’t: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vf3VzVbrXU

  295. mark

      ones i haven’t seen here that would be in my top 15 or so:

      Rodger Dodger
      Howl’s Moving Castle
      Tekkonkinkreet
      Happy Go Lucky
      Ghost World
      Gerry

      first 3 minutes of the aqua teen movie is also pretty great, tho the rest isn’t: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vf3VzVbrXU

  296. Tim Horvath

      Egoyan? “Ararat” was pretty amazing.

  297. Tim Horvath

      Egoyan? “Ararat” was pretty amazing.

  298. Stu

      “Battle in Heaven” is really good. Have you seen “Time to Leave” from François Ozon? To me, it has a similar feel.

  299. Stu

      “Battle in Heaven” is really good. Have you seen “Time to Leave” from François Ozon? To me, it has a similar feel.

  300. Stu

      I agree on “Ghost World.” In fact, for some reason I kept thinking it was a 90’s flick. No idea why. It’s one of my faves. Another one I don’t think has been brought up is “4 months, 3 weeks, and 2 two days”

  301. Stu

      I agree on “Ghost World.” In fact, for some reason I kept thinking it was a 90’s flick. No idea why. It’s one of my faves. Another one I don’t think has been brought up is “4 months, 3 weeks, and 2 two days”

  302. Rawbbie

      I can not agree more with Jesse James at the front of this list. The novel has all the great lines robbed and the film adds so much color to this story that I can hardly believe what I’m seeing. I just love the music: I hates the striped banner…
      this is the film of the decade, it’s just the most overlooked film of the decade…
      I want to watch it right now…
      the rest of them: fuckem.

  303. Rawbbie

      I can not agree more with Jesse James at the front of this list. The novel has all the great lines robbed and the film adds so much color to this story that I can hardly believe what I’m seeing. I just love the music: I hates the striped banner…
      this is the film of the decade, it’s just the most overlooked film of the decade…
      I want to watch it right now…
      the rest of them: fuckem.

  304. Mr. Green

      Haven’t seen Time To Leave, nor Reygadas’s newest one, Silent Light.

  305. Mr. Green

      Haven’t seen Time To Leave, nor Reygadas’s newest one, Silent Light.

  306. Rach

      agree agree agree (especially on your #1…if this list is ranked. which i choose to believe it is)

      But I think in light of recent movie-going experiences you may have to revise it?

  307. Rach

      agree agree agree (especially on your #1…if this list is ranked. which i choose to believe it is)

      But I think in light of recent movie-going experiences you may have to revise it?

  308. Tom

      Rodger Dodger infuriates me to no end. I think it’s utter crap.

  309. Tom

      Funny meeting you here…

  310. Tom

      Rodger Dodger infuriates me to no end. I think it’s utter crap.

  311. Tom

      Funny meeting you here…

  312. Matt Cozart

      i liked it

  313. Matt Cozart

      i liked it

  314. Matt Cozart

      Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life” is one of the best movies of the decade.

  315. Matt Cozart

      Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life” is one of the best movies of the decade.

  316. mark

      rodger dodger = all time great american comedy. isabella rosellina’s performance alone would land it on my list — she’s had greater roles, prob, but i can’t think of anything else where she’s so loose and natural. and campbell scott is brilliant. (director dylan kidd’s follow-up, ps, w/laura linney, is awful, sadly — and infuriating.)

      i don’t know if when i’m infuriated by a movie as opposed to just “meh” about it it’s a sign that there’s “something there,” and i’m pissed it failed at whatever it was going for, or if it’s just that it’s a really bad movie.

      for instance, i thought cache was lame and and derivative and totally stupid and obvious in its manipulations and indeterminancies, and children of men actually had me trembling with rage. so stupid! so simplisitc! shut up michael caine character, please, yr killing me. (battle scene was cool, tho.) most movies that attempt a “serious” response to the political scene provoke similar reactions in me.

  317. mark

      rodger dodger = all time great american comedy. isabella rosellina’s performance alone would land it on my list — she’s had greater roles, prob, but i can’t think of anything else where she’s so loose and natural. and campbell scott is brilliant. (director dylan kidd’s follow-up, ps, w/laura linney, is awful, sadly — and infuriating.)

      i don’t know if when i’m infuriated by a movie as opposed to just “meh” about it it’s a sign that there’s “something there,” and i’m pissed it failed at whatever it was going for, or if it’s just that it’s a really bad movie.

      for instance, i thought cache was lame and and derivative and totally stupid and obvious in its manipulations and indeterminancies, and children of men actually had me trembling with rage. so stupid! so simplisitc! shut up michael caine character, please, yr killing me. (battle scene was cool, tho.) most movies that attempt a “serious” response to the political scene provoke similar reactions in me.

  318. Dan O. Williams

      1. Werckmeister Harmonies
      2. Time Regained [1999]
      3. Cache
      4. Songs from the Second Floor
      5. American Psycho
      6. George Washington
      7. Old Joy
      8. The Limits of Control
      9. You Can Count on Me
      10. [left empty for the one(s) I can’t remember now]

      I’ll have to see The Assassination… at some point. I also meant to see Ballast, but was never able. I would have liked to put some Lynch or Moodysson on my list, but they just didn’t make it. Morvern Callar was so close. (The addition of Time Regained from 1999 bumped it off the list. Maybe not fair.) Also, most of the comedies (except Songs from the Second Floor) like In the Loop, Ghost World, Anchorman, etc just couldn’t crack it. But I know I’m missing at least one thing I loved, and I just can’t remember what.

  319. Dan O. Williams

      1. Werckmeister Harmonies
      2. Time Regained [1999]
      3. Cache
      4. Songs from the Second Floor
      5. American Psycho
      6. George Washington
      7. Old Joy
      8. The Limits of Control
      9. You Can Count on Me
      10. [left empty for the one(s) I can’t remember now]

      I’ll have to see The Assassination… at some point. I also meant to see Ballast, but was never able. I would have liked to put some Lynch or Moodysson on my list, but they just didn’t make it. Morvern Callar was so close. (The addition of Time Regained from 1999 bumped it off the list. Maybe not fair.) Also, most of the comedies (except Songs from the Second Floor) like In the Loop, Ghost World, Anchorman, etc just couldn’t crack it. But I know I’m missing at least one thing I loved, and I just can’t remember what.

  320. jereme

      it is a really slow movie i think.

      most of the movies i picked were selected because either i loved the story to death or i felt the film was new and innovative in terms of film making, something i hadn’t watched on the big screen before.

      ghost dog incorporated a lot of japanese style but in a western film. jarmusch is the first i’ve seen do this successfully.

      but to answer your question, i think most people were expecting a mindless kill spree assassin movie which ghost dog clearly is not nor was it ever marketed to be such a thing.

      people find it difficult to view something objectively in other words.

  321. jereme

      it is a really slow movie i think.

      most of the movies i picked were selected because either i loved the story to death or i felt the film was new and innovative in terms of film making, something i hadn’t watched on the big screen before.

      ghost dog incorporated a lot of japanese style but in a western film. jarmusch is the first i’ve seen do this successfully.

      but to answer your question, i think most people were expecting a mindless kill spree assassin movie which ghost dog clearly is not nor was it ever marketed to be such a thing.

      people find it difficult to view something objectively in other words.

  322. jereme

      i disagree. the movie is still banned in the US. its story challenged a lot of western thought AND it came out right around all of the high school killings here in grand ol’ america.

      i think it is still one of the most challenging movies made in the past 20 years and it would have not ever been released in the US even by an indie producer.

      i have to put it at the top.

      now the sequel was bullshit. pure $$$ garbage.

  323. jereme

      word nathan, word.

  324. jereme

      i disagree. the movie is still banned in the US. its story challenged a lot of western thought AND it came out right around all of the high school killings here in grand ol’ america.

      i think it is still one of the most challenging movies made in the past 20 years and it would have not ever been released in the US even by an indie producer.

      i have to put it at the top.

      now the sequel was bullshit. pure $$$ garbage.

  325. jereme

      word nathan, word.