Best and worst films of 2017
Some argue TV - for lack of a better term of the mish-mash that is Netflix shows, TV series, Youtube content, etc. - has taken over. I still think films rule. There is something to be said about focusing your attention for five minutes on a short film or for three hours on feature-length one. Series are too fragmented (unless you binge watch!).
So, without further ado, here’s my list. What do you think of it?
1 - Best film of the year
“The Square” tackles so many issues around the decline (?) of western civilization: from poverty, narcissism, individualism, to what makes art art. It’s a refreshing vision, uniquely structured and filmed. It’s a little long at three hours in length but it’s always entertaining. The scene with the man playing an ape out of control will have you riveted to your seat. It’s by far the most original and thought-provoking film I’ve seen this year.
2 - Best American film
Frances McDormand along with the entire cast of this drama set in small town U.S.A. is outstanding. It’s a more conventional film than The Square but it’s less conventional than 99% of all other American films out there. It’s not perfect either but it’s definitely a powerful human drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat and, surprisingly, move you.
3 - Worst title of the year
Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
It’s actually a great title as it captures what the film is about. However, you can’t remember it easily and it’s hard to recommend it.
4 - Best French film
It’s a French film directed by a Dutch known for Basic Instinct and Robocop :) In it, French actress Isabelle Huppert is her usual self: weird, cool, funny. This thriller won the César (French Oscar) this year.
5 - Best tearjerker
The little boy in the first half of this film steals the show. He is incredible. So touching. As for Nicole Kidman, she tries hard to express emotions behind all the botox but she does manage to play an Australian woman. And it should be easy for her. The Philip Glass-Michael Nyman inspired music is fantastic.
6 - Most surprising ending
A love story that ends like that? In Hollywood? Daring.
7 - Best directing
Ridley Scott is at the top of his game. Yes, it’s a classic monster story but he manages to surprise us and move beyond the formula.
8 - Most misogynistic and overhyped film
Jennifer Lawrence’s character is constantly being dragged down in this story. Javier Bardem plays his usual violent unlikable self. (It’s sad Bardem is now stuck to evil characters, we seem to forget he was touching in “The Sea Inside.”) And director Aronofsky seems to have no other objective in mind than to make a controversial film. It’s laughable at so many moments like when Kristen Wiig appears as a killer. Alhough “Mother!” is supposed to be about creativity, it ends up feeling it’s about nothing at all. Aussi tôt vu, aussi tôt oublié.
9 - Worst film
Sure, it’s for kids but does it need to have all the worst plot, acting and special effects possible? And why does Robin Wright have a Russian accent? And why was it so long? And what happened to her transparent plane?
10 - Best short film
Lower Heaven
Two young Iranian friends are attacked for racist reasons. One seeks revenge for his friend who was badly wounded. It’s slow, raw and powerful.
11 - Best short film, runner-up
Who knew the lives of security guards could be so poetic and freeing?
12 - Best documentary
Beautifully shot and gripping till the end, this film focuses on a positive indigenous story
