#4. Rabbit Hole
I adore movies that are about the human condition and the way we deal with things. Not our reactions, but what's deeper. The way that what happens in our lives effects our souls, and changes and moves us. It's very subtle and it is very hard to make a movie about it, because people never change drastically. It's a process. People never get over the death of their child quickly in one fluid motion. It is a day to day burden they must carry for the rest of their lives. That's what this film is about at it's core. Dianne Wiest makes an incredible speech on this subject and I couldn't possibly sum it up any better so here it is:
This is a film about deep, life altering emotion. It is that emotion and those experience that link us together as humans and I find that quite beautiful. For that reason, and because it did it so damn well, this film is beautiful too.
#3. Inception
This makes the list, not because it's a huge blockbuster or garnered large success and popularity. It makes this list because it can be a huge popular blockbuster success and never sacrifice story or performance or originality. It gave us a story and didn't beg us to keep up or hold our hand. It whipped around corners and into tunnels and dared us not to have our brains strapped in. It's the kind of film that requires, not simply encourages, second and third viewings because of its complexity and intelligence. It is a spectacularly well made film that is also a blockbuster and besides Nolan, I can't think of any director who can still pull that off. It is easily one of the best films of the year and is one of the few films that deserves its immense popularity.
Best Actor: Colin Firth, The Kings Speech
What a pleasant surprise Firth has become as an actor. From being perfectly fine in a decade or two worth of romantic comedies to giving back to back Oscar worthy performances in two excellent films. Firth was my pic for Best Actor last year in A Single Man, a sad and beautiful film that starred Firth as a gay man in the 50s who's lover had just died. It was one of the best films of last year, and Firths performance anchored it. This year he's my pick again for this very different and equally impressive role as King George VI of England. It is a film about his journey to overcome his debilitating stutter and lead the UK into WWII. He is riveting in it. Not for a second did I believe he was faking his stutter. It was flawless. But that's not why he deserves this award. You can have a flawless stutter and still give a terrible performance. Under the stutter, Firth is exceptional. I never would have expected 'that dude for those movies with that fat Renee Zellweger" would garner this much respect from me. He earned it.
Runner up: Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine
Alright that's all for today folks. I'll be back soon with my last two Best Picture picks as well as my pick for Best Actress. Anyone who wants to guess and gets all three of them right in order will receive a reasonable gift of their choosing, but up to something like $20 so lets have those guesses!!!
