London Film Fanatiq’s Top 10 Films of 2011
In composing my first top ten film list, I find it difficult to settle on my own parameters. There were many great films of 2010 that were only screened in the UK come 2011, such as The Fighter or Blue Valentine. The King’s Speech was also technically a 2011 release but having seen it in December 2010 where would that fall? I’ve decided that I will attempt to keep in line with the general awards season window, having seen all the legitimate contenders with the exception of only The Descendants*.
Of course this list is just the opinion of one cinema-goer who spends too much time at the cinema (over 180 different films in 2011) and isn’t to be taken too seriously. If anyone disagrees with my list, please accept the fact that I am always right, but be sure to let know with what you agree with (or not) in the comments below. Let’s get to it…
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Review: The Ides of March
George Clooney’s latest effort behind the camera sees Ryan Gosling’s idealistic campaign consultant discover the dark side of politics in The Ides of March. Engaged in a fictional presidential campaign, Clooney (pulling triple duty) co-stars as governor Mike Morris alongside the excellent Gosling and brings Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti in as opposing campaign managers. With such top-notch talent, The Ides of March guarantees strong performances throughout. Despite being surrounded by these heavy-hitters, Gosling, as he has done throughout 2011, steals the show here and adds yet another remarkable role to his increasingly impressive CV.
The Ides of March: And the award for best poster goes to...
The stage is set (literally) in Ohio, as Morris faces a crucial primary election to gain the nomination for the Democratic party in the upcoming Presidential election. His campaign strategy team lead by Paul (Hoffman) and Stephen (Gosling) meticulously plan every move the governor makes in order to gain the political upper-hand in a tight race that is down to two final men. With a far-left (for the US, at least) platform and boasting integrity and dignity, Morrison appears to be a sure thing. However, trouble looms when Stephen is courted by his opposition and discovers that the race is about to take a crushing swing against them. Mixing business with pleasure, in the shapely form of campaign intern Molly (Evan Rachel Wood), Stephen is faced with the harsh realities of a life in politics and is forced to make some painful decisions.
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Review: Drive
Drive is a perfectly crafted thriller that blows away just about any film released so far this year. From the incredibly terse opening scene, Drive grabs the viewer and refuses to let go until the end credits hit the screen. Director Nicholas Winding Refn brings together a cast that hits every note spot-on. The suspense is laid on thick, often in the most subtle of fashions, and hangs in the air throughout the film.
Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan in Drive, where a look says it all.
As the nameless driver, Ryan Gosling is a man of few words. Instead his body language speaks volumes and when he does act, he does so decisively and without hesitation. Part-time Hollywood stunt driver, full-time grease monkey at Shan’s (a terrifically rough Bryan Cranston) garage, “the kid” also takes jobs as a hired wheel-man. Sticking to his five-minute rule, he has getaway driving down to a science and puts his survival above all else. The opening chase scene beautifully establishes Gosling’s character as anything but an average criminal and Drive as a crime thriller with a unique approach.
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Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Featuring a ridiculously loaded cast of top Hollywood talent, Crazy, Stupid, Love is easily the best romantic comedy of the year. The clever script delivers an abundance of laughs, cringes, touches of drama and some great surprises. While there may be a few contrivances along the way, the charm of the cast allows for quick forgiveness.
Crazy, Stupid, Love: And men everywhere weep
Within the opening minute, Cal Weaver’s (Steve Carell) life comes undone as wife of 25 years Emily (Julianne Moore) declares she wants a divorce. An awkward and painful car ride home leaves Cal devastated and soon seeking comfort at a local upscale bar. It is here that he meets barfly lothario Jacob (a wonderfully suave Ryan Gosling), who decides to take Cal under his wing in order to help him to regain his manhood. Meanwhile, Cal’s teenage son Robbie (Johan Bobo) is struggling to cope with his feelings for family babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton) while urging his father to fight to win Emily back.
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