Top 10 Films of 2013

Since 2005 I have regularly compiled a top 10 list of the 10 best and 10 worst films of the year. Writing and film have always been two factors of my life that I've always been passionate about, so what better way to start a blog then with a compiled list of the best and worst films of 2013. 

2013 was a tremendous year for a number of under-appreciated films that have made my top 10 list. Among the lesser known films are also a handful of features that were box office successes. 

Top 10 Films of 2013:

10. Dallas Buyers Club (dir. Jean-Marc Vallée):

Adapted from the true story of AIDS-infected Texan Ron Woodroof, Dallas Buyers Club explores the final years of Woodroof (played by Matthew McConaughey) at the onset of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980's. This is an emotionally charged film with a detailed script that explores the fringes of human connection and the triumph of determination. McConaughey gives the second best performance of his career as Woodroof: a homophobic alpha male who is detestable for his actions and words. But throughout the course of the film, writers Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack weave together a complex character that audience members eventually begin to root for and feel a connection with. Superb work by Jared Leto as the graceful and beautifully souled transexual woman, Rayon. If I were to pick the winner for the 2013 Best Supporting Actor Oscar, it would unflinchingly go to Leto. This is truly an ensemble film that excels in opening the eyes and hearts of its viewers. 

09. All Is Lost (dir. J.C. Chandor):

All Is Lost stars Robert Redford as the ONLY cast member in a NEARLY dialogue-free film. I had read the script for All Is Lost before seeing the film, but nothing can truly prepare you for the non-stop roller coaster ride that Chandor and Redford have engendered. The character of Our Man is a mysterious one: he is alone on his boat, with only the clothes on his back, and a large ring on his ring finger. No mention of a wife or significant other is ever brought up, but we sense that Our Man is here for a reason. The storm sequences (metaphorical?) reveal the strong will one must possess in order to overcome the power of nature. What makes All Is Lost an interesting and effective film is that there is no conflict with other humans. It is a story told through the eyes and actions of one man against the greatest power on Earth: mother nature. It is an intense film that begs the questions of whether or not man is the supreme power on the planet, and if we really have the strength to fight back. Shockingly, this is only Chandor's second film. His first was the terrific Margin Call. Great work from an inspiring writer/director. 

08. Prisoners (dir. Denis Villeneuve):

Undeniably the most disturbing film of 2013, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrance Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo, and Paul Dano in a psychologically wrenching movie that (if you have kids) will make you never let them leave the house again. Working from the premise of abducted children, and a botched police investigation, Villeneuve and cast explore the terrain of revenge its effects. So often in films we see something bad happen to a character, and then they are later warned to not seek revenge because it will ruin them. For the most part, that is where the film either ends, or the character falls into a deep depression, or they move on with their lives--only later to be haunted by their past. Prisoners explores the grey area of what happens when revenge is taken and how it truly destroys the lives of people who have already had their lives turned upside-down. Although this film is completely different from All Is Lost, Prisoners makes a solid case that man-kind is the most manipulative and sadistic force on the face of the Earth. Superb writing, chilling direction, and a mind-bendingly perverse performance by Melissa Leo. Sure to garner awards recognition. 

07. Her (dir. Spike Jonze): 

After taking a Science Fiction literature class this past semester, Her was undoubtedly one of the top films of the Winter season that I was most enthusiastic about seeing. Although Jonze's film does travel down the path of familiar genre conventions (while oddly exploring some Plant of the Apes-esq territory) Her is a relevant film to todays technological age that never has a single dull moment. The film brilliantly explores the troubling notion that humans have become too attached to technology as a means of communication, and on a much deeper level, how it has removed us cognitively from the joys of love and compassion. Each conversation in Her begins with a discussion of how technology is interacting with daily life. Despite the discussions evolving into more humanistic territories such as love, technology has become so hegemonic to the characters in Her that it functions as a routine of normality. Joaquin Phoenix is perfectly cast as the quirky and thoughtful Theodore Twombly who develops a complex relationship with his ever-evolving Operating System, voiced by the magnificent Scarlett Johansson. A good supporting effort is put forth by the always lovely Amy Adams as Theodore's caring neighbor. Despite other films excelling in technical categories this year, Her demonstrates its finesse with crisp cinematography, detailed costuming, the best set designs I've seen all year, and the development of a world that is so finely tuned that you'll truly believe it exists. 

06. Mud (dir. Jeff Nichols):

After seeing Take Shelter (2011) and Shotgun Stories (2007), I knew that Jeff Nichols would be one to watch in future years. With Mud, Nichols further demonstrates why he is one of the best contemporary writers of the 21st century. With rich and complex characters, Mud soars above the typical coming-of-age story that we are all too familiar with. Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland star as two young boys who stumble across a stranger in the bayous of Arkansas one day while escaping the troubles of home. There, Nichols weaves a tale of not only self-discovery, but one of murder, deception, and love. Matthew McConaughey gives the performance of his career as the title character: a drifter searching for his lost love in southern Arkansas. This is a character with detail, a troubling past, and an unforeseeable future that manages to capture the audience with his mystique and draw you into his quest for retribution. Mud is a fulfilling tale that leaves you with just enough answers that it avoids the clichéd, open-ended, philosophical ending that some may walk away with. Gorgeously filmed on 35mm, Nichols has created a journey that makes us want to relive our childhood in a simplistic setting; removed from the distractions of the outside world. 

05. Inside Llewyn Davis (dirs. Joel Coen & Ethan Coen):

Truth be told, nearly every film the Coen's have made has been pitch-perfect. What I didn't expect was that this is a film that comes ever so close at rivaling their masterpiece from 1996, Fargo. The Coen's have always been strong deliverers of first-rate scripts and slick direction. Inside Llewyn Davis is no exception. Composed with crisp dialogue, despicable yet interesting characters, and the best soundtrack of 2013, Inside Llewyn Davis is a gift to the modern audience. Although the film takes place in 1961, it offers interesting interpretations of the state of the music industry in the 60's, as well as today. Like so many artists, Llewyn is a character that struggles through life, dealing with people who are ignorant to his talents. The film is a bleak parable of life and the toll dreams take on every person, strong or weak minded. Expect nominations in writing, acting, directing, music, and cinematography. 

04. The Way, Way Back (dirs. Nat Faxon & Jim Rash):

What should have been a surprise sleeper hit of 2013 was unfortunately overlooked during the summer. Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, the writers of 2011's The Descendants, play it simple with an honest and truthful script that reminds audiences of why our childhood, and the people we interact with, can change our future. Lead by a touching performance from The Killing's Liam James, The Way, Way Back is a straight forward coming-of-age tale that is surprisingly darker, yet hilarious compared to even the great works of John Hughes. This is a refreshing film that breaks up the traditionally tedious and bad summer flicks. As a true ensemble piece, award consideration should not be overlooked for Allison Janney and the always brilliant, Sam Rockwell. 

03. Upstream Color (dir. Shane Carruth):

The film that is not for everybody, from the director that is completely off his rocker. Shane Carruth, writer/director of 2004's Primer, once again grabs hold of audience members and takes them on an adventure unlike any other. Carruth out-weirds Spike Jonze for the most bizarre way of falling in love this year: parasitical infection. Told through the abstract perspective of its two infected characters, Upstream Color explores the world of Kris and Jeff and they fall in love due to being infected with a parasite that goes through a 3-stage life cycle from orchids, pigs, and humans. It is an absolutely crazy experience that is jarringly effective because it absorbs the audience into the world of the characters. With elements such as an experimental soundtrack and breathtaking, yet, alarming cinematography, Carruth makes the audience feel like they are one of the characters experiencing the strange feeling of falling in love. Maybe the experience of falling in love is like a parasitical infection? Who knows? Look for Carruth in the next few years with his follow-up feature, The Modern Ocean. 

02. The Spectacular Now (dir. James Ponsoldt):

This was another summer film that was unfortunately overlooked by the masses as they devoured more mind-numbing things. Adapted from the novel by Tim Tharp, this is a different coming-of-age story that doesn't have characters that are particularly likable. Yes, we all relate to the notion of "what are we going to do after High School," but we aren't all like Sutter Keely and Aimee Finecky. These are characters that are on the fringes of socially stigmatized groups that are brought together by chance and circumstance. Sutter is a party-boy alcoholic who is always looking for a good time, but wanders the realms of life perpetually lost. Aimee is a manipulated girl who is shown the world beyond her house by Sutter. They are both missing integral parts of their family, and miss out on experiences because of it. Ponsoldt and cast make us feel for the characters even though at times we wish we could be their parents and scream at them for making stupid decisions. This is hands-down the most complete script of the year as we are given characters that are fully articulated through their past, current actions, consequences, and future. It is a beautiful movie that reminds us of a time when we thought there was nothing better than High School and that we could never move on past either our "glory days" or the moments where we suffered our greatest judgments. 

01. Gravity (dir. Alfonso Cuarón):

I don't scare easily. I just don't. This scared me on every possibly level, emotionally and mentally. Written by Cuarón and his son Jonás, Gravity is a masterclass on every level of filmmaking as it grabs the audience and never lets go. In an age where technology is ever-advancing and making things better (and so much worse) Gravity brings our imagination and real life to life in front of us. We witness the bleakness and majesty of creation, while also fearing that we'll fly away into the depths of the unknown with Sandra Bullock. Forget the mistake with the fire extinguisher, this is the best film of 2013 because it reminds audiences world-wide WHAT FILMMAKING AND STORYTELLING IS ABOUT! It is an emotionally-charged process that creates worlds that takes us away from the collapsing world around us. It brings us into a universe that we live in but are completely unfamiliar with. Gravity sparks the questions that we ask ourselves day in and day out. What does it mean to live? What does it take from us to live? The film by no means gives us clear cut answers, but nonetheless provides us with a unique vision that emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, determination, bravery, and love. This is the most humanistic and emotional film of the year. It is one that left me with chills not only because of its groundbreaking special effects, but because the story is universal and simple and could survive any setting without the flashy embellishments of modern day technology. Sometimes by taking things to the extreme, we are reminded of the small pieces of everyday life that shape the bigger picture of existence. 

...and here's to 2014.