The 11 Best of 2011
Could also be titled "Yet more proof that the Academy is a bunch of pretentious idiots who are blind to the greatness right under their noses".
Also a few tv series just for the heck of it.
Also a few tv series just for the heck of it.
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11 titles
- DirectorTerrence MalickStarsBrad PittSean PennJessica ChastainThe story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings.Mystical and gorgeously filmed, this isn't for everyone; but it's for anybody who can appreciate spiritual themes and stream-of-consciousness style. Terence Malick should get Best Director for this IMO.
- DirectorJonathan LevineStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittSeth RogenAnna KendrickInspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.Funny, touching. Cancer just got its first realistic portrayal at the cinema. Gordon-Levitt should have gotten a Best Actor nod for this one, Rogen should have gotten a nod for Best Original Screenplay.
- DirectorTate TaylorStarsViola DavisEmma StoneOctavia SpencerAn aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.The rare case where the Academy and I agree: nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress -- and Best Adapted screenplay.
Now the further test will be if any of those noms turn into wins. - DirectorLars von TrierStarsKirsten DunstCharlotte GainsbourgKiefer SutherlandTwo sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth.A surreal and wonderful film about sadness. A good complement to The Tree of Life.
Kirsten Dunst had never impressed me before this movie. Now I'm excited to see her next projects.
Melancholia was beautiful and should have gotten a nom for cinematography at the very least. For political reasons however, a Lars Von Trier film will never get recognition from the Academy. - CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.The most exciting thing to happen to television this year. It may revitalize the Fantasy genre and find a much wider audience than expected. *yes I know it's TV so of course no Oscar nods, duh. it was just too good not to include on a Best of 2011 list.
- DirectorGeorge ClooneyStarsPaul GiamattiGeorge ClooneyPhilip Seymour HoffmanAn idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.The acting was quite impressive here -- Gosling's performance especially. Good political thriller story. It came out too early in the year however to be remembered by the doddering Academy.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsElle FanningAJ MichalkaKyle ChandlerDuring the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town.A tribute to beloved '80s SF movies like ET, Super 8 was both heartfelt, exciting, and wonderfully acted. I loved every moment of this movie. But, the Academy does not love Sci Fi and so no hope of Oscar wins for this great film :(
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsAsa ButterfieldChloë Grace MoretzChristopher LeeIn 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.What was Best about this movie was the visual effects, and the fact that it was the rare film that truly knew what to do with 3D. However its storyline was only so-so, dragging in places; I think it was a stretch to nominate it for Best Picture, but whatever.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsChris HemsworthAnthony HopkinsNatalie PortmanThe powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.Popcorn escapism meets Shakespearean drama. Hiddleston should have had a nod for Best Supporting actor.
- CreatorMatthew WeinerStarsJon HammElisabeth MossVincent KartheiserA drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.Another wonderful television season for Mad Men in 2011, this is the best drama series on tv today.
- CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.This show continues to improve each season: best Crime Drama running. I am impressed with everything about Breaking Bad, from the writing, to the camerawork, to the acting. This is also the rare series that has a complete, planned story arc.