2013 was a bad year to lose my film criticism mojo. Many of my reviews were literally phoned in–dictated to my Apple device in a relaxed and often carefree fashion. Take, for example, my review of the new “Hobbit” film, I just didn’t have much to say other than the fact that I found it entertaining. And as I cooled to analyzing pictures, ironically, 2013 was one of the richest and most rewarding times to be a film critic.
Why did I find it so hard to write about movies this year when I was finally finding success making them? My production partner, Keith Dunnavant, and I have been collaborating on projects for years. Our latest collaboration, “Three Days at Foster,” is a film that Keith was the perfect and, perhaps, only person capable and talented enough to write and direct. I was fortunate to handle all of the technical aspects of the film including the cinematography, lighting, and the sound. It was good to have help in editing and my wife continues to impress all of us with her graphic design skills.
But I have to admit that as a filmmaker, it is becoming harder and harder to criticize the work of others. In the process, I have adopted a blander and blander paradigm for reviewing films. Years ago when I was attending the Sundance Film Festival as a journalist I ran into someone who had just created a website that only contained positive film reviews. I thought “what a ridiculous idea,” but now I’m just not so sure. Perhaps, I should only write reviews of films I enjoy. But, oh, how rewarding it is to write a review of a movie you despise. In fact, I would be willing to bet that film reviews by film critics that rant and rave about how much they dislike a film are more popular with readers than ones in which a film critic gushes love for a particular title.
In 2014, I intend to continue to write film reviews but also continue to make movies. And while I am going to try to focus on writing about films that I find valuable and entertaining, I’m sure that there will be reviews of movies that I just can’t stand. Those reviews will probably be fun to read.
So, here’s the easy part, talking about movies that I loved in 2013. If you missed them, you should catch many of these titles in this new year.
12 Years a Slave -The most harrowing film I saw in 2013 and possibly one of the best I’ve seen in many years. Director Steve McQueen proves that his particular visual technique and storytelling approach can produce a film that not only reaches a niche market (like his last film “Shame”) but can have much broader appeal. In the screening that I attended, some viewers were so moved that they literally had to leave the theater, not because, I presume, that they thought the film was bad but that it just was so impactful.
American Hustle – This is the film to catch in January. It is really entertaining if a little off kilter. With an all-star cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and the changeling Christian Bale (who gained weight and sports a crazy comb-over), “American Hustle” is great filmmaking. Feeling very much like something Scorsese might have made, with a little lighter tone, it is ironic that Scorsese’s way over-the-top “Wolf of Wall Street” is also in release. But don’t kid yourself “American Hustle” is a much better and more significant film that cements and validates Russell’s unusual techniques.
Gravity – The best use of 3-D that I have seen since “Life of Pi,” “Gravity” made me a believer in the usually exploitive and over-used 3D visual gimmick. While some critics bemoaned the scientific gaffes, I was taken in by the depth of the visuals and the serious approach to science-fiction (which harkens back to the 1970s films like “Silent Running”). Sandra Bullock will probably receive a nomination for her fine work, after all, she is on screen for the entire running time and primarily the only actor in the film. Efficient and seamless filmmaking by director Alfonso Cuaron makes “Gravity” a winner for almost any viewer. Folks who have seen the film are encouraged to seek out the short film tie-in called “Aningaaq” available online. It was directed by the director’s son and might receive consideration for best short film at this year’s Oscars.
Lone Survivor – Not too many critics included this on their top 10, but I thought it was really terrific. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana “Lone Survivor” is directed by Peter Berg (“Battleship”). Based on a true story, the film follows four members of Seal Team 10 as they attempt to stay alive when Operation Red Wings goes horribly bad.
The Hunt – Directed by Thomas Vinterberg (“The Celebration”) this Danish film will likely be in the running for the Oscar. The story involves a solitary teacher who is accused of molestation. The audience knows he is completely innocent but watching the events play out is frustrating and telling of the public’s inability to resist jumping to conclusions. Mads Mikkelsen (TV’s “Hannibal”) is outstanding as the teacher caught in the cross-hairs having no way to prove his innocence.
Upstream Color – My guilty pleasure for 2013 is a film directed by a man after my own heart, Shane Carruth. Not only did he write, direct, shoot, edit, score and star in his independent and thought-provoking science-fiction drama, but he also self distributed the film proving that such a thing can be done. Shot in high definition on the Panasonic GH2, a camera that I also have had experience with, this movie should stand as an example of where the marketplace and the business of film is going. Did I mention that I liked the story as well? Be sure to check it out.
Nebraska – Director Alexander Payne’s understanding of Americana has been hit and miss over the years. But more often than not he gets it painfully right, and there is no better example of his storytelling and directing approach than “Nebraska.” Starkly shot in wonderful black-and-white, the story focuses on an aging father, Woody Grant (played incredibly well by Bruce Dern), who may be struggling with some form of dementia. When Woody decides to walk to Lincoln, Nebraska, in hopes of collecting a $1 million sweepstakes prize, events are set in motion in which his two sons and his wife must come to grips with past events and where they are in their lives moving forward. SNL’s Will Forte plays Woody’s younger son in really a surprising seriously dramatic turn for the comedian. Also Bob Odenkirk, who was everywhere in 2013, plays the older son who, despite his personal success in life, takes time to address his father’s illness in the families need for closure. June Squibb plays Woody’s wife and should be considered for an Oscar nomination in the supporting category.
Prisoners – The best thriller I’ve seen in many years. Sure, “Prisoners” is manipulative and doesn’t completely hold together when you sit down and analyze events and plot devices. But it is thrilling filmmaking approaching the level of “Silence of the Lambs.”
Saving Mr. Banks – Lampooned by many critics who found it a Disney fantasy in which history was rewritten in an attempt not to tarnish the company brand, I found it moving. And in Emma Thompson, we get one of the best performances by an actress in 2013. The movie is not about P.L. Travers but about how Disney saw how he handled the Travers debacle. Ultimately, the story is told from a particular perspective and one that may not be factually accurate.
Blackfish – I caught this outstanding documentary at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham when my film was screening there. It is available on Netflix. “Blackfish” made me call my daughter after the screening and tell her that I will never take her to Sea World. Perhaps no film has had more immediate impact on an industry than “Blackfish.”
