"Synecdoche, New York" is the best film of the decade. It intends no less than to evoke the strategies we use to live our lives. After beginning my first viewing in confusion, I began to glimpse its purpose and by the end was eager to see it again, then once again, and I am not finished. Charlie Kaufman understands how I live my life, and I suppose his own, and I suspect most of us. Faced with the bewildering demands of time, space, emotion, morality, lust, greed, hope, dreams, dreads and faiths, we build compartments in our minds. It is a way of seeming sane.
The mind is a concern in all his screenplays, but in "Synecdoche" (2008), his first film as a director, he makes it his subject, and what huge ambition that demonstrates. He's like a
novelist who wants to get it all into the first book in case he never publishes another. Those who felt the film was disorganized or incoherent might benefit from seeing it again. It isn't about a narrative, although it pretends to be. It's about a method, the method by which we organize our lives and define our realities.Very few people live their lives on one stage, in one persona, wearing one costume. We play different characters. We know this and accept it. In childhood we begin as always the same person but quickly we develop strategies for our families, our friends, our schools. In adolescence these strategies are not well controlled. Sexually, teenagers behave one way with some dates and a different way with others. We find those whose have a persona that matches one of our own, and that defines how we interact with that person. If you aren't an aggressor and are sober, there are girls (or boys) you do it with and others you don't, and you don't want those people to discover what goes on away from them.
But already "Synecdoche" has me thinking in terms of the film's insight. That is its power. Let me stand back and consider it as a movie. It's about a theater director named Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who begins with a successful regional production, is given a MacArthur genius grant, and moves with a troupe of actors into a New York warehouse. Here they develop a play that grows and grows, and he devises a set representing their various rooms and lives. The film begins as apparently realistic, but as the set expands it shades off into -- complexity? fantasy? chaos?In the earlier scenes, he was married to Adele (Catherine Keener). She leaves, and he marries Claire (Michelle Williams), who to some degree is intended to literally replace the first wife, as many second spouses are. Why do some people marry those who resemble their exes? They're casting for the same role. Caden has hired an actor named Daniel London (Tom Noonan) to star in the play, as a character somewhat like himself. Many writers and directors create fiction from themselves, and are often advised to.
What happens in the film isn't supposed to happen in life. The membrane between fact and fiction becomes permeable, and the separate lives intermingle. Caden hardly seems to know whose life he's living; his characters develop minds of their own. How many authors have you heard say their dialogue involves "just writing down what the characters would say?"
Living within different personas is something many people do. How can a governor think to have a mistress in Argentina? An investment counselor think to steal all the money entrusted to him? A famous athlete be revealed as a sybarite? A family man be discovered to have two families? I suspect such people, and to some degree many of us, find no more difficulty in occupying those different scenarios that we might find eating meat some days and on others calling ourselves vegetarian."Synecdoche" is accomplished in all the technical areas, including its astonishing set. The acting requires great talent to create characters who are always in their own reality, however much it shifts. Philip Seymour Hoffman's character experiences a deterioration of body, as we all do, finds it more difficult to see outside himself, as we all do, and becomes less sure of who "himself' is, as sooner or later we all do. He shows us this process with a precise evolution.
Kaufman has made the most perceptive film I can recall about how we live in the world. This is his debut as a director, but his most important contribution is the screenplay. Make no mistake: He sweated blood over this screenplay. Somebody had to know what was happening on all those levels, and that had to be the writer. Of course he directed it. Who else could have comprehended it?
My blog entry about the film and Charlie Kaufman
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The other top films of the decade follow. Titles link to my reviews.
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2. "The Hurt Locker" (2009). A film that concerns not the war but the warrior. It's set in Iraq, and by nature we identify with the hero, James (Jeremy Renner). But it focuses not on the enemy but on the bomb disposal expert himself, who risks his life hundreds of times when the slightest mistake would mean maiming or death. "War is a drug," the opening titles tell us. The man's comrades are angry with him for the chances he takes. He considers bomb disposal a battle of the wits between himself and the designer. Yes, but the designer is not there if a bomb explodes. He is. Yet he volunteers.The others in his group are professional soldiers. They're good at their jobs, faithful to their mission, and prudently follow military procedure. James's behavior is an affront to them, mocking their caution. That is Bigelow's most effective device: Instead of objectifying the enemy, she internalizes the fear. The anxiety of the the men about James is infectious. They fear, and we fear. They grow restless and resentful, and it enhances his danger.
Apart from this psychological process, Katherine Bigelow's film has a masterful command of editing, tempo, character and photography. Using no stunts and CGI, she creates a convincing portrayal of the conditions a man like James faces. She builds with classical tools. She evokes suspense, dread, identification. She asks if a man like James requires such a fearsome job. The film is a triumph of theme and execution, and very nearly flawless.
3. "Monster" (2004). An Egyptian film critic told me in disbelief that this film made him sympathize with a serial killer. I knew what he meant. We are enjoined to love not the sin but the sinner. Patty Jenkins' film is based on the life of Aileen Wuornos, a damaged woman who committed seven murders. It doesn't excuse the murders. It asks that we witness the woman's final desperate attempt to be a better person than her fate intended.Charlize Theron's performance in the role is one of the great performances in the history of the cinema. She transforms herself into a character with an uncanny resonance to the real Aileen Wuornos -- but mere impersonation isn't as difficult as embodying another person. Aileen, abused all of her life, knows she is doing evil but is driven to it by her deep need to provide for another person, her lover Selby (Christina Ricci), as she was never provided for herself. This doesn't justify murder in her mind, but she believes it's necessary. We disagree. But we're asked to empathize with her ruined soul, and because of Theron and Jenkins, we find that possible. She becomes pitiful, not hateful.
4. "Juno" (2007). One of a kind, a film that delighted me from beginning to end, never stepping wrong with its saucy young heroine who faces an unexpected pregnancy with forthright boldness. To be sure, life doesn't always provide parents and an adoptive mother for the baby as comforting as Juno's. But Jason Reitman's second feature doesn't set out to be realistic; it's a fable about how the sad realities of teen pregnancy might be transformed in a good-hearted world. Ellen Page creates a character to be long cherished, a smart, articulate, 16-year-old who keeps a brave front and yet deeply feels what she's going through.Juno's dialog is so nimble and funny that some said no real person thinks that fast and talks that well. Real people may not. Juno does. The original screenplay by Diablo Cody is pitch-perfect comedy writing, assuming the audience is as intelligent as Juno. Have you noticed how many stupid people are presented as normal, especially in mainstream comedies? I was surprised how much I laughed during "Juno," and then surprised how much I cared, especially during a luminous scene when the woman who will adopt her baby (Jennifer Garner) solemnly places her hand on Juno's pregnant belly and the two exchange a look so beautiful that if I'd known it was coming I don't know if I could have looked.
5. "Me and You and Everyone We Know" (2005). Another extraordinary film centered on a woman. Is it possible that women in the movies embody emotion more readily than men, who tend more toward external action? Women as wildly different as Aileen Wuornos, Juno and Christine, the heroine of Miranda July's film, are tuned to inner channels that drive them with feeling, not plots. This first feature shows a certainty about the tone it wants to strike, which is of fragile magic. We don't learn a lot about Christine -- more, actually, about Richard (John Hawkes), the awkward shoe salesman she likes -- but the story's not about her life, it's about how love, for her, requires someone who speaks your rare emotional language, a language of whimsy and daring, of playful mind games and bold challenges.Imagine Christine and Richard as they walk down the street. Still strangers She suggests that the block they are walking down is their lives. And now, she says, they're halfway down the street and halfway through their lives. Before long they will be at the end. It's impossible to suggest how poetic this scene is; when it's over, you think, that was a perfect scene, and no other scene can ever be like it. And we are all on the sidewalk. July's film fits no genre, fulfills no expectations, creates its own rules, and seeks only to share a strange, lovable mind with us.
6. "Chop Shop" (2008). Here is the third world, thriving under the flight path to LaGuardia. Ale (Alejandro Polanco), a 12-year-old boy, works for the owner of an auto repair shop in an area few New Yorkers know about: Willets Point, square blocks of auto and tire shops that hustle for business. He's an orphan, dreaming of being reunited with his 16-year-old sister. He steals a little, cons a little, sells pirated DVDs, and mostly works hard. He lives in a room knocked together in the crawl space of the shop. He's not educated, but is bright, resourceful, and happy.Poised on the edge of adolescence, he senses changes coming. His sister (Isamar Gonzales) moves in with him, and he proudly tries to support her--to be the man in the family they lost. Director Ramin Bahrani observed Willets Point for a year and worked with two non-actors to achieve remarkably fluent and convincing performances. His film is a vibrant modern equivalent of the Italian Neorealist classics like "Shoeshine." It stays resolutely within its story, never making the mistake of drawing conclusions. It's riveting, entertaining, unforgettable. Bahrani, an Iranian-American born in Winston-Salem, N.C., has made three films (including "Man Push CArt" and "Goodbye Solo") and all three have made my Best Ten lists. In my opinion, he's the new director of the decade.
My blog entry about Ramin Bahrani.
7. "The Son" (2002). In a career filled with great films, "Le Fils" by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne is stunning. It focuses intensely on two characters: Olivier (Olivier Gourmet), a Belgian carpenter, and Francis (Morgan Marinne), a young apprentice that a social worker wants to place with him. Olivier refuses. The moment they leave, Olivier scurries after them like a feral animal, spies on them through a door opening and leaps onto a metal cabinet to look through a high window. Then he says he will take the boy.That's all I choose to say. What connects them is revealed so carefully and deliberately that any hint would diminish the experience. Once again, as with all the films on this list, writing and acting are crucial. Yes, they're well directed, but you know, there are a lot of fine directors. There's a scene here where Francis and Olivier are working in a lumber warehouse, shifting and loading heavy planks. We know enough by then to invest the scene with meaning. The Dardennes achieve their effect primarily through sound: the raw, harsh sound of one plank upon another. I can think of many ways to film such a scene, none better.
8. "The 25th Hour" (2003). A film about the last 24 hours of freedom for Monty Brogan (Edward Norton), a convicted drug dealer. He lives in a heightened state. He focuses on the remaining important things: His lover, his father, his best friends. Spike Lee, working with David Benioff's adaptation of his own novel, gives adequate screen time to all the people in Monty's life, so that we see him as part of an ending world. Their lives will continue but, his friends agree, they will never see Monty again, Not the Monty they know.
The film avoid crime-movie cliches. It's about the time remaining. Lee reflects Monty's acute awareness of this with scenes of startling inventiveness, one an angry monolog delivered to a mirror, another a shared fantasy as his father (Brian Cox) drives him to prison. Too many movies now require their expensive stars to be onscreen in almost every frame. "The 25th Hour" is enriched by supporting performances, notably by Philip Seymour Hoffman as a pudgy English teacher, not accustomed to drinking, who makes a devastating mistake involving appearance and reality. Spike Lee writes eloquently with his camera in strategies that are anything but conventional.
9. "Almost Famous" (2000). The story of a 15-year-old kid (Patrick Fugit), smart and terrifyingly earnest, who through luck and pluck gets assigned by Rolling Stone magazine to do a profile of a rising rock band. The magazine has no idea he's 15. Clutching his pencil and his notebook like talismans, phoning a veteran critic for advice, he plunges into the experience that will make and shape him. It's as if Huckleberry Finn came back to life in the 1970s, and instead of taking a raft down the Mississippi, got on the bus with the band. I was hugging myself as I watched it: This is my story. Well, except in the details.Cameron Crowe, the writer-director, was inspired by his own experiences, here transformed by an ability to step outside the first person and clearly see the hero's mother (Francis McDormand), a band groupie (Kate Hudson), the lead singer (Jason Lee) and the veteran journalist (Philip Seymour Hoffman, again). This is a coming of age story with the feel of plausible experience, because when you're 15 even the most implausible things seem likely if they're happening to you.
10. "My Winnipeg" (2008). If I said "Almost Famous" was my life, would you believe "My Winnipeg" tells the history of my home town? All except for the details -- which, for that matter, don't particularly pertain to Winnipeg, either. Guy Maddin's films are like a silent movie dreaming it can speak. No frame of his work could be mistaken for anyone else's. He combines documentary, lurid melodrama, newsreels, feverish fantasies and tortured typography into a form that appears to contain urgent information. His sound tracks are sometimes clear narration, sometimes soap opera, sometimes snatches that seem heard over a radio from long ago and far away. The effect is hypnotic.The city fathers of Winnipeg asked Maddin, their famous local filmmaker, to direct a documentary on their city. God knows what they thought of it. Now they can reassure the taxpayers it's one of the best films of the decade. There are perhaps sights, sounds and even facts in "My Winnipeg" that are accurate, but how can you be sure when some of the most sensible elements are false and the most incredible are true? This is the story of everyone's home town; we piece it together in childhood and in some sense continue to regard it as true even when it isn't. His beliefs about secret parallel taxi companies operating along invisible alleys are as reasonable as my own beliefs about the Bone Yard in Urbana-Champaign -- which is after all only a drainage ditch, but you can't tell me that.
Those eleven, and these ten, alphabetically:
Spike Jonze's "Adaptation" (2002)
Werner Herzog's "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans" (2009)
Fernando Meirelles' "City of God" (2002)
Paul Haggis's "Crash" (2004)
Quentin Tarantinio's "Kill Bill Vols.1 and 2" (2003 + 2004)
Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report (2002)
The Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men" (2007)
Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth" (2006)
Carlos Reygadas' "Silent Light" (2009), .
Richard Linklater's "Waking Life" (2001)
And this reflection: All of these films are on this list for the same reason: The direct emotional impact they made on me. They have many other qualities, of course. But these evoked the emotion of Elevation, which I wrote about a year or so ago. Elevation is, scientists say, an actual emotion, not a woo-woo theory. I believe that, because some films over the years have evoked from me a physical as well as an intellectual or emotional response.
In choosing the list, I decided to bypass films that may have qualified for their historical, artistic, popular or "objective" importance. No lists have deep significance, but even less lists composed to satisfy an imaginary jury of fellow critics. My jury resides within. I know how I feel.
Almost the first day I started writing reviews, I found a sentence in a book by Robert Warshow that I pinned on the wall above my desk. I have quoted it so frequently that some readers must be weary of it, but it helps me stay grounded. It says:
A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit he is that man.
That doesn't make one person right and another wrong. All it means is that you know how they really felt, not how they thought they should feel.
¶[ These titles from the list are available to Stream Instantly in HD via Netflix, as part of all plans: "Chop Shop," "Pan's Labyrinth," "Silent Light," "The Son," "Synecdoche, New York." Several other VOD titles are noted below in the Amazon box. ]
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Thanks for the list, Roger. I can't thank you enough for pointing me toward the Great Movies over the last decade. I started reading your reviews about ten years ago and within a few years I had become a sessional instructor in Film & Faith studies at a small college and have even begun making movies of my own (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2371111/).
I don't exaggerate when I say that your writing played a huge role in that.
Punch-Drunk Love "Explained": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMjbKNJEPco
Wow, this is bound to be a very polarizing list. While I flatly reject Juno on anyone's top list (Diablo Cody hate right here), I am very intrigued by your pick of Synecdoche, New York as #1. I found it to be one of the most ambitious films I have ever seen and your review last year was one of the most in-depth and personal reviews I have ever read. So, yes, you loved it. I found it to be a little too much of a mindf*ck but I should give it a few more watches to fully appreciate the brilliance you express here.
I like the variety and eccentricity of the films on this list. Adaptation is a personal favorite of mine. Great job, Roger. Keep up the stellar work you do.
Hey Roger,
Good list! Totally agree with Synechdoche as #1 and that's where I had it on my list too.
I disagree about the decade though. It is over. Your first birthday marks the end of your first year. You are one year old and however many months, weeks and days. You can't be 2 on your first birthday, just like you can't be 1 when you are born. But the clock starts ticking.
When I say I am 24 years old, I mean that I am 24 years, 2 months, and 17 days old. Easier just to say 24 though.
Decades: 1990-1999, 2000-2009, so on.
I know you most likely will not agree. But I won't waver in my opinion either. We're just gonna have to stick to the movies, you and I.
Roger- I love your list. All other Best of the Decade lists that I've seen so far all have basically the same few movies on them. It's nice to see that someone still has the balls to pick some films that no one would think about. I'm totally with you on Synecdoche, NY. Absolutely brilliant film. Phillip Seymour Hoffman has quickly become my favorite actor, and that movie is definitely a large part of that. Also, Me and You and Everyone We Know...glad to see that on a list somewhere! Beautiful, powerful film. And My Winnipeg...shame more people haven't seen it...Saw it at Ebertfest last year and completely fell in love. Nice to see Kill Bill on someone's list too! Thanks so much for the list(s)!
Thank you so much for including "Almost Famous". This is, hands down, one of my favorite movies. I was around the same age as the character of WIlliam Miller, in around the same time the film takes place. I also had very strong women in my life...including one that I was in love with, but an unrequited love. Again, much like William Miller.
The movie resonates so deeply with me on a personal level, but also captures the time when music ment so much to the youth. Before cable TV with it's myriad of channels and before the Internet and video games....we basically just had music and movies at the theater. This was a time when we would sit and listen to a full album, reading the liner notes and printed lyrics (if they were included) and just experiencing it. It wasn't background music for doing something else...listen WAS the activity. I'm sure there are still people, young and old, that still do this. At least I hope so.
As the character of Sapphire says in the movie: "To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts."
I've been reading your reviews for the past decade and have seen roughly 800 films from the decade so far. My personal favorite film is "The Dark Knight" It's the one I've watched the most and the one I've thought the most about and I wish it could have made it onto your list but your list is your list. Could we maybe get a best-documentary-of-the-decade list too?? Please keep watching and writing.
Roger,
Thank you so very much for putting Synecdoche as your top of the decade. It seems as if even the critics have been avoiding this movie, as if it were too arty to admit to liking. I found it shocking that so few people saw it, even fewer talked about it, and even fewer liked it. It moved so beautifully and had one of the best endings in movies I have experienced.
My only complaint about this list is concerning a movie that has flabbergasted me as to its exclusion from every top anything list for this decade. Even the av club website, which listed 50 and then had a second list with ones they thought they missed, didn't include this movie.
The movie is "Nobody Knows" by Kore-ada Hirokozu. You say you like to view movies as you feel during them. That was sloppily phrased, let me try again. You say you judge movies on how they make you feel (is that right?). This movie (which I usually use the trailers description to describe it to others as "exquisitely beautiful") was the best movie, by far, I saw this decade. It encapsulates life, not just as a child, but as a human. I don't want to make this even longer by ranting about it, but I must say no movie I have ever seen affected me the way this one has. Great pace, great lighting; I could not guess anything that was going to happen. It is by far the movie that has ripped the idea of emotion from me and made me look at it again, before gently placing all that raw hurt and love back into me and reminding me that I was feeling around the right area the whole time.
My point, if there be one, is to simply question why does this flick seem to have left all the critics minds for the year lists? Is it really not that great? Do others find the children annoying or the tone overbearing? Did it simply not make a big enough splash? I am extraordinarily curious. Thanks for any answers! Love your insights, and you definitely made me rethink The Hurt Locker.
Rob
Great list Roger. I always look forward to your opinion more than any other critic for your choices seem to inhibit a personal prefence while at the same time not being idiosyncratically subjective. But I must beg the question as to why Werckmeister Harmonies is nowhere on the list. Thanks to your review of it in your Great Films list I sought it out and discovered that I had just seen what was in my humble opinion the best film of the decade. Yes it is probably the least accessable of the 20 other films here, but is utterly great all the same.
Btw, I'm very happy to find Guy Maddin here.
Seeing your list, I found a variety of films here that I, too, felt similar emotions with. I was considering putting up a list of my own, however I felt hesitant to do so on the very basis that I am no film critic, student, writer, or the like. I am just an average post-college guy who enjoys most movies that come my way. Sure, I have an idea about film theory and narrative structure, but I admit I carry the same weakness as the vast majority of moviegoers reflected by the box-office: I forgive movies that are weak in story but strong in action/special effects/etc. Do you think that should stop someone like me from putting my list up as well?
I should note that putting my list together has been troublesome as well. There really are no movies that come to mind as of now that I can really define as the "best of the decade". Like you said, there is still another year to go, so I really do not have to even put this list together yet.
Ebert: You have 12 months.
A. O. Scott just picked WALL-E for the decade.
Great list. I was a little surprised by your pick for the best of the decade, but upon reflection, I think that you are right. Any plans for adding it to your "Great Movie" collection?
Anyway, I would like to say that I think that the Lord of the Rings Trilogy should at least get some kind of a nod. It redefined the way that large scale battle scenes were done. Not to mention that it made it cool to be nerdy. And how many movies out there can hold an audience's attention for three hours?
But I digress. These are all personal opinion. Your reviews have lead me to discover some incredible films. Just yesterday I saw "25th Hour" for the first time because it was added to your "Great Movie" list. It was just....wow......
By the way, any chance for a Special Jury Award for the decade?
"The other top films of the decade follow, with a nod to the fact that the decade still has one year to go."
Haven't read the rest yet, but I just wanted that you (Along with so many other writers and smart-aleck commenters at other sites) seem to be confusing decades with millenniums. A decade I believe is set as any span of ten years. Whenever a "decade" has been referenced in the past, it's ALWAYS been in the general "19X0-19X9" time-frame. Why people have suddenly decided that this is all wrong is beyond me.
Ebert: That means I could have chosen films from 1999. But in my best of the decade list published at the end of 1999, I could also include 1999 films. Kindly explain.
2 out of 20!!!(Waking Life and Juno) Something needs to be done. And it will be.
Before that, however, let me congratulate you on:
a) Finally including links to your reviews.
b) Realising that this isn't the end of the decade.
c) "Those ten, and these ten, alphabetically:" It took me a while to stop laughing.
Ebert: Something for everyone.
I can definitely agree with many of the films on the list (Juno, No Country for Old Men, Kill Bill, Crash, and Adaptation to name a few). I'm not sure that I would include Synecdoche, New York though (I personally found Adaptation much more relatable, since I'm an aspiring (screen)writer), but I can see your reasoning for it.
The part that always gets to me is when Caden Cotard loses his daughter and how they become disconnected. It broke my heart when she was dying and wouldn't forgive him. And seeing him through the years try to get her back (and away from that artist and her unattentive mother) just drove me nuts. I kept wishing that at least the daughter would be freed from them, even if her father didn't get to be with her.
Thank you. Six movies off your list I haven't seen but now will based on your praises.
But where's the love for Memento? Has everyone forgotten?
Great list! Thanks for sharing your favorites and why they touched you.
I also think that you should have included Spirited Away in your list. It's one of my favorite movies, animated or otherwise. Miyazaki is a filmmaking master and that's the one that brought him both much more attention to the United States and won him an Oscar. Not to mention the fact that it is a very moving and beautiful movie.
If I was making this list I might have also added The Royal Tenenbaums and Avatar, both excellent movies for very different reasons. As far as documentaries go I would have included Werner Herzog's Grizzly Man and Encounters at the End of the World.
I am glad that you included Almost Famous. It's my favorite of Cameron Crowe's films.
I'm going to have to revisit Synecdoche soon. I already loved it I'm just hesitant to call it the best of the decade. I was surprised to not see Werckmeister Harmonies, one of my favorites, but I guess it just didn't have that same emotional resonance as these films did for you.
I couldn't agree more about that by the way. How ultimately our favorite films have to be the ones that effect us the most on an emotional level. It reminded me of a comment I read on here a week back about the silliness of making a distinction between 'the best' and your favorite films. And while I admit openly that the concept is silly, I believe that distinction does and always will exist.
For example one of my favorite films from the decade, Gus Van Sants Elephant, was not the best. But having grown up in the area of Littleton and being close to the tragedy of Columbine I couldn't help but be reminded of an important time in my short life; regardless of how morbid that time was.
Also, good to see some love for Herzog on here. One of a handful of directors I was introduced to through you. Looking forward to another good year of reviews.
Charlize Theron gave the best female performance of the decade in Monster. Actually, I think it is the greatest performance of the past ten years.
I have Monster on DVD, but it has been a few years since I last watched it. I think it is time to take another look at it.
Good luck to Jason G.
What happened to Million Dollar Baby? You'd named it your favorite film of 2004 five years ago but I don't see it here.
I completely agree with your choice of Synecdoche, New York as the decade's best. My friend and I drove an hour to see it and were the only ones in the theater. Upon exiting the film I felt as if I was hyper aware. All of my senses were heightened and my mind was almost outside of itself. No movie has ever had such an effect on me before.
With each subsequent viewing of the film it's as if it takes on a whole new meaning for me. With a film like Mulholland Drive you can kind of pinpoint what the movie is about and which scenes are dream, flashback, etc. With Synecdoche, New York you are always second guessing your previous take on the film.
Just wanted to point out that the character's name playing Caden is Sammy Barnathan played by Tom Noonan. Daniel London is the name of the actor that played Tom. It seems that the melding of reality and fiction in the movie as quite literally made it's way into your assessment of it. Quite surreal if you ask me.
Thanks so much for this, Mr. Ebert. This may be the first decade in which some television work was actually possessed of an aesthetic intensity and merit that exceeded that of the vast majority of films (e.g., Ricky Gervais' "The Office," "Angels in America," or "The Daily Show" circa 2002-2008). The most underestimated film of the last 10 years is likely Gaspar Noe's "Irreversible," though "Borat" and Mamet's "Spartan" also seem destined to grow in critical esteem over the next 10 years. Thanks for turning me on to "Chop Shop" (it reminds me a bit of the Iranian "Crimson Gold," another one of the decade's best), and thanks for being both the smartest and least pretentious film critic in America.
I completely agree with your choice of Synecdoche, New York as the decade's best. My friend and I drove an hour to see it and were the only ones in the theater. Upon exiting the film I felt as if I was hyper aware. All of my senses were heightened and my mind was almost outside of itself. No movie has ever had such an effect on me before.
With each subsequent viewing of the film it's as if it takes on a whole new meaning for me. With a film like Mulholland Drive you can kind of pinpoint what the movie is about and which scenes are dream, flashback, etc. With Synecdoche, New York you are always second guessing your previous take on the film.
Just wanted to point out that the character's name playing Caden is Sammy Barnathan played by Tom Noonan. Daniel London is the name of the actor that played Tom. It seems that the melding of reality and fiction in the movie has quite literally made it's way into your assessment of it. The mixing of the Toms both in the film and in the actors in real life is quite surreal and perfectly embodies the film. It's almost as if it happened by osmosis.
Great list, but needs more Charlie Kaufman! I'd include Eternal Sunshine, too (I'm not joking). It's also missing my own favourite, The Royal Tenenbaums.
There also seems to be something in SNY in how ironic it is that in staging this play about his life Caden is avoiding actually living it as he instead stands behind himself and directs someone else as himself. That's all I'll say, I've only seen the film once myself. At first I sturggled with the plot itself finding the plot to be rather gimmicky and repetative but then the film grew on me and has kept doing so ever since. Personally I named Adapation as my favourite film of the decade. Anyone interested can find the rest of my list here:
http://filmdramas.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_ten_best_films_of_the_decade
Juno confounds me. I just didn't like it. The others are quite spectacular.
I'm surprised I've watched 16 out of 20 of these. A year ago, I used to think my top ten list was the only one that was right. Now, I know that it's the only one right for me. My college friends and I would compare lists and criticize each others' tastes. My friends have told me that I tend to criticize in a condescending manner. I've learned my lesson that different movies evoke different emotions on different people. Never again will I criticize a top movies list in a condescending manner. Unless of course that list has Transformers 2 on it.
Hmmm, I never would've suspected the Kill Bill movies to make a list like this. I certainly liked them, and find it hard to find any damning faults about them. But while on the subject of mainstream movies, I'm also surprised The Dark Knight did not make any of your lists. Not that I liked it more than Batman Begins, but it was received so well by critics and audiences alike, and your review of it was so glowing.
I'm...a little bit disappointed (but only a little!) that (500) Days of Summer didn't make any of the lists though. I can't believe I waited until it came out on DVD to watch it, but I absolutely loved it. And it was another movie that was so well received.
"That means I could have chosen films from 1999. But in my best of the decade list published at the end of 1999, I could also include 1999 films. Kindly explain."
Huh? What I meant was that your comment seemed to imply that the decade doesn't end until the end of 2010, which people had never considered until this decade, it seems.
Otherwise, nice personal list. I doubt one could another list that matches it even 50%.
A sad admission: I have yet to see "Synecdoche, New York" because I am deeply intimidated by it. I understand that this is the sign of a closed mind.
Chop Shop is among the top films of the decade for me (I can't find it in my heart to rank films on a list) for a personal reason. In 1986 I would sit in the upper deck of the old She Stadium and spend half my time finding places where I could look out and see into the long, gray strips of auto shops depicted in the movie. I would watch the people, the cars, come, go, and wanted to go down and join them. My father was formerly homeless and for a year wandered about down there picking up odd jobs, a tough thing for a 15 yer old Brooklyn Jew in Queens. This was back before the shops had come and it was what he described as a hellhole. He never elaborated, I never asked. The limit, of course, made me want to be down there even more. I only haven't because it's one of the few things he was ever emphatic about. Eventually he pulled himself to an upper middle class CT lifestyle first through becoming an apprentice butcher with a cot in the back of a slaughterhouse and then a shop, and when he was old enough joining the Army. When he left he became a top butcher here in CT. He's my hero for that. I know the film is not of his time but it is of his place, is true, and is genuine. I treasure it.
Roger, your decade list is not as good as some of your previous decade lists. Perhaps you should do a ranking of which of your decade lists you like and rank them.
Also, it is very arbitrary that you chose to use the Gregarian Calendar considering you are not Catholic.
Ebert: While composing the list by candlelight, I sang some Gregarian chunts.
There's also something to be said about the irony in SNY in how by staging this play about his life Caden avoids living it and instead stands outside of it and directs other people instead. I'll leave it at that though as I've only seen the film once and havn't fully appreciated it yet. At first I felt it's plot to be gimmicky and repetative like yeah Charlie, life is a stage, I get it already, do you have anything deeper than that? But then it grew on me and has continued to ever since. I do however prefer Adadpation more, which was my pick for the best of the decade. If anyone is interested it can be found here:
http://filmdramas.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_ten_best_films_of_the_decade
About decades - you really think the twenties was 1921 - 1930? If so, and 2010 is part of the last decade, why did you include a film from 2000?
Ebert: For the same reason I didn't include a film from 2010.
No 'Punch Drunk Love'? Hmmm...strange not to include the greatest movie ever made.
Excellent list. Here's my own.
1) The Fall
2) Goodbye Solo
3) Mulholland Dr.
4) Adaptation.
5) Ghost World
6) Me and You and Everyone We Know
7) All the Real Girls
8) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
9) Inglourious Basterds
10) High Fidelity
Special Jury Prize: Synecdoche, New York
Couldn't agree more and that's why I love you (in a totally platonic way).
Love the list. Still some movies I haven't seen. I would have included Memento, Sideways and the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.
I have to disagree with one thing however. December 31, 2009 is the last day of the decade.
Hey Roger!
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see you pick Synecdoche, New York as the best film of the decade, but I will do my best: I am thrilled to see that you have picked it! I picked that as well, and I doubt that many would agree with that choice.
I would, however, replace Juno with There Will Be Blood. That's my input, otherwise, excellent choices!
Jordan
From the early scene where Hoffman examines his own feces with a wooden spoon, I felt "Synecdoche" pushing me away. Half an hour later, I muttered to my wife, "I see where he's going with this thing, and I'm going someplace else."
I totally dug your essay about "La Dolce Vita" being the movie of your life, but...
Ugh. I guess I have to give it another try.
I think this is a very nice pick, even though I am sure you are only doing this blog as a 'wink' to everyone else who is doing them.. as any of us who read you should know.
As for Synecdoche, NY, (I am not sure of the rules of this site so I will not link directly, but I reviewed it on my blog in December, 2008) I placed it on my top 10 list of last year and have it slated for my best films of the 2000s (so far my 'list' has 27 films)...
In my review I wrote the following:
"As Ebert writes in his review:
This has not been a conventional review. There is no need to name the characters, name the actors, assign adjectives to their acting. Look at who is in this cast. You know what I think of them. This film must not have seemed strange to them. It's what they do all day, especially waiting around for the director to make up his mind.
This is pretty good stuff."
I really appreciated your remarks. They helped me to organize my own thoughts about some difficult movies I had recently seen and it helped me to think of new ways to express my opinions.
Not many people in my circle, or even my online circle, had much to say to me... most did not see it, and those who did would really only say it was 'good' for an 'art-movie' or they think they got it but don't think they will watch it again. I guess I really just wish I had a few more friends who absolutely love movies and discussion.
I am a bit ashamed to admit that I haven't seen most of the movies from the first ten. Well, I guess that's why I have Netflix. :)
I was happy to see Crash on the second list. I thought it was a good movie, yet it has been slammed the past few years. Mostly I've read complaints about Haggis' writing but I didn't think it was so cloyingly contrived.
Mr. Ebert, why do you think there has been such a large anti-Crash sentiment?
I don't understand why so many of the comments on here are regarding the decades situation...It's really not a big deal when Roger decides that the decade is over for his list. It's...his list? Besides, what movie from 2000 would have made this list? Besides, this is a really solid and well thought-out list. In fact, I don't think you'll find too many "Best of the Decade" lists that feature a film from 2000...It didn't really offer too many films that have stood out and really held their own throughout the decade. In fact, I'd probably say 2000 was the weakest year of the decade for films. We'll see how 2010 holds up to the rest of these years.
And as for "The Hurt Locker":
She asks if a man like James requires such a fearsome job
That statement alone makes me feel like I need to go see it again with that in mind. I think it's great that you included that on the list. Thanks!
I must second the comments for "Nobody Knows". I made a list on my own site of best movies from the past ten years that most people probably never saw (it's biased, as all such lists are), and didn't hesitate a second to put that on the list.
http://www.genjipress.com/2009/12/best.html
Hello Roger,
I hate to be the one to say it, but have you considered that this may be the last "best of the decade" list you will get a chance to make?
You are 67. The average life span in the United States for males is 75, according to Wikipedia. Although it's certainly possible that you will live for many years past 75, there's a very good chance that you will not. Meaning, you'll not get a chance to reflect on a decade's worth of movies again.
Is it perhaps time to put together a list of the top ten movies that have come out in your lifetime?
Now that I've depressed the hell out of everybody, I'm going to go stand in the kill-joy corner.
Ebert: Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Tact.
This is a good list; I wouldn't put Juno anywhere near a best of the decade list (good movie, mind, but not even Reitman's best nor among the best of 2007). Synecdoche, New York is probably the most impacting movie that I've ever seen, though. The first time, I enjoyed it. It seemed a little dense and a little messy, but I liked it well enough because Kaufman's writing is so interesting. The second time that I watched it, the movie changed my life; I literally want to live my life a different way as a result of my second viewing. The third time, I started piecing together some of the things that don't make sense; particularly, that short moment where Caden's second wife says, "Everyone's tattooed!" and shows a tattoo that Caden never saw/noticed was put into perspective for me as a result of an anecdote provided to me by somebody that I know. It's a movie that is so dense that each subsequent rewatching yields something new. It's not my number one of the decade (might not even be in my top 10), but it's probably one of the most important movies that I have ever watched.
I am a bit surprised to see a lack of Lost in Translation on your list. I thought that that would make your list for sure; your praise for it was quite effusive. It's definitely making my list; no question about it.
On that note, can we expect a list of performances from you? I definitely think Bill Murray's work in LiT is some of the best of this decade, but as an aspiring actor I'd be interested to see what you think.
Also, 2009 is the last year of the decade. It doesn't make any sense to include 2010 as the last year of the decade. Going by your logic, 2000 is the last year of the '90s, which is counter-intuitive. Then again, deciding that any particular ten-year group is 'a decade' is kind of arbitrary, so I guess that it's not really important. At least your system avoids the unfortunate difficulty of the lack of a year 0. I'll never ascribe to it (because, as I say, it's counter-intuitive), but I guess that it doesn't really matter.
On an unrelated note, I'd like to thank you for being such an enjoyable critic to read. You have a beautiful way of writing about movies. I would love to be a film critic someday, and your writing has a lot to do with that; I am currently trying to watch as many movies as I can as often as I can, as I only got into film a few years ago, thanks to There Will Be Blood, actually. That was a perfect movie to get me, a senior in high school at the time, into the idea of film as an art form. I now watch movies voraciously.
This certainly is a spectacular list! From the first time that I saw it, I knew that Synecdoche was one of the best films that I have ever seen (alongside Magnolia and Where the Wild Things Are, which are the other two movies that I call my favorites)... Unfortunately, I do admit that I've only seen a handful of these, and that I really do need to start seeing more (I like to call myself a movie buff, or admirer...), but, this is still quite the great list!
Wonderful descriptions Mr. Ebert. I like how your list is more of a personal reflection on the films that affected you the most this decade. And Synecdoche, New York! Kaufman is without a doubt the greatest screenwriter of the decade. And judging from your list and descriptions, you clearly connected with his writing too.
Did you forget Magnolia?
This is the best explanation of decades I've read:
http://www.ericdsnider.com/blog/2009/12/07/what-decade-is-it-anyone-anyone/
This decade(2000-2009) is (almost) over.
Ebert: I admit it. I'm completely confused.
Very good list and awesome journalism. Adaptation tops my all time list, so it would logically top my "best of the decade" too. About Synecdoche: it is amazing how some films just connect with a person on a personal level and we just "get it", and admire the way the movie is presented by the writer, director and cast. For me, Into the Wild and The Sea Inside were two films I connected with very personally, and henceforth made my list. And the "dear to my heart movies" like My Winnepeg (which I have added to my "must see" list); Mine would definitely be Juno and Jarhead. Then the movies that grip you emotionally - No Country For Old Men and The Road made my list in that dep't. I very much respect your picks.
By the way, Roger, in a February 2007 article you predicted the Oscar winners but would not list who you thought should win in the Best Director category "for reasons of tact". Are we far enough removed from that time to fess up to who you thought deserved it?
when i read that you described richard linklater's "me and orson welles" as "one of the best movies about the theater i've ever seen," i wondered, what IS? this might answer it. it very well answers which is THE best movie about theatre this decade...
Oh, Roger, this is the sort of thing that makes me happy: To see Tarantino's Kill Bill opus included on a decade's-best list; or YOUR list, rather. I hope that ten or twenty years from now, the film is studied carefully in college classes across the nation and recognized for the absolute masterpiece that it is.
As for The Hurt Locker, was there ever any doubt that this is one of the finest films to come along in many years?
Without a doubt Roger, I loved your list.
But, I just wanted to clarify the categorization of how to count years from the Indian perspective (and yes, we have a category for everything):
When you are born, you are zero years old, but your first year is "running."
Thus, 2000 was the first year running of the decade, and 2009 is the tenth year that ran and is about to cross the finish line.
Now as far as following "Synecdoche," I'm still trying to figure that one out.
1,2,4,6,8 from first and 2,6,7,10 from second.
Great list! I'm glad to see Me and You and Everyone We Know and Chop Shop listed!
Hi,
A big fan of your reviews. An awesome list there, though I was expecting 'The Dark Knight', 'WALL-E' & 'Waltz with Bashir' & 'Blood Diamond'. Each of those movie evoked an emotion.
Dark Knight with its, agreeably, almost implausible story in reality (i hope it stays so), was really more about the characters and their portrayal. WALL-E with awareness raising theme & in the way it was communicated. Waltz with Bashir and Blood Diamond showing something about, not just a war, but also how our nature can get so obsessed with exploitation of our own kind.
Of course, just my suggestions.
Once again, amazing list of movies.
Cheers.
Roger,
that's a very good re-cap of the best films of the decade. I've always admired your ability to see a movie for its essence instead of being distracted by hype and box office grosses. Some of your choices are very surprising and unconventional. That's good. The more variety, the better.
Having said that, I don't agree with your #1 pick, "Synecdoche, New York." It didn't work for me and I don't think a repeat viewing would help. When I make up my mind about a movie I don't waver much from my original position. Charlie Kaufman is an extremely talented writer and SNY is a noble, ambitious project. I appreciate what he was trying to do. But I found the film to be a chore to sit through. It puts up a wall of high concept so high (I believe I'm quoting some critic's negative opinion of the film) that one cannot penetrate it. It's gimmickry. Everything that SNY is trying to say about the human experience was done much better in "Citizen Kane," your favorite film of all time. In fact, I think that's maybe the reason why "Synecdoche" appeals to you so much. It's about a man's entire life experiences, his hopes, his dreams, and his contradictions. But "Citizen Kane" is a rewarding movie-going experience shot in a classical, golden-age of Hollywood style. Show "Synecdoche, New York" to a general audience and they'll be fleeing the theater before the movie is over. You stated in your original review of the film that people will remember this film and that it will get its just critical due in time. I don't think so. I think it's destined to have a small but devoted group of admirers such as yourself. I seriously doubt "Synecdoche, New York" will ever be regarded as a film classic. I'm glad you admire it so much and your analysis of what the film is about, as always, is spot on. But you're reviewing the film's concept, not its execution.
Here are my favorite films of the last ten years in no particular order:
In the Bedroom
There Will be Blood
Lost in Translation
Munich
Gran Torino
Vera Drake
Kill Bill Vol. 2
City of God
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Ratatouille
House of Sand and Fog
No Country for Old Men
My top ten of the decade
1.) The Lord of the Rings
2.) Mulholland Dr.
3.) The Dark Knight
4.) City of God
5.) Minority Report
6.) United 93
7.) Happy Go Lucky
8.) Memento
9.) Kill Bill Vol.1&2
10.) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Great list but what about "Babel" ?? It made it into the Great Movies list but not one of the best of the decade????
CHILDREN OF MEN!!!! THERE WILL BE BLOOD, ETERNAL SUNSHINE!!!! I can't believe these arent on the list.. I do agree with most on the list... ROGER EBERT IS KING!!!!! I waited for this list all week.
EXHIBIT 1--"Wings of Desire" is one of those films movie critics are accused of liking because it's esoteric and difficult. "Nothing happens but it takes two hours and there's a lot of complex symbolism," complains a Web-based critic named Peter van der Linden. In the fullness of time, perhaps he will return to it and see that astonishing things happen and that symbolism can only work by being apparent.
EXHIBIT 2-- but it helps me stay grounded. It says:
A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit he is that man.
That doesn't make one person right and another wrong. All it means is that you know how they really felt, not how they thought they should feel.
.....Apropos these two passages written by you,Sir, Don't you feel you were expecting, perhaps condescendingly, to make Van der linden (whatever his movie IQ or EQ) like your choice? Furthermore,Not singling out his name would have have caused him less embarrassment. Despite you considering Synecdoche New York to be a monumental work,many critics will never get around to appreciating it, not because they are immature but because of a complexly simple thing called "like/ dislike". If you would still like to stick to your Exhibit A stance, then I humbly suggest that you add as a last line to your "Taste of Cherry" review--"Perhaps, in the fullness of time, I'll get around to appreciating it!". I mean no offense, so please consider the above in a sporting spirit...tc
Sorry, that doesn't make sense, because if that were so, you would have waited until the year 2000 to have a complete list (unless the Times require you to view the decade the same way all the rivaling newspapers do) of top films of the 91'-00 decade. And the reason you didn't include a movie for 2010 is because that year hasn't happend yet (unless you can hop into Doc Browns Delorean and see movies in advance). Are you restricted by The Chicago Sun-Times to list your movies at the end of next year or do you just go along with tradition? The latter would seem easier.
Roger: I have a question. Do you differentiate between your favorite movies and the 'best' movies of a time? I know some people don't and some people do. I tend too, just because I could bear to leave films like 'The Muppet Movie' off of my favorites list, but I realize that there are certain elements that preclude it from being 'great', at least in the traditional, AFI list sense of the word.
Then again, 'The Muppet Movie' has been added to the National Film Registry and will be preserved for the ages, so maybe, just maybe, the difference is unnecessary.
What a terrific list. I absolutely love the quote you included at the end, I always keep that in mind when I watch and review a film. I try to be completely honest when I write my reviews and talk about film, and that quote (one I've never heard before) really struck me.
I also love the fact that you listed these films based on their emotional impact, because those are always the films that I will remember the most. Above all, I think, people (or at least me) watch movies to be moved by what's on the screen, and movies that achieve that will always have a special place in my heart.
I agree with most of your list, although I must admit I'm not a huge fan of "Almost Famous," but that's beside the point. These are the films that impacted you the most, and I thank you for sharing them with us.
What a top 10. Some great, some good, and only a couple I didn't like. My top film of the decade would be Children of Men, so I was disappointed to not see it on here, but enough picks on here would appear in my top 20 to make up for it.
Your choosing of Synecdoche, NY as your number 1 absolutely thrilled me. I'm putting it in my top 10 somewhere (not sure where yet) because of all the movies I've seen this decade, it's the one that has refused to leave my thoughts from the moment I saw it. Your blog entries and review helped me a great deal in understanding it - I felt the same way you did after my first viewing; I knew it was a great film even though I had no clue what I had just witnessed. But even if you ignore the labyrinthine plot and masses of characters, the movie connects on such a deep human level that it cannot be ignored. The speech given by the priest at the funeral and the final narration by Dianne Wiest so perfectly summed up my thoughts and feelings at the time of my initial viewing that I wept. Charlie Kaufman has been one of my favorite writers since he came on the scene, but I want to meet him and shake his hand and thank him for Synecdoche. And thank you for helping all of us who loved it to realize what a complex and beautiful film experience it was.
The decade debacle
Jesus, this decade thing ain't that tough. In 1999 Roger's #3 pick was 1990's Goodfellas. Conversely in 1989, he didn't pick one his all time faves, 1979'S Apocalypse Now. Would have been interesting if he would have picked A.N. over The Godfather back in 79. Or as contrary as he is, maybe something totally off the wall. Guarantee it wouldn't have been Harold and Maude, but 1976's L'argent de poche-maybe.
Last month I emailed about 50 or 60 of my friends from childhood, high school, college, and beyond asking them to give me a Top 10 of the decade and then I'd compile them by New Year's. I was just finishing tabulating the results when I found your list (The Departed finished first in my composite list of about 200 different titles, I was pleased with the turnout) and the reflection at the end of your post struck me. All through the process my friends would email me their lists with a footnote of near apology. All of my friends know I love movies and that I take them very seriously as art. Many of my friends would preface their lists with something like "I don't see a lot of movies but..." or "I don't know as much about movies as some people..." or "Here's my uneducated list..." Many seemed embarrassed if a movie like The Dark Knight or Catch Me if You Can or some other popular entertainment ended up on their list. I told them in the original email that they're were no right or wrong answers and I wasn't interested in finding 50 lists that looked exactly like my own. I was interested in the social aspect of it. A list of decided non-critics, one that would reflect a range of avid filmgoers to film apathists. And even though The Departed didn't even show up on my list, the idea wasn't to prove to myself how "right" I was, it was to create an excuse to talk about movies. I know you think lists like these are silly and they are but it was fun to watch the results come in and see what each list said about each friend. Thank you for continuing to inspire myself and others to see great movies (I would never had seen The Son if not for you and it ended up at #6 on my decade list, also I just started the Up Series because of your essays on it) and thanks for seeing the bad ones so I don't have to.
If it doesn't, you were two on your first birthday.
The first birthday is of course the second.
Ah, I remember the first decade of the first millenium AD fondly. What were the years? Oh yes, something like 1 B.C. - 9 A.D. What a silly time.
why kill bill, instead of basterds?
great list...my own
1.there will be blood
2.lord of the rings trilogy
3.minority report
4.a.i.:artificial intelligence
5.Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind
6.The Pianist
7.Wall-e
8.Watchmen:Ultimate Cut
9.Adaptation
10.The Fountain
11.The Dark Knight
12.inglorious basterds
....ive seen about 2500 films over this decade
ive loved synecdoche new york but i really need 2 see the film again before i finish my opinion... I will watch it in a few hours prob.
I completely agree that "Synecdoche, New York" is the best film of the decade.
If Synecdoche, New York is your number one film of the decade then why doesnt it feature on your best of 2009 list?
I am SO glad you included Kill Bill, personally it's my number 1. The thing that is so strange is i'm 18 now, but when it came out i was 12. Yet I saw it for the first time when I was 13. I didn't fully grasp it. Now after seeing it 30 times i still don't fully grasp it. This intrigues me about Synecdoche, New York. It seems like a film you won't be able to understand the 1st time you see it. With you naming it the best of the decade, i will have to check it out. But from the sounds of it ill be seeing it many times. And one quick question, where is Babel? You inducted it into you "Great Movies" pretty quickly after it came out yet it's not on your list and the vast majority of these movies aren't in your "Great Movies." I think it's just Pan's Labyrinth, Chop Shop, Adaption and The 25th Hour.
good god roger.
spot on.
i like how Phillip S.H kept popping up throughout.
he really is a phenomenally talented actor.
i have my own ideas for what the best are.
but once again you have basically captured the essence of the film-going experience for the first decade of the new millennium.
it's just a shame scorsese couldn't make it.
even though he made some phenomenal works.
oh well.
also about your new decade clause.
or whatever you want to call it.
are you telling us that 2000, was really the last year of the nineties? and so on and so forth?
There Will Be Blood... Lord of War... Inglourious Basterds... so on and so on...
In choosing the list, I decided to bypass films that may have qualified for their historical, artistic, popular or "objective" importance. No lists have deep significance, but even less lists composed to satisfy an imaginary jury of fellow critics
Although, now that you mention it, a list like that under such a context might be interesting...
You know, the thing I like about Roger Ebert is whether we agree with him or not, he really sticks to his guns. He is not afraid to deviate from a consensus if a film really stands out to him. After all, film is meant to be experienced on a very personal level, so sometimes the best films are the ones we really remember "experiencing" - not just watching. At the end of the day, I think that's a very good thing as it only opens the doors for interesting discussion.
You know, the thing I like about Roger Ebert is whether we agree with him or not, he really sticks to his guns. He is not afraid to deviate from a consensus if a film really stands out to him. After all, film is meant to be experienced on a very personal level, so sometimes the best films are the ones we really remember "experiencing" - not just watching. At the end of the day, I think that's a very good thing as it only opens the doors for interesting discussion.
Roger, your list and writing is elevating and has me thinking about your work this decade as a critic. Surely it's your best. And, let's be honest, this may be your last 'best of the decade' list and explanations (or maybe not, we'll see) but if it is, it sums up your unique and considerable worldview beautifully. You could be gone tomorrow and this would be a sign of the kinds of people and sentiments you've placed your hope for the future in. I guess you feel the same about all your decade endlists.
I don't think I could thank you enough for your writing and how, well, it's changed my life, not necessarily for better but better is overrated, it's all about the how. (And, while I'm add it, thanks for hiring Jim Emerson, one of the best things you ever did... if it was your choice, I'm not sure whose it was, but it was a stroke of brilliance.)
Enough with the emotion, there's nothing I could say anyway to repay you or communicate my appreciation. You are great man, I'll leave it at that.
Onto your awesome, exciting, gutsy choices. I was expecting them to be much more predictable. Don't take that personal, most critics make thoughtful choices that people nod in general agreement with, maybe a few disagreements here and there... This one should stop the presses. Some very bold selections (and at the numbers you've ranked them too).
"Synecdoche" at #1! Amazing! Not that I agree exactly but that may inspire some other courageous choices from critics, pro and not-pro. About the non-pro... On my Flixster (don't know if you've ever heard of it, won't bother explaining, very boring to), I have maybe 20 or so people from various locations around the globe who have seen it... The lowest mark I've seen is a 3 and a half out of 5, with the review noting that the film overwhelmed this viewer, he's unsure for now but enjoyed watching and will return again in the future... I've rarely, rarely seen that much love from a film from my peeps, who I carefully selected over the years while browsing through the reviews now and then, usually finding the best reviewers under recent reviews for Bergman films...
I love how personal this list is. That's the way to go! You've really inspired me to just... go with my gut when I make up my own list. It's the conclusion I came to anyway but was still feeling a little unsure whether it was 'objectively' the right choice. I know "Pan's Labirynth" is a deeply recognized masterpiece, but what can I say, it didn't hit elevate personally as much as this little movie called "Half Nelson" about a desperate teacher who just wants to help one (1) uunderstanding student. And finds even that is a struggle.
"My Winnipeg" at #10... As a Canadian, I'm feeling a sting of pride right now... Tis also on my list.
Could go on about this great list. Quick round of kudos to:
"Hurt Locker" at #2 is ballsy. So soon!, But a great film indeed.
More praise for "25th Hour". I saw it for the first time the other night. It left me stunned and surprised. We're accustomed to seeing Spike's explosive directing style. He did something different with this film, more philosophical, without sacrificing his bottom line stare-the-truth-in-the-eye instincts. His no b/s, man up to your flaws approach makes for an unforgettable experience when he's also at his most humanistic and empathetic, which he is working off Benioff's screenplay.
The inclusion of *Herzog's* "Bad Lieutenant" at all. That'll have people talking, if they aren't stunned in awe that you went with it. But now I don't feel like a total weirdo for the film being, against odds going into it, my favorite this year. Though, contrary to popular opinion that says not to compare it to Ferrera's, I think what's so wonderful is how the two films contrast, seeing the same thing from opposite angles... and both are persuasive! These two movies demand viewing, by philosophy/ethics majors especially, perhaps even back to back.
For people confused about what year a decade begins and ends with remember that there was never a year zero. So the very first decade was 1-10, the first century was 1-100, and so on. The last century ended at the beginning of 2001, and this decade will end at the beginning of 2011. The years 2000-2009 are A decade, but they are not THE decade.
I just saw that your original "25th Hour" review was 3.5 stars. Why, then, did you put it as one of the best films of the decade? Did you change your mind? Moreover, what does this say about all of your original reviews--that they're flexible?
In defense of Jonathan B., you are looking at the years mathematically subtracting ten from 2009, but forgetting to count the 2000. I actually went along with it at first but then counted them out on my fingers to make sure I wasn't crazy.
A decade is a period of ten years. You have at least one movie on this list from each year:
2000 - Almost Famous
2001 - Waking Life
2002 - The Son
2003 - 25th Hour
2004 - Monster
2005 - Me, You and Everyone We Know
2006 - Pan's Labyrinth
2007 - Juno
2008 - Synecdoche
2009 - Hurt Locker
That's ten titles over ten years.
I feel like an a-hole even writing this.
I'm somewhat surprised you included "Crash" on this list while omitting "Babel". I personally felt the latter had better executed what both films seemed to set out to accomplish artistically. You recognized "Babel" on your "Great Movies" list, but I'm not sure about "Crash"; regardless, has your opinion on either film changed in the last few years, Roger?
I would like to shamelessly brag that I have seen fifteen of the twenty films on your two lists and, with the exception of the 25th Hour and Almost Famous, all of the ones I haven't seen (Silent Light, The Son, Me You and Everyone We Know) are relatively obscure (and I haven't even had an opportunity to see Silent Light yet). Needless to say these five will be a high priority for me. Funny coincidence, I bought My Winnipeg as a blind purchase a couple of weeks ago (unusual for me, I don't like making blind purchases) and watched it just the other night. I was enthralled with it. I'm becoming increasingly fascinated with Guy Maddin's work and glad to see the film included here.
On the subject of the 25th Hour, I looked back at your old review and saw that you gave it three and a half stars. What exactly is it that prompted you to bump it up from the respectable ranks of "pretty good" to the Valhalla of being one of the best films of the decade?
well... I think you choice very good movies. But i can't agree your position absolutely. Because this list includes almost 'American cinema'(or American-capital cinema). for example, I think, in your catalogue, it seems to be there is no space for Edward wang's Greatest movie . So I have a one question to you. your interest pocused on only American style?
These movies here, dear Ebert...
Le scaphandre et le papillon
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi
The Dreamers
Diarios de Motocicleta
Y tu mamá también
The Elephant
Into the Wild
Låt den rätte komma in
Letters from Iwo Jima
Mou gaan dou
None of these films impact you more than Juno? Really?
An independent theater in my home town Kyoto, Japan recently released Synecdoche, New York - I went to see it four times and have told my friends it is definitely my favorite of the decade and one of my favorites of all time. I wrote an essay about the movie for my application to some art schools in the U.S. for cinema studies.
I was frustrated upon my first viewing but I returned three more times out of fear more than anything - I was frightened by the fact that I, a 17-year old, saw so much of myself in Caden Cotard. The film is powerful enough that I don't want to ignore that fear (though it took me a week to conjure up the courage to go again). I've grown to like it "so much that it hurts", to quote Almost Famous (also a decade favorite of mine).
It also solidifies Jon Brion as one of the best working composers (his score for Punch-Drunk Love is unbelievable as well). I felt that his work got a little bit over-looked among all the arguing over the themes of the film. I listen to the soundtrack constantly.
Great list, Roger - you continue to be my hero!
I'm not sure what Crash is doing on the list, but Pan's Labyrinth makes up for it, as my favorite movie of the aughts. The film made not one misstep-- not one. Even my favorite films of all time make missteps here and there, sometimes serious, but I love them anyway because there's that much to love. But Pan's Labyrinth-- perfect from beginning to end. The only thing-- and I mean the only thing-- that took me out of it was the sometimes bad CGI of bullet wounds. It was odd, combined with the fantastic effects elsewhere.
Also, any list that doesn't include Mulholland Drive gains credibility with me. The movie is awful and has nothing to say-- it's just David Lynch trying to be deep and mysterious without a story-- yet it has topped many critics lists for the 00's. Somehow Mr. Lynch has tricked these savvy moviegoers into thinking he has something to say. I'm glad he didn't fool you. The movie stinks.
I agree with the list with one exception, Kill Bill! That is the only movie that I wish I could unwatch! I hate that movie with a burning rage that rivals that of a thousand suns! I consider it a tragedy whenever a single cultural artifact is lost to human history forever, but in the instance of Kill Bill I wouldn't mind if every single film print and digital copy of that film disintegrated!
You know Roger, for a while I couldn't get why you were so offended by David Lynch's Blue Velvet. After having seen Kill Bill I think I now know how you felt. After watching that insipid excuse for hipster filmmaking I felt violated! I felt like my sensibilities toward film and storytelling were violated!
For years I didn't know why I hated the film so much. Now I think I know why. It is Uma Thurman, her character is a cartoon; just a cipher for Tarentino's myriad of film references. She is crying one scene and then smiling and giggling stupidly in the next. See gets shot, stabbed, beaten and incapacitated and she just picks herself up. There was just absolutely no consistency to her character. I felt more for every other character on screen then I did for her. I even felt more for the Crazy 88s then I did for the Bride.
And on the subject of the Crazy 88s fight, I thought it was freaking pathetic! I like samurai movies. I like Hong Kong style martial arts movies. Not the two clumsily mixed together! Watching it all I could think was, "Those swords are not made for that style of combat!" Watch The Sword of Doom (Daibosatsu Togei) if you want to see a real samurai sword fighting. Plus all of the so-called "practical" effects ruined the sequences rhythm and flow.
This turned into quite a rant. Well QT redeemed himself in my eyes with Inglourious Bastereds. The only complaint I have about that film is that Tarentino seems to be cannibalizing the cinema.
Waking up to find I share the same favourite movie of the decade with my favourite critic is a fantastic way to start the day.
The amateur film blog I write for made our own top 20 of the decade: http://www.projectorheads.com/2009/12/the-projectorheads-top-20-of-the-decade/ and it's probably a lot more controversial than even this one, haha
A decade is any ten year span so technically 1994-2003 is a decade. Named decades, 20's, 60's, 90's, go from the 0 year to the 9 year. "This" decade or "The" Decade goes from 1 to 10. Therefore your list is not the best of the decade, but the best of the Zeroes (Aughts, whatever).
Just keep in mind that "Hurt Locker" is all fiction. Bomb disposal vets have weighed in. What is portrayed in the film is NOT standard operating procedure. They don't spend hours defusing bombs in cars, etc. They blow the damn things up. Hostages are not strapped with bombs. They have plenty of true believers to blow them selfs up. You don't find Islamic snipers hanging out in the desert. GIs don't sneak out of the Green Zone to travel solo into dangerous neighborhoods. Etc, etc, etc.
Hate to go off topic, since this really should be about the list (which is great by the way - an amazingly eclectic group of films), but 2010 is not part of this decade.. the decade (2000-2009) is coming to the end. A decade has 10 years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. If including 2010, you would have to start from 2001.
From the moment I saw Synecdoche, New York, I knew this was something that would haunt me. And it did. The film literally haunted me for many months, affecting my life, and even my choice for the person I'm with now. It made me look at many of the choices (and non-choices) affecting my life, and, in the end, improve my life.
That is the sign of a truly once-in-a-lifetime film. Something that literally changes your life.
I have a friend who works in the office of the manager for Mr. Kaufman. He says by far, Mr. Kaufman is the reciepent of the most dedicated fan mail they have ever seen. Letters pour in on the regular professing how his film has changed their lives too.
I know that Kaufman has given interviews after making this film saying he may never work again. I hope he does, but that is selfish. Obviously, in the making of this film, he put his very soul into it, and gave it to us.
I hope he's recovering well.
Wow Ebert, no Let the Right One In? Really?
The 201st decade still has a year to go, but the 2000s finish tonight. A decade is any period of ten years; it doesn't have to be an exact multiple of ten years since the year 1. If you wanted, you could have done "Films of the Decade" 3.5 years ago for the decade from August 1 1996 to July 31 2006.
Roger,
While I disagree with you that "the decade" isn't over for another year, why not just call your list "The best films of the last ten years" and sidestep the issue?
Dear Mr. Ebert,
Two things;
1) I am extremely touched by the fact that you have chosen 'Synecdoche, New York' as the film of the decade. I was also greatly moved by your review of the film the first time around, and your summary above. No film has ever shook me to the core, made me confront and question the various personas which have manifested themselves in my relatively short time on this world, as much as this film. As someone who has an almost neurotic obsession with the theme of identity (in any context), the film made me look at my life, question it, and provided me with an emotional experience like no other. I love films, but there have only been four or five which I could safely say 'elevated' me. If I had to save one out of all them, this would be my choice. What a movie.
2) I am glad that you are one of the very few sane journalists who have not rushed headlong into media sensationalism and have recognised the fact that we are not quite done with this decade. The Noughties are not officially over, people, if you wish to be consistent with the last two thousand years of counting, and this is why; The Roman calendar did not, alas, have a zero in its numbering system, so their calendar begins on January 1 in the year 1. The decade, therefore, does not end until midnight between December 31, 10 and January 1,11. The principle holds true, even a couple of millenia after.
I am shocked by the fact that certain people, alas, are falling short of that old adage 'don't believe everything you read'.
Having said that, I wish you all a Happy New Year... please enjoy it, as it is the last of its decade.
I can not tell you how happy it made me to see "Minority Report" on there. At least around the circles I travel in, this has got to be Steven Spielberg's most underrated film (second place goes to "Munich"). It has to be one of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen. It's got interesting ideas (which, especially for sci-fi movies, seem to be in short supply) exciting (and coherent) action set pieces, and a genuinely mysterious mystery. The only way it could be more pleasing is if it tucked you in at night.
Almost Famous is my favourite movie (the extended cut, anyway) and I am of course delighted to see it here. But, strangely, I'm even MORE delighted to see Me and You and Everyone We Know.
And, because no one asked for it, my own top 10:
1. Almost Famous
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. The Royal Tenenbaums
4. Once
5. Ghost World
6. Shaun of the Dead
7. Punch-Drunk Love
8. Lost In Translation
9. High Fidelity
10. The Departed
I actually have a top 40, but don't want to take up any more space...
Fascinating list, Mr. Ebert. I was quite pleased to see both My Winnipeg and Silent Light get mentioned, as they are both personal favourites of mine. On the subject of Guy Maddin, however, I would actually place The Heart of the World ahead of My Winnipeg. I guess that short films don't count, though. I do honestly believe that it contains the best example of montage theory since Stalin died.
While I am extremely happy to see Werner Herzog on the list, I think that his documentaries this decade are more deserving. And finally, I was wondering, did Gus Van Sant's Elephant ever come across your radar when formulating this list. I myself would be inclined to list it as the best film of the decade.
There Will Be Blood.
The decade started in 2001, just like how our time line started on year 1. There is no year 0.
It's true that from a strictly definitive point, "the' decade isn't over. But the consensus is that 2000-2009 is a decade. I'm not sure why this is the case, other than it's this way to prevent confusion. When the arguments start, though, there's no end to the confusion.
I know this is a silly thing to do, arguing with a list that is based on feeling which is clearly different for everyone, but there is one movie that provided more elevation (beautiful word by the way) than any other movie I have ever seen... with one possible exception. The movie is The Fall. I have never seen anything so beautifully and lovingly constructed. It comes close to truly SHOWING the power and pure magic of story telling, which I thought impossible. It brought up memories of being lulled to sleep by a fable that fell from my mothers mouth straight to my imagination, and was transformed into life.
Please forgive this silly and useless endorsement.
Just could not help myself.
TTFN
I certainly enjoyed being puzzled by Synecdoche. Thanks to your comments here, I'll watch it again. But best of the decade?
To my mind, cinema's a linear art form. You sit down in the theater, the lights come down, they run the reels in order, and you're done. If a film doesn't make much sense to the audience when the lights come back up, then I think it has failed the audience. If it takes a prominent cinema expert to even glimpse the purpose on one viewing, isn't that a major flaw?
That isn't to say that there aren't a lot of good films that reward multiple viewings. I'm just saying that the first viewing should be a complete experience, rather than a teaser for several more. Is it possible that you agree, but feel Synecdoche is so strong that it transcends a problem that would have killed a lesser film?
Damn it! I was hoping to see you reunited with Scorsese again (that was one of the highlights of that year). Well, I hope you will do it for the next decade. Live long and prosper!
Hey, great list, but I'm a little curious: Werckmeister Harmonies by Bela Tarr was one of your great films, yet I didn't see it on the list. Struck me as a little strange, but that's OK.
I think we can resolve the decade controversy in one or more of the following three ways.
1. Refer to the list as The Best Films of A Decade, rather than The Best Films of The Decade.
2. Refer to the list as The Best Films of the 2000s.
3. Refer to the list as The Best Films of the Zeroes.
Methinks you would prefer option number three, Roger.
I find much to agree with on your list, though I knew from the moment City of God ended that something astonishing would have to come along in order for that film to lose its place at the top of my list. I have watched it five more times since then, just to be sure.
Happy New Year, Roger.
Serioiusly, the decade argument is pretty ridiculous. All you have to do is realize that from the start of Year 0 to the start of Year 1 is the first year of the decade. Year 1 to Year 2 is the second. Year 2-3 the 3rd, year 3-4 the 4th, year 4-5 the 5th, year 5-6 the 6th, year 6-7 the 7th, year 7-8 the 8th, year 8-9 the 9th, year 9-10 the tenth. Continue that rational thinking until the present, and this decade is January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009. Really, is there any other argument?
Roger, is not 2000-2009 ten years? 120 Months? When I was born in 1980, I was born in the Eighties, no? Thank you.
Rob, you aren't the only one disappointed to see the lack of attention paid to Nobody Knows. I can only assume it's the result of not enough people seeing it. Just the shot of the younger girl's crayons with only the unwanted colours left just slays me to think about even now.
I based my own best of the decade ratings on the same idea as Roger, what connected me most directly to the joy and fear and love and loss of others. I took some flak for putting Away From Her as my #3, but I'd feel dishonest in saying it wasn't as important to me as it was. While I can't agree with all of the films (Juno and Crash, mainly), it's wonderful to see a few underrated films like Me You And Everyone We Know and Silent Light get some much deserved praise. It's equally wonderful to see the technically impeccable but emotionally weightless Lord of the Rings movies (if the stakes are essentially the whole world, victory is assured since only Cormac McCarthy can successfully write the end of everything, assuming my interpretation of the end of The Road is correct, meaning the entire trilogy becomes essentially a tedious fantasy themed basketball game) absent. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them, but best of decade material they are not.
My top 15 (if posting this here is presumptuous, feel free to excise it):
15)Let the Right One In
14)Big Fish
13)My Winnipeg
12)Amelie
11)The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
10)Yi Yi (A One and a Two)
9)The Royal Tenenbaums
8)Revanche
7)The Fall
6)Nobody Knows
5)Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
4)Atanarjuat
3)Away From Her
2)City of God
1)4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days
Here's what Anne Billson writes:
Synecdoche, New York, dir. Charlie Kaufman (Sony)
by Anne Billson
Thanks to his mind-bending screenplays for Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Charlie Kaufman is one of the few Hollywood screenwriters who might conceivably be regarded as an AUTEUR. In Adaptation, he inserted himself into the narrative as a fussy, neurotic screenwriter played by Nicolas Cage with even worse than usual hair. Fellini had half a dozen near-masterpieces under his belt before he tried to sum up his life and career in 8½, but Kaufman, making his directing debut with Synecdoche, New York, ambitiously plunges in at the deep end to tackle the big themes - life, death and all the bits in between. The result is a richly detailed tapestry which seems predestined to split audiences down the middle. Sceptics will inevitably dismiss it as pretentious; others will find its reductio ad absurdum of the human condition poignant. Either way, it's a mindfuck, and one that demands multiple viewings.
This time, it's Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the Kaufman surrogate, a fussy, neurotic theatre director whose hypochondria doesn't spare him from genuine afflictions, most of them leaky and disgusting. After his marriage falls apart, he's awarded a MacArthur "genius fellowship" and spends the next two decades constructing a detailed simulacrum of his life in a vast hangar populated by actors playing himself, his women and all the people he has ever met. Then he starts hiring actors to play the actors playing the people. And so on. Time starts to speed up. Even as the theatrical representations are becoming increasingly removed from reality, so it becomes more difficult to tell what's real and what's Memorex.
This may sound overly schematic and wilfully labyrinthine, but as the narrative disappears up its own fundament, Kaufman seeds it with so many surreal, satirical or inconsequential touches that the result feels like an elaborate but only half-remembered dream teeming with ant-like activity and a cast of thousands. Catherine Keener, as Hoffman's viciously plainspeaking wife, paints pictures so small they can only be seen through a microscope. Samantha Morton, as the theatre receptionist who becomes Hoffman's mistress, buys a house which is perpetually on fire, though it never actually burns down. The actor whom Hoffman hires to play himself is a man who has been stalking him for years; on a second viewing of the film, you can glimpse him lurking in the background in the earlier scenes.
The dictionary definition of "synecdoche" (pronounced "si-NECK-duckee") is "a figure of speech in which a part is named but the whole is understood", as in, for example, the way we might say, "several new faces" in lieu of "several new people". So Hoffman is the part, and we're the whole; he's standing in for all of us, and for the way our reality has been hi-jacked by narrative, how each of us is playing the leading role in the story of our life, while the life itself trickles away unnoticed. You'd probably need a PhD in Structuralism to get to grips with all the implications of that, but you could boil the message down to the bumper-sticker maxim, "Life is something that happens to you while you're busy making other plans." The film is sadder and wiser than that, but there's a rare beauty in the sadness and wisdom. There's life, and then there's nothing, but it's all those bits in between that make us what we are.
Some great movies on that list. Still haven't seen "Silent Light" though. I would've liked to have seen "United 93" somewhere in there, which I thought was the Best Film of the Decade.
"The Hurt Locker" was a horrible horrible movie. I saw it with my brother and he had to apologize to me at how boring it was. We're both in our early twenties and I can't help but think there is an age-bias on how movies are reviewed.
I am so utterly happy that you found 'Synecdoche, New York' the best film of the decade. I've been disagreeing with you more and more as time has gone by but this is a pitch-perfect choice for a horrible decade so full of despair, illusion, and life!
Can't we just agree that technically the decade is 2001-2010, but culturally it's 2000-2009. Nobody wants to call a decade "most of the twenties and a year in the thirties." Much better to say, "the twenties."
Interesting list as always. I'm not sure what would top my own. Possibly The Pianist. Black Hawk Down and The Departed would also be present.
Because 2010 isn't part of the 00's?
Decades don't work the same way as centuries or millenia. 2000 was the last year of the millenium, but 2010 is not the last year of the decade any more than 2000 was the last year of the 90's.
What I think is a far more interesting discussion, anyway, is when people are going to start saying "twenty-ten" instead of "two thousand and ten." It's all Stanley Kubrick's fault.
Yes Ebert! I asked you a couple of months back why 25th hour hadn't got the recognition it deserved and you said you'll invite it to Ebert fest. Now, that isn't necessary. You added it to your great movies list and you've put it on this list. Thats enough. But now, please tell me what happened to leaves of grass! Did it release? 25th December. I'm in India and won't ever know. That is unless you tell me.
Hey, Roger. Any chance of there being a written debate between you and Rex Reed over the subject of Synecdoche, New York, which he considers to be nothing less than the worst movie ever made?
Now that I'd love to read.
....so the 3 1/2 star 25th Hours is first a great movie and on your best of list. I wonder what the hell the 1/2 star was taken off for in the first place (say all you will about the irrelevance of the star system- it does create false impressions).
BTW, I love the connections that are made between your pieces and Jim Emerson's, like today post that deals with why Crash is the worst film of the decade.
"Ebert: That means I could have chosen films from 1999. But in my best of the decade list published at the end of 1999, I could also include 1999 films. Kindly explain."
No, it doesn't. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009 is ten full years, or better known as a "decade."
I agree with you, the 3rd millennium did not start until 2001, same as the 21st century did not start until 2001, same as the 201st decade did not start until 2001. However, the 1900s century started on 1900 and ended with 1999 and the 00s decade started in 2000 and ends with 2009.
The "historical" decades (that is, those starting from 1 AD and counting forward) are not one-in-the-same with terms such as "1990s", "2000s" and so forth. These are our own created decades based on how tidy they look (doesn't really make any sense for 2000 to be part of the "1990s"... but it is part of the 200th decade).
Whew.
Anyway, nice, eclectic list. I still haven't seen "Synecdoche," and this list only makes we want to prioritize it more.
This is a movie list of the best movies from the year 2000 began to the end of the year 2009. You should just have written that instead. This is a movielist. Not a decade-discussion :-).
Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Irreversible, Dark Knight and Avatar and I could mention others that definitely stuck in my mind as one of the best I have seen but then again I haven't seen nearly as many movies as you have to be a fair judge of wich is the best. Very happy to see Crash and Almost Famous in there.
I love how feeling for you is your main ingredience for judging a movie. I respect you greatly for that as I think you understand better than most in wich way movies can benefit society best.
the decade is 2000-2009 , tomorrow we enter the new decade (the two thousand tens). That's it. I don't think it's most constructive to focus entirely at that. A mistake was made (and it's not debatable whether it is a mistake) , nevertheless it's not that important.
I find my self agreeing more with the second list than the first one. My problem with the "mainstream" films of the first one is that they don't evoke the response " this is the best film of the decade" to the one who saw them. You don't see them and think that they are more than your average good film.
I personally find Crash , and Monster to be overrated. a lot other films (even of their year) are simply better.
Likewise , the Hurt locker while it's good i wouldn't consider it the second best film of the decade.
But that is just my personal opinion. I appreciate your list . And not only the parts of it which i agree with. All it's very interesting to hear , because as it's mentioned in the conclusion what is important it's how the films affected you . And it's interesting to for us to find out .
and I will attempt to find and see Synecdoche, New York the soonest possible !
"After beginning my first viewing in confusion, I began to glimpse its purpose and by the end was eager to see it again, then once again, and I am not furnished."
You meant "finished," right? Otherwise, I am going to have to start wondering if you've taken to wearing sofa cushions as pieces of clothing. ;)
Just to throw fuel on the tangent-fire:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decade
I have seen 14 of the 20 you listed and will now be seeing the other six. Of the 14 I have seen, I would say all of them deserve to be on a list like this and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I'm sure I will like the other six just as much.
As always, thank you for your recommendations. Over the past several years, I have seen many fantastic movies that I would not have otherwise seen without your suggestions.
You liked "Kill Bill" more than "Inglourious Basterds"? Surprising.
And I'm glad to see "Bad Lieutenant" on there: perfect movie, does exactly what it wants to while seeming to unfold as naturally as a rose's petals in the morning. Watching that movie for the second time was definitely one of the most "elevating" theater experiences of my life: on par with "No Country for Old Men," or "Night of the Hunter."
OK, now we officially know your #1 movies of 2008 and 2009, plus your #2 and #3 movies of 2009, although we don't know which is which. We listophiles thank you for those crumbs! I've incorporated them into my Google Docs Movies database.
I agree with Greg, that the alignment of decades is best determined by the name of the years therein, and not by some rigid accounting that goes back 2000 years. But I do note with amusement that nobody is quite sure what the hell we call the decade just completed. Everybody's been fudging the issue and calling it just "this decade", but the problem will come forward as the decade itself recedes into the past. The aughts? Seems too quaint. And I'm convinced the coming decade has to be called "the teens", even though, strictly speaking, "the teens" span only 7 years, not 10.
Speaking of names, I'd like to point out that the coming year is most efficiently pronounced "twenty ten". My recollection is, that's what we called the movie of that name. But now we've acquired a ten-year habit of calling years "two thousand this" and "two thousand that", and that habit is driving us to "two thousand ten". Surely at some point in the coming 90 years, we'll get back to saying "twenty" and not "two thousand". That point might as well be tomorrow.
For some reason I feel like there's a number of great 07-08 movies I have yet to see on any "best of" lists: Julia, Doubt, Frost/Nixon, Goodbye Solo, The Visitor, and even Michael Clayton.
Also since you brought up Tony Scott's Wall-E selection, I've been dying to know how you feel about At the Movies being returned to real film critics.
Thanks Roger and thanks for ranking them. I completely agree with Juno and its on my list of the best of the decade as well. My Winnipeg is the surprise. When you compare this to your annual Top 10s, it becomes clear how some films resonate more over time.
Bravo. I had a feeling in this entry you wouldn't slavishly recycle the top tens from previous years in rank-order.
Can I speculate as to some of the elevated pieces just missing out?? From top to bottom: "Junebug," "Spirited Away," "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring," "Mulholland Drive," "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu," "Lost In Translation," "Away from Her," "Ghost World" and "Finding Nemo."
What's amazing about Kaufman's work is that he seems to be able to comprehend how he feels as he feels it. He writes like a close observer of his own consciousness. I liken his philosophy to Camus; his style - and talent - to no other.
Great list.
Juno is contrived trash.
Never have I heard dialogue ring so sickeningly glib and painfully faux-hip.
Shame on you Rog.
I haven't seen all the movies on this list, but of the ones that I have, no disagreement here. Still, my list would include these three movies:
- Children of Men - Such a great fusion of story and style. I find more to like about this one every time I watch it.
- Once - This movie was so good the first time I saw it, I almost didn't want to watch it again.
- Inglourious Basterds - One of the few times that I wanted to sit through the closing credits, if only to extend the experience just a little bit more.
I cannot adequately describe how tickled I was as I scrolled down the page to continue reading and exposed the photo of the revived hockey players from "My Winnipeg". I've just pulled up my Sundance Channel copy on the DVR.
So you can't rank the movies from 2009 in a top 10 list but you can rank movies from the decade?! Seems like comparing a whole decade is a lot harder. And you kind of made it clear what your favorite movie of 2009 is, since you picked "The Hurt Locker" as #2. So what's the point of making an alphabetical list for 2009 if you already have a favorite film for the year?
Ebert: So I could avoid a 19-way tie for second place.
Life is a theater of the mind. "Synecdoche, New York" is finally released here in next month. I have already seen it in last May, and I have been thinking about revisiting it. If it is limited release, I will choose the other way because I have stored the movie somewhere. The movie is brave attempt to embody everyone's life while focusing on one's mind and memories(I think everything in the movie is in Cotard's dying mind. You know, "My whole life is flashing before my eyes!"). Kaufman did something nearly impossible with sheer concentration and enormous genius, and this is endlessly stimulating masterpiece.
Of 20 films, I have not seen "My Winnipeg" and "Waking Life" yet. In case of former, I have already got the movie and will visit it soon. And I am going to check my opinion on "The 25th Hour". I thought it was just a good movie first, but I have kept DVD close to me for years and there must be some reason for that, I think. And I will watch "The Bad Lieutenant" soon. It must be quite a movie considering that you included it in the list so soon. But first, I will go to Abel Ferrara's movie for homework.
My close friend LOVE "Adaptation" and "Me and You and Everyone You Know". He will be delightful to see his favorites included in your list. I came across the latter on TV two years ago with bare knowledge, and I was immediately charmed by this quirky masterpiece. And Who did name certain chapter in "Adaptation" DVD? Whoever that guy was, that guy had some sense of humor.
I recently bought "Silent Light" DVD. I found it slow at first, but it grabbed me sooner than I thought. There is great opening and closing sequence. And there is great scene for the love between two characters. I was very moved when they look at each other and one's finger strokes the other's chin.
"Crash" is important film in my life of amateur criticism because it activated my desire to talk about films to others. The movie was also heavily criticized here, but I have been one of defenders and recommended it to others many times.
"Monster" reminds me of what Richard Price talk about Huber Shelby Jr. "His art is his ability to humanize the seemingly inhuman, and by extension to humanize the reader." Selby tells us stories about very unlikable people, but the stories tell us something very humane. We see flickering light of human soul in very bleak worlds, care about these characters in the end, and feel sad for their tragedy. Like "Requiem for a Dream", "Monster" make it possible to emphasize with unlikable woman. We understand their need, but we are chilled by how they ruin their life further for possibly only light in their life.
"The Hurt Locker", "Juno", "No Country for Old Men", "Pan's Labyrinth", "Chop Shop", "The Son", "City of God", "Almost Famous", and "Minority Report" are definitely my favorite movies of decades. My other favorites of the decade are "Wall-E", "Mulholland Drive", "Children of Men", "The Lives of Others", "United 93", "A History of Violence", "Requiem for a Dream", "A Prairie Home Companion", and "Inglourious Basterds". Because I checked "Kill Bill" Vols. 1 and 2 before watching the last one, I was very excited to see Tarantino is back in his top form after "Death Proof".
Now, less than two hours is left in here. Happy New year, Mr. Ebert.
Ha, I was wondering why an earlier suggestion I made did not appear in the comments sessions. I had my suspicions, and am glad to see you show your influences.
Most of your readers probably know of your love for Juno, and while not all may agree on loving it, we can all agree on why you love it. And that is why I read your reviews: I myself agree that a film should hit some emotion. There should be a sense of wow, of exaltation, of joy, (or, on another list, anger, sadness or "cool"). But that fact is, if Roger Ebert gives a movie an ok, I know it is likely to stir some emotional response (which likely means its well made--except, perhaps for 2001), and because of that it is a well made movie. Not the other way around. A movie can be well made and do nothing for me.
So Roger, just wanted to say thanks for showing us what gave you joy, or rather "elevated your spirits," this past decade minus 1.
"The other top films of the decade follow, with a nod to the fact that the decade still has one year to go. If it doesn't, you were two on your first birthday."
Decades are defined 10-year spans that always begin the first year at zero. The 1990s were at 10-year span from 1990-1999, so 2000-2009 would be a complete decade. What does what year you are born have to do with that?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%932009
Just thinking.
Wow. There's a lot I didn't expect on here. I was thinking maybe "Pan's Labyrinth" would be your top choice (or at least in your top 10), but you have a lot of superb ones. I couldn't help but think, though, no Pixar or Miyazaki? No "Mulholland Dr.?"
My lists for the decade:
10 Best Films of the Decade
1. "The Lord of the Rings" (Peter Jackson)
2. "Wall-E" (Andrew Stanton)
3. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (Michel Gondry)
4. "There Will Be Blood" (Paul Thomas Anderson)
5. "Brokeback Mountain" (Ang Lee)
6. "Spirited Away" (Hayao Miyazaki)
7. "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (Steven Spielberg)
8. "United 93" (Paul Greengrass)
9. "Spider-Man 2" (Sam Raimi)
10. "The Fountain" (Darren Aronofsky)
10 Favorite Films of the Decade
1. "Keeping the Faith" (Edward Norton) & "Up" (Pete Doctor)
2. "Adaptation." (Spike Jonze)
3. "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" (Judd Apatow)
4. "Big Fish" (Tim Burton)
5. "Ratatouille" (Brad Bird)
6. "High Fidelity" (Stephen Frears)
7. "The Holiday" (Nancy Myers)
8. "The Prestige" (Christopher Nolan)
9. "Speed Racer" (The Wachowski Brothers)
10. "Lars and the Real Girl" (Craig Gillespie)
And, the worst:
10 Worst Films of the Decade
1. "3000 Miles to Graceland"
2. "Whipped"
3. "In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Seige Tale"
4. "National Lampoon's Van Wilder"
5. "Soul Survivors"
6. "Basic Instinct 2"
7. "The Sea"
8. "Balls of Fury"
9. "Alien vs. Predator"
10. "Godsend"
Thanks for your provoking list.
I found I disagreed with many, but my momentary irk was replaced by moments in them that I loved; the anguished good people in 'Silent Light', Jennifer Garner's face as she introduces herself to Juno's baby in utero, the two-shot in 'Minority Report'.
You do what your reviews always do: they make me *think* and want to watch more movies.
Now I want to construct my own list. Brick, Conversations with Other Women, Master and Commander.
Could 'Hurt Locker' and Bigelow win this year? Very exciting. And despite my aversion to Hoffman, now I want to see 'Synecdoche'.
So thanks again, Roger, for celebrating love of movies, and all the best for 2010.
And finally, thanks for my hometown as #10: I feel I should go back there today just to hear the kitchen windows fling open as people yell across to their neighbours with a 'u', 'Roger said ''WINNIPEG!!'' 'I know!!'
More decade controversy… If my son was born on January 1st, 2000 (he was really born in February), he would be 10 on January 1st 2010. That is ten complete years, no more, no less. I don’t understand the other side of the argument. Does a decade start during the X9 calendar year or the X0? Oh well. Getting back to your list, where’s Transformers 2 rank?
Nice List. I love the fact that adaptation is placed up on there. A playful tug on how we view story.
The decade debate confuses me. 2000-2009 spans 10 years.
1990-1999 spans ten years. In what world is 1989 or 2000 part of the 90's?
Roger has it right.
As for your list, I have never understood your great love for "Synecdoche, New York". But be that as it may, this is your list, not mine.
I would have replaced Almost Famous and Minority Report. I think I need to re-read your reviews on both.
I commend you for only picking 20 though. I think overall we saw some good movies in the last 10 years. I would love to see the "Worst of" list. The Transformers fanboys have been quiet lately.
You chose movies from the year 00 through the year 09, that is a ten year span. don't add another year next year, that would be eleven years!
These Best of Decade lists are fascinating, and give you an idea of the critics identity (some are foreign-heavy, others preferential to deeper topics or focusing on themes such as redemption and identity). Yours is one of the more schtizophrenic (in a great way) of the bunch. I think its a reflection of your great openness/acceptance of all cinema.
In my searches, I've found very little love for Zodiac (2007). I think it was absolutely incredible-- great technique, story, acting, and on and on. It had been a while since since I watched a 157 minute movie race by with such confidence and flair. David Fincher had the master's touch on that one. What do you think?
That quote from Robert Warshow, is something that I've kept ever since you mentioned it in your interview with Charlie Rose. It's pretty much the only real rule a film critic should keep.
You have a wonderful list Roger. I'm am very happy you included MINORITY REPORT and KILL BILL. As for SYNECDOCHE, It was pretty difficult for me at first, but I did sense that underneath it all, it spoke about how people deal with living. It also made a strong impression on me in showing man's often futile attempts to encapsulate life's importance within his art and craft, like trying to lasso the wind.
One of these days I'll write about my best films of the decade, and this one was really remarkable don't you think?
What a relief. I think that this definitively answers the question of "what was Ebert's #1 film" from the last two years, when you started doing that silly alphabetical business. I had a feeling that "Synecdoche" was your best from last year, and "The Hurt Locker" was your #1 from this year. But where are "Monster's Ball" and "Million Dollar Baby"? Have they fallen out of regard? And it doesn't look like "25th Hour" was even on your top 10 of 2002; has it gotten better with time?
It is so refreshing to see so many obscure independent films on your list. I hope it's a calling card to Hollywood that so few of their blockbusters have any merit with good critics ... and myself.
I do not understand the explanation about 2009 not being the last year of the decade. I thought today is the last day of this decade, unless you consider January - December of 2000, still in the 1990's?
Maybe it's your comprehension of time that explains why you like SNY? I absolutely loved all Charlie Kaufman's films except this one. Because of my respect for you, I will suffer through it again :-)
What exactly is a sybarite?
Ebert: In other words, the dictionary definition?
I'm a bit perplexed with the absence of a few films you added to your great movies list from the 2000s that didn't make it to your top 20. One in particular being Werckmeister harmonies by Bela Tarr. Personally I think this is one of the top 3 of the decade. I also though his Satantango was probably the greatest film of the 90s along with Malick's Thin Red Line.
Mr Ebert
I still remember watching your "Top 10 Films of the 1990's" with Martin Scorsese. I wrote the films down on a piece of paper that I kept for years until I didn't need it because I knew them by heart. That is probably one of the most interesting hours of television for any cinephile.
Thanks for another "decade" of film list. Good call on The 25 Hour. I look forward to reading more of your reviews in 2010.
on decades - you don't count starting at zero, you start counting at one. The first decade AD was years 1-10. The first century was years 1 to 100. The new millennium started in the year 2001, despite everyone celebrating it in 2000. Hence the title of the book/movie 2001 A Space Odyssey.
i'm not sure either why it's been ignored.
Your confusion over the decade is confusing.
First year - 2000
Second year - 2001
Third year - 2002
Fourth year - 2003
Fifth year - 2004
Sixth year - 2005
Seventh year - 2006
Eighth year - 2007
Ninth year - 2008
Tenth year - 2009
So either (a) you believe a decade is more than 10 years, (b) you cannot count to ten, or (c) you consider January 1, 2001 to be the start of the decade, rather than January 1, 2000.
Fantastic List Mr. Ebert. Synecdoche is one of those films that sticks with you for days, weeks, (and now over a year) to come. The script is a revelation, and in reading it, it's baffling how Kaufman makes it look so easy when in reality it's complexity is magnificent. IFC played the Kill Bill's in succession last night (in the correct aspect ratio!), the first time I have viewed them that way, and while the argument can be made for each of his films, I was compelled to think it was QT's best work. As others have mentioned, I'd include Tenenbaums on my best of the decade list, both for it's impeccably crafted direction and the emotional resonance I felt.
Zero Scorsese films for a whole decade?
I guess we are living in strange new times.
Ironic that some will quibble between "popular usage" and "technically correct" (going back to the convention that there is no year 0, either 1 BC or 1 AD, or whatever the currently-PC way to describe the western calendar).
Might we compromise and say the first decade was short by one year, so it becomes 1-9, 10-19, etc.? (the people who argued that the third millenium technically didn't begin until 2001 didn't get much traction either, eh?).
Also ironic how moved people are by semantics. We could avoid this quibble going forward by saying "The best movies of the past ten years" I suppose.
When watching Synecdoche, I couldn't help thinking it was a commentary on Woody Allen's film career.
Roger,
Great list. I'm especially happy to see "25th Hour" on there, as it was my favorite film of the decade. It is actually showing up on a number of critics' lists, including "At the Movies" own A.O. Scott's. I've loved the film since I saw it shortly after it was released on DVD, and though I knew it was admired, I had no idea so many critics would remember it and praise it so highly at decade's end. It's interesting how after some years pass, certain movies stay around while others, even some highly praised upon release, seem to dissolve from our memories.
Roger, thank you! I know it's just your (our) opinion but since I first saw it back in early January (the first film I saw in a theater in 2009 in fact), my favorite film of 2008 (SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK) - a life-changing experience I called it - has, I've had a sneaking suspicion, been wrapping around my brain, quietly whispering, urgently, that it is the best film of the decade. A film about no less than life itself, and beautifully (if somewhat confusingly) done to boot, deserves notice, at least. I have tried to convince others about this film for the past nigh on 12 months and will continue to do so for years to come. It's quite simply brilliant. Again, thank you!
NOTE: A link to my review on my Wordpress blog (originally written in another form until 4 in the morning after seeing the film) if you have the time to read it - tell me if I have a future in film criticism, would you?
http://magnolia12883.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/synecdoche-new-york-2008/
Hmmm, guess I'll have to give "Synecdoche, NY" another watch at some point. On first viewing, I reached a point where I truly didn't care what happened to anyone, and in my opinion that is a worst-case scenario when watching a movie (other than simply shutting it off early, I suppose). I'm still a huge fan of Kaufman and Hoffman, but I found this to be a tiresome exercise. I'll probably give it another shot though, now that I'm better prepared.
I also found "Juno" to be decidedly average. The dialogue was unbearably pretentious, and once again removed any emotional connection I might have had with any of the characters. I tend to agree with you that the visceral response to a film is the most important criterion for judging its value, though a good critic such as yourself can express precisely the reasons for your subjective response.
As a side note, I'm glad to see "The Dark Knight" not included, as I truly believe that 10 years from now we'll all note how overrated it was. Certainly Heath Ledger's performance is the bright spot of the film, but the plot and editing were greatly uneven--and Bale's forced accent was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Give me Burton's Batman any day.
My top films of the decade would probably be "There Will Be Blood", "Babel" and "Ratatouille." Brilliant and evocative films all. But I haven't seen numbers 5-10 on your list. Time to check for blu-ray release dates...
Great list. I'm a faithful reader and going through this list felt like flipping through a photo album with you. I still remember, for example, catching your enthusiasm for Pan's Labyrinth when you were so excited you put it directly on the Great Movies list. I owe you a lot.
I had a similar reaction to Kaufman's Eternal Sunshine as you had to Synecdoche. Eternal Sunshine is one of my favorite of all films - I keep it on the list with films like Nights of Cabiria, Ikiru, and The Third Man. I found it so truthful on the nature of love and romantic relationships that I found it too painful to watch at certain times in my life.
I'm curious. This article has me eager to revisit Synecdoche, which didn't reach me the way it did you. Has your enthusiasm for Synecdoche caused you to revisit Eternal Sunshine?
So then we're agreed that 2010 begins the next decade (which ends on the last day of 2019)?
Good, it's (finally) settled.
Greg, the reason why the decade still has one more year to go is because there was no year 0. The calendar went directly to 1 AD after 1 BC. Therefore the first decade was from 1-10 and so every subsequent one follows the same format.
Anyway I gotta say I really enjoy this list, but I have to completely disagree with the inclusion of Minority Report. It seemed like a routine chase film back then when I first saw it and after rewatching it during this last year I still thought it was just a regular old chase film. Still the rest of the list was superb and the three movies I haven't seen yet I'll be sure to see when I get a chance.
*sighs* I need to stop reading your columns I guess, because it makes me so ashamed to see how few of these films I've seen!
Only one from your primary list ("Almost Famous") and only two from your secondary list ("Minority Report," "Kill Bill").
Oh well.
May the next decade be better on my wallet and, by extension, on my movie-going.
-Nighthawk
Great list Roger. I'm glad to see you're still giving some love to Crash, which I love as well. It's unfortunately getting severe backlash from some critics, one even calling it the "worst movie of the decade".
http://trueslant.com/saralibby/2009/12/23/worst-movie-of-the-decade-crash/
Jim Emerson at Scanners, whose blog and writing I adore, has agreed with this stance since the movie was released. I'd love to see you debate him on this one. I'm gearing up for a defense of Crash at Scanners myself.
I also love how my favorite actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, is in 3 of your top 10. Throw in Owning Mahowny, Capote, The Savages, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Charlie Wilson's War, and Doubt, and he may be the actor of the decade. He's the one actor whose movies I will automatically see.
Ebert: Even if you dislike it, "Crash" is so clearly NOT the worst movie of the decade that I assume those calling it that have some motivation for making such an extraordinary statement. I believe its unforgivable crime was defeating "Brokeback Mountain" in the Oscars.
Terrific list, Roger. A wonderful blend of the familiar and the obscure (said with the full knowledge that my familiar is another's obscure).
My only possible quibble is the absence of Alfonso Cuarón's harrowing Children of Men.
I noticed that many of the movies you picked for this list were by "first-timers," as in "first time director," "first-time screenwriter," "first-time actor" (or even "non-actor.") Why do you think so many of these movies were made by such people? Why so few movies by big-name folks?
Ebert: I didn't want to make an official,, mainstream, respectable list. More interested in intensely personal choices and a decade's great discoveries.
Roger,
Thanks so much for the list, especially the last couple paragraphs of the column itself. To enter a movie theater and put aside one's humanity for the sake of "accurate" or "effective" constructive criticism is nonsense & I'm so glad to see a professional critic say as much...
You express the very thing I've come to say to my friends when having discussions about the "best" movies we've ever seen: at a certain level, there's no way to remove subjectivity from the equation, so rather than focusing on genre, acting, cinematography, dialog, etc. - which are all obviously relevant from a general critical point of view - you need to ask yourself:
Which movies have IMPACTED me the most? Intellectually, yes, but also EMOTIONALLY? Which films bypassed the front door of your mind & sneaked around the back door to your heart, catching you completely off guard, evoking a physical response - of one kind or another - that you couldn't contain it? (the "elevation" you referred to. My wife and I, who ourselves had just adopted a child in an "open" adoption through an unwed teenage birth mother a few months prior, felt things we couldn't POSSIBLY have described when watching JUNO...especially at the scene you referenced between Paige & Garner.)
And ultimately, if a film has actually impacted the way you think, BELIEVE and LIVE...well, then, you KNOW you have a winner.
Thanks again,
Deacon Godsey
Omaha, NE
Charlie Kaufman is the most interesting screenwriter of the last decade I would say. Adaptation is a movie I watch, and it speaks to me as a writer but more importantly, as a human being. That screen where Charlie Kaufman sits at this typewriter and starts to write with his narration talking about his reaction to his brother's death in narration form is wonderful.
Roger -- Love you...but a lot of people have been confused by this decade thing. No, you can't include films from 1999 or 2010.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
That equals ten years. The 2000's are 2000 through 2009. Just as the '60s were 1960 to 1969 or the 1920's were 1920 to 1929. A decade, of course, is ten years. You're not the only intelligent person to make this mistake. Truth be told, I originally thought the same thing when my publication said we were doing an end of the decade issue this month!
P.S. "Almost Famous" may have been fine cinema but it wasn't fine rock 'n' roll, at least not by some definitions.
I agree as others have stated that Eternal Sunshine and Royal Tenenbaums should be on this list. I would also add I Heart Huckabees. Just because a story is quirky doesn't mean it doesn't resonate emotionally. (I just purchased all these titles for my folks for Xmas.) I also like some of the Bill Murray as lead features like Lost In Translation and Broken Flowers.
Thank you, Mr Ebert, for a terrific list.
Regarding the question of when a decade begins and ends, there’s seems to be a lot of snip going on, so I thought it best to just break it down in detail. Simply put, it all depends on whether one assumes the calendar is meant to start at year 1 or year 0.
If we start from year 1, then the first decade would begin on the first day of year 1 and end on the last day of year 10. That means the current decade would, as you suggest, take place between January 1st, 2001, and December 31st, 2010. It’s for that same reason the new millennium was said to begin on January 1st, 2001 (the previous one having taken place between January 1st, 1001, and December 31st, 2000). As you know, this is the official way we look at things, so you are, in fact, correct.
However, the more intuitive way of looking at things (albeit not the official one) is to start at year 0 like we do when we refer to our age. Babies, for example, are born on their year 0. That’s why their first birthday is one full year after their birth. If we follow the same model, the first decade would begin on the first day of year 0 and end on the last day of year 9. This means, as everyone else suggests, that the present decade would take place between January 1st, 2000, and December 31st, 2009.
It’s worth noting that whether we start on year 1 or year 0 is completely arbitrary. The calendar was established retroactively long after what we then believed to be the birth of Christ, so no one is being particularly silly or thick by claiming either.
On a related note, you told Jonathan B., who posted on December 30, 11:51 P.M., that if the decade ended at the end of 2009, you’d have to include movies from 1999. This, no matter how you slice it, is incorrect. You asked him to explain. I hope you don’t mind if I take a stab at it:
January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2000 = 1 year
January 1st, 2001 to December 31st, 2001 = 1 year
January 1st, 2002 to December 31st, 2002 = 1 year
January 1st, 2003 to December 31st, 2003 = 1 year
January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2004 = 1 year
January 1st, 2005 to December 31st, 2005 = 1 year
January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2006 = 1 year
January 1st, 2007 to December 31st, 2007 = 1 year
January 1st, 2008 to December 31st, 2008 = 1 year
January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2009 = 1 year
Therefore:
January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2009 = 1 decade
And now, just to bring it back to movies, which is more fun, my own list of favourite movies of the decade, which, by the way, changes every hour: Blessing Bell (Kôfuku no kane)(2002), Juno (2007), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), Sin City (2005), Spirited Away (2001), Stranger Than Fiction (2006), A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), Thirteen (2003), Up in the Air (2009).
Wonderful list, Roger. Regarding "Synecdoche, New York," you wrote:
It isn't about a narrative, although it pretends to be. It's about a method, the method by which we organize our lives and define our realities.
In other words, as you've observed:
A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it.
Does Philip Seymour Hoffman get your nod for Performer of the Decade?
I've been making a personal top ten list for the decade (but, of course, don't get paid to see great, and not so great films, so haven't seen a bevy of the 20 films you have here). I'm only at nine, with candidates which could also make the list at ten or replace one's there. Am also hoping to see several films from this year between now and the Academy Awards:
1. Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner)
2. Letters from Iwo Jima
3. Amores Perros (Dogs of Love)
4. No Country For Old Men
5. Juno
6. Stellet Licht (Silent LIght)
7. Shrek
8. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2nd one)
9. The Fog of War
Also Considering: Winged Migration, Borat, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, City of Life and Death, Bowling for Columbine, The Weeping Camel, Slumdog Millionaire, Totsi, City of God, Ratatouille
I don't know how you do it...keep up with all the movies. My Netflix queue is getting as deep as my unread e-mail.
I agree with the fact that movies are a personal thing...much like music. So I went to your own reviews and sorted them based on your own personal attachments (which I usually agree with). I figured there would have been at least one Clint Eastwood, Pixar, or Miyazaki movie somewhere (maybe not a top ten...but top 20 for sure). Anyway, I don't envy your work...I have a database of the "Top 500 funniest movies of all time" which I pare down to top 100, 25, 10. It is a widely contested list that no one short of my best friend agrees with (and even then not so much).
For the record, when Christ had his tenth birthday...he had been on the Earth for ten years.
I would add UP, Nurse Betty, and Billy Elliot. Also maybe O' Brother. But there are some movies on your list that I haven't seen, so maybe after I watch them I will change my mind.
Thank you for this list, Roger. It is quite literal when I say that I've been waiting years to read this.
I was surprised to see so many films from the last three years make your list.
Furthermore, I was wondering if you had a film or several that were close to making it in, but were ultimately left off. Films like Lost in Translation and Cache come to mind.
I haven't seen Synecdoche, New York, but I plan to very soon. I'm a big Charlie Kaufman fan, so I don't understand why I haven't seen it yet.
Anyway, I was kind of shocked not to see American Splendor on the list. I thought that was a great one.
Here's my own list for the best of the decade:
10. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
9. No Country for Old Men
8. American Splendor
7. Monster
6. Old Boy
5. Milk
4. Into the Wild
3. Adaptation
2. The Assassination of Richard Nixon
1. The Wrestler
A lot of people loved Juno. I've seen it three times, but I still don't see what makes that film special.
Also, I recently re-watched Fahrenheit 9/11. It's amazing how much Michael Moore got right. At the time of its release, people were claiming the movie was full of lies, but after this viewing, time has proven the film to be very accurate.
I wonder how many of the best movies of the decade lists will include Philip Seymour Hoffman in the cast. Thanks for giving Synecdoche such prominence -- a movie I still can neither spell not pronounce!
Thank you for this list, Roger. It is quite literal when I say that I've been waiting years to read this.
I was surprised to see so many films from the last three years make your list.
Furthermore, I was wondering if you had a film or several that were close to making it in, but were ultimately left off. Films like Lost in Translation and Cache come to mind.
I saw "Synecdoche, New York" when it was first released and I have not been the same since. I recently realized that I must see it again, if only for the sake of my mental health. DVD has been purchased.
(1) "I am not furnished" -- your spell checker strikes again? That thing is probably sentient and possibly evil. Or was that a personal statement of some kind?
(2) I propose that a "decade" is any contiguous 10-year period. I'm not even sure it has to start on Jan 1. Of course, I am just trying to stir up trouble for my own amusement.
people, people, people...
Einstein would flip out at this discussion about such an arbitrary measurement as time. Over a billion Jewish and Islamic folks could care less (unless your planning a best of the 1430s or 5770s Roger?). =)
Thank you for including Almost Famous on the list. It's a movie that needs to be seen by more and more people as it's great filmmaking and quite accessible to many people (more and more rare in film nowadays). On the note of great and accessible films--would've loved to have seen Wit make the list. In a previous end of the year column you mentioned it and it was great to see someone finally recognize the great work that HBO does in producing quality film. And really the writing you did on the film, not only in your review, but in the more recent essay you wrote about it, was touching and meaningful.
This decade cements the idea that women are better at representing emotions in the movies at the moment. "The Hurt Locker" was directed by Katherine Bigelow, an astonishing director very good at pressuring emotions very intensely; I really enjoyed reading your list, Roger.
My dearest Roger, I love you, and I love your lists. But no matter how old *you* were on your first birthday, a "decade" is, by definition, 10 years. Therefore, if "Almost Famous" is on your list, then your decade ends in 2009.
I wonder why you didn't include Tarsem's "The Fall" on this list, since I saw it on your recommendation, and I found it to be my favorite movie of the decade. Did you forget about it? How do you think it compares to the other films on your list?
I love that you have Synecdoche as your #1.
I saw it last January in theatres and it really moved me. One of the most emotional films I have ever seen. It's quite complex and it really confused me- I'm only a kid- but it was strangely beautiful.
Too bad nobody saw it.
Great list once again and great commentary as always. I've seen ten of the twenty, own eight of them and have six of them in my own top fifty of the decade (a work in progress) and three of them as Honorable Mentions. In case you're wondering, Juno is the one I would omit as it has faded for me upon repeat viewings. I would also like to echo several of the other posters by thanking you for placing Almost Famous in the top ten, it's a truly remarkable film that's both personal and universal. Oddly enough, I own Synecdoche, but have yet to view it. Sadly these days my DVD player sees my daughter's Barbie movies more often than daddy's films. Of course, now that you've named it the best of the decade it will be making its way in next.
I'm a lurker, close to being prompted to write many times, and longtime lover of your work Roger.
But John B. finally pushed me over the edge.
A decade, as you stated, is a set of ten years. Count them on your fingers: 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05. Halfway? Wait, maybe not! 06, 07, 08, 09. That makes ten. Looks like a decade after all. I figured that out all on my own, and I'm an English major.
Sorry Roger, no films from the lowly nineties allowed. Can't people just enjoy or debate the picks, and stop trying to one-up on technicalities?
Ebert: My fingers must work funny.
First finger (2000): Its films are eligible.
Second finger: (2001): Its films are eligible.
Third finger: (2003): Its films are eligible.
Fourth finger (2004): Its films are eligible.
Fifth finger (2005): Its films are eligible.
Sixth finge: (2006): Its films are eligible.
Seventh finger (2007): Its films are eligible.
Eighth finger (2008): Its films are eligible.
Ninth finger (2009): Its films are eligible.
Tenth finger (2010). Its films will be eligible, but in another year.
The worst "best of the decade list" I have seen so far. Minority Report? Really? And Juno was one of the worst movies I have ever seen, but I have seen it appear on multiple other lists. By the way, the decade is over tonight at midnight. Do the 80s include 1990? Do the 90s include 2000? No! It's pretty simple really.
It's funny, I consider myself to be someone that watches a good number of movies... It may sound completely crazy, but I don't even remember hearing about your number one movie of the decade. I also have only seen about half of the movies you mentioned. That being said, I have no problem with your list because I'm sure you know a lot more about movies than I do. What this does is add a good number of movies to my netflix list, which I enjoy! Gran Torino is probably one of my favorite movies that I saw this decade so I was sad to see that it wasn't on the list, but you can't get them all... Thanks for the list!
I Love that you weren't so predictable like...just about every other best of the decade list. Oh and....
2000- 1 yr
2001- 2 yrs
2002- 3 yrs
2003- 4yrs
2004- 5 yrs
2005- 6 yrs
2006- 7 yrs
2007- 8 yrs
2008- 9 yrs
2009- 10 yrs
+__________
A DECADE
2000 is a year that does count, its like the actual number 0 which mean nothing when doing basic math.
Anyway, I LOVE your inclusion of Juno. It completely deserves to be on this list. I feel like people never include enough comedies in their lists, like, its okay they don't bite.
I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that I think Broken Embraces is overrated, though it's obvious why it's considered a significant picture.
Happy New Year everyone - it's been a rocky ride trying to keep up with you. Hope I get a little closer next year. All this end-of-the-year talk gives me a sinking feeling - please let it be a passing thing, and let the ride continue.
Not a bad list. Even if I disagree with "Crash" being there, what you wrote about "Synecdoch" almost makes up for it.
As far as decades go: Centuries end on a 0 year. Decades end in a 9 year. That's what is usually accepted anyway, since decades are just a period of 10 years. You can set up yours as you wish.
But you are right, the decade is not over yet. Still some hours to go.
Would you say that this has been the best decade for movies?
Thank you for putting up this list - an interesting pick for #1. I'm especially glad that you mentioned City of God, even if it wasn't in your final ten; for me, that was the best movie of the decade by far. I've only seen it twice but have been completely floored by it both times.
Roger: in your comment to "Raleigh on December 31, 2009 10:30 AM" you SKIPPED the year 2002. Hence you would need ELEVEN fingers to count all the years from 2000 to 2010.
Good List! I really like that you emphasize the subjective nature of the movie viewing experience and not some objective measure of quality. This is why you are the only movie critic I trust because I feel I am getting an unfiltered movie lover's opinion not someone who is trying to impress me with how great a critic they are.
Here are three movies from this decade that evoked a strong emotional response from me:
1. Blame it on Fidel! (2006) - This seems to have got much less attention that it deserved. Perhaps people found the subject matter boring. I liked that it dealt with political and moral choices and successfully showed everything from the child's point of view.
2. The Best of Youth (2003) - A bit longish and sentimental but very engaging. The terrorist wife and semi-autistic brother were fascinating characters for me.
3. Y tu mamá también(2001) - I liked that it felt very "fresh" in its storytelling even while going over the well known territory of the road-trip genre.
Mr. Ebert, I'd very respectfully ask this of one of my favorite writers. If your list were put in a time-capsule, sealed, and left to be opened in 100 years as the only representation of what the world (and that's a nit I'd like to pick--this is a very US-centric list) of movies was like in the 2000s, would you be comfortable with it?
When I think back on the 2000s, I'll think about the new Romanian films like "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu" and "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days". I'll think of the best director of the decade's three absolute masterpices: Jia Zhang-Ke's "Platform", "The World", and "Still Life". (I think there is room for any of the Jia films and either of the Romanians on any list that expands out to 20, but would argue that one of each belongs in a T10 list--esp. "Platform" and "4, 3, 2.") I'll think about the emergence of South Korean directors--none of whom made a film I'd put in a top 10, or top 20 list, admittedly, but who collectively helped define the decade far more than the manipulative Oscar-bait garbage called "Crash", or the too-cute-for-its-own-good "Juno".
Your fingers do work funny, Roger - they skipped 2002. Unless you're trying to say its films aren't eligible?
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
Mr. Ebert;
The list ten years in the making!
Just thought a little ballyhoo was in order.
I am fortunate to have seen just about all of these. "Me and You and Everyone We Know" is a real gem that I lost track of.
I recently viewed "An Education" and think Ms. Mulligan's performance is one of the best I've seen. It's not easy to play intelligence, but it's in her eyes in every shot. Then later she plays wisdom! One can only hope Hollywood can find a way to get the best from this amazing new actress!
My beef is with "Almost Famous". Loved everything but the music. Since the movie was about the music it's a pretty big flaw. The soundtrack should have been bigger than "Saturday Night Fever" or "Grease", but alas nepotism got in the way. Crowe and his wife should have updated and covered the great songs of the era with his fictional band. It's why the only real musical moment we remember is "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John.
Let me add another vote for Herzog's "Grizzly Man". I am with you on "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans". Terrible title. Wonderful film.
I just love these lists. They remind me of films I should see and films I should revisit. Please keep them coming. Male and Female Performances of the Decade? Directors of the Decade?
All the best in the New Year.
Your fingers are working fine, Roger, but you skipped 2002, which would account for your counting error.
Thanks for sharing your list. I loved "City of God," and I second the vote for "Memento."
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
Ebert wrote:
"...
Second finger: (2001): Its films are eligible.
Third finger: (2003): Its films are eligible.
..."
Something is terribly wrong here, but I just can't figure out what ;)
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
Roger, I was fully prepared to blast you for breaking one of your own rules (once set forth to the vicinity of a certain young "critic" who for a time hijacked your former TV critic's chair.)
Namely: "Keep track of your praise."
But... son of a gun. Briefly reviewing your past 10 Best of the Year lists, I believe that you pretty much held firm.
One casualty of note is "Million Dollar Baby," which was better than "Kill Bill Vol 2" in 2004 but yet loses out to the same film for the Best of the Decade. Ingeniously, you combine Vol I and Vol II into one work, thus presumably giving it the merit to trump Million's spot on the decade list!
But no such luck for "Munich" for example, which joined 3 others films being better than "Me and You and Everyone we Know" in 2005. Oh, and "25th Hour" wasn't even top 10 in 2002?!?!
No worries, we all know these lists are technically ridiculous (albeit culturally vital!)
Thanks for all the reading enjoyment over the last 10 years!
Craig
Ebert: My fingers must work funny.
First finger (2000): Its films are eligible.
Second finger: (2001): Its films are eligible.
Third finger: (2003): Its films are eligible.
Fourth finger (2004): Its films are eligible.
Fifth finger (2005): Its films are eligible.
Sixth finge: (2006): Its films are eligible.
Seventh finger (2007): Its films are eligible.
Eighth finger (2008): Its films are eligible.
Ninth finger (2009): Its films are eligible.
Tenth finger (2010). Its films will be eligible, but in another year
I believe you omitted 2002. That may change things
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
2002 doesn't count, I guess. BTW I have 11 fingers, 10 9 8 7 6 on my left hand, plus 5 on my right hand makes 11.
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
So glad to see Synecdoche, NY top your list. It's one of the two movies I've seen in my life that made me feel like I was still in that world for a while after I left the theatre. The other one would be Erasherhead. Midnight showing in college years. Me and Dale left the theatre, walked next door to a Lynchian diner, wordlessly (stunned) sat down at a Lynchian formica counter top on Lynchian round stools ... and the waitress came over to us and said, with a perfect Lynchian slowness that EXACTLY MATCHED the rythms of the film: "Coffee?" And that feeling kept extending into whatever happened next, and stayed with me for quite a while. The world played at a Lynchian speed, and with Lynchian oddness. Same with Synechdoche, NY. I can't get people to watch this film. Thanks for the ammunition, Roger!
Just to continue the nitpicking, your fingers left out 2002, which means you need to drop at least Minority Report and City Of God from the second list.
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
Conversations about when the decade ends/starts aside, I'm glad you picked "Synecdoche, New York" as the best film of the decade. I made my own Top 50 list (Mulholland Drive topped mine) and placed Synecdoche in the low teens but wasn't ambitious enough to put it at number 1 (Although, Adaptation was at 5). The reason I like Synecdoche so much is because it's a truly challenging film. But I wonder if I'm meeting that challenge.
As a man who goes to the movies, I feel I must report a feeling I get while watching Synecdoche.
When I watch Synecdoche, around the time Caden casts the casts Sammy, I start to get the feeling that I'm going to discover something about myself or possibly something about life itself. My mind is clicking, the gears are shifting. I love what you wrote about the multiple personalities, and it's definitely that but it's something more as well. I feel like I'm always on the verge of a discovery, it's on the tip of my tongue. But I can't figure out what it is, despite multiple viewings. It's almost as if I have all the thoughts, but I don't the vocabulary to describe what I'm feeling. By the time Caden casts the woman to play him, those ideas gradually fade away and my thoughts become a jumbled mess, like Caden when he walks through the abandoned set. Once the screen turns white, and the film ends, all can remember is the feeling but not the thoughts. And everything that was clear in the dream-like state of film viewing suddenly makes no sense.
As a man who goes to the movies, do you ever feel this way while watching the film? Do you know I'm trying to refer to? Or has this film sent me off the deep end?
Roger.
Your fingers do work funny. They left out 2002.
So they aren't so good for counting, but I love it when the write reviews and musing.
Ebert: I was jes foolin' to see if I could sneak that past. Theory is, you get so wound up in 7, 8, 9...
Versions of the basic technique work for magicians.
I have a feeling I had better copy this because I may need to paste it. You people are too quick.
You didn't include my reply because I'm not a regular contributor or because you know I'm right and you don't want to admit that I'm the man?
I'll respond to your (and Annie's) question about the Crash "hating" by saying I found the interactions between some characters (dialogue most specifically) terribly stilted and so painfully contrived as to take me out of the film - repeatedly. I have lived in Los Angeles for most of my 30+ years and identified with almost no one in that film as anybody I've encountered here. I appreciate Haggis' attempt to tackle a subject our country is still squeamish about, but I think a lot of the praise the film received rewarded it for good intentions as opposed to actual execution. I respectfully disagree with its inclusion on your list here and doubt it will stand the test of time moving forward.
Um, Roger--you skipped 2002 in your snarky fingers response. You are wrong. Admit it. 2000-2009 is a decade. It is 10 years. Please stop.
Love the list, though!
Cut to:
A large group of people, all holding champagne glasses, gathers around one man in a living room. It is 5 minutes to midnight on New Years Eve, 2009.
The man perches himself atop a chair and begins to address the group.
Man: "Thank you all for coming. I feel so lucky to have such a great group of friends. We're about 5 minutes from saying goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010, as well as finishing off the first decade of the early century, and I just wanted to say-"
Roger, from the back of the group: "Actually, if you start at the year zero and go forward, 2010 is actually the last year of the decade."
Man: "Oh, ok. Well thank you for that Roger, but I think-"
Roger: "I said the same thing in 1999. Everyone was celebrating 'The Millenium', but I knew better. I was waiting for Y2K1."
Man: "And we're all really happy for you, Roger, but-"
Roger: "I have ten fingers right here, and if you start off with 2000 as the first finger-"
Man: "Fine, Roger, fine. Everyone, can we all agree that its not the last year of the decade?"
Group: "Agreed."
Man (relieved): "OK then, back to what I was saying. It's been a memorable 2009..."
Cut to Roger, with a smile of self satisfaction wider than any you've ever seen, ready to take in the (almost) final moments of the decade.
Roger Downer everybody!!!
I love that Roger Ebert is not afraid to shower praise on Monster because not enough people talk about the film, only the transformation. And Charlize Theron's performance was the best of the entire decade. It's easy to call it an acting stunt. But think of all the performances we praise by Cate Blanchett or Daniel Day Lewis when they make another transformation. This performance by Theron I think goes even deeper than anything those two brilliant actors have done this decade.
Yes, Synecdoche, best of the decade! I completely agree, and I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon.
Proof:
http://cfilmc.com/best-films-of-the-year-decade/
I know this is sort of besides the point, but when you made your BEST OF 1990's list, had you ANY time to digest films that came out at the end of '99, specifically PT Anderson's Magnolia, recently added to your great movies series, which came out on Christmas Day of that year? magnolia is a film that consistently works on me emotionally, my elevation radar goes crazy, and i'm filled with physical elation every time I see its closing shot.
my top 10 of the decade:
10) Volver (2006)
9) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
8) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
7) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
6) Adaptation. (2002)
5) The Triplets of Bellville (2003)
4) Mullholland Drive (2001)
3) No Country for Old Men (2007)
2) Hable Con Ella (2002)
[Talk to Her]
1) Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Wow, it's shocking that among such terrific films like Juno, No Country for Old Men, Kill Bill, Almost Famous and City of the God, that you of all people would include dreck like Monster and a Guy Maddin film.
And Synecdoche New York at #1? A film so soulless and over-indulgent, it's like Charlie Kaufman tried to achieve so much and failed at doing so. You disappoint me, Roger.
And no Miyazaki? No Pixar? No Aardman? This has been a fantastic decade for animation and you fail to include any. Had you done so, I would have forgiven you for the over-rating of Synecdoche.
Hello Mr. Ebert,
I have been looking forward to this, and I am not dissapointed. I salute you Mr. Ebert for picking obscure films and standing by them. I just know that there are going to be rabid "critic critics" who are going to tear into you for a few of your picks. Nevermind, all lists are purely opinion.
However, the point of any list is to encourage debate. So, I humbly submit my opinion of the best films I've seen this decade. Since I am still new to the love of fim I only have six selections. Keep in mind this list is based entirely off my opinion, and it is not intended to insult or rebuke anyone else's list. Presented in alphabetical order:
Lost In Translation: Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanson have a chemistry that is simply wonderful. This is a romantic comedy based not off sex, but intellect and common needs. Just as they realize their love for one another, they realize it cannot last. Truly poignant film making at its best.
Monsters, Inc.: Yes, I know I'm in the minority on this, but of all Pixar's gems I love this the most. In addtion to the sweet story of Sully bonding with Boo, it is a inconspicously scathing critique of those who would do anything to maintain power. Take that Mr. Waternoose.
One Hour Photo: Robin Williams gives one of his best performances in the most terrifying movie I've seen about a life lived vicariously. Sy (Robin Williams) lives his live by voyeristically chronicling the photographs of an unsuspecting family. His lonliness finally drives him to become something unspeakable. We live in a society where we communciate through machines, and live fantasies online rather than establish honest relationships. This film shows us the consequences of that choice.
Pan's Labyrinth: An honest, painfully beatiful film about childhood. When faced with the cruel, implaccable nature of evil, children turn to their imaginations for shelter. Del Toro creates fantastic worlds out of Ofelia's imagination, but it cannot keep her safe from surrounding horrors. The film is so much more, but this theme gives it a beautiful heart.
Spirited Away: Miyazaki's film is one of the most visually daring and beautiful I have ever seen. The film is saturated with layers of action. You can watch this repeatedly and notice something new each time. Yet, the film is more than just a visual feast. It embraces a theme not often brought up in children's films: redemption. The villians in this film show children that people can change for the better. How many other movies demonstrate that?
Zodiac: David Fincher's film is a harrowing work on so many levels. I admire it most for being the only serial killer film that does not focus on the serial killer. It is an engrossing character study of three men who are driven to pursue the killer for very different reasons. Yet, what frightens me most about this film is the social aspect. The Public is infatuated with the Zodiac Killer, but remains apathetic towards the men who sacrifice so much to bring the killer down. In other words, our society values our killers over our protectors. That will keep you up at night.
Well, there is my two cents worth. Thank you, Mr Ebert for the criticism and love of film. Readers, thank you for taking the time to read my list. I hope to read a few of yours.
Hi Roger,
Thanks so much for your list! It has been highly anticipated. I am 21 and an aspiring film critic myself (I've just started writing for a website and have linked my first published review, which is of Up In the Air), and I always know I can look to you to point me in the direction of great films.
I know there are plenty of great films from this decade that I have yet to see, but I thought I would still share my choices for the best films of the decade out of the ones I saw. All of these films had some sort of impact on me, whether they opened my eyes to something new, challenged my beliefs about something, or simply struck a chord with me, making them unforgettable.
Top 10:
1. There Will Be Blood
2. 25th Hour
3. Adaptation
4. Waltz With Bashir
5. Requiem for a Dream
6. A Pixar Film (okay, so that is cheating I know, but I couldn’t decide…The montage in Up of Carl and Ellie is one of the most moving things I’ve seen in any movie this decade, and I also loved Wall-E, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo – I’d have to watch them all again to decide which one I like the best, right now it is a 5-way tie)
7. The Dreamers
8. Almost Famous
9. Donnie Darko
10. American Splendor
Honorable Mentions in alphabetical order:
Capote, Capturing the Friedmans, Children of Men, The Dark Knight, The Departed, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, High Fidelity, Knocked Up/Superbad, The Lives of Others, Man on Wire, Minority Report, No Country For Old Men, Shortbus, Waking Life, Zodiac.
Well, those are my choices, and once again, thank you for yours...I wish you a happy, healthy New Year! Can't wait to continue to read your reviews/blog entries in 2010 :)
So glad that 25th Hour is on the list. Thanks for that!
Almost Famous is a film that I use to judge someone I just met. If they saw it and liked it, I like them. If they never saw it, I will hope to like them when they do see it. If they saw it and disliked it, I will try to understand the reasons why and will try to convince them to give it another try.
If they hate it no matter what. I will blame it on them hating what Kate Hudson has become instead of what she could have, nay, should have become. But then, isn't that what the movie is all about?
I can NOT get behind Juno and Crash. There are some moving scenes in Juno but overall the dialog makes me want to gag. And I agree with Nathanael that Lord of the Rings deserves a spot on any list, but I'm a Tolkien nerd so my bias knows no bounds. There are some great films on this list though; Almost Famous is something I could watch thousands of times and never tire of a single minute.
I feel the need to rewatch Synecdoche. I appreciated its ambition and I understood what it was attempting to do, but it didn't move me. I feel that it might be more effective on a second viewing when I know what to expect.
Also, this is the end of the decade, as Raleigh stated.
1. 2000
2. 2001
3. 2002
4. 2003
5. 2004
6. 2005
7. 2006
8. 2007
9. 2008
10. 2009
When using 2 digits, all the years in this decade begin with zero ('00, '01). All the years in the next decade will begin with 1 ('10, '11), and the decade following will be the "twenties" ('20, '21).
And of course, by the time I got around to submitting my comment, dozens of others have done so. I should never run out to do errands before posting!
I'm so happy to see Me And You And Everyone We Know on your list.
2006 was the year I decided to live a freer life. To sell most of my possessions, except for the crucial things. These included backpacking gear, a few music CDs, a few books, my laptop, and a couple of DVDs. Me And You And Everyone We Know was one of those DVDs.
Why? Because there is not a better date movie haha. Separates the wheat from the chaff and never gets old.
The Graduate used to fill this role, but the only thing I like about that movie, now, is the soundtrack and Anne Bancroft. What a beautiful lady.
Roger, I just want to thank you for this past decade of reviews. I was barely a teenager when I first started reading your reviews in 2001. And now, in 2009, I'm in college influenced from my love of film and technology to pursue a career (I've chosen to study broadcasting). It's also funny to think of how my taste in film has changed since then. I've gone through a large transformation since I was a naive kid, all thanks to your wise words. It was your appreciation of "Gosford Park" that made me realize at such a young age that so-called "art films" weren't the joke I always thought they were. As years went by your reviews and essays of Robert Altman helped me to see him as one of my most cherished directors.
There were so many times in 2001 that I cherished films I would never think of seeing before had it not been for your reviews. When I read your reviews we rarely disagree and that's because you don't offer an opinion, you just offer the truth. So thank you again for 10 years of much appreciated help and understanding into the art of cinema. Here's to another 10!!
(And just to brag, my favorite review of yours is "Jackie Brown". Time and time again I refer to it to remember why I love that film so much)
Hi Roger, I really respect the individuality and brio of your list, even though I can't say I agree with most of them.
And "The Hurt Locker," #2 of the decade? REALLY?! I'm sorry to say I don't understand the appeal of that movie. I found it tiring and more often flat-out exhausting than exciting or suspenseful.
I'd have definitely included "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which the decade can simply not do without, as well as other modern masterpieces like "There Will Be Blood" and "Brokeback Mountain."
And I want to genuinely know something: am I the ONLY person who absolutely adores 2005's "Thumbsucker," enough to have it on his own Top 10 of the Decade? Individuality indeed. ;)
Why why why why Juno?? Are Tom Carson and myself the only ones who abhor this movie?
Fingers, Schmigers. No Spirted Away? I'm taking my list and going home.
That movie made me think about all the good things in witnessing a daugther become a better person. Yes, I thought, I want that for myself. As I see it again as a family man with my own daughter, It reaffirms where I am is where I'm supposed to be. This movie is hard-wired to my heart.
Is there anyone out there willing to throw this movie a morsel of recognition?
My own idiosyncratic usage is that, indeed, the '90s contained the years 1990-1999; on the other hand, the final decade of the twentieth century was the ten years between 1991 and 2000. I don't expect anyone else to adopt this, but I can argue either mathematically to anyone who cares. It turns out no one does.
I am currently resisting all inclinations to put forth any "best of" lists on the grounds--and I know your own experiences have borne this out--that it's too close. At this distance, I think I can put out a decent best of the '90s list, but leaving aside the sheer number of movies from the last ten years (ahhhh) which I haven't seen, the "best" films of any given time period are those which stay with me. I know I can still relive the final moments of Brokeback Mountain in my head, which would probably put it on any list I assembled. Have I seen any movies which came out this year and will stay with me the same way in years to come? I don't know yet.
Can I, though, add a vote for Grizzly Man? I saw it for the first time this year, I must admit, but Werner Herzog seemed, in it, to have found his perfect subject. (Whenever I'm trying to sum up the man and his work, though, I go back to the suicidal penguin from Encounters at the End of the World!) He's another filmmaker I must thank you for introducing me to, though I'd have gotten to a couple of his films regardless. Just not as quickly. I'm really looking forward to seeing Bad Lieutenant, but it doesn't seem to be playing anywhere around here. Presumably our local "art house" will get it in two months or so; they just played Ponyo week before last.
If Pan's Labyrinth is in your great movies section, and it is not on your top ten of the decade, then shouldn't all the films on your top ten be in your great movies? Wouldn't that make sense?
at the moment my top ten would be:
1. The Wire (technically, not a movie. An overall fantastic experience. Definetly the best thing I've seen from this decade)
2. Spirited Away
3. No Country For Old Men
4. Children of Men
5. Kill Bill
6. Pan's Labyrnth
7. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
8. Dancer in the Dark
9. Whale Rider
10. Memento
Bah! I was hoping that your list, unlike any other list I've yet read, would include my favorite film of the decade - Werckmeister Harmonies!
Thanks Roger, I do like your list, it runs the gambit of high concept, to deeply personal, and to the movie you would most likely put in when you are sick. You're love of Juno, I suspect, is very similar to my love in that you fell a little bit in love with Ellen Page, not the actress or the character or the performance but the person (not sideswiping the writing or directing, both top notch but that something extra special is in Ellen).
However I am a little disappointed with the omission of Children of Men. I wouldn’t argue that this movies depiction of the future is groundbreaking, numerous movies have taken a dystopian stance of the future. What I loved about the film is that at its core it is a great thriller. It’s innovations with long takes that put you into the action and grabs you and doesn’t let you go. It also achieves this without an “action hero.” Heck, one of the tensest moments in the movie is about a stalled car slowly rolling down a hill not a high speed chase. I think Hitchcock would be proud. A daring, ambitious, and innovative movie that I still don’t think has gotten enough respect and runs the risk of being forgotten.
My Top Ten:
1. No Country for Old Men
2. Mulholland Dr.
3. 3-Iron
4. Memento
5. Downfall
6. The Dark Knight
7. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
8. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
9. Monster
10.Requiem for a Dream
The great unheralded director is Kim Ki-Duk ("3-Iron," as well as "The Isle," "The Bow," and "Spring Summer Fall Winter...and Spring.") When will American cinephiles truly discover this true master?
Also, it's funny about my top ten: Other great directors that deserve mentioning are Paul Thomas Anderson, David Cronenberg, Richard Linklater and Danny Boyle who made several movies a piece that just missed my list.
Roger, Happy New Year from Jupiter Florida. How thrilled am I to see Miranda July's film on your list. I thought I was the only person who ever saw that film. One of the problems with Juno is that no one in real life talks like that but we all wish we did. Love your list, love your work.
I enjoy reading your reviews..the printed word carries much more weight, for me at least. People sure have strong feelings about this decade thing. this is good, counting is good.
I too am surprised Tarsem's "The Fall" did not make this list. Is there a chance there could be a bonus place listed for this wonderful film?
Excellent list, I'm glad Synecdoche, New York is getting the appreciation it deserves!
Nice post Roger!
But weren't the 90's from 1990 to 1999?
And weren't the 70's from 1970 to 1979? I'm pretty sure the 80's started in 1980, not 1981.
or the fifties or thirties or 60's or you name it!
Ten years from the stroke of midnight on January 1st, 2000 to the stroke of midnight on January 1st, 2010.
So, then I guess we would be leaving the Zero's tonight and entering the Ten's. My little niece might even live until the next "80's" or "90's". :)
Nobody Knows is a great film, as is Spirited Away. Having seen the former movie soon after returning from three years spent living in Japan, I thought, "Now this is the Japan I know." It gets the mood right, it gets the people right, it gets the look right. In fact, there's not much that Hirokazu Kore-eda gets wrong in this film. Great acting, great writing, and great directing.
As for Spirited Away, it is my favorite Miyazaki movie, and my favorite visually. Storywise, I think Kiki's Delivery Service is better, and speaks more to me as an artist.
Now, as for the movies included on your list, Roger:
I missed seeing The Hurt Locker...twice. It never played near my house in Connecticut (closest place was Hartford), and while I did find it playing at a second run movie theater in Seattle, it closed before I could watch it there. Now, it's a must-rent, but I'll miss the big screen experience.
I will have to see Synechdoche, N.Y, too, as it appeared to make you feel the same way Waking Life made me feel (some confusion and boredom the first time, less confusion and more interest the second time, and a strong wish to see it a third time, and a fourth, and a fifth...).
Monster...yes. Juno...not sure if it belongs so high on the list, but I did enjoy watching it. Almost Famous...without a doubt (btw, what do you think of the director's cut? It "almost" seems to be a different movie.). Kill Bill, Volume 1 and 2...maybe the most underappreciated movies of the decade (and they need the big screen treatment, though I only saw Volume 2 on the big screen. I remember, on the car ride back to my friend's house, how we both felt that more people needed to see this film..and we rarely agree on movies.).
I've also seen Minority Report, Adaptation, and City of God, but will have to track down the other movies, particularly Pan's Labyrinth, No Country for Old Men, and...oh hell, who am I kidding? I'll be tracking all of them down!
Happy New Year!
Has anyone pointed their third finger at Mr. Ebert and told him he forgot 2002, yet? Oh, only a dozen or so times!
My Winnipeg? I'd never take issue with a subjective list (that type of griping feedback drives me nuts as a reader). I do find it interesting that A) it was your favorite documentary of the decade, given how many amazing documentaries there were - and B) there were no other documentaries on your list. For immediate examples that jump to mind: Herzog's 2000's documentaries. They were transcendental - at times for their beauty, and other times for how soul-crushing they could be. I guess it shows what us a thankless job it is to have to whittle down the list, and having to leave so many wonderful films out.
In some ways, I feel like this was the decade of the documentary. perhaps it is as I'm now nearing 40, I've simply become more aware and appreciative of them as a cinematic genre.
And no love for Win a Date With Tad Hamilton!? ;)
Ebert: I don't think anyone, least of all Guy Maddin, would call "My Winnipeg" a documentary. It's more of a fantasy in the form of a doc.
blah blah 2002 blah blah
did that just for fun after having already seen the many copies and pasties.
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there's no need for me to comment on the list because those who don't like it can make their own list and get their own blog.
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i propose that there should be NO debating any list of bestest movies unless it's within two weeks of the end of a year and/or decade and/or century. too many of this year's blog entries turned into list debates. it was repetitive and annoying, and of course juno belongs.
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i love the debates about what constitutes a decade. people, 2000 isn't just a year or a number. it's a collection of 365.25 days. when we started at day 1, there was no year to count until after the first 365.25 days. that's when we hit 0001, and 1 year was over.
think about what you see when you click a stopwatch - 00 (minutes).00 (seconds). 00(hundreths of a second). when the stopwatch reaches 01.00.00, we've gone through the first minute a.k.a. the first year. so at 0001, the first year is over. by the time we hit the year 0009, we had completed 9 years, thus we had completed the first decade when we reached 0010.
so now we're at 2009 years and 364 days, which means we've finished 9 years and almost the tenth. when we hit 2010 in about 7 hours, the tenth year will be complete. a.k.a. - a decade.
Christ. That that many people were so moved to point out you missed 2002 is just depressing.
The inclusion of primarily American productions suggests a bias. At least you know who your audience is.
Where are Mulholland Dr. and Werckmeister Harmonies? I think those would be the top 2 films on my list.
Correcting my previous statement, I guess we have been living in this decade called the "One's". Next is the "Ten's" and then "20's". I wonder what this decade will be called though, if it will be called anything?
I don't recall anyone ever calling 1900 to 1909 the "One's" or 1910 to 1919 the "Ten's"....I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything like that until talking about the "20's". Strange, that. I wonder who started that trend? Was it just too cumbersome to say 10's or 1's, and just rolled off the tongue in the decades to come?
The folks who say 2001-2010 is the "real" decade are especially annoying because they act as though they smugly possess knowledge that us simpletons do not. When, in fact, they're idiots who've failed to grasp what most people here have already thankfully pointed out: that a "decade" is just a set of ten years. Any ten years. They weren't complaining when people made "Best of the '90s" lists, were they?
It's triply funny because 1 A.D. was incorrectly pegged anyway. Jesus was apparently born around 4 B.C. Whoops.
Hi Roger,
I am also very glad that you've stuck to your guns and been supportive to "Monster" all these years, truly a film that changes the way you look at things. I've always wondered if the film would have been more popular with other critics if it had been directed by a man, by a distinguished acclaimed director, by a middlebrown director stretching his talent, or by any other person not named Patty Jenkins who sadly hasn't done a feature film since then. Ms. Jenkins achieved the same level of craftsmanship and directorial authority that a Scorsese or Cronenberg do with their work. I don't mean to sound pedantic, but the world hasn't been kind to Ms. Patty Jenkins. I am curious as to what other movies she is capable of making if producers would just let her.
Who would have thought that a blog about the best films of the decade, would generate more controversy about decades than about films. There are entirely too many orderly minds at work here.
Sir, you have the influence to lead us from this overly logical wilderness. At some future time (as whimsy strikes) please publish a list of "the best X films in the last Y years, give or take a few months." Repost this list at random invervals, changing the interval and the titles, and even the reasoning behind your choices, as you see fit. Be as inconsistent as your multitudes allow. These are your lists.
Roger Ebert's #1 Films of the Year(1967-2007)
For those interested in Roger's best movie picks thru the decades, this is pleasant way of remembering them.
youtube.com/watch?v=S3AmVLo2178&NR=1
Ebert: Good gravy! And nearby links of similar material I had no idea existed.
@Chris, I find it curious in your defense of your position that the decade is over you argue the exact opposite point.
As you point out, you did not turn 1 until the first anniversary of your birth. Until that point, you were 0 years old. Since there was no year 0, years are treated differently. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2010th year since Christ's birth.
You mention that you are 24, if we were to discuss what year of your life you were in the answer would be 25th (that doesn't make you 25, obviously).
Another way to look at it is this. Pretend that Mr. Ebert was making this list at the end of 9 A.D. would you argue with him that the decade was comprised of only those 9 years? Why have the intervening 2000 years confused the issue?
Cheers,
Tom
I'm so happy to see you put both Adaptation and Synecdoche, NY (although I admit to be surprised by its #1 pick). Charlie Kaufman, to me, is this decade's premier writer. If Being John Malkovich was made in this decade, I suspect it would also be included.
Minority Report is a completely underrated film, as most movies based on PK Dick.
And finally, someone recognizes the genius of 25th hour. One of the best movies I can think of. It asks all the right questions and stays with you making you ask more... the most influential film for me on this list.
I watched "Synecdoche, New York" and (with help from your review) quickly understood it as a metaphor for the strategies and methods we use to live our lives. I then promptly decided that none of these strategies or methods appears in my personal life, despite what anyone may assume. Thus, I hated the film. Plus, bumping "The Hurt Locker" up to number 1 makes even more sense to me. Just saying.
The sad thing about Almost Famous is Kate Hudson as Penny Lane. Watching that movie for the first time, you really have to think to yourself, "a star is born." Being a straight woman I can't really speak to her attractiveness but she had that magical quality, whatever it really is, the inner light that some people have on film, that makes her just sparkle. And she's really not managed it since then, or really anything close to that performance. Was it Cameron Crowe who gave her that luminous beauty? Has she just not worked with a single good director since? It's really too bad. But rewatching her in Almost Famous is still a delight. I loved her character, so vivacious, so deluded, so loveable. It's all happening!
And yet another great Phillip Seymour Hoffman performance too! I've seen it argued that Matt Damon was the actor for the decade, and I think they have a point, but PSH might be an even better candidate.
I'll not get started with my own list-making, as I've given myself enough trouble obsessively compiling my top Songs and Albums lists for the year and decade.
Glad to see 25th Hour on there. Time to hit Netflix for a lot of the others.
Thanks as always, Roger, for the great lists. I was sorry to see that "WALL-E" did not make one of your 20, because I really believe this film is one which evokes that quality of Elevation you so passionately speak of . . . not to mention WALL-E and EVA brought more tears to my eyes than most of their human counterparts during the decade. And after seeing "Avatar" in 3-D yesterday, I would have to say that I believe we are going to look back on that film years from now as a course-shifter in movie history, not unlike "2001."
It's "25th Hour", for the record. Like Ang Lee's "Hulk", no "the". Yep, I'm like those characters in "High Fidelity", arguing about the inclusion of "the" with "Beatles". Or, as Lt. Aldo Raine would say, "I'm a slave to appearances."
Bold list. I'm just personally sad to see "Lost in Translation" absent.
For God's sake people.
There was no such thing as "Year 0" (zero)
The first decade Anno Domini (AD) began with year 1.
Year One. Just like the Jack Black movie. Well, actually not at all like that, except for its moniker.
But whatever, hence the first decade (decade = 10 years) was: 1-10. 1 THROUGH 10. 10 full years.
The first century: 1-100
The first millenium: 1-1000
The second millenium: 1001-2000
All the hub-bub about 1999-2000? No matter what Prince said, the time to party was actually the end of the millenium December 31, 2000.
This decade began January 1, 2001 and will end December 31, 2010.
Now our friend Roger is fucking with us by deciding to include "Almost Famous" from the year 2000 ***AND*** claiming he has another year to add films to the decade's best. He would prefer a decade to consist of 11 years, and I guess overlap
The sad part is that the largest portion of responses to this blog (of which now I've been sucked in and added one) has been to debate the definition of "decade."
Shouldn't we be talking about the films included or not included and their merits or lack thereof?
At least "Synecdoche, NY" seems to have caused a stir. I'll have to see it now. I suspect I'll either love it or I'll feel it's a fascinating train wreck?
Happy New Year everyone.
Craig
Great list. Happy to say I disagree with a lot because that is what great films should do...appeal on a primal level to your emotions, your mind and how could that be universal? Loved Pan's Labyrinth and Synechdoche. Liked Juno and hated Almost Famous. I loved Let the Right One in and Oldboy, Twilight Samurai and (geek jokes welcome) the Lord of the Rings. Les Fil was great and would have put either Nemo or Incredibles on my list Great list Roger.
I love the list becuase I don't feel like I have to agree with it. Other lists tell me "theses are the best films and I know better than youO while this list tells me that these are the films that meant to most to you. Who can disagree with that?
Plus these are just good films.
What's wonderful here is how many of these movies I've seen, own, and truly enjoyed.
What's even more wonderful is how many I have yet to see! What a great thing to look forward to. :)
Roger,
As usual you suprise me with some of your choices(both in a good and bad way!). I am slightly dissapointed that there were no Asian films on your list (maybe a best of Asian cinema list soon?). Two films that would make my list would be Oldboy and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
I'm happy to say I have seen all of these movies. A very accurate list I must say.
I hate to see a nice conversation about the best films of the decade derailed, but it seems no one has yet adequately explained why the decade technically ends in 2010 and not 2009. I thought we had gone over this at the turn of the millennium, but apparently everyone has forgotten.
There is no zero year on the calendar, it transitions from 1 BC to 1 AD, meaning the first decade Anno Domini went as follows:
1: year one
2: year two, etc.
9: year nine
10: year ten
Thus the decade ends on a zero year and not the nine year, and since there have been no nine year decades that I know of anywhere in the last two thousand and nine years, this trend has continued through the ages, up to the current decade, which will, as Ebert correctly stated, end in the year 2010. However, since we are not used to thinking in this manner, all the end of the decade stuff comes on the nine year, which perpetuates the misconception being debated here.
I hope this helps clear things up, and let me declare once again how much I appreciated this list, though I have to say that while I found Charlize Theron's performance in Monster incredible, I have always felt like the rest of the movie (i.e. all the parts that don't involve her performance) were pretty mediocre. The directing, the script and the other actors simply couldn't live up to her performance, and that, to me, makes it a very uneven film. Anyone else feel the same way?
How come "Spirited Away" is absent from your list? That and "City of God" are the rare films of this decade which define elevation in my book. Original and non-derivative story with respectably better production value and the works make for an immersive, riveting film-going experience.
On the negative side...I can't say the same about "Avatar," unfortunately -- because the story is too familiar for which the visual-aural splendor cannot compensate. I suggest reading "Cinefex" issue how "Avatar" was produced; the innovation is indeed revolutionary, but it still requires a terrific original story to fully appreciate the emotive feeling of elevation. You will see more of this technological innovation in new films soon, such as "The Adventures of Tintin" in 2011.
An immersive film is the reason to go to the movies to watch on the large silver screen. It looks to me the classic films (the riveting kind) like "The Wages of Fear" are preferable to the bombastic and pretentious mindlessness of most films as "consumable and disposable garbage" in this decade. I would pick a Terry Malick film over Michael Bay & schlock anytime.