2006 was another strong year for cinema; one filled with lament, dystopic visions, sorrow, and fantasy. Although I've hardly seen all the major films of the year, I still feel inclined to discuss my favourites.
Of the many central themes recurrent in 2006, death was among the most prevalent. "A Prarie Home Companion" was perhaps the most significant as it explored ruminations on passing while eventually becoming director Robert Altman's final film (Altman died several months after the film was released theatrically). The film is a triumphant farewell interspersed with hope and mourning. On the opposite spectrum, Woody Allen's "Scoop" and the indie favourite "Little Miss Sunshine" explore death with a decidedly more upbeat and breezy atmosphere. The latter is among the better experiences I've ever had at the cinema.
2006 also marked a remarkable conquest for Mexican filmmakers Alfonso Cuaron ("Children of Men"), Alejandro Innaritu ("Babel"), and Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth"), who created artistically profound films and generated remarkable box office return for their efforts.
My favourite film of the year had less press and won fewer awards than those that I have already mentioned. Regardless, "Half Nelson" was among the best received films of the year and featured one of the most haunting and astonishingly authentic performances of the past decade. Ryan Gosling creates a layered and nuanced character in his portrayal of a inner city high school teacher with idealistic intentions. Conflict arises when this teacher's drug addiction interferes with his teacher/student relations. Apart from a incredible soundtrack (trouncing Zack Braff's popular work in "Garden State") and an adept supporting cast, "Half Nelson" succeeds in creating subtle analogies between addiction and modern culture while avoiding any cliches. It is a trancendental experience and one that begs to be discovered.
Although I'm one to avoid creating lists, I've done so here for the purposes of convenience.
01) "Half Nelson"
02) "Children of Men"
03) "Volver"
04) "A Prarie Home Companion"
05) "The Proposition"
06) "Cache"
07) "The Departed"
08) "Marie Antoinette"
09) "Little Miss Sunshine"
10) "Water"
- Kurtis
1 comment:
I love this post on the theme of death in film, I never realized how many filmmakers focused or linked thier stories with death. Whats more is the fact they all did it within 2006! I have seen a few of the movies on your list and look forward to watching the rest with my new understanding on the films.
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