1/7/2017
Bdan's Top 15 Films of 2016
To say that 2016 was an interesting year for films is quite an understatement. Some films exceeded expectations but a lot left myself disappointed or down-right frustrated. Summer blockbusters and other big films had a really bad year ranging from the almost successes to the absolute failures. However, this list contains the films that I enjoyed the most this year. Whether they were small art-house films, or some of the aforementioned blockbusters, these were in my opinion the best films released in the U.S. in 2016.
15. Hacksaw Ridge
While not a perfect film, Hacksaw Ridge was a very interesting watch. Andrew Garfield continues to show himself to be a very talented actor portraying one of the most interesting moments in WWII history. Also being Gibson's best directed film, Mel helms the project with a lot of respect and deference that this story required. The sound editing and mixing are the best I've heard all year. While the first act is a little off on pacing and focus, the second and third acts really buckle down and portray the very stark reality of war. The film never becomes too preachy about it's message and respects it's audience enough to leave well enough alone.
14. Cafe Society
I was so glad to see Woody Allen return to form this year. For a man who makes a film nearly every year, it's difficult to make something that feels fresh and unique. While it is not completely different from other films in his filmography, it does feel very fresh and authentic. Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart both do a fantastic job together and their chemistry really helps the films credibility. The film is also very well shot, using different lighting and colors for different places in the story which was a nice addition. While not a very risky film for Allen, it is a fun and enjoyable film that is easily his best since Midnight In Paris.
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13. Captain America: Civil War
The Russo Brothers continue to show that they're some of the best directors working in modern comic book films with this excellent entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a year where most comic books movies were disappointments or complete failures, Civil War not only continued the legacy of the incredible Captain America: Winter Soldier but it also concluded other great arcs of this franchise without losing audience attention or feeling bloated. The Russo's once again showcase their skill at directing incredible action set-pieces that put other comic book action scenes to shame. While some aspects of the ending are lack-luster, this is a completely fun and interesting comic story.
12. Nocturnal Animals
After making the very impressive film A Single Man, Tom Ford's sophomore effort shows his talent writing and directing. Nocturnal Animals was definitely one of the most interesting films I watched all year. The acting is great across the board, with not a single cast member. Michael Shannon and Amy Adams in particular are both fantastic and mesmerizing to watch. But the biggest surprise was just how well Aaron Taylor-Johnson played his role. There is a very thin line to ride between creepy and laughable that is very difficult to maintain and he pulled off one of the creepiest performances in years. Tom Ford's direction is only out bested by his writing. The film has a lot to say and was so interestingly realized that it occupied my thoughts for some time.
11. The Nice Guys
How this film managed to disappoint so massively at the box office this year still puzzles me. Easily the most re-watchable film of the year, The Nice Guys is also the funniest movie of the year. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe's chemistry are remarkable and their comedic timing is even better. While the story and actual plot are not important, this films strength is its screenplay and its performances. While similar to writer/director Shane Black's other work, this is his best in my opinion. If you haven't yet watched this film, do yourself a favor and do seek it out.
10. Hell or High Water
I had no prior knowledge of this film before I entered the theater. No trailers, no synopsis, only that it starred Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges. And it was one of the biggest surprises of 2016. I was shocked how well this film was made. This film is directed by David Mackenzie who also directed the phenomenal film Starred Up, and he really outdoes himself in this film. The performances are all fantastic, the stand out being Ben Foster. While this is a type of role he visits often, he plays it with subtle differences that blew me away. The film balances humor and tension with masterful skill, and the tone never betrays itself. The best modern western since No Country For Old Men.
9. Tickled
The only documentary to appear on this list, Tickled is one of the most interesting dramas to come out this year, and it's a true story. What starts out as a simple story of a man who encounters professional tickling video, becomes a very intriguing character study that surprises at every turn. A funny, upsetting, tense, and emotional documentary that feels more cinematic than some feature films.
8. The Lobster
The reason this film is on this list and not my 2015 list is because it didn't appear in American cinemas until this year. The Lobster is easily the most off-putting film on my list in the sense that you either love it or loathe it. Yorgos Lanthimos' American language film debut turns out to be his best film as he perfectly balances dark humor, romance, and genuine unease. Colin Farrell gives his best performance since In Bruges as he conveys so much apathy while inspiring so much empathy. While the first half is stronger than the second, the power of the ending and the artistry of the film left me awe struck.
7. The Neon Demon
Nicolas Winding Refn is the definition of a film-maker. His films are stylish, full of sub textual substance, and unique that they are always a pleasure to watch. As where Only God Forgives main flaw was in it's self-seriousness, The Neon Demon is self-aware about it's absurdity. The third act of this film was one of the most batshit things I've ever seen and I loved it.The film feels almost dreamlike, thanks to great performances and the best cinematography of the year. Also Cliff Martinez delivers another fantastic soundtrack which also lends to the overall tone of the film.
6. Swiss Army Man
A movie pitched that the first fart will make you laugh and the last fart will make your cry, how can I not be on board? This film received boo's and walk outs at the Cannes Film Festival, and I do not understand why. This is one of the most original films I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Both Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe give sensational performances and have wonderful interplay together. The cinematography is gorgeous and the soundtrack compliments the film in such a refreshing way. A film that is about self-acceptance and friendship that features a farting corpse is a brave choice that really paid off expertly.
5. Manchester By The Sea
A movie that had this much Oscar buzz always has me skeptical. Oscar bait films rarely are that great because they usually feel obvious and one dimensional, but this film is anything but that. I found the first 15-20 minutes jarring because the film was not what I had expected. It was a genuinely great, well-crafted drama that felt like we were watching real people. I know everyone has said this already, but Casey Affleck was phenomenal in this picture. His performance is so under-stated, it was riveting to watch him. For the first act you don't understand why he is so un-likable and tormented, but once you discovered his backstory everything comes full circle. Not a very re-watchable film, but such a great watch.
4. La La Land
I am so glad to see a musical that was not only made so well, but perform this well at the box office. This film was such a breathe of fresh air because of how optimistic it was. It's not a film that hits you over the head with optimism, it shows the cost of being an artist and being passionate about something. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone obviously give wonderful performances and were surprisingly well in the singing/dancing scenes. Damien Chazelle's sophomore effort as writer/director pay off in a very big way. While this film touches similar themes as his first film, they're told in such different ways they are basically two sides of the same coin. While I did prefer the way Whiplash told it, I cannot deny how great this film was.
3. Arrival
This is the best science-fiction film since Duncan Jones' Moon, and it came at just the right time. A film that shows just how important communication and working together is just what we needed in this time of such division. Denis Villeneuve has once again created a masterwork of cinema, continuing to make films that challenge his audience and respect their patience. Amy Adams gives one of the best performances of her career and is at the forefront of Oscar consideration in my opinion. A film that'll be studied and admired for years to come that shows the potential that sci-fi has for telling important stories everyone can relate to.
2. Moonlight
This is the most emotional film I saw all year. It was such a powerful movie that reels you in and makes you completely invested in these characters right in the first 10 minutes. The way this film tells the story of Chiron in three points in his life is so masterfully executed and each actor that portrays this character are incredible. The score of this film is so emotionally involved it contributes so well. The film was very interesting to watch because of how creatively it was shot, giving a shallow depth of field. Everything about the film was absolutely breathtaking in occupied my thoughts for weeks after. It was so hard to not put this at number one, but there is one film I personally prefer over Moonlight. And that film is...
1. The Witch
I know I'm going to catch a lot of flak for putting this film at number one, but it was my personal favorite film I saw in 2016. This film is atmospheric, unnerving, and it gets under your skin in a way only a masterful piece of cinema can. This film in my opinion also has the best screenplay of the year because it is not only period accurate but it's easy for modern audiences to understand. This film also has some of the best direction I've seen all year. Not only does it contain this great atmosphere but it's a horror film with characters that you are invested into which is a rarity in modern horror. Even all three children actors are very convincing in the film. There is a scene with Harvey Scrimshaw, the young boy in the film, that literally took my breath away because how intensely stunning his performance is. This is the first feature film by writer/director Robert Eggers, and it's an out of the gate masterpiece. This film is a genuine masterpiece.
