The Best Films of the 2000s and more.
Posts tagged Neo Noir
Winter’s Bone (2010)
Aug 2nd
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey
Director: Debra Granik
Country: USA
Genre: Drama, Thriller
The quiet chaos that is Winter’s Bone…
There might not be a better breakout performance in 2010 than that of Jennifer Lawrence in this matter-of-fact thriller. Debra Granik’s thriller takes place in the backwoods, observing a community of people seemingly shut off from the outside world, but not unaffected by its economic turmoil. Lawrence stars as the 17-year-old Ree who must find her father who has put their house up for his bond – the same house that shelters her, her young brother and sister, and mentally sick mother. This Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner stirs up some subdued fears as it’s delicately crafted suspense begins to chill the bones like it’s title suggests. As Ree pushes through her journey to find her father, she’s driven purely by the need to protect and survive – a trait that alone gives her the strength to endure all too much. Veteran supporting actors John Hawkes and Dale Dickey also shine unlike they ever have before. This is one film that is sure to slowly work its way into the public consciousness.
Collateral (2004)
Apr 12th
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith
Director: Michael Mann
Country: USA
Genre: Crime
This is Los Angeles’s Taxi Driver… literally, not comparatively.
Michael Mann’s verité style finally finds its stride in this otherwise typical Hollywood crime thriller. The this-is-happening-now realism is in direct contrast to the over-the-top action sequences, but instead of clashing they work in harmony creating an enhanced intensity. Both Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise have never been better, Foxx especially. He carries the weight of this film on his back with flawless talent. Despite an unfulfilling third act, the script is unique and fun – creating a character dynamic that goes deeper than their archetypes. There’s a psychology behind Collateral, and while it might not have Freud completely perplexed, it does make the film livelier. There are a number of incredibly well written sequences that will no doubt resonate for years to come. It’s an exciting experience getting in this cab time after time.
Sin City (2005)
Mar 23rd
Starring: Bruce Willis, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke
Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller
Country: USA
Genre: Crime
What happens in Sin City… doesn’t really matter because there’s always someone doing something worse than you.
Sin City is one of the most stylized films of the 2000s, and one of the most faithful adaptations. Using Frank Miller’s beautiful black and white graphic novel panels as the storyboards for every shot in this film results in what can only be described as a live action comic book. The casting of the beloved (or behated, is that a word?) characters was handled with tenacity; the choice of Mickey Rourke as the ugly-and-tough-as-sin Marv. Rodriguez’s unique approach to filmmaking provided the perfect atmosphere to appropriately create the world of Sin City in all it’s grittiness. No punches are pulled here, it’s as violent as the books are… and stylized as it may be, it’s not for the squeamish.
Batman Begins (2005)
Mar 9th
Starring: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman
Director: Christopher Nolan
Country: USA
Genre: Action
I’m the bat, man.
The Dark Knight is obviously herald as the superhero movies to end all superhero movies, but it wouldn’t be half as strong as it is without a firm structure to stand upon. Batman Begins is one hell of a film. It’s the reboot to put all other reboots to shame. The elements really aligned, from a suspiciously talented director to a dream cast that makes the mouth water. Add to it a script that stays faithful to the character while crafting an intriguing and thrilling story, plus cinematography by incredibly skillful up and coming director of photography, and you have a rock solid flick. Christopher Nolan has almost single handedly shown that even superhero movies should be taken seriously in addition to how entertaining they can be.
The Machinist (2004)
Mar 5th
Starring: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John Sharian
Director: Brad Anderson
Country: USA
Genre: Mystery
Twice the Bale performance at half the weight!
Brad Anderson, of cult classic Session 9 fame, crafts this Hitchcockian mystery of an insomniac trying to piece together the puzzle of his faltering life. Sometime between American Psycho and Batman Begins Christian Bale found the time to lose 63 pounds for this harrowing role, and ends up putting in one of his best performances. The film is chock full of the symbolism that mystery buffs drool over, but it’s all built on a very real human drama which is what gives any film longevity. The script, the acting, and the direction all work with such synergy that it’s hard to believe this film hasn’t received more attention than the “Christian Bale skeleton” film. It’s dark and twisted, but always has a sense of fun in its execution.
1001 Movie Club: Seven (1995)
Mar 4th
David Fincher was surely shot into prominence right out the gun with his feature directorial debut as the third installment in the ultra successful Alien franchise. Three years later he sealed his fate in the directors hall of fame by not only sidestepping the sophomore slump, but progressing leaps and bounds to experienced veteran status. Fifteen years later, Seven is still pointed to as one of the go-to gritty neo-noir stories for anyone interested in the crime genre.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Feb 26th
Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Daniel Craig
Director: Sam Mendes
Country: USA
Genre: Drama, Neo-noir
Every shot in this film looks like an Edward Hopper painting.
The legendary cinematographer Conrad L. Hall really outdid himself on Road to Perdition creating such a visually stunning palate of shadows and dark colors in true noir fashion. Sam Mendes took an interesting turn for his second directorial venture, finding inspiration in the stunning graphic novel by the same name. Ever the master of dealing with actors, Mendes pulls one hell of a performance from Tom Hanks, in a much darker role than his usual everyday hero types. Road may be a gangster movie on its surface, but below the dark anterior lies a touching father and son tale. Mendes and Hall artfully play with the distance between Mike and Michael Sullivan throughout the film, allowing them to grow together both visually and emotionally. And let’s not forget about Jude Law in his most disgusting and despicable character he’s ever played. Honey dipped fried chicken anyone?
