Here are my favorite three films I watched for the first time in 2011:
1. The Human Condition (1959-61)- Masaki Kobayashi
Even though this is a trilogy of films, I’d like consider them as one. That is how I saw them, and this series shouldn’t be viewed without seeing the whole. In his 9 hour masterpiece, director Masaki Kobayashi created a WWII film trilogy that lives up to its title. By the end of the year, The Human Condition, became not just my favorite cinematic experience in 2011, but one of my favorite experiences of all time. For more info, check out my FFR here.
2. Midnight in Paris (2011)- Woody Allen
It’s always nice to be surprised by a movie. Midnight in Paris did more than that. When I first saw the previews for the movie, I wasn’t convinced, but after much prodding from my wife and friends, I caved in and saw the best movie of 2011, that is unless Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy manages to take that spot once I see it. Its a thoughtful, sidesplitting, time-travelling, imaginative wonder of a movie. Check out my FFR for more info.
3. The Last Days of Disco (1998)- Whit Stillman
My greatest director discovery in 2011 aside from Masaki Kobayashi, has to be Whit Stillman. I saw of his first film, The Metropolitan, on a whim and was was hooked. I had to see everyone of his films I could get my hands on, which was easy, since he’s only made four. The Last Days of Disco, is my favorite. It combines Stillman’s top-notch ‘wit’, more Chris Eigeman laughs, great eighties music, a contemporary flare, and one of the best ensemble performances ever. It also made my 30 Movie Challenge for my favorite comedy.
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