Best of 2007

PT Anderson's most mature and accomplished masterpiece. A cross between Malick's Days of Heaven and Welles' Citizen Kane, with a bit of a John Ford Western thrown in. Which is saying a lot. Completely cinematic with a haunting score by Radiohead's Greenwood. The relationship between Day Lewis' character (in a riveting performance) and his son, is what is most captivating about this elegantly dark and timeless story. Anderson has succeeded with the third and most difficult step in the path of the artist: Metaphor. This is filmmaking at its finest.

A film about hero worship, celebrities and obsessed fanaticism. A revisionist western as profound as Altman's McCabe. The exquisite beauty of the cinematography and score moved me to tears. The cast is impeccable (in particular, the painfully awkward and brilliant performance by Casey Affleck). The voice-over recalls Malick and the languid story structure is free from cliches and utterly poetic. This is a true underrated modern masterpiece.

One does not recall one's life in chronological order. Rather, the past, present, yesterday and today are all interweaved. The many lives of Bob Dylan are beautifully expressed in this experimental bio. As compelling and enigmatic as Dylan himself. The poetry of image and song is where Todd Haynes shines the most and the performances are stellar. In particular, Cate Blanchett's voice impersonation is uncanny. The ghostly image of Dylan at the end, moved me to tears. A masterpiece.

A totally uncompromising movie. Filmmaking that stems from the 70s. Brilliant, thought-provoking, unusual and ambiguous. Yes, it's long but Fincher is clearly interested in cinema as an art form, not as a commercially successful blockbuster. Good for him. David Shire wrote a great score too.

The Coens return to form with this relentlessly suspenseful thriller that has one of the all-time scariest serial killers in film history. Without any use of score, they create chilling sequences out of silence. The writing, cinematography and sound are so precisely realized. Truly expert filmmaking. The third act is undeniably uncompromising (almost unsatisfactory). Yet utterly compelling and unforgettable.

Pixar's finest. Effortless storytelling with breathtaking animation. A true joy to watch. Bravo to Brad Bird.

In years to come I'm sure there will be many more representations of Jackson impersonators, however it looks as if Korine was once again ahead of the curve. Harmony's third feature is as bizarre and original as his first two. The imagery is completely arresting, the music utterly charming and the actors expertly cast. It's both cinematic and ambiguous, immediately calling for a second viewing. In many respects, this is Korine's most emotionally moving and funny film. I'd say his best. By the end, what has been learned? To stop trying to be someone special and just be who you are? Herzog and the nuns make a great Greek chorus that perhaps parallels the fantasy lives of our main characters. Shall we test God? The answer appears tragic; however unlike Marilyn, our "Michael Jackson" got out just in time.

Another understated and deceivingly simple film from Cronenberg. Like A History of Violence, there's a great deal of subtext in this mysterious story. Young Eastern European girls arrive in the West with empty promises of better lives. This is the catalyst for a film about the Russian mafia, identity and love. The tattoos tell their own story...but what's with the watch on the poster?

The quintessential Tim Burton film is also the darkest musical ever made. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are impeccable onscreen together. Burton doesn't pull any punches with the very adult material. The songs are remarkable as well. Certain images linger long after the film is over - almost like great works of gothic painting. Despite having a few contrived plot points, this remains one of Burton's greatest films. It also happens to be the best musical in over ten years.

A dynamite western in the traditional sense. Brilliant performances with eloquent dialogue make this a memorable story. The action is top-notch with suspense that keeps you riveted until the very end. A stirring score to boot! The final moments where the hero and villain run through the construction site, pays tribute to the hero myth that all young boys grew up watching - both during the golden age of westerns, as well as the modern era of the super hero. It's both an homage to westerns and to the need of father figures who sacrifice and inspire us to do good.