The Best Films of 2010

I have not seen every film in 2010. There might be some great films hiding out, but I doubt they would change my list very much. Thus:

1. The Social Network
A totally engrossing, well written, and wonderfully acted film. It centers upon a seemingly frivolous action that, in truth is pervading. The wit in dialogue, and the power of fame and fortune (for lack of a better term) makes it by far the best film of 2010.

2. Inception
A film that is not amazing for the original idea, but for how it executes it in the tradition of spectacle art. It's undeniably entertaining, and spawned legitimate conversation.








3. The King's Speech
A film about how looming danger can thrust anyone out of darkness. The King's Speech uses great performances and real-life evils to convince and convey inspiration.











4. Black Swan
A beautiful art house film about the need to be infallible and the previous' elusive nature. Natalie Portman re-proves her worth with a tender performance. A film that is about what it is to be.












5. 127 Hours
Another example of filming the unfilmable, 127 Hours uses the idea of 'what if I were that guy' to convince us for seventy-five minutes and then shatter our world in the last fifteen.










6. Winter's Bone
Perfectly capturing a place, culture, and mood, a film that exhibits goodness within the heart of evil.

7. Never Let Me Go
A romantic and beautiful science fiction film that deals with the effect of that science fiction rather than wowing us with what it can do. Complicated and wonderfully acted by three of the best young actors alive.








8. Leaves of Grass
A philosophical movie through weed and Socrates that is always uncomfortable and frequently shocking.









9. Eccentricities of a Blonde-Haired Girl
A gorgeously simple, breathtaking drama from Portuguese director, Manuel de Oliviera, who was 100 years old at the filming.









10. The Secret in Their Eyes
An epic mystery tale of the disintegration of pure evil over time.

11 (tie). I Am Love
A gorgeously directed film about living an easy, but uncomfortable existence.












11 (tie). Hereafter
A film about death and the afterlife. Filmed with wit while maintaining poignancy.









And in alphabetical order:

The American: About inevitability and fate. The best action movie of the year that transcends action.

Catfish: A mesmerizingly riveting documentary about the oddities that Facebook has allowed to arise. More about people than Facebook: sad and compelling

Exit Through the Gift Shop: About absurdity and the bullshit replete in the art world.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: A mystery film that uses an original character, dark visuals, and a horrific truth to lure us in.
& parts two and three.

The Ghost Writer: Roman Polanski's traditional thriller that is surprisingly suspenseful and eerie.

The Kids Are All Right: About the strangeness and heart of what it means to be in a family--funny and intelligent--although it's realism might derail some.

Shutter Island: Martin Scorsese's noir film that marks a return to the them of the necessity for men to categorize women.






Somewhere: Sofia Coppola's tender character study with a brilliant last scene, two great performances, and a hell of a lot to say about nothingness.

Toy Story 3: A brilliant second sequel that is emotionally involving without being mawkish.

The Yellow Handkerchief: A placid film without urgency that accentuates its characters with great dialogue and great performances.










And also:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: after part two comes out, the duo will be as great as the first film.