As I'm about to take two hours out of my life to watch Sharknado, I figured I'd knock another ''Best Of'' list off my bucket list with one of my favourite movie years of all time, 1998.
Don't let the ''official'' award ceremonies fool you, 1998 was amazing. To hell with Shakespeare In Love, Elizabeth, Saving Private Ryan (well, almost) and Pleasantville; it was a year of unbelievable performances, incredible storytelling and stuff that was out of the ordinary. On the other hand, it was also the year of god-awful Bruce Willis movies (The Siege and Mercury Rising, both on the heels of the end-of-1997 flop The Jackal), a dozen dog movies, and the heyday of direct-to-video films - not all of which were terrible, believe it or not.
Again, I have so far published my tops of 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, and 2005. Feel free to look them up.
Top 25 Films:
25. LA VITA È BELLA, Roberto Benigni (Italia)
24. BUFFALO 66, Vincent Gallo (USA)
23. A SIMPLE PLAN, Sam Raimi (France/USA)
22. A BUG'S LIFE, John Lasseter (USA)
21. CENTRAL STATION, Walter Salles (Brazil/France)
20. FOLLOWING, Christopher Nolan (UK)
19. AMERICAN HISTORY X, Tony Kaye (USA)
18. LAST NIGHT, Don McKellar (Canada)
17. HIGH ART, Lisa Chodolenko (Canada/USA)
16. THE QUIET FAMILY, Kim Ji-woon (South Korea)
15. THE TRUMAN SHOW, Peter Weir (USA)
14. APT PUPIL, Bryan Singer (USA)
13. LE DÎNER DE CONS, Francis Veber (France)
12. BULWORTH, Warren Beatty (USA)
11. GODS AND MONSTERS, Bill Condon (UK/USA)
10. RUN LOLA RUN, Tom Tykwer (Germany)
9. PI, Darren Aronosky (USA)
8. LE VIOLON ROUGE (THE RED VIOLIN), François Girard (Québec/Italia/UK/Austria)
7. THE THIN RED LINE, Terrence Malick (USA/Australia)
6. UNAGI (THE EEL), Shohei Imamura (Japan)
5. LE NAIN ROUGE (THE RED DWARF), Yvan Le Moine (Belgique)
4. THE BIG LEBOWSKI, Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (USA/UK)
3. YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS, Neil LaBute (USA)
2. HAPPINESS, Todd Solondz (USA)
1. FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, Terry Gilliam (USA)
Top 25 Directors:
25. VINCENT GALLO, Buffalo 66
24. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN, Following
23. WARREN BEATTY, Bulworth
22. SAM RAIMI, A Simple Plan
21. ROBERTO BENIGNI, La Vita È Bella
20. ROBERT MORIN, Quiconque Meurt, Meurt À Douleur
19. PEDRO ALMODOVAR, Carne Trémula
18. EMIR KUSTARICA, Black Cat, White Cat
17. CLAUDE LELOUCH, Hasards Ou Coïncidences
16. BILL CONDON, Gods And Monsters
15. FRANÇOIS GIRARD, Le Violon Rouge (The Red Violin)
14. NEIL LABUTE, Your Friends & Neighbors
13. GUY RITCHIE, Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels
12. SHOHEI IMAMURA, Unagi (The Eel)
11. BRYAN SINGER, Apt Pupil
10. TOM TYKWER, Run Lola Run
9. STEVEN SPIELBERG, Saving Private Ryan
8. GASPAR NOÉ, Seul Contre Tous (I Stand Alone)
7. LARS VON TRIER, Idioterne (The Idiots)
6. JOEL COEN & ETHAN COEN, The Big Lebowski
5. DARREN ARONOFSKY, Pi
4. YVAN LE MOINE, Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf)
3. TODD SOLONDZ, Happiness
2. TERRENCE MALICK, The Thin Red Line
1. TERRY GILLIAM, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
Top 25 Lead Actors:
25. JOHN TRAVOLTA, Primary Colors
24. DENZEL WASHINGTON, He Got Game
23. ROBERTO BENIGNI, La Vita È Bella
22. JAVIER BARDEM, Carne Trémula
21. PARK IN-HWAN, The Quiet Family
20. DON MCKELLAR, Last Night
19. GEORGE CLOONEY, Out Of Sight
18. SAMUEL L. JACKSON, The Negotiator
17. WARREN BEATTY, Bulworth
16. LARENZ TATE, Why Do Fools Fall In Love
15. JEAN-YVES THUAL, Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf)
14. IAN MCKELLEN, Gods And Monsters
13. NICK NOLTE, Affliction
12. DANNY GLOVER, Beloved
11. KOJI YAKUSHO, Unagi (The Eel)
10. VINCENT GALLO, Buffalo 66
9. JONATHAN RHYS MYERS, Velvet Goldmine
8. JOHNNY DEPP, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
7. JACQUES VILLERET, Le Dîner De Cons
6. JEFF BRIDGES, The Big Lebowski
5. IAN MCKELLEN, Apt Pupil
4. AARON ECKHART, Your Friends & Neighbors
3. JIM CARREY, The Truman Show
2. DYLAN BAKER, Happiness
1. EDWARD NORTON, American History X
Top 25 Lead Actresses:
25. MIRA SORVINO, Lulu On The Bridge
24. ROXANA ZAL, Broken Vessels
23. ROBIN TUNNEY, Niagara, Niagara
22. ALFRE WOODARD, Down In the Delta
21. INGRID RUBIO, El Faro (The Lighthouse)
20. ALESSANDRA MARTINES, Hasards Ou Coïncidences
19. ELIZABETH GONDEK, Dead Leaves
18. MISA SHIMIZU, Unagi (The Eel)
17. KATE WINSLET, Hideous Kinky
16. CHLOË SEVIGNY, The Last Days Of Disco
15. FANNY ARDANT, La Cena
14. ALEX KINGSTON, Croupier
13. BODIL JORGENSEN, Idioterne (The Idiots)
12. CATE BLANCHETT, Elizabeth
11. CHRISTINA RICCI, Buffalo 66
10. FERNANDA MONTENEGRO, Central Station
9. RADHA MITCHELL, High Art
8. FRANKA POTENTE, Run Lola Run
7. MONIC HENDRICKX, The Polish Bride
6. CATHERINE DENEUVE, Place Vendôme
5. ANITA EKBERG, Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf)
4. SANDRA OH, Last Night
3. EMILY WATSON, Hilary And Jackie
2. JANE ADAMS, Happiness
1. CATHERINE KEENER, Your Friends & Neighbors
Top 25 Supporting Actors:
25. OLIVER PLATT, Bulworth
24. DON CHEADLE, Out Of Sight
23. ROBERT DUVALL, A Civil Action
22. BRENDAN FRASER, Gods And Monsters
21. CHARLES S. DUTTON, Blind Faith
20. STEVE BUSCEMI, Armageddon
19. ED HARRIS, The Truman Show
18. WILLIAM H. MACY, Pleasantville
17. BILLY BOB THORNTON, A Simple Plan
16. BILL MURRAY, Rushmore
15. DONALD SUTHERLAND, Without Limits
14. BRAD RENFRO, Apt Pupil
13. CALLUM KEITH RENNIE, Last Night
12. JAMES COBURN, Affliction
11. BILLY CONNOLLY, Still Crazy
10. KEVIN SPACEY, The Negotiator
9. ETHAN SUPLEE, American History X
8. JOHN TURTURRO, The Big Lebowski
7. THIERRY LHERMITTE, Le Dîner De Cons
6. BENICIO DEL TORO, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
5. JASON PATRIC, Your Friends & Neighbors
4. JON LOVITZ, Happiness
3. JOHN GOODMAN, The Big Lebowski
2. BEN STILLER, Your Friends & Neighbors
1. PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, Happiness
Top 25 Supporting Actresses:
25. LIV TYLER, Armageddon
24. ALEXANDRA VANDERNOOT, Le Dîner De Cons
23. JENNIFER CONNELLY, Dark City
22. ANNABELLA SCIORRA, What Dreams May Come
21. CARLA GUGINO, Judas Kiss
20. MAURA TIERNEY, Primary Colors
19. STEFANIA SANDRELLI, La Cena
18. GINA MCKEE, Croupier
17. JEMMA REDGRAVE, The Acid House
16. CATHERINE KEENER, Out Of Sight
15. JUDITH GODRÈCHE, The Man In The Iron Mask
14. JEMIMA ROOPER, Owd Bob
13. AMY MADIGAN, A Bright Shining Lie
12. ANGELA MOLINA, Carne Trémula
11. EMMANUELLE SEIGNER, Place Vendôme
10. AMY BRENNEMAN, Your Friends & Neighbors
9. MARIA DOYLE KENNEDY, The General
8. NASTASSJA KINSKI, Your Friends & Neighbors
7. KATHY BATES, Primary Colors
6. KATE BECKINSALE, The Last Days Of Disco
5. ALLY SHEEDY, High Art
4. JULIANNE MOORE, The Big Lebowski
3. LYNN REDGRAVE, Gods And Monsters
2. RACHEL GRIFFITHS, Hilary And Jackie
1. LARA FLYNN BOYLE, Happiness
Top 25 Screenplays:
25. ROBERTO BENIGNI & VINCENZO CERAMI, La Vita È Bella
24. FRANK MILITARY, Blind Faith
23. TAMARA JENKINS, Slums Of Beverly Hills
22. SCOTT FRANK, Out Of Sight
21. PETER BERG, Very Bad Things
20. DON MCKELLAR, Last Night
19. DEE SNIDER, Strangeland
18. THOMAS VINTERBERG & MOGENS RUKOV, Festen (The Celebration)
17. LISA CHODOLENKO, High Art
16. DON MCKELLAR & FRANÇOIS GIRARD, Le Violon Rouge (The Red Violin)
15. DARREN ARONOFSKY, Pi
14. TERRENCE MALICK, The Thin Red Line
13. ANDREW NICOL, The Truman Show
12. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN, Following
11. KIM JI-WOON, The Quiet Family
10. BILL CONDON, Gods And Monsters
9. BRANDON BOYCE, Apt Pupil
8. TERRY GILLIAM & TONY GRISONI, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
7. CONSTANTIN WERNER, Dead Leaves
6. WARREN BEATTY & JEREMY PIKSER, Bulworth
5. YVAN LE MOINE, Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf)
4. NEIL LABUTE, Your Friends & Neighbors
3. FRANCIS VEBER, Le Dîner De Cons
2. JOEL COEN & ETHAN COEN, The Big Lebowski
1. TODD SOLONDZ, Happiness
Top 25 Cinematographers:
25. JOHN SCHWARTZMAN, Armageddon
24. CHRISTOPHER DOYLE, Psycho
23. PETER SUSCHITZKY, The Man In The Iron Mask
22. VITTORIO STORARO, Bulworth
21. ROBBIE KONDOR, Happiness
20. NANCY SCHREIBER, Your Friends & Neighbors
19. JUN'CHIRO HAYASHI, Ringu (The Ring)
18. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN, Following
17. PETER LYONS COLLISTER, The Replacement Killers
16. NEWTON THOMAS SIGEL, Apt Pupil
15. PAUL SAROSSY, Affliction
14. JANUSZ KAMINSKI, Saving Private Ryan
13. TAMI REIKE, High Art
12. ALFONSO BEATO, Carne Trémula
11. DANNY ELSEN, Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf)
10. DARIUSZ WOLSKI, Dark City
9. MATTHEW LIBATIQUE, Pi
8. ALAR KIVILO, A Simple Plan
7. MARYSE ALBERTI, Velvet Goldmine
6. JOHN TOLL, The Thin Red Line
5. ALAIN DOSTIE, Le Violon Rouge (The Red Violin)
4. ROGER DEAKINS, The Big Lebowski
3. TIM MAURICE-JONES, Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels
2. NICOLA PECORINI, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
1. EDUARDO SERRA, What Dreams May Come
Top 10 Villains:
10. VINCENT GALLO, Buffalo 66
9. PETER STORMARE, The Big Lebowski
8. LEONARDO DICAPRIO, The Man In The Iron Mask
7. ED HARRIS, The Truman Show
6. RICHARD O'BRIEN, Dark City
5. DEE SNIDER, Strangeland
4. CHRISTIAN SLATER, Very Bad Things
3. IAN MCKELLEN, Apt Pupil
2. JASON PATRIC, Your Friends & Neighbors
1. DYLAN BAKER, Happiness
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Meow Meow
My friend The Big E used to do a lot of cocaine. Then he stopped because of his girlfriend. Then he started again once in a while with his best friend. Then his dealer turned him onto Meow Meow, a.k.a. mephedrone, for ''all the effects of coke on your brain, but none of the physical signs (constant rubbing of nose or teeth, for example) nor hangovers''...
He thought he was incognito, but anyone who knows anything about any substance consumption could easily tell he wasn't just drunk when he was on that shit. Except his girlfriend.
Because its recreational usage is still relatively recent, no one knows for sure what long-term effects Meow Meow has on the body, but some - like John Mann, the in-house chemist at Queen's University Belfast - have suggested that because of its similarities to cathenone, it could very well render impotent.
Looks like one 19-year-old British guy didn't want to wait to find out, as he cut off his own penis after stabbing his mother:
Hey kids: drugs are bad... mmmmkay?
He thought he was incognito, but anyone who knows anything about any substance consumption could easily tell he wasn't just drunk when he was on that shit. Except his girlfriend.
Because its recreational usage is still relatively recent, no one knows for sure what long-term effects Meow Meow has on the body, but some - like John Mann, the in-house chemist at Queen's University Belfast - have suggested that because of its similarities to cathenone, it could very well render impotent.
Looks like one 19-year-old British guy didn't want to wait to find out, as he cut off his own penis after stabbing his mother:
After his mother called emergency services to the house in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, he was discovered hanging out of a bedroom window, blood gushing from his groin. Both were rushed to hospital with injuries described as life threatening after the December 29 attack, according to the Mirror. (...) When the police arrived they found him hanging from a window and then discovered he had cut off his penis.Denis Leary used to joke about cocaine being a drug that makes your dick soft... looks like its replacement one-upped it on that level too...
Hey kids: drugs are bad... mmmmkay?
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
This Week's Top 10s
Top 10 Songs:
10. RED EYES, The War On Drugs (2013)
9. MONKEY BUSINESS, Skid Row (1991)
8. FOR IT ALL NOW, Outernational (2013)
7. AFTERLIFE, Arcade Fire (2013)
6. RHYME OR REASON, Eminem (2013)
5. ORDINARY LOVE, U2 (2013)
4. HIGGS BOSON BLUES, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (2013)
3. BIG SHOT, The Pack A.D. (2013)
2. HIGH ROAD, Cults (2013)
1. DO WHAT U WANT, Lady Gaga (feat. Christina Aguilera) (2014)
Top 10 Cock Rock/Hair Metal Bands:
10. BON JOVI
9. EUROPE
8. TWISTED SISTER
7. YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
6. SLAUGHTER
5. SCORPIONS
4. KISS
3. L.A. GUNS
2. MÖTLEY CRÜE
1. SKID ROW
No, I didn't include Guns N' Roses, because despite the fact that they sprayed their hair in their very first video (Welcome To The Jungle) and hail from Los Angeles, they actually had balls, as opposed to those who had to wear spandex to show them. Bon Jovi only barely made the list because New Jersey is so good it should have been made by another band.
L.A. Guns gets top-3 consideration because The Ballad Of Jane is the quintessential ballad, and Kiss My Love Goodbye is the era's typical rocker - feats Skid Row also attain with I Remember You and Youth Gone Wild, with the addition of the quintessential power-ballad, 18 And Life. But Skid Row takes top spot because their sophomore effort, Slave To The Grind, improved their output quality by at least 200%. Mötley Crüe takes the silver medal home for sheer consistency, the quality of their Dr. Feelgood record, and for being able to milk decent hit songs from even average records.
Van Halen and Poison are where they should be - at home, crying.
10. RED EYES, The War On Drugs (2013)
9. MONKEY BUSINESS, Skid Row (1991)
8. FOR IT ALL NOW, Outernational (2013)
7. AFTERLIFE, Arcade Fire (2013)
6. RHYME OR REASON, Eminem (2013)
5. ORDINARY LOVE, U2 (2013)
4. HIGGS BOSON BLUES, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (2013)
3. BIG SHOT, The Pack A.D. (2013)
2. HIGH ROAD, Cults (2013)
1. DO WHAT U WANT, Lady Gaga (feat. Christina Aguilera) (2014)
Top 10 Cock Rock/Hair Metal Bands:
10. BON JOVI
9. EUROPE
8. TWISTED SISTER
7. YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
6. SLAUGHTER
5. SCORPIONS
4. KISS
3. L.A. GUNS
2. MÖTLEY CRÜE
1. SKID ROW
No, I didn't include Guns N' Roses, because despite the fact that they sprayed their hair in their very first video (Welcome To The Jungle) and hail from Los Angeles, they actually had balls, as opposed to those who had to wear spandex to show them. Bon Jovi only barely made the list because New Jersey is so good it should have been made by another band.
L.A. Guns gets top-3 consideration because The Ballad Of Jane is the quintessential ballad, and Kiss My Love Goodbye is the era's typical rocker - feats Skid Row also attain with I Remember You and Youth Gone Wild, with the addition of the quintessential power-ballad, 18 And Life. But Skid Row takes top spot because their sophomore effort, Slave To The Grind, improved their output quality by at least 200%. Mötley Crüe takes the silver medal home for sheer consistency, the quality of their Dr. Feelgood record, and for being able to milk decent hit songs from even average records.
Van Halen and Poison are where they should be - at home, crying.
Video Of The Week: Arcade Fire
There were a few videos for this song, Afterlife, including a lyrics video comprised of clips of old Haitian films, so I wasn't really sure if there would eventually be a ''proper'' one with the band appearing in it or not.
Seeing as this version was directed by Emily Kai Bock (a respected indie-rock video director), however, I'll say ''no'' and post this one instead. It plays like a short film involving a Spanish-American family's trials and tribulations as a single dad tries to raise his two sons - a teenager and a kid - properly.
The video has its critics; I, for one, love the black-and-white sequences (some of which are just beautiful, others serve the story as flashbacks) but could do without the Smashing Pumpkins/1979-like ''old picture depictions of life'' parts, though the soryline would obviously be incomplete without them.
It's a strong song, though, not as top-notch as Reflektor, but quality nonetheless.
Seeing as this version was directed by Emily Kai Bock (a respected indie-rock video director), however, I'll say ''no'' and post this one instead. It plays like a short film involving a Spanish-American family's trials and tribulations as a single dad tries to raise his two sons - a teenager and a kid - properly.
The video has its critics; I, for one, love the black-and-white sequences (some of which are just beautiful, others serve the story as flashbacks) but could do without the Smashing Pumpkins/1979-like ''old picture depictions of life'' parts, though the soryline would obviously be incomplete without them.
It's a strong song, though, not as top-notch as Reflektor, but quality nonetheless.
Canadian Rednecks Exist
Before reaching the end, you'd think this picture would be from Ohio, Montana or Idaho...
What if the soldiers I want to thank speak French first and foremost?
Also, isn't the point of having a rear window to be able to see what's happening behind you? How do you do that when it's tainted black and full of text? Do Manitobans have x-ray vision?
What if the soldiers I want to thank speak French first and foremost?
Also, isn't the point of having a rear window to be able to see what's happening behind you? How do you do that when it's tainted black and full of text? Do Manitobans have x-ray vision?
Monday, January 6, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Top 10s This Week
Top 10 Songs:
10. BLOOD ON THE CURTAINS, Melted Faces (2013)
9. ORDINARY LOVE, U2 (2013)
8. DO WHAT U WANT, Lady Gaga (feat. Christina Aguilera) (2014)
7. NO NEW TALE TO TELL, Love And Rockets (1987)
6. THE LORD IS OUT OF CONTROL, Mogwai (2013)
5. BIG SHOT, The Pack A.D. (2013)
4. RED EYES, The War On Drugs (2013)
3. HIGH ROAD, Cults (2013)
2. HIGGS BOSON BLUES, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (2013)
1. FOR IT ALL NOW, Outernational (2013)
Top 10 Bauhaus (Band) Singles:
10. SANITY ASSASSIN, single (1983), then on 1979-83 (1985)
9. KICK IN THE EYE, Mask (1981)
8. TELEGRAM SAM, single (1980)
7. DARK ENTRIES, single (1980)
6. LAGARTIJA NICK, single (and Burning From The Inside reissues) (1983)
5. SPIRIT, The Sky's Gone Out (1982)
4. THE PASSION OF LOVERS, Mask (1981)
3. SHE'S IN PARTIES, Burning From The Inside (1983)
2. TERROR COUPLE KILLS COLONEL, single (1980)
1. BELA LUGOSI'S DEAD, single (1979)
10. BLOOD ON THE CURTAINS, Melted Faces (2013)
9. ORDINARY LOVE, U2 (2013)
8. DO WHAT U WANT, Lady Gaga (feat. Christina Aguilera) (2014)
7. NO NEW TALE TO TELL, Love And Rockets (1987)
6. THE LORD IS OUT OF CONTROL, Mogwai (2013)
5. BIG SHOT, The Pack A.D. (2013)
4. RED EYES, The War On Drugs (2013)
3. HIGH ROAD, Cults (2013)
2. HIGGS BOSON BLUES, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (2013)
1. FOR IT ALL NOW, Outernational (2013)
Top 10 Bauhaus (Band) Singles:
10. SANITY ASSASSIN, single (1983), then on 1979-83 (1985)
9. KICK IN THE EYE, Mask (1981)
8. TELEGRAM SAM, single (1980)
7. DARK ENTRIES, single (1980)
6. LAGARTIJA NICK, single (and Burning From The Inside reissues) (1983)
5. SPIRIT, The Sky's Gone Out (1982)
4. THE PASSION OF LOVERS, Mask (1981)
3. SHE'S IN PARTIES, Burning From The Inside (1983)
2. TERROR COUPLE KILLS COLONEL, single (1980)
1. BELA LUGOSI'S DEAD, single (1979)
Video Of The Week: U2
What, you thought I'd go with the obvious New Year's Day?
No, instead I set my sights on one of U2's numerous recent movie-ballads, Ordinary Love, from the soundtrack to Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. Apart from one cameo from Bono, the band is absent from it; instead, we have the lyrics appearing on-screen in cursive, on walls or boards.
Simple, and effective, just like this b-side-sounding little ditty (in the vein of The Sweetest Thing crossed with The Hands That Built America); it's U2 attempting to sound like U2, in a good way (as opposed to their last record, No Line On The Horizon, where they could bore a zombie back to death.
No, instead I set my sights on one of U2's numerous recent movie-ballads, Ordinary Love, from the soundtrack to Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. Apart from one cameo from Bono, the band is absent from it; instead, we have the lyrics appearing on-screen in cursive, on walls or boards.
Simple, and effective, just like this b-side-sounding little ditty (in the vein of The Sweetest Thing crossed with The Hands That Built America); it's U2 attempting to sound like U2, in a good way (as opposed to their last record, No Line On The Horizon, where they could bore a zombie back to death.
Friday, January 3, 2014
1993 In Film
With 2013 coming to a close, many critics have released their 'Best of 2013' film lists, but I've been unable to do so this year because I have seen very few films in theaters this past year, in part due to today's prohibitive cost of movie-going, and partly because of lack of time. Also, in the past 5 years, I've enjoyed TV shows a lot more than actual films...
That being said, I plan on making up for lost time in the next month and a half or so, so I can eventually make up a comprehensive list.
And so, I once again look at my past notes to pass judgement on a previous year, 1993.
Already featured: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2005.
Top 25 Films:
25. GROUNDHOG DAY, Harold Ramis (USA)
24. THIRTY-TWO SHORT FILMS ABOUT GLENN GOULD, François Girard (Canada/France)
23. NAKED, Mike Leigh (UK)
22. THIS BOY'S LIFE, Michael Caton-Jones (USA)
21. MALICE, Harold Becker (USA/Canada)
20. GERMINAL, Claude Berri (France)
19. ARIZONA DREAM, Emir Kustarica (USA)
18. SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Fred Schepisi (USA)
17. A BRONX TALE, Robert De Niro (USA)
16. TROIS COULEURS: BLEU, Krysztof Kieslowski (France/Poland/Switzerland)
15. WOMAN SESAME OIL MAKER, Xie Fei (China)
14. FARAWAY, SO CLOSE, Win Wenders (Germany)
13. A PERFECT WORLD, Clint Eastwood (USA)
12. FALLING DOWN, Joel Schumacher (USA/France/UK)
11. IN THE LINE OF FIRE, Wolfgang Petersen (USA)
10. DAZED AND CONFUSED, Richard Linklater (USA)
9. THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, Martin Scorsese (USA)
8. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Henry Selick (USA)
7. FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE, Chen Kaige (China)
6. SHORT CUTS, Robert Altman (USA)
5. TRUE ROMANCE, Tony Scott (USA)
4. CARLITO'S WAY, Brian De Palma (USA)
3. STALINGRAD, Joseph Vilsmaier (Germany)
2. SCHINDLER'S LIST, Steven Spielberg (USA)
1. MENACE II SOCIETY, The Hughes Brothers (USA)
Top 25 Directors:
25. JOHN MCTIERNAN, Last Action Hero
24. PIERRE FALARDEAU, Le Temps Des Bouffons
23. JANE CAMPION, The Piano
22. JONATHAN DEMME, Philadelphia
21. MIKE LEIGH, Naked
20. GUILLERMO DEL TORO, Cronos
19. CLAUDE BERRI, Germinal
18. HENRY SELICK, The Nightmare Before Christmas
17. RICHARD LINKLATER, Dazed And Confused
16. JOEL SCHUMACHER, Falling Down
15. CLINT EASTWOOD, A Perfect World
14. EMIR KUSTARICA, Arizona Dream
13. XIE FEI, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
12. ROBERT DE NIRO, A Bronx Tale
11. KRYSZTOF KIESLOWSKI, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
10. WIM WENDERS, Faraway, So Close
9. CHEN KAIGE, Farewell, My Concubine
8. TONY SCOTT, True Romance
7. WOLFGANG PETERSON, In The Line Of Fire
6. ROBERT ALTMAN, Short Cuts
5. MARTIN SCORSESE, The Age Of Innocence
4. BRIAN DE PALMA, Carlito's Way
3. JOSEPH VILSMAIER, Stalingrad
2. THE HUGHES BROTHERS, Menace II Society
1. STEVEN SPIELBERG, Schindler's List
Top 25 Lead Actors:
25. SEAN ASTIN, Rudy
24. LIAM NEESON, Schindler's List
23. DAVID THEWLIS, Naked
22. LESLIE CHEUNG, Farewell, My Concubine
21. STEVE BUSCEMI, Ed And His Dead Mother
20. NICOLAS CAGE, Red Rock West
19. LEONARDO DICAPRIO, This Boy's Life
18. GARY OLDMAN, Romeo Is Bleeding
17. JEFF BRIDGES, American Heart
16. COLM FEORE, Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould
15. LAURENCE FISHBURNE, What's Love Got To Do With It
14. GÉRARD DEPARDIEU, Germinal
13. THOMAS KRETSCHMANN, Stalingrad
12. JEFF BRIDGES, Fearless
11. DANNY GLOVER, Bopha!
10. VINCENT D'ONOFRIO, Household Saints
9. TYRIN TURNER, Menace II Society
8. TOM HANKS, Philadelphia
7. DANIEL DAY-LEWIS, The Age Of Innocence
6. ANTHONY HOPKINS, The Remains Of The Day
5. CLINT EASTWOOD, In The Line Of Fire
4. ROBERT DE NIRO, A Bronx Tale
3. AL PACINO, Carlito's Way
2. MICHAEL DOUGLAS, Falling Down
1. WILL SMITH, Six Degrees Of Separation
Top 25 Lead Actresses:
25. MEG RYAN, Sleepless In Seattle
24. MARISA TOMEI, Untamed Heart
23. ELLEN BARKIN, This Boy's Life
22. ASHLEY JUDD, Ruby In Paradise
21. JULIET STEVENSON, The Secret Rapture
20. CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG, The Cement Garden
19. LINDA FIORENTINO, Acting On Impulse
18. EMMA THOMPSON, The Remains Of The Day
17. LORI LOUGHLIN, Empty Cradle
16. SHERILYN FENN, Boxing Helena
15. SIQIN GAOWA, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
14. PHOEBE CATES, Bodies, Rest & Motion
13. GONG LI, Farewell, My Concubine
12. VANESSA REDGRAVE, Un Muro De Silencio
11. SOPHIE MARCEAU, Fanfan
10. JULIANNE MOORE, Short Cuts
9. JULIETTE BINOCHE, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
8. MARY STUART MASTERSON, Benny & Joon
7. CATHERINE DENEUVE, Ma Saison Préférée
6. REBECCA DE MORNAY, Guilty As Sin
5. PATRICIA ARQUETTE, True Romance
4. JODIE FOSTER, Sommersby
3. HOLLY HUNTER, The Piano
2. NICOLE KIDMAN, Malice
1. ANGELA BASSETT, What's Love Got To Do With It
Top 20 Supporting Actors:
20. OLIVER PLATT, The Three Musketeers
19. JOHN MALKOVICH, In The Line Of Fire
18. GABRIEL BYRNE, A Dangerous Woman
17. JEFF GOLDBLUM, Jurassic Park
16. TOMMY LEE JONES, The Fugitive
15. WILLEM DAFOE, Faraway, So Close
14. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, Dazed And Confused
13. VAL KILMER, Tombstone
12. ROBERT DE NIRO, This Boy's Life
11. ROBERT DOWNEY JR., Short Cuts
10. CLINT EASTWOOD, A Perfect World
9. CHRISTOPHER REEVE, The Remains Of The Day
8. CHAZZ PALMINTERI, A Bronx Tale
7. CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, Twenty Bucks
6. CHRIS PENN, Short Cuts
5. COURTNEY B. VANCE, The Adventures Of Huck Finn
4. HARVEY KEITEL, The Piano
3. RENAUD SÉCHAN, Germinal
2. SEAN PENN, Carlito's Way
1. LARENZ TATE, Menace II Society
Top 20 Supporting Actresses:
20. HOLLY HUNTER, The Firm
19. KATE JACKSON, Empty Cradle
18. JENNIFER JASON LEIGH, Short Cuts
17. MEG TILLY, Body Snatchers
16. ROSIE PEREZ, Fearless
15. VALÉRIE LEMERCIER, Les Visiteurs
14. FAYE DUNAWAY, Arizona Dream
13. JOANNE WHALLEY-KILMER, The Secret Rapture
12. ALLY SHEEDY, Chantilly Lace
11. LAURA LINNEY, Dave
10. DANA DELANY, Tombstone
9. CLAUDIA KARVAN, Broken Highway
8. TARAL HICKS, A Bronx Tale
7. LILI TAYLOR, Household Saints
6. PENELOPE ANN MILLER, Carlito's Way
5. LARA FLYNN BOYLE, Red Rock West
4. LAURA DERN, A Perfect World
3. WINONA RYDER, The Age Of Innocence
2. MARTHE VILLALONGA, Ma Saison Préférée
1. JADA PINKETT, Menace II Society
Top 20 Screenplays:
20. THE PIANO, Jane Campion
19. INDECENT PROPOSAL, Amy Holden Jones
18. WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, Kate Lanier
17. RED ROCK WEST, John Dahl & Rick Dahl
16. MENACE II SOCIETY, Tyger Williams
15. UN MURO DE SILENCIO, Graciela Maglie & Gabriela Massuh
14. DAVE, Gary Ross
13. GROUNDHOG DAY, Danny Rubin & Harold Ramis
12. MI VIDA LOCA, Allison Anders
11. NAKED, Mike Leigh
10. SMOKING/NO SMOKING, Agnès Jaoui & Jean-Pierre Bacri
9. SHORT CUTS, Robert Altman & Frank Barhydt
8. DAZED AND CONFUSED, Richard Linklater
7. WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE, Peter Hedges
6. THE SECRET RAPTURE, David Hare
5. CARLITO'S WAY, David Koepp
4. A BRONX TALE, Chazz Palminteri
3. ARIZONA DREAM, David Atkins & Emir Kustarica
2. MALICE, Aaron Sorkin & Scott Frank
1. TRUE ROMANCE, Quentin Tarantino
Top 20 Cinematographers:
20. DONALD PETERMAN, Addams Family Values
19. VIKO FILAC, Arizona Dream
18. DICK POPE, Naked
17. WALT LLOYD, Short Cuts
16. STUART DRYBURGH, The Piano
15. JEFFREY L. KIMBALL, True Romance
14. RENATO BERTA, Smoking/No Smoking
13. ROBERT RICHARDSON, Heaven & Earth
12. GU CHANGWEI, Farewell My Concubine
11. JANUSZ KAMINSKI, The Adventures Of Huck Finn
10. GUILLERMO NAVARRO, Cronos
9. FÉLIX MONTI, Un Muro De Silencio
8. KEES VAN OOSTRUM, Gettysburg
7. BOJAN BAZELLI, Body Snatchers
6. BAO XIAORAN, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
5. DARIUSZ WOLSKI, Romeo Is Bleeding
4. JANUSZ KAMINSKI, Schindler's List
3. SLAWOMI IDZIAK, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
2. YVES ANGELO, Germinal
1. PETE KOZACHIK, The Nightmare Before Christmas
Top 10 Villains:
10. RON PERLMAN, Cronos
9. TOBIN BELL, Malice
8. PARKER POSEY, Dazed And Confused
7. ROBERT DE NIRO, This Boy's Life
6. MICHAEL DOUGLAS, Falling Down
5. LARENZ TATE, Menace II Society
4. SEAN PENN, Carlito's Way
3. DENNIS HOPPER, Red Rock West
2. GARY OLDMAN, True Romance
1. LAURENCE FISHBURNE, What's Love Got To Do With It
That being said, I plan on making up for lost time in the next month and a half or so, so I can eventually make up a comprehensive list.
And so, I once again look at my past notes to pass judgement on a previous year, 1993.
Already featured: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2005.
Top 25 Films:
25. GROUNDHOG DAY, Harold Ramis (USA)
24. THIRTY-TWO SHORT FILMS ABOUT GLENN GOULD, François Girard (Canada/France)
23. NAKED, Mike Leigh (UK)
22. THIS BOY'S LIFE, Michael Caton-Jones (USA)
21. MALICE, Harold Becker (USA/Canada)
20. GERMINAL, Claude Berri (France)
19. ARIZONA DREAM, Emir Kustarica (USA)
18. SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Fred Schepisi (USA)
17. A BRONX TALE, Robert De Niro (USA)
16. TROIS COULEURS: BLEU, Krysztof Kieslowski (France/Poland/Switzerland)
15. WOMAN SESAME OIL MAKER, Xie Fei (China)
14. FARAWAY, SO CLOSE, Win Wenders (Germany)
13. A PERFECT WORLD, Clint Eastwood (USA)
12. FALLING DOWN, Joel Schumacher (USA/France/UK)
11. IN THE LINE OF FIRE, Wolfgang Petersen (USA)
10. DAZED AND CONFUSED, Richard Linklater (USA)
9. THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, Martin Scorsese (USA)
8. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Henry Selick (USA)
7. FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE, Chen Kaige (China)
6. SHORT CUTS, Robert Altman (USA)
5. TRUE ROMANCE, Tony Scott (USA)
4. CARLITO'S WAY, Brian De Palma (USA)
3. STALINGRAD, Joseph Vilsmaier (Germany)
2. SCHINDLER'S LIST, Steven Spielberg (USA)
1. MENACE II SOCIETY, The Hughes Brothers (USA)
Top 25 Directors:
25. JOHN MCTIERNAN, Last Action Hero
24. PIERRE FALARDEAU, Le Temps Des Bouffons
23. JANE CAMPION, The Piano
22. JONATHAN DEMME, Philadelphia
21. MIKE LEIGH, Naked
20. GUILLERMO DEL TORO, Cronos
19. CLAUDE BERRI, Germinal
18. HENRY SELICK, The Nightmare Before Christmas
17. RICHARD LINKLATER, Dazed And Confused
16. JOEL SCHUMACHER, Falling Down
15. CLINT EASTWOOD, A Perfect World
14. EMIR KUSTARICA, Arizona Dream
13. XIE FEI, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
12. ROBERT DE NIRO, A Bronx Tale
11. KRYSZTOF KIESLOWSKI, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
10. WIM WENDERS, Faraway, So Close
9. CHEN KAIGE, Farewell, My Concubine
8. TONY SCOTT, True Romance
7. WOLFGANG PETERSON, In The Line Of Fire
6. ROBERT ALTMAN, Short Cuts
5. MARTIN SCORSESE, The Age Of Innocence
4. BRIAN DE PALMA, Carlito's Way
3. JOSEPH VILSMAIER, Stalingrad
2. THE HUGHES BROTHERS, Menace II Society
1. STEVEN SPIELBERG, Schindler's List
Top 25 Lead Actors:
25. SEAN ASTIN, Rudy
24. LIAM NEESON, Schindler's List
23. DAVID THEWLIS, Naked
22. LESLIE CHEUNG, Farewell, My Concubine
21. STEVE BUSCEMI, Ed And His Dead Mother
20. NICOLAS CAGE, Red Rock West
19. LEONARDO DICAPRIO, This Boy's Life
18. GARY OLDMAN, Romeo Is Bleeding
17. JEFF BRIDGES, American Heart
16. COLM FEORE, Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould
15. LAURENCE FISHBURNE, What's Love Got To Do With It
14. GÉRARD DEPARDIEU, Germinal
13. THOMAS KRETSCHMANN, Stalingrad
12. JEFF BRIDGES, Fearless
11. DANNY GLOVER, Bopha!
10. VINCENT D'ONOFRIO, Household Saints
9. TYRIN TURNER, Menace II Society
8. TOM HANKS, Philadelphia
7. DANIEL DAY-LEWIS, The Age Of Innocence
6. ANTHONY HOPKINS, The Remains Of The Day
5. CLINT EASTWOOD, In The Line Of Fire
4. ROBERT DE NIRO, A Bronx Tale
3. AL PACINO, Carlito's Way
2. MICHAEL DOUGLAS, Falling Down
1. WILL SMITH, Six Degrees Of Separation
Top 25 Lead Actresses:
25. MEG RYAN, Sleepless In Seattle
24. MARISA TOMEI, Untamed Heart
23. ELLEN BARKIN, This Boy's Life
22. ASHLEY JUDD, Ruby In Paradise
21. JULIET STEVENSON, The Secret Rapture
20. CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG, The Cement Garden
19. LINDA FIORENTINO, Acting On Impulse
18. EMMA THOMPSON, The Remains Of The Day
17. LORI LOUGHLIN, Empty Cradle
16. SHERILYN FENN, Boxing Helena
15. SIQIN GAOWA, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
14. PHOEBE CATES, Bodies, Rest & Motion
13. GONG LI, Farewell, My Concubine
12. VANESSA REDGRAVE, Un Muro De Silencio
11. SOPHIE MARCEAU, Fanfan
10. JULIANNE MOORE, Short Cuts
9. JULIETTE BINOCHE, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
8. MARY STUART MASTERSON, Benny & Joon
7. CATHERINE DENEUVE, Ma Saison Préférée
6. REBECCA DE MORNAY, Guilty As Sin
5. PATRICIA ARQUETTE, True Romance
4. JODIE FOSTER, Sommersby
3. HOLLY HUNTER, The Piano
2. NICOLE KIDMAN, Malice
1. ANGELA BASSETT, What's Love Got To Do With It
Top 20 Supporting Actors:
20. OLIVER PLATT, The Three Musketeers
19. JOHN MALKOVICH, In The Line Of Fire
18. GABRIEL BYRNE, A Dangerous Woman
17. JEFF GOLDBLUM, Jurassic Park
16. TOMMY LEE JONES, The Fugitive
15. WILLEM DAFOE, Faraway, So Close
14. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, Dazed And Confused
13. VAL KILMER, Tombstone
12. ROBERT DE NIRO, This Boy's Life
11. ROBERT DOWNEY JR., Short Cuts
10. CLINT EASTWOOD, A Perfect World
9. CHRISTOPHER REEVE, The Remains Of The Day
8. CHAZZ PALMINTERI, A Bronx Tale
7. CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, Twenty Bucks
6. CHRIS PENN, Short Cuts
5. COURTNEY B. VANCE, The Adventures Of Huck Finn
4. HARVEY KEITEL, The Piano
3. RENAUD SÉCHAN, Germinal
2. SEAN PENN, Carlito's Way
1. LARENZ TATE, Menace II Society
Top 20 Supporting Actresses:
20. HOLLY HUNTER, The Firm
19. KATE JACKSON, Empty Cradle
18. JENNIFER JASON LEIGH, Short Cuts
17. MEG TILLY, Body Snatchers
16. ROSIE PEREZ, Fearless
15. VALÉRIE LEMERCIER, Les Visiteurs
14. FAYE DUNAWAY, Arizona Dream
13. JOANNE WHALLEY-KILMER, The Secret Rapture
12. ALLY SHEEDY, Chantilly Lace
11. LAURA LINNEY, Dave
10. DANA DELANY, Tombstone
9. CLAUDIA KARVAN, Broken Highway
8. TARAL HICKS, A Bronx Tale
7. LILI TAYLOR, Household Saints
6. PENELOPE ANN MILLER, Carlito's Way
5. LARA FLYNN BOYLE, Red Rock West
4. LAURA DERN, A Perfect World
3. WINONA RYDER, The Age Of Innocence
2. MARTHE VILLALONGA, Ma Saison Préférée
1. JADA PINKETT, Menace II Society
Top 20 Screenplays:
20. THE PIANO, Jane Campion
19. INDECENT PROPOSAL, Amy Holden Jones
18. WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, Kate Lanier
17. RED ROCK WEST, John Dahl & Rick Dahl
16. MENACE II SOCIETY, Tyger Williams
15. UN MURO DE SILENCIO, Graciela Maglie & Gabriela Massuh
14. DAVE, Gary Ross
13. GROUNDHOG DAY, Danny Rubin & Harold Ramis
12. MI VIDA LOCA, Allison Anders
11. NAKED, Mike Leigh
10. SMOKING/NO SMOKING, Agnès Jaoui & Jean-Pierre Bacri
9. SHORT CUTS, Robert Altman & Frank Barhydt
8. DAZED AND CONFUSED, Richard Linklater
7. WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE, Peter Hedges
6. THE SECRET RAPTURE, David Hare
5. CARLITO'S WAY, David Koepp
4. A BRONX TALE, Chazz Palminteri
3. ARIZONA DREAM, David Atkins & Emir Kustarica
2. MALICE, Aaron Sorkin & Scott Frank
1. TRUE ROMANCE, Quentin Tarantino
Top 20 Cinematographers:
20. DONALD PETERMAN, Addams Family Values
19. VIKO FILAC, Arizona Dream
18. DICK POPE, Naked
17. WALT LLOYD, Short Cuts
16. STUART DRYBURGH, The Piano
15. JEFFREY L. KIMBALL, True Romance
14. RENATO BERTA, Smoking/No Smoking
13. ROBERT RICHARDSON, Heaven & Earth
12. GU CHANGWEI, Farewell My Concubine
11. JANUSZ KAMINSKI, The Adventures Of Huck Finn
10. GUILLERMO NAVARRO, Cronos
9. FÉLIX MONTI, Un Muro De Silencio
8. KEES VAN OOSTRUM, Gettysburg
7. BOJAN BAZELLI, Body Snatchers
6. BAO XIAORAN, Woman Sesame Oil Maker
5. DARIUSZ WOLSKI, Romeo Is Bleeding
4. JANUSZ KAMINSKI, Schindler's List
3. SLAWOMI IDZIAK, Trois Couleurs: Bleu
2. YVES ANGELO, Germinal
1. PETE KOZACHIK, The Nightmare Before Christmas
Top 10 Villains:
10. RON PERLMAN, Cronos
9. TOBIN BELL, Malice
8. PARKER POSEY, Dazed And Confused
7. ROBERT DE NIRO, This Boy's Life
6. MICHAEL DOUGLAS, Falling Down
5. LARENZ TATE, Menace II Society
4. SEAN PENN, Carlito's Way
3. DENNIS HOPPER, Red Rock West
2. GARY OLDMAN, True Romance
1. LAURENCE FISHBURNE, What's Love Got To Do With It
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy 2014
2013 is dead.
It was so much better than 2012, and it sowed seeds I hope will last me even past 2014. It wasn't always easy, but unlike in the past, everyone I knew just plowed through no matter what, head down, best foot forward.
I have no idea what this year will bring, except that winter will get colder, summer will be too short, and people will come and go from each other's lives.
But I wish us all the best, health first and foremost, and a way to find the means to live well - and for the good days to outnumber the bad by a fair margin.
Slow and steady wins the race, they say, and I don't care who finishes first anymore; I just want us all to make it to the finish line as one big pack, hand in hand, all winners.
Let's rock.
It was so much better than 2012, and it sowed seeds I hope will last me even past 2014. It wasn't always easy, but unlike in the past, everyone I knew just plowed through no matter what, head down, best foot forward.
I have no idea what this year will bring, except that winter will get colder, summer will be too short, and people will come and go from each other's lives.
But I wish us all the best, health first and foremost, and a way to find the means to live well - and for the good days to outnumber the bad by a fair margin.
Slow and steady wins the race, they say, and I don't care who finishes first anymore; I just want us all to make it to the finish line as one big pack, hand in hand, all winners.
Let's rock.
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