The LiE 10 of 2010

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the much belated, but always anticipated, top 10 films of 2010 - so says Univarn. I have admit that this list was far more difficult for me than those of recent years. It seemed as if every time I was ready to hanker down and get it done, a new film would approach my reason with top 10 prospects. Then you had films I loved on first viewing rising, falling, or just plain flat-lining on a second. Through all of this I kept nudging and bumping, sweating and contemplating, and now I believe I have the list as best as it shall ever get. Besides, if I wait any longer you all will have moved on to 2011 entirely. Luckily the movies being released are helping keep the 2010 momentum alive.

So, here they are. A series of pixels and digital beats which for one year have transpired mere mediocrity in my eyes and achieved something of the highest caliber. I give you my top 10 films of the year 2010:

10. Winter's Bone

Staunch realism in beautiful scenery provides a visual melody to this tale of a woe-begotten town on the edge of civilization.

9. True Grit

From the poetic dialogue, bordering on self-satire, to the hard hitting cinematography, True Grit is a visual feast you'd travel miles to sample. 

8. Blue Valentine

It is not so much a tale of heartbreak as it is one of the tragedy of disconnection; that thin line between our ability to love and our memory of it.

7. Rabbit Hole

A film that seems to age in a way that would make fine wines jealous, Rabbit Hole shows great compassion for people's desire to not let go of the things they love.

6. Restrepo

In an era where manipulation is the defining factor of society, Restrepo shines as a testament to true power realism in cinema can possess when void of applied message.

5. The King's Speech

Despite my reservations, multiple viewings have proven TKS to be a witty, insightful, and hilarious look at the real difficulty of overcoming something as socially debilitating as a speech impediment.

4. Animal Kingdom

Perhaps the most hard hitting, subtle, and brilliantly acted film of the year from top to bottom, Animal Kingdom is an unwavering portrayal of a crime family born of sociopaths.

3. The Social Network
What breaths such vibrant life into The Social Network is a combination of simply having all the right parts moving together in unison with no weakness to speak of. 

2. Black Swan
Aronofsky has been flirting with greatness for some time, Black Swan is the medium through which he has finally found a film that can resonate with audiences afraid of his often somber material.

DRUMROLL......................................................................

1. 127 Hours
No matter how I look at it, no film has left as long standing an impact with as few frustrations as 127 Hours. From start to finish I was hooked on every frame, exaggerated cut, and stylized dream sequence. In the end, this movie just plain works exactly how you'd want it to. 

Honorable Mentions: Toy Story 3, The Fighter, and Gasland

So there you have it. My top 10 films of the year 2010. What films made yours? What movies would you add or remove from mine? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!

LiE Awards 2010: Supporting Acting

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LiE Awards 2010: Music of the Movies

To be quite honest, I can't say this year was a stellar year for music in cinema. Many of the scores I found most fascinating have been given the Oscar boot, and the rest I struggle to remember. Yet, my list of favorite musical accompaniments is not subject to the rules and regulations of any other body than me. As such, the following list of songs and scores I found most memorable (or most pleasant to listen to in the case that I haven't seen the particular film in question) are the ones of my own choosing. Without further ado...


Best Original SONGS of 2010:

5. "We Belong Together" by Randy Newman - Toy Story 3:



Randy Newman and the Toy Story trilogy are as inseparable as bread and wheat. The two appear to have a synchronicity that supersede the realm most other musicians-directors operate on. Every time they have combined it has produced an Oscar caliber song worthy of mention and enjoyment. This one is no different.

4. "Shine" by John Legend - Waiting for Superman:



Sometimes you don't even need to see a movie to fall in long with its focal point song. Such is the case with Legend's wondrous voice and Shine for the documentary Waiting for Superman. Placing the difficult lives of those struggling to get a good education, Shine works in the context of a call to arms and a platform piece.

3. "Sticks and Stones" by Jonsi - How to Train Your Dragon:



Upbeat, high tempo, and constantly on the move, closing your eyes to this song and you can almost put yourself right in the sky with Hiccup and company.

2. "I See the Light" by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater - Tangled:



I may have poo-pooed a bit on the music in Tangled when I wrote up my review, but let me clarify by saying that I do think most of the songs were rather mediocre EXCEPT for this one. Wonderfully performed by Zachery Levi and Mandy Moore, this song is amplified several times over when captured during a wonderful 3D sequence in the film. Besides, I'm allowed at least one mushy song, aren't I? ... please?

1. "If I Rise" by A.R. Rahman and Dido - 127 Hours:

Serene, simple, and beautiful, there's little to find other than sheer majesty in this song spun by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. The song perfectly blends into the style and awe inspiring imagery captured by Boyle in 127 Hours.


Best Original Scores of 2010

5. The King's Speech by Alexandre Desplat



One would be hard pressed not to include Alexandre Desplat on any list of the best scores of 2010. With work on The Ghost Writer, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and a quick capping it off with King's Speech, he was on a roll. For The King's Speech I found his music eerily mysterious, alluring, but mesmerizing. It pulled me into the scenes, and kept me wanting more. Besides, are these lists even allowed to be made if they don't include a score for a British period film?

4. The Town by Harry Gregson Williams & David Buckley



Have I mentioned enough here how much I love it when a composer finds a way to meld simple with the high tempo expectations of blockbusters? If not, allow me to say it one more time - I just love it. While I may get in a debate with you about the merits of the film itself, I fully believe Harry Gregson Williams and David Buckley did an outstanding job on The Town soundtrack. It's engrossing, captivating, and matches the mood set by the film without hesitation or debate.

3. Inception by Hans Zimmer:



You'd be surprised how many people aren't entirely aware that there's more to the Inception score than that incessant 'Bwahm'  noise people constantly rave about. No, Hans Zimmer crafted a simple and melodic score that blends the thunderous roars with simple, classic, orchestration beauty.

2. True Grit by Carter Burwell:



Regardless of it being based on the song 'Leaning on Everlasting Arms,' I firmly believe this score is a unique work unto itself and worthy of recognition. The use of piano in conjunction with the score creates just the right feel to carry the vibe of an old west tale. It is in every aspect the kind of song I could find myself sitting back and listening to time and time again.

1. Black Swan by Clint Mansell:

Seriously, Clint Mansell can not get a break in Hollywood. The man has been one of the pinnacle creators of movie scores for the last ten years (quick, try and count the number of commercials that have used Requiem for a Dream's main score), and yet at every turn he gets either snubbed or DQed. Do I hold a bit of a grudge for him getting no recognition for Moon? Perhaps, but the man is a proven talent and Black Swan is no different. Taking his own unique style and interposing it onto Swan Lake, Mansell created a stylistic score as memorable as any of the cinema in 2010.


2010 Honorable Mentions:
Shutter Island - for outstanding use of the score Symphony No.3 Passacaglia - Allegro Moderato by Penderecki
Inception - for exposing people to the beautiful music of Edith Piaf and Non Je Ne Regrette Rien

Well, ladies and gentlemen that just about wraps up my coverage of the music of 2010. Stay tuned as over the next week and a half I'll be covering: Performances, Directing, and of course my TOP 10 films of 2010!

Meanwhile, what are your favorite scores/songs of 2010?