The year is almost over, and my list of the top 5 movies of 2023 is ready, representing a good mix of movies from the spring, summer and fall. My favorites from years past are a good window into what was happening then. Here they are too, the top movies from: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Past Lives: Rewatching the trailer just now, I got tears in my eyes. AGAIN. That’s the genius of this movie. I like movies that feel sweeping and cinematic, that expertly weave music and visuals together with acting and plot to tell a story that could only be shown on film. And that’s what “Past Lives” does. Could it be as effective as a stage play? Or a novel, or album? No, the movie uses the language of cinema to show how people from our past shape who we are, and how they continue to reshape us moving forward. The directing, writing, and music stand out here, but so does the acting, especially Teo Yoo as the grown Hae Sung.
Killers of the Flower Moon: Hesitant to sit and watch a nearly 4 hour movie? Yeah, so was I. But I’m so glad I went to see “Killers of the Flower Moon” in the theater, because it was stunning. It’s remarkable that it was directed by an 80 year-old man, since it pulses with the verve and confidence of a vibrant, young filmmaker. But perhaps only Martin Scorcese could tell a story of pure evil that shows the confluence of greed and stupidity at the heart of the American story. The movie’s horror creeps up on you, and is largely told through the beautiful acting of Lily Gladstone. As an added bonus, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Jack White are all in the cast, among other musicians.
The Holdovers: Alexander Payne’s latest has no bells, no whistles, no special effects or nifty narrative techniques. It just tells a simple story remarkably well, about three seemingly-different people thrown together by circumstance who ended up finding deep connection with each other. And, although it’s shot to evoke the 70’s in every way, what could be more contemporary than a story about lonely people coming together? Dominic Sessa in particular is a real standout.
The Killer: Push past the first 20 minutes of this movie, where Michael Fassbender’s protagonist speaks in voiceover about what it takes to be a hired gun. It’s slow and a bit pretentious. Are we really going to hear this guy’s dumb thoughts for the next 2 hours? No, David Fincher has another chilling action thriller in store. I love his style, his way with action scenes, and the Trent Reznor drumbeat pulsing in the background of all his films. It’s that element that made “The Killer” irresistible. That, and a juicy scene with Tilda Swinton.
Barbie: What can I say about “Barbie” that I didn’t already say in this post where I felt I had to defend my love of the movie from haters (mostly over a certain age) who were astonished that someone smart like me could actually like Barbie? My defense was twofold: 1) the movie is actually more incisive and clever than you realize, since it was written and directed by Greta Gerwig and 2) it’s just fun. That’s okay! A movie that has a lot to say and is a good time is a damn good movie to me. And I already can’t wait to see the musical performances from “Barbie” at the 2024 Oscars.
Special shout out to Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, who left an unmistakeable mark on 2 of the films on this short list, “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Barbie”. Without his eye, they wouldn’t have been as good. It’s that simple.