"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite." - MY FAVOURITE SHOTS OF 2012

12 shots for '12.

"C'est le temps de l'amour"- MY FAVOURITE SCENES OF THE YEAR

         Here's the thing. Somehow, my favourite scenes this year have either been fight scenes or mainly scenes with singing or dancing in it. Is my true Bollywood spirit seeping through? I don't know, but I do know that the following are some of the most memorable moments of 2012, cinema-wise.

Honourable mentions- Pitch Perfect finale, Accordion interlude in Holy Motors, Calvin J. Candie and the skull in Django Unchained.

10.

Johnny Depp's cameo in 21 Jump Street

For a film that was surprisingly hilarious, its funniest moment comes when original 21 Jump Street man and my movie god (who still very much has it going on if he'd stop coming in crap) reveals his secret identity. Laughter ensues.

 9.

The flight scene in Argo

I admit that I did not know about this whole part of history until I watched the film so the finale was actually really nail-biting for me. However, from what I have read, it thrilled even those who knew about it. The plane lifting off is one of the happiest, most uplifting moments of last year's movies and in my eyes, warrants that Best Film Oscar.

 8.

The voting scene in Lincoln

Speaking of uplifting scenes, this part of Lincoln really stood out for me. I am not the biggest fan of the movie and I was pretty bored throughout but here, when I did know the result and was still so moved by it, I loved the film (but that's it).

7.

The beach dance in Moonrise Kingdom

Heaven would be being in a place and a time and a scene like this.

 6.

The cell breakdown in The Master

In a way, this could have been in my favourite fight scenes. I just love the contrast between these two men which is most prominent here. Freddy goes batshit crazy in the cell, and Dodd just stands there, cool and composed, looking on. Brilliant.

 5.

Gena's and Clyde's kiss in Bachelorette

What makes this scene even more amazing is the fact that the song that leads to the kiss in the film, The Proclaimers' legendary "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)", was put in afterwards. I love Lizzy Caplan and Adam Scott and their chemistry here is to die for.

 4.

"Who Were We" sequence in Holy Motors

Holy Motors is a film full of unforgettable, incredibly original scenes. This one, though not the most unique sequence in the film, is my favourite because it is so poignant and mysterious and beautifully shot. In a way, it is the antithesis of the beach scene in Moonrise Kingdom, but it is just as touching.

 3.

Hester underground in The Deep Blue Sea

I realise also that my list is full of either really happy, life-affirming moments or incredibly sad ones. This one is both in a way. Hester, played immaculately by the lovely Rachel Weisz, comes to the train station to commit suicide after another fight with her lover when she is transported back to the time when she, along with her husband and many other people, were hiding out there during the London air raids. There was a song and a glimpse of hope in a lot of misery and Hester finally realises that life, however terrible it may become, is still worth living.

2.

"I Dreamed a Dream" in Les Misérables

This scene gave me shivers when I first saw it. I understand why Anne Hathaway is going to win an Oscar for a scene that barely lasts five minutes. The range in it is astounding- sadness, nostalgia, disappointment, bitterness, anger, and finally, the acceptance of such a faith. The way I see it, this song captures the last moments of hope in a person, how it does fight to stay alive but life has other plans. I cried.

 1.

The final dance scene in Silver Linings Playbook

This scene was made to be loved by me. A kooky dance number in a ballroom competition- come on! It is fun and romantic and sexy and has one super uncomfortable moment but that just makes it better and they play "Fell In Love With A Girl" and there is tap dancing and the leads staring into each other's eyes a lot- TOTES AMAZEBALLS! Happiest, most awesome scene of the year.

My Top 10 Films of 2012, Somewhat

     Here it is, my annual incomplete list of favourite films belonging to that year. And what a wonderful tradition it is. Incomplete because I still have a number of 2012 films to watch before I make my final set of lists, that should come out in late January-early February, that is if the film gods are kind enough.

10.

Magic Mike

I had the stupidest grin on my face while watching this film. It is just so much fun! It's like a sports movie without the sports, and male stripping in its place. And it embraces my ideology of "Objectify All Men". Plus what a year Matthew McConaughey has had. In a just world, he will get an Oscar nomination for this role.

9.

Holy Motors

The film that has baffled me beyond belief. And I loved that! I usually hate films which I can't make the head or tail of, but this crazy, wonderful whatever, has some of the most brilliant scenes I have ever seen on film. And god, Denis Lavant is a genius!

8.

Your Sister's Sister

This film is like a lesson in good story-telling and acting. You don't need fancy sets or big budgets. This film is so sweet and funny and warm, and shows the importance of friendship and family. Lovely.

7.

Moonrise Kingdom

Oh to live in a place and a time like Moonrise Kingdom! Wes Anderson-land has never been dreamier and so full of wonder.

6.

Argo

Even though I haven't seen many films of the year, I doubt I will see one as well-made as Argo was. Ben Affleck has totally won me over with this tale of espionage and film-fantasy.

5.

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Because it is so relateable, despite not having a life at all like the characters in it. It's funny and poignant, and Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman are just beautiful. Great soundtrack too.

4.

Skyfall

I have not seen a prettier action movie in my life. Roger Deakins's work, along with a totally unexpected turn from Sam Mendes gives us what might be one of the greatest Bond movies of all time. And I love Daniel Craig, Judy Dench and Javier Bardem so much!

3.

Ruby Sparks

Going to quote a friend after she saw it on my suggestion- "Ruby Sparks is one of the most lovely films I've seen in sooooo long. I've not had this overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and depression at the same time, since I saw Amelie. Love is an understatement."

2.

Cloud Atlas

The most entertaining film I have seen all year. There's something for everyone- comedy, adventure, sci-fi, thriller, and of course romance. I will have to watch it again to make more sense of it, but all the stories and the people and the lives are interlinked so excellently. And love the cast with Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent and Hugo Weaving taking top spots.

1.

The Avengers

Seriously, it is so fucking awesome! The best "superhero" superhero film ever. It's funny and smart and the action is fantastic. And then there is the ensemble cast of superheroes, something I would have never thought possible until I saw this. Joss Whedon is the man and HULK SMASH!!!!!!!!

There you have it.

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!