"LOOK AT MY SHIT!"- FAVOURITE MOVIES OF 2013

      And finally, we have arrived to the ultimate "Best of 2013" list where I talk about 25 movies that have entertained, inspired and educated me from last year, which is why I love them so much.

Honourable mention:

The Day of the Doctor
I know this is technically a TV show but it was screened in 80 countries (not in mine but what's new about that) and it was almost movie length and well, it was awesome. I regret not writing a big post on it (I was too busy watching it again and again and again). To make an episode that not only pays tribute to the Doctor Who tradition but also paves a new path for the future, bringing together two of the most popular modern Doctors and one superb John Hurt as the War Doctor, giving us action, humour and heartbreak in equal amounts, and at the end of the day make it all about the children because it is a show for children- so many proper feature films are incapable of achieving that "The Day of the Doctor" does, and with such success.


25.

 Beautiful Creatures
Yes, I liked it more than probably everyone in the world. It just makes me happy to see two normal teenagers in love, even though one of them might technically be a witch or whatever. Plus, Emma Thompson and Emmy Rossum are a blast!

24.

 Ernest and Celestine
One of the most beautiful looking films of the year with such a special story about artists and true companionship at heart.

23.

 Pacific Rim
'Cuz it's fucking awesome.

22.

 Captain Phillips
The most thrilling movie of the year with a surprising debut and career-best work by an acting giant.

21.

 20 Feet from Stardom
Incredibly inspiring. When true talent doesn't get the due it deserves but people continue making art in spite of everything. Also, I wish I could sing! :'(

20.

Frozen

Yes, the singing thing again. Also, great to see Disney breaking away from its own tropes and embracing more human princesses while retaining all the splendour from its classic era. Hilarious, beautiful and in spite of the name, heartwarming.

19.

 Short Term 12
Such a delicate story told with such control and balance and insight. Short Term 12 was nothing like I had expected to be and it really blew me away. Excellent performances by everyone, from the adults to those amazing kids.

18.

The Bling Ring

"Only the shallow know themselves." People were put off by the hollowness of the teenagers depicted in the movie, but what we see is really what they are made off. One of the most biting portrayals of modern celebrity-obsessed culture but shown with such a patient, observant eye that we almost don't see the satire and get swept away by its exquisite look.

17.

Blue Jasmine

While this year has been full of figures who absolute greed has corrupted absolutely, none have been as tragic as Cate Blanchett's Jasmine. A perfect balance of comedy and drama, with fantastic performances by Blanchett and Sally Hawkins.

16.

 The World's End
Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost end their Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy with another genre-bending near-masterpiece about the dark effects of personal stagnation and alcoholism hidden under the facade of an apocalyptic comedy. I still have issues with its ending, but it honestly keeps getting better and better for me with every rewatch.

15.

 Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
I had intended to make a post on why YJHD is one of my favourite movies of the year but if I were to narrow it down to one reason only, it would be because it is the closest thing to a 90s Bollywood movie I have seen in years. No, it's not perfect but it's thoroughly enjoyable, has addictively fun songs and Ranbir "Sex Eyes" Kapoor has never been better.

14.

Nebraska
There is a sense of nostalgia that runs through Nebraska that really touched my heart. It could've been a really harsh comedy about the kind of people shown in the movie, but instead the film is incredibly human and gentle in the way it treats the chief characters.

13.

This is the End

Just so freaking hilarious. Did not see that coming at all. It is kind of a spoof but it transcends that with a properly sensible plot and what it does with it. Kudos to all the actors playing madder versions of themselves too. Just look at Cera! If looks could kill...

12.

 The Blue Umbrella
At one point during last year, I was convinced this will end up topping my year end list. I have a special place in my heart for Pixar shorts and this is one of their best. They take a simple idea and just make something extraordinary out of it. The path of true love for our little blue umbrella is not smooth and it has to get to its beloved, the red umbrella. All of this is shown in splendid animation.

11.

 Mud
A cross between a coming of age movie, a fairytale and a thriller, Mud moves with such an assured pace, interweaving these elements effortlessly. Of course none of this would have been possible without its perfect cast- Tye Sheridan, Matthew McConaughey and Jacob Lofland.

10.

 Blue is the Warmest Colour
My film studies professor said that he was disappointed by Blue because he felt it was too conventional. The only reason the story seems conventional because it has happened to most of us. The film captures the pleasures and pain of first love better than I have ever seen in this medium. Of course, the film's life resides in its two actresses, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux, who are both stunningly good in it.

9.

 Spring Breakers
It is the most wildly original movie I saw in 2013. It has so much to say and so much to show that even trying to define it in any way seems pointless and kind of insulting to the grand scheme of Harmony Korine. Just take it all in and spring break forever, bitches.

8.

 Wadjda
I love simple stories that have something important to say. Wadjda, in a sentence, is about a girl in Saudi Arabia who wants to ride a bike. It is as uncomplicated and as profound as that.

7.

 Stoker
'Cuz it's so pretty! Yes, there is also disturbing stuff and "finding your true self" stuff and Matthew Goode's sexy stuff but ultimately, I adore Stoker because of the way it looks and sounds. Gorgeous.

6.

 The Lunchbox
Exactly what I said about Wadjda except this also has a romance angle to it and it has a superb cast of Indian character actors. It is the kind of movie Indian filmmakers should focus on making.

5.

Her

I occasionally suffer from movie-induced depression and I swear I went through that after watching Her. It is so lovely and so sad. As I read somewhere on Twitter, "it is both a timely and a timeless romance." This is the most perfect description of Her that I have seen. Also, the world that Spike Jonze has created in this film, along with the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson- all of it just floored me.

4.

Gravity
Many people are scared that Gravity won't be as good when seen on small screen and I disagree because though we definitely don't get the total movie theatre effect, this film expands far beyond the idea of  "visually spectacular blockbuster". There is such heart in the movie and a very important theme about the strength of human spirit that can strive against all odds, and once you do see that, the film is revealed to be a cinematic treasure for doing the things it did and being so deceptively powerful.

3.

Frances Ha
It's one of those movies that I love because I can relate to it. No, I'm not 27 or a dancer and I don't live in New York either. However, the idea of being directionless and confused is something I know far too well. Again, it is not on the level of Frances, but I have my days, and she has become an almost role model in the sense that she she still manages to remain funny and charming throughout it. It is altogether a delightful movie that is full of unforgettable moments and one wonderful performance by Greta Gerwig.

2.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The most fun I have had in the theatres in the longest time. The film is outrageous, crazy, obscene, astonishing and I love every second of it. From the direction to the writing to all those brilliant actors, lead by Leo DiCaprio who surpassed all my expectations of him and then some in this movie, to the bleak truth that it confronts its audiences with, WoWS is basically amazeballs and I want to see it over and over again.

 1.

 Stories We Tell
There were moments in Sarah Polley's Stories We Tell where I just wondered about how awkward it must be for her to dig into her own past in this way. But then, the film reveals its main ploy and it becomes something more than a film about personal discovery- it becomes an exploration about memories and stories and how they are universal things that all human beings can relate to. But at the same time, the heart of the movie remains very much with these loving people in Polley's family and their feelings and thoughts. It is that balance that Polley manages, never losing the emotional gravity of these personal memories while also intellectually investigating this common human trait, that impressed me most about this film. It is one of the best films I have ever seen.

      And that's it. I hope you liked my choices. You can also check out my: 

1. Favourite Performances
2. Favourite Shots
3. Favourite Scenes
4. Favourite Everything Else including Characters, Villains, Objects, Ensembles, Accents and Quotes

     Now to move on to 2014. Anyone wants to make bets on whether or not The Lego Movie will remain in my top 10 of 2014? Too soon? :/

“I like things that look like mistakes.”- 25 FAVOURITE PERFORMANCES OF 2013

        2013 was an amazing year for performances. I had an especially tough time with this list because at one point, every movie I was saw had a performances I greatly loved or appreciated. Since this is a subjective list, I am going to go with my "favourite" performances over what may be considered the "best" performances, except my for number 1. That is THE best.

Honourable mentions- Well, my shortlist has 62 names and so if I were to name the ones that didn't make it into the final list, my honourable mentions will exceed the latter. I am cheating in this list as it is.

25.

Bradley Cooper in American Hustle

In a movie where everyone is trying to out-act each other, Cooper's Richie is the only character that ends up feeling real. There is a sincerity that Cooper is able to bring to the role, even when Richie is going nuts. And man, those rollers.

24.

Emma Watson in The Bling Ring

I don't think I have had more fun listening to a character this year as much as I did with Watson's Nicki Moore. That interview scene alone guaranteed her a place in this post.

23.

Pauline Burlet in The Past

In both of Farhadi's movies that I have seen, I ended up feeling the worst for the children. They are subjected to the complex and perplexing workings of the adult world and the results are ruinous. When we first see Burlet's Lucie, we just think she's a moody teenager. But she is full of layers and the more we find out about her past and what she did, the more we feel for her. She is riddled with guilt and confusion and seeing her coming to terms with her actions is devastating.

22.

Alden Ehrenreich in Beautiful Creatures

I really think Ehrenreich's performance in Beautiful Creatures puts him in the league of John Cusack in Say Anything. Playing the small-town boy with the big dreams, he is full of charm and intelligence and has fantastic charisma on screen. He also gets my vote for "breakthrough actor of the year".

21.

Bruce Dern in Nebraska

Dern plays a man completely obsessed with his lottery win in Nebraska. There are so many ways this performance could have been a caricature but instead, it is the perfect mixture of sad and funny. He doesn't say much and often appears almost oblivious to everything around him, but that look in his eyes full of some kind of longing is enough to make him one of the most human characters of last year.

20.

Julie Delpy in Before Midnight

As depressed as I was by the transformation of beautiful, inspiring Celine of the first two Before movies into this crazy, neurotic, argumentative person, one cannot deny the work that Delpy achieves here. She lets herself get ugly and awful, but this Celine is also the most fleshed out that we've ever seen her. And I do think she would be more attached to the character than all of us so to explore her unsavory side like she did here is commendable.

19.

Matthew McConaughey in The Wolf of Wall Street, Mud and Dallas Buyers Club

The order of the pictures are given according to my favourite performances of Matty M. last year. Witnessing McConaissance has been a privilege and 2013 was another great year for one of the most shockingly (at least for me) versatile actors of this era. All his performances were excellent though that money chant really takes the cake.

18.

Jake Gyllenhaal in Prisoners

This movie questions our ideas when it comes to what makes someone a hero and what makes them a villain. Captain Loki is not a likeable person but he is the good guy. From the blinking to the hair, Gyllenhaal makes Loki a very compelling character to watch.

17.

Léa Seydoux in Blue is the Warmest Colour

While watching Blue is the Warmest Colour, we are mesmerised by Adèle. And Adèle is mesmerised by Emma. Seydoux had to create a character that would justify this devotion because only then would the subsequent break up ravage the way it did, and she did so beautifully. 

16.

Matthew Goode in Stoker

There must have been a lot of pressure on Mr. Goode for playing a character based on one made famous by Joseph Cotten. But he more than matches up. He is the quintessential psychopath- attractive, disturbing and lethal. He has an iciness that creeps under your skin but goddamnit, you like it!

15.

Shailene Woodley in The Spectacular Now

In very simple terms, Aimee is a good girl who falls for the (sorta) bad boy. It's kind of a cliché, but I've never seen anyone play it the way Woodley does. She is so sweet but so real at the same time that we feel almost angry seeing her go down that path as though she's someone we know. Woodley's natural charisma is the reason why.

14.

Joaquin Phoenix in Her

Her is an incredible film for many reasons, one of the biggest being that a lot of it is, like the College Humour poster said, close-ups of Joaquin Phoenix's beautiful face as it registers the myriads of emotions that Theodore goes through. They are all so subtle and so precise. Phoenix probably has my favourite cinematic face and in my eyes, no one else could have played this role.

13.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Enough Said

While we would expect it to be something purely comedic, JLD in Enough Said gives one of the most layered performances of the year. Yes, she is funny but in the humour, one can see elements of sadness, fear and confusion, which is what makes her so human.

12.

Sandra Bullock in Gravity

I love films that are basically one-man or one-woman shows (See also: The Pianist, 127 Hours) and Gravity, in all its visual splendour, would not have worked if it didn't have one immensely strong lead performance. Bullock gives just that, and not only is her physical accomplishment praise-worthy but also the emotional depth she brings to the film. 

11.

Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips

Of course that ending is devastating, but it would not have had half its impact if Hanks didn't play his role with such a vulnerable self-control throughout most of the film. We can almost feel his fear but he IS the captain and he has to stay composed and brave at the face of adversity. And finally, he lets it all out. It is a masterclass in acting.

10.

Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in The Lunchbox

There is a certain pleasure you get in seeing two actors playing off each other. In the movie, in spite of his initial reluctance, Irrfan Khan's taciturn Sajan finds a friend in Sidiqui's openhearted Shaikh, and for the latter, the former becomes a sort of father/brother figure that he always wanted. This bond, though unusual, is strengthened throughout the film in an effortless manner because of the way both these actors play their characters. Khan, who also has a great cinematic face, reveals the inner grief of his character without saying much, and in contrast, Sidiqui's character is hilariously loquacious but he too has a poignancy to him.

9.

Tye Sheridan in Mud

Sheridan's Ellis just breaks my heart. We go through the film seeing the faith that Ellis has in the idea of true, everlasting, almost heroic love. He doesn't talk a lot but you can see this wonder in his eyes. When he finally comes face-to-face with the reality of the world, his reaction is shattering. There is such hurt and anguish. Like I said in my Making a Case post, "it is astonishing to see someone so young capture all these emotions with such intensity that even grown-ups sometimes can't." Really blew me away.

8.

Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall Street and This is the End

Hill was definitely going to be in this list after playing the self-parody he does in This is the End, playing a cockier, crazier, possessed-er version of himself. And then I saw WoWS. Teeth, glasses, coke, fish, Fucksville- all of them would have been pointless if we didn't have a comic genius (yes, I totes believe that he is one now) playing such a character who makes it completely his own without letting all of that overpower him. Both these roles could have been mere caricatures but Hill makes them more than that.

7.

Simon Pegg in The World's End

I think barring my number 1, no other performance this year has managed to surprise me the way Pegg's did here. Specifically, when we find out Gary King's "truth" at the end. There is such sadness and anger and disappointment that I was absolutely amazed by Pegg's acting abilities. That one scene then puts the rest of the movie in perspective. He is definitely hilarious in the film but under all that frenzy, there is a darkness that I didn't know Pegg was capable of portraying.

6.

Scarlett Johansson in Don Jon and Her

I think ScarJo is an incredibly gifted actress and 2013 was the year when she showed all of her talents. In Don Jon, she went all va va voom on us with her Barbara. Like Hill earlier, she could have been just a farcical characterisation of a certain type of person, but she finds ways to give her character depths which are surprising. And man, that scene in the hallway. I remember whispering to my friend sitting next to me in the theatre, "I can't believe she just went there." Coming to her performance in Her, it is plain astounding the way she manages to make someone who is as real and as human as one can be through just her voice.

5.

James Franco in Spring Breakers

Speaking of being stunned at someone "going there", remember when Franco's Alien fellates a gun? I can handle all of Franco's artistic nonsense if he continues to give performances like this one. It's not just the look but the utter conviction with which he pulls it off. From his extolling speech about all of his shit to the "Everytime" scene, Franco owns this motherfuckin' role.

4.

Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine

There is something of a tragedy about Jasmine. Then again, she's also awful, manipulative, greedy and crazy. Leave it to Blanchett for making a role so funny and so pitiable at the same time. Just listen to every time she starts talking about the song "Blue Moon". It is obviously hilarious, but at the same time, you can't help but feel for her misfortunes, not that she didn't deserve them but the way they have affected her is, well, tragic indeed. Oscar #2 could not have been received for a better performance than this one.

3.

Adèle Exarchopoulos in Blue is the Warmest Colour

A part of me is unsure about how much of Exarchopoulos' performance is in fact a performance. Yet, I am equally impressed by an actor who would let someone film them so intimately. I actually feel it would be harder for someone to just be like the way Exarchopoulos is in the film. Every emotion, every tear, all the eating, all the feelings- we see everything and while she might frustrate us with her irrationality at times, we are ultimately transfixed by her.  

2.

Greta Gerwig in Frances Ha

Up until the new year, I was sure that no one will be able to replace Gerwig's performance as the struggling almost-grown up protagonist of Frances Ha from my top spot. I kind of adore her. Frances is flawed but Gerwig puts so much charm into this performance. It is effortlessly real and humorous and just endlessly relatable. It might not be the best performance of the year but it's definitely one of my most favourites.

1.

Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street

And then there was Leo. I kind of don't want to say anything because there is just SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE OH MY GOD!

Once upon a time I had written a post about how the majority of Leo's characters end up dead or mad or grieving and how I wanted him to tackle something lighter. Yes, WoWS has a terrifyingly dark reality to it, but it is also an outrageous and hilarious movie and much of this duality is thanks to Leo's performance as the wolf himself, Jordan Belfort. We don't realise when the three hours go by as we are completely entranced by the madness that is Belfort's existence and Leo sells every fucking minute of it. He plays a horrible human being but makes him insanely entertaining. The faces that he makes, my goodness! And then there is the physical comedy bit when he's suddenly doing straight-up slapstick. The drugs, the candle, the thumping, the flexing, the speeches, the curses- it is ridiculous the things that he does in the movie. But at the end of the day, it is the commitment to play so bold a role and do it using all of his gifts. I cannot tell you how happy it made me that Leo gave this performance looking the way he does. There are such set ideas about how appearances and "seriousness" in a role contributes to a better performance. Comic performances can be great performances too, as Leo proves here. Watch a clip of Jordan Belfort on Youtube and see how close a portrayal this is. And no, it is not simply funny. Though this film has no place for reflections, Leo still puts complexities into this role.

The first thing that had struck me about this performance was how it was simultaneously surprising and something I always knew Leo had in him. Oscar or no Oscar, this is the best performance of one of the most talented actors of our time and that is something to cherish. I don't know if Leo will ever be able to top this but I hope that he continues to dig into his comedic talents. Also, to really give a sense of how much I loved this performance, in case you were still unsure, it has definitely joined my top 5 male performances of all time.