1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
3. Kill Bill Vol. 2
4. Before Sunset
5. Hotel Rwanda
6. The Aviator
7. A Very Long Engagement
8. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
9. The Motorcycle Diaries
10. Primer
Honorable Mention: Shaun of the Dead, Club Dread, Garden State (I won't abandon it completely)
Before Sunset truly was a great sequel - I was very impressed but I can't say that it's better than the first because of how easily it is to perceive both films as one. Julie Delpy was phenomenal and I think she left me speechless because I really don't know what else to add to that. Oh wait...her control of her character is so smooth and genuine. She makes you feel more than what the scene is giving you - and the scenes give you a ton. Another great script from Linklater, though I see that Hawke and Delpy got writing credits as well. Hats off to that trio.
I also watched PTA's Hard Eight. It's clear to most of us now that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the best directors currently working, but now that I've seen his first film it's apparent to me that he knew what he was doing from his first day of shooting - a born filmmaker. Also a great script, too. I respect anyone who can both write and direct (and do it well, obviously).
Finished watching Twin Peaks for a second time (this time with a friend) and I'm still trying to figure out how David Lynch got a TV show on CBS. I'm definitely not complaining because I love the show and Lynch, but this is the same network that gave us Two and a Half Men. It's time for networks to take risks again, my friends. More Lynch, less Sheen.
Not sure if I've mentioned this anywhere before but my understanding is that Linklater, Hawke and Delpy want to revisit these characters about every ten or so years. I guess they all worked collaboratively on the script to come up with how they thought the characters would have evolved.
ReplyDeleteA pretty awesome idea, Ben. So we can expect a third film in a couple of years?
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