Matt’s 2013 Top 10

(Click any highlighted film title for the original Black Sheep review.)

I’ve heard many people call 2013 a bad year for film. Personally, I don’t agree with that statement whatsoever. I think those people may just have been watching the wrong films. It’s not always the films that make the most money, or the films that win the most Oscars, that are the best. Sometimes, to find the best films, one must simply be willing to take a chance and step out of their comfort zones. I did my best to do that this year, and it allowed me to see some of the best films I’ve seen in quite some time.

I often say, as corny as it sounds, that the reason I go to the cinema is to feel something. If a movie can make me laugh, cry, think, sigh, cringe, or smile, then its done its job. The ten films below, each in their own ways, accomplished this task.

Note: I have decided not to include 12 YEARS A SLAVE in my top 10 list. Don’t get me wrong; I think it’s a masterful film. I’m certain that it will appear in almost every other “Best of…” list this year, so I’ve decided to leave it off mine to make room for others which may not be getting as much recognition.

10. AMERICAN HUSTLE

AMERICAN HUSTLE is a mess, an impeccably directed, sweaty, sexy, low-cut, extraordinary mess. I had such high expectations for this film and those were met even more than I anticipated. Hell, this film was so good that it finally got me on the Jennifer Lawrence bandwagon!

9. THE CONJURING

I can’t remember the last time a film scared me this much, let alone a film that scared me that was actually good. It’s a sad thought that director, James Wan, is abandoning the horror genre after finally perfecting it. That hide-and-clap scene? Horror really doesn’t get much better than that.

8. BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR

I’m getting tired of people calling this a “gay” film or saying it’s a film about “lesbians”. This is a film about love, plain and simple; it just happens to be between two women. The film is praised not only for topical subject matter, but also for an outstanding breakthrough performance from Adèle Exarchopoulos, who we will certainly be seeing more of (not that there is much left of her that we haven’t already seen after this).

7. NEBRASKA

Leave it to Alexander Payne to make such a depressing film that also manages to be one of the year’s funniest. The master of dark comedy returned to his hometown of Nebraska to make this film, perhaps his strongest since 2004’s SIDEWAYS. NEBRASKA showcases a heartbreaking performance from veteran actor Bruce Dern, but also features perfect performances from its supporting cast including Will Forte, June Squibb, and Stacey Keach.

6. THE HUNT

With the recent announcement of the Academy’s shortlist for the Best Foreign Language film, it looks like THE HUNT may be this years winner, and deservedly so. Thomas Vinterberg’s film is an excellent look at how one child’s lie ruins the life of a preschool teacher, played by Mads Mikkelsen. The film’s final scene is absolutely chilling, and it is an important film that needs to be experienced.

5. GLORIA / THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

So, why tie GLORIA and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET? I mean, could there be two films more drastically different from one another? There is one thing that connects the films though: Umberto Tozzi’s hit song, “Gloria”. The song is used in both films, in what I consider their finest moments. In GLORIA, the song shows our heroine at her highest point in the film, while in WOLF, it shows Belfort as he reaches rock bottom. At the end of the day it’s a great song used in two wonderfully exciting films.

4. BEFORE MIDNIGHT

It’s been nine years since we last caught up with Celine and Jesse of BEFORE SUNRISE and BEFORE SUNSET, and I’m sure many worried that after two stellar films, we would finally be disappointed. Luckily, the film proves that the third time is certainly the charm. Co-stars and writers, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, along with writer-director Richard Linklater, have crafted two amazing characters, and it’s really hard to think that we’ll have to wait nine more years to see what they’re up to next.

3. INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

The past few years have really shown an evolution for directors Joel and Ethan Coen. It is clear that with each new film the brothers are becoming more and more mature. I think it’s safe to say that INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS may be one of their best films yet. The film features this year’s greatest soundtrack, and also an Oscar worthy performance from a cat named Ulysses.

2. BASTARDS

Oh Claire Denis, where can I even begin? This is what happens when one of today’s greatest directors is given a horrifically dark script, perfect cast, and a cob of sweet corn. That’s all.

1. THE GREAT BEAUTY

THE GREAT BEAUTY was the second of 53 films I saw at this years Toronto International Film Festival, and not only was it on my mind for the remainder of the festival, I continue to think of it to this day. I don’t know exactly what it is about this film that resonates so much with me; it could be the breathtaking visuals, Toni Servillo’s poignant performance, or it’s constant homage to one of my favourite directors, Federico Fellini. Regardless, it’s a truly excellent film that everyone must see. THE GREAT BEAUTY is in limited release now in the United States, and will be getting the Criterion treatment in March.

Honorary mentions: SIDE EFFECTS, ALL IS LOST, SHORT TERM 12, BLUE JASMINE, ENOUGH SAID, MUD, LABOR DAY, A TOUCH OF SIN, FRANCES HA, THE DIRTIES, STOKER, SPRING BREAKERS, LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE, TYLER PERRY’S TEMPTATION: CONFESSIONS OF A MARRIAGE COUNSELOR.

Top 5 Documentaries

1. THE ACT OF KILLING

2. BLACKFISH

3. BLOOD BROTHER

4. LET THE FIRE BURN

5. THE CRASH REEL

The 5 Worst Films I Saw All Year

1. R.I.P.D.

2. MOVIE 43

3. THE GREAT GATSBY

4. SAFE HAVEN

5. THE RIGHT KIND OF WRONG

For a full list of Matt’s Black Sheep reviews, click here.