The Best of 2006: or, 5 films LCD Hates

I’m still catching up with all the things that life has thrown at me since the film festival. Luckily, LCD has finally gotten it together and found five films that he liked in 2006. Now, I can post my list that I have had sitting here for awhile. It was good that I had some time to digest 2006. I was able to reflect on my choices, and I realized that I didn’t want to change any of them.

Without further adieu. I present my Top 5 films for 2006:

This was one of the most pleasant surprises for me this year. I had seen Da Ali G Show before and I enjoyed it, but I never thought that a Borat movie would be so good. I have probably never laughed so hard in a theater, and I probably won’t for a long time. It expertly blurs the line between fact and fiction, and keeps you entertained the whole time.What is more important about this film is how easily it exposes the racist, homophobic, chauvinistic underbelly of America. It is a shame that in this day and age there are people still around like that old man at the rodeo, or those frat guys in the van. I am glad they sued. It brings to light the fact that what they were saying was really what they were thinking, and not acting. I’m also glad they lost, and I hope that they realize what idiots they really are.To get back on topic, this film is a must-see commentary on our society. It captures what people are really thinking by giving them an outlet that they think no one will ever see. They were very wrong.

A film of an “un-filmable” novel, and boy did they do a great job. The story of Tristram Shandy involves him trying to tell the story of his birth. Along the way, he keeps getting sidetracked telling other stories of his life, and never ever completes the one he intended. This film involves some intrepid souls attempting to film the novel.The first portion is the actual film they are making, and then it drifts into what is happening on the set when the camera is not rolling. The film revolves around the actor playing Tristram Shandy (Steve Coogan), and that’s how the film shines. The story of the film and the making of the film start to parallel each other, and all the analysis and discussion applied to Tristram Shandy the character, can also be applied to the actors life. The scene where he changes his son’s diaper is a great example and really holds the film together.Besides the message about family and life and decisions and regrets, the film is very funny. Steve Coogan plays the role perfectly and the cast is rounded out quite nicely with some very effective comedic and dramatic roles. This film is a feast for anyone willing to jump in to something new, different, and wildly imaginative.

Just reading some quotes from this film gets me going. Film noir from top to bottom. In a high school. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, this is the story of a student who has to enter the seedy underworld of the school in order to figure out what happened to his ex-girlfriend. On paper this idea sounds horrible, but one look at the amazing trailer gives a tantalizing glimpse into what could be something great.And boy was it great. With verbal and visual style to spare, the movie weaves its screenplay in out and around a cast of great actors including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, fresh from his remarkable performance in Mysterious Skin. The best part of this movie is the dialog. Even though the people look like people and the school looks like a school, the dialog manages to completely take you to a different world. Using banter that feels like a cross between Mamet and Hamett to weave a story that keeps you guessing till the last second, Brick is a fresh and new take on classic genre.

I was waiting for this film for years. Requiem for a Dream came out in 2001, and after being blown away by that I had to see Darren Aranofsky’s next film. After being postponed for years, I was finally able to see The Fountain. Usually a wait that long sets me up for disappointment, but this film was all it could be and more.In only 90 minutes Aranofsky manages to tell three stories of love, devotion, and the quest for eternal life. A philosopher’s dream, this film can be interpreted in many different ways. Still, it holds up as a solid narrative with a genuinely heartwarming story. The soundtrack is great. The special effects (filmed entirely without CGI) are a wonder to behold and truly present the directors unique vision without calling attention to themselves.Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, with three roles each, are excellent. Especially Jackman. For me, this was one of the best performances of the past few years. He really captured the torment of the husband with the dying wife, the devotion of the conquistador, and the calm Buddhist empathy of the futuristic traveller. Judging by some other reviews, this film is not for everyone. However, if you like good cinema, and crave something more than what film usually brings, then this is for you.

The Korean film Oldboy was one of the best films of last year, and one of the most intense in a very long time. Chan-wook Park had a lot to live up to when he attempted to complete his unconnected “Vengeance Trilogy” with this third and final film. Sympathy for Lady Vengeance is about, you guessed it, revenge. After being set-up by her ex-boss for murdering a child, Geum-ja Lee spends years in jail planning her revenge on him. This part plays out as expected, which, in the hands of Chan-Wook Park, is extremely impressive work. With the allies that Geum-ja makes in prison, she attempts to make right the wrongs that her boss (Oldboy’s Min-sik Choi) has done to her. She had to give up her child and years of her life, and all she wants is to get even. Her cold-hearted unstoppable drive can be felt in every frame, and heard in every note of the haunting soundtrack.Sounds pretty straight-forward, right? Not entirely. Eventually the film takes a turn in unexpected directions and explores the issue of revenge in a the most spectacular and morally awkward way possible. The last part of the movie is harsh and beautiful and really shows what Chan-wook Park is capable of. Pure cinematic genius. A very fitting and
thought-provoking finale to this ground-breaking trilogy. It still gives me chills.

LCD’s Response -

Playing it safe again, eh TC? Once again, you’ve managed to only pick movies I either agree with you on (Borat and Tristram Shandy) or shit I’ve never even heard of (the rest of these probable pieces of shit). You must fear my tongue lashings the same way that the ladies look forward to them (for those of you who don’t know, that’s a lot…for those of you who wish to find out, you know how to contact me). Seriously, you’re an American. Represent your country proudly. Get less culture!