Harry here - Capone is here... on February 19th with a look at his picks for 2002. Who does he think he is? Moriarty? Well read on...
Hey, Harry. Capone in Chicago here. More tardy than ever and loving it. In an effort to be a completist to the extreme, I waited until I saw every film I could that had any type of 2002 release. Hell, I’m even dorky enough that I felt the need to watch a copy of Harry’s No. 1 choice--Korea’s SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE (thanks to Mark at Hard Boiled Records and Video)--amazing film, but since I saw it on video, it doesn’t qualify for this list. These are all films I saw in theatres in 2002. Some of them may not officially be released until this year, but tough cookies. In 2002, I sat through about 415 films (new and old) in theatres. This is a personal best and does not include DVDs viewings, screeners from indie film makers trying to get mentioned on the site, made-for-cable films, etc.) This is about sitting in a dark theatre with other human beings. If you think a Top 30 list is too many, just stop reading at No. 10, you whiner. (I’ll also insert my thoughts on the recent Oscar nominations throughout.)
1. ADAPTATION--100 percent original screenplay, great acting by every single player, and a spirit unmatched by any Hollywood or independent film made in I don't know how many years. Some see it as an attack on the formulaic nature of all studio films; other see it pretending to attack when it in fact falls back on the formula lovingly. Here's a thought: maybe it does both. If for no other reason, ADAPTATION tops my list because more people have wanted to talk with me about it than any other 2002 release. Say what you want about Jack Nicholson's or Michael Caine's astonishing performances in 2002, but Nicolas Cage stole the show giving us two similar yet totally unique characters in one film, often side by side. And, whoever thought you'd get to see Meryl Streep snort coke in our lifetime? We've seen her cry in other films; what she does here is new and unexpected. She was nominated in the correct Oscar category. As if that weren't enough, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton, and the cast from BEING JOHN MALKOVICH. This is the film I had the most fun with in 2002.
2. FAR FROM HEAVEN--I'm a Julianne Moore fan from way back, and just when I think she can't top herself, she does just that. Her work in THE HOURS was good; her performance in FAR FROM HEAVEN was touched by the hand of God. Utterly convincing as the idealized 1950s homemaker who has decidedly more modern issues tossed at her. Her mind is be torn, ready to explode with confusion. Any every bit of it is on Moore's porcelain face. She didn't sing or dance in 2002, but she still put forth the greatest performance by a female in 2002.
3. ROAD TO PERDITION--Memories in Hollywood are notoriously short. I was astonished how few films or performances from before November 2002 were nominated for any Oscar. But last April, I was the first film critic to see a screening of a film that stuck with me all year. The story was simple but timeless; the visuals were breathtaking; the acting was understated, making it all the more powerful; and the setting and timeframe were near and dear to my heart: Al Capone-era Chicagoland. When the Oscar nominations were announced, I was the one you heard yelling "We was robbed!"
4. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS--No explanation needed. The saga continued and got better.
5. THE PIANIST--I find it disturbing on many levels how many people have said to me that they aren’t interested in seeing this film because they feel they’ve somehow met their lifetime “holocaust film” quota, or they just plain feel like it will not show them anything they haven’t already seen, or they just think it will too much of downer. THE PIANIST defines all of these warped mindsets by simply giving us something we’ve never seen before. Dare I say that in many ways, this film is an adventure tale. The film’s purpose seems to be to get our pulses racing rather than bringing our spirits down. You have never seen a tale of survival as suspenseful and uplifting as THE PIANIST. Adrian Brody’s transformation from national superstar to twitching wreck of a man is miraculous.
6. SPIRITED AWAY--Relegating this magical work to an Oscar category that includes LILO & STICH and TREASURE PLANET seems to be an insult to it. Hayao Miyazaki’s exquisite masterpiece cannot be explained or described. Just see it and fall under the mass hypnosis that is becoming his rapidly growing fan base.
7. BETTER LUCK TOMORROW--Justin Lin’s startling look at four Asian high school students who are at the top of their class and are the most feared criminals roaming the halls nearly started a race riot and last year’s Sundance Festival and is guarenteed to get you talking about Asian stereotypes in films. But more than that, it shows us the forces (or lack of forces) that contribute to smart, well-off kids going completely insane. I think BETTER LUCK TOMORROW may finally be released in the next couple weeks on a limited basis.
8. CITY OF GOD--If you thought BETTER LUCK TOMORROW portrayed young people as violent, crazed sociopaths, wait until you see CITY OF GOD. The kids are younger and the level of violence is almost incomprehensible. Beautifully photographed, sweeping in scope, and devastating at every level. Of all the directors represented on this list, I’m most eager to see what Kátia Lund and Fernando Meirelles have for us next.
9. BLOODY SUNDAY--What can only be described as a shot-for-shot remake of actual events, this difficult to watch docudrama has an immediacy unlike any film I’ve ever seen. You feel like you’re watching live news footage of this tragic and bloodiest day in Irish history. This film also represents a classic example of movie that every critic in the world gave high marks to, yet almost none put it in the Best of Year list. How is that possible?
10. CHICAGO--Films 1 through 9 on this list made me think, feel, and contemplate as stages of life. CHICAGO made me tap my feet and hum along. The bare bones look and fantastical approach to the musical numbers were a great touch, but nothing impressed me more than the fun I had watching the film’s leads do their thing. They aren’t the best singers and dancers in the world but it all comes together beautifully. Every nomination is well deserved. And as much as I would have liked to see Richard Gere get his, I wouldn’t take out any of the other nominees.
11. TALK TO HER--Pedro Almodovar is something of a hero of mine. Even his worst films are worth watching, but his last couple of efforts have been mature without loosing his sense of playfulness and savvy. TALK TO HER represents Almodovar at his best, most confident, and utterly brilliant.
12. PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE--Best filmed romance in 2002. There was never really any risk of Adam Sandler getting an Oscar nomination, but I was rooting for Emily Watson's sweet performance to get some recognition. Sandler's other 2002 crap made most who liked this film see it as a fluke. But anyone who thinks PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE is some sign of weakening from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson is crazy.
13. NOBODY KNOWS ANYBODY (NADIE CONOCE A NADIE)--Another Spanish masterpiece about nothing less than fascists taking over Seville through some of the most ruthless bombing methods I've ever seen. This film got a brief 2002 release in the U.S. early in the year. So soon after 9/11, every explosion stung with a little more pain. From the writer of OPEN YOUR EYES (remade as VANILLA SKY). This film leaves you cold and lonely, like you are the only one looking out for you in the world.
14. THE QUIET AMERICAN--Bittersweet love triangle story set against the opening days of America's involvement in Vietnam. Michael Caine at his absolute finest as the antihero.
15. THE HOURS--Everyone seems to have their favorite timeline in this film, but I liked them all equally. I wasn't nearly as impressed with Meryl Streep as some were, but there's so much raw talent everywhere you turn that the film couldn't help but be moving and wonderful.
16. ONE HOUR PHOTO--Short memories can also account for Robin Williams not picking up an Oscar nomination as Sy the photo guy. No one who saw this film can overlook its simple brilliance. Director Mark Romanek does an incredible job capturing Williams best work ever. Scariest film I saw all year.
17. ivansxtc.--A film that's been floating around the festival circuit for a while finally made its way to Chicago in 2002. Words cannot describe the sheer magnificence of Danny Huston as film producer Ivan Beckman, a self-abusive man before he finds out he has cancer; a self-destruction machine after he finds out. Must be seen to be believed.
18. HAPPINESS OF THE KATAKURIS--Weirdest movie I saw in 2002. So weird I had to see it twice to make sure I didn't dream it. Takashi Miike is the latest victim of my undying obsession. I've gobbled up about a dozen of his films since I first saw AUDITION, and his genius is undeniable. KATAKURIS is his take on THE SOUND OF MUSIC, but with way more death and destruction and volcanoes.
19. ABOUT SCHMIDT--The biggest disappointment of this year's Oscar nominations has to be that friggin' BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING's screenplay knocked this wonderful script out of its rightful spot amongst the Original Screenplay nominees. Total bullcrap. I begin every inner thought with the words "Dear Ndugu..." Oh year, Jack Nicholson kicked butt every which way as the man desperate to show some backbone and failing every chance he gets.
20. 25TH HOUR--My new favorite Spike Lee film. Like Almodovar, Lee has shown amazing progress and maturity over the years. There's definitely something to be said for the "look at me" approach to his earlier works, but 25TH HOUR is about and for New Yorkers still reeling from a brutal group beating. If I still lived in New York and saw Spike walking down the street, I'd give him a hug.
So as not to totally overwhelm you with my analysis, here are the rest of my Top 40 with limited commentary.
21. GANGS OF NEW YORK
22. 8 FEMMES (8 WOMEN)--from France. Starring Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Beart, Fanny Ardant, Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier, Firmine Richard. Why the hell haven't you seen this nasty little bit of deviance? Director Francois Ozon absolutely nails this one.
23. ABOUT A BOY--Best romantic comedy of the year.
24. RABBIT PROOF FENCE--I can't believe Peter Gabriel's haunting score didn't get nominated. Oh, and the movie is breathtaking too.
25. ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER
26. SPIDER-MAN
27. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
28. MINORITY REPORT--I didn't intentionally put the year's two Spielberg films back to back like this, I swear. I liked them both equally.
29. SECRETARY--Best spanking film I saw all year.
30. THE RING
31. UNFAITHFUL
32. NARC
33. 8 MILE
34. THE PIANO TEACHER--What is wrong with the French? Isabelle Huppert stopped my heart more than once in her portrayal of a middle-aged woman who needs to bleed just to know she's alive.
35. LOVELY AND AMAZING
36. SIGNS
37. BARBERSHOP--Made me laugh more than any other 2002 offering.
38. 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE
39. SONGS FROM THE SECOND FLOOR
40. FRAILTY
Honorable mention: BUBBA HO-TEP--I'm not sure if this qualifies as a 2002 release or not, but I saw it with star Bruce Campbell one week before I got married. I wish I'd remembered to thank Bruce for his early wedding present: a moving portrayal of an elderly, STD-riddled Elvis Presley who battles an evil mummy (is there any other kind?) with Ossie Davis' JFK on the grounds of an old-age home.
DOCUMENTARY: As I'm compiling this list, I realize that most of my favorite documentaries from last year featured celebrities in humiliating or potentially humiliating circumstances. More or less in order...THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE; BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE; I AM TRYING TO BREAK YOUR HEART (WILCO); LOST IN LA MANCHA; WAR PHOTOGRAPHER; HELL HOUSE; STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN; COMEDIAN; TREMBLING BEFORE G-D
BEST REISSUES: I'm not talking about old films I saw in 2002. I'm talking about full or partial restoration jobs here. New and/or restored prints, full-blown sound remixes, new footage, projected on a big screen. In not particular order...
E.T.: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL; THE LAST WALTZ; AMADEUS--DIRECTORÃS CUT; UMBERTO D; LOLA; CINEMA PARADISO--DIRECTORÃS CUT; PATTON; METROPOLIS; MASTER OF THE FLYING GUILLOTINE; LAWRENCE OF ARABIA; THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE; ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS; CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
WORST: In alphabetical order...BAD COMPANY; BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER; THE COUNTRY BEARS; CROSSROADS; DEUCES WILD; FEAT DOT COM; HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION; HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES; I SPY; KUNG POW; QUEEN OF THE DAMNED; ROLLERBALL; SCOOBY DOO; SERVING SARA; STAR TREK: NEMESIS; STEALING HARVARD; THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARLIE; THE TUXEDO; WES CRAVEN’S THEY.
The absolute biggest waste of time of 2002: THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH. Believe it or not, this was the only film I on my honeymoon in The Bahamas. Not that it's any excuse, but I had a couple hours to kill one afternoon and this was the only movie playing in town that I hadn't seen. I wish I'd tried to walk home to Chicago.
That’s all folks. Capone
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