Best of 2011: Beth Wilson’s Top Ten

This week Trespass’ writers are listing their top ten cinema releases (in Australia) of 2011, as well as recognising the film they know they should have seen but didn’t (the film that got away), picking out an Australian highlight and selecting their three top non-cinema releases, films they have caught at a film festival or  that remain unreleased.

Top Ten Cinema Releases

1 Incendies (Denis Villeneuve, Canada)

Denis Villeneuve‘s story of civil war, family and secrets, hooked me in straight away with its amazing opening sequence, which I would contend is one of the best ever put to film- the provocative visuals and music perfectly combining. Surprising, lyrical and brutal, Incendies is full of stunning imagery which conflicts with the difficult, and often ugly, topics the film is exploring. Adapted from an award-winning play by Wajdi Mouawad, Incendies is tough to watch but so cinematically rewarding.

2 We Need To Talk About Kevin (Lynne Ramsay, UK/USA)

3 Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn, USA)

4 Bill Cunningham New York (Richard Press, USA)

I don’t think I saw a film more charming than the Bill Cunningham New York in 2011. Richard Press‘ subject, 82-year-old New York Times’ photographer Bill Cunningham, snaps fashion but lacks any of the vanity or superiority than most style hunters exude. The completely delightful Cunningham lives to work, darting around NYC on his bike dressed in a distinctive blue shirt, by day he photographs the constantly changing fashion of the city’s residents, by night he captures high society’s couture at philanthropic events. Cunningham’s philosophies when it comes to his photography are fascinating to consider, with this documentary highlighting his admirable work ethic.

5 Another Year (Mike Leigh, UK)

6 Melancholia (Lars von Trier, Denmark)

7 Pina 3D (Wim Wenders, Germany)

8 Project Nim (James Marsh, UK/USA)

9 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Rupert Wyatt, USA)

10 Attack the Block (Joe Cornish, UK)

My disgust at the teen-bashing Harry Brown (2009) finally found an antidote in Joe Cornish‘s debut film Attack the Block. This sci-fi/comedy gives the teenagers of South London the fair treatment they deserve. Sure they aren’t all sweetness and light, but they are not all the psychotic, nihilists British social realist cinema often paints them as. This film had me laughing and jumping out of my seat with its playful twist on the alien invasion story.

The Film That Got Away

Australian Highlight

Griff the Invisible (Leon Ford, Australia)

Leon Ford‘s casting of Ryan Kwanten (Griff) and Maeve Dermody (Melody) was Australian cinema’s best pairing in 2011. Following Griff, an office worker-by-day and superhero-by-night, this film looks at social alienation and the courage it takes to make a connection with another person. Quirky cute, the film also has its downbeat moments saving it from being too twee.

Honourable Mentions: Snowtown (Justin Kurzel) and Autoluminescent: Rowland S Howard (Lynn-Maree Milburn, Richard Lowenstein)

Top Three Non-Cinema Releases

1 The Arbor (Clio Barnard, UK)

2 Martha Marcy May Marlene (Sean Durkin, USA)

3 Tomboy (Céline Sciamma, France)

This is an absolutely gorgeous film about a young girl who moves to a new neighbourhood outside Paris and when taken for a boy decides not to correct the mistake. Zoé Héran, who plays the tomboy is exceptional and the very young actress Malonn Lévana, who plays her sister, has complete natural charm. Céline Sciamma shows a deft hand working with a young cast, with Tomboy beautifully displaying her talents both as a director and a writer, having also written this excellent original screenplay.