Gravity
Cuaron's experimental film had huge impact on the big screen, and was full of heart-stopping, sweaty-palm moments. Those complaining about the lack of a great narrative in this film miss the point of this technical marvel.
Les Miserables
Excusing Crowe's voice, this was a landmark piece for all actors involved. Special mention goes to the sound design team for capturing the sound live and not using dubbing for the songs.
Clear History
Technically a movie (though broadcast on HBO) Larry David does Curb without doing Curb.
Jack Reacher
Tom Cruise isn't the image of Jack Reacher from the novels, but Christopher McQuarrie orchestrated some tense scenes in this triller.
Hitchcock
More fun than The Girl, the insinuating BBC drama about Hitch from 2013, this was a loving homage to the master of suspense.
Blue Jasmine
Woody Allen's films will always make my list. This is his most critically acclaimed for a while.
Side Effects
Hopefully not Soderbergh's last picture, this ensemble psychological-thriller managed to keep me off kilter as it veered in different directions.
Promised Land
A timely film about fracking, it weighs important decisions about legacy, heritage, and providing a future for your family.
The Place Beyond The Pines
Cianfrance's epic about fathers and sons is a lesson in classical structure. Beautiful naturalistic cinematography and some iconic characterisations.
Only God Forgives
Refn's purposeful turn away from Hollywood following Drive, Only delivers cinematography oozing with meaning. A rewarding experience if you have the patience to read deep into this film.
Top ten I saw this year that were released before 2013
Most of the films I watched this year were on DVD. Here's my pick of the films not released in 2013.
- Copycat (1995)
- The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
- Pumping Iron (1977)
- Syriana (2005)
- Here Comes The Boom (2012)
- Cop Land (1997)
- The Queen (2006)
- Don't Look Now (1973)
- The Untouchables (1987)
- Freddy vs. Jason (2003)