2017 was full of genre re-defining films and performances that could be the best of the decade. It really is impressive that we are still graced with some of the most amazing stories that were put on the silver screen this year. I cherished Martin McDonagh and Darren Aronofsky making big-time returns just as much as having the pleasure of experiencing Greta Gerwig’s solo debut. It also helps when Hugh Jackman, Andy Serkis, and Saoirse Ronan give three of the most draw-dropping performances in their three biggest films of the year...if not their careers. And who would have thought that some of the best films of the year would have been sequels/reboots?
The following is a list of films (in no particular order) that left me in my seat after the credits rolled completely drained from the beautiful execution of art and talent.
I, along with many cult fanatics of The Room, exploded with joy when the news that the making of Tommy Wiseau’s story of creativity was announced. And with James Franco attached to every aspect of the production process, I had no doubt this would be an instant favorite of the year. Every scene was enjoyable and laughable. The best part was seeing just how human Tommy was...or maybe he is a vampire?
I truly believe that if a critic did not like Darren Aronofsky’s mind-bending masterpiece then they were just wrong. The film is simple and damaging to the status quo. It is easy to hate but correct to love. mother! takes a complicated route to an otherwise lucid philosophy.
What can I say about one of the best-reviewed films in history that has not already been said? Nothing new, really. Greta Gerwig delivered the best “coming of age” film of the decade (if you are okay with simplifying this film to that subgenre). If Saoirse Ronan did not already have her name down as one of the best actresses of all time then there is no way she cannot be considered as such now.
There were many reasons to feel sad at the end of Logan. But for myself, seeing Hugh Jackman put everything on the line for his last go at the Wolverine really tugged at the heartstrings. I doubt I am alone with this opinion. I just want to say thank you to Jackman for 17 amazing years.
Andy Serkis should be awarded for his motion capture work and voice acting. His performance as Caesar in this trilogy is haunting and powerful. War for the Planet of the Apes completely raised the bar for sequels and I am unsure if I will ever enjoy a science fiction trilogy more than these Apes prequels. It is rare to see the ending installment of a trilogy to be this amazing and I hope more begin to give it the recognition it deserves.