2016 was an excellent year for motion pictures. I had the
fortune of watching 57 movies on the big screen and one on the small screen
(Comment below if you’re curious which one it was). From those 58, the
following are my top ten of the year. As I’ve written in past “Top Ten” blogposts, these are the ten that in my humble opinion are the best due to
production value, technical elements, story, acting, and the impact they left
on me after experiencing them; they were topic of non-stop discussion and they
made me contemplate. I also want to note that I found the diversity behind the camera (in these
movies) quite fascinating; three were directed by women, two by African
Americans, and one by a Chilean. Also, a shout out to A24 for distributing four
of my favorite ten.
Honorable Mention: The
Neon Demon, Hacksaw Ridge, Hidden Figures, and Sully
10. 13th (Dir. Ava
DuVernay)
I’m usually picky about including documentaries on this
list, but it was so impactful, chilling, and eye-opening that I had to include
it. This is an important piece that should be shown in schools all over the
country. It shows a sad but true reality in an engaging way. Hopefully Ava
finally gets the Oscar she so rightfully deserves.
9. Hell or High Water (Dir.
David Mackenize)
Thrilling and fun, yet an accurate portrayal of the racial
and economic tensions that face the country. This was a sort of modern
western that is scarce on the big screen.
8. 20th
Century Women (Dir. Mike Mills)
An homage to mothers and women, this is probably the most
human movie I saw this year. The use of pictures is something that stood out to
me. Brought to us by one of my favorite producers, Megan Ellison.
7. Moonlight (Dir.
Barry Jenkins)
A movie that breaks rules and exposes you to a rarely shown
world in a raw way; growing up as a black, gay man in underprivileged America. A shoutout to my friend and casting director Yesi Ramirez, CSA for casting the best ensemble of the year.
6. Lion (Dir.
Garth Davis)
Similar to last year’s Room,
this two act film is a magnet and a reminder that things aren’t that bad
here in the United States. It's about family and finding one's roots and purpose.
5. Nocturnal Animals (Dir.
Tom Ford)
This is probably the most suspenseful movie of the year
(It’s up there with Don’t Breathe). I
almost wanted to walk out of the movie theatre at one point, but that’s a great
thing. It’s a story within a story, which makes it interesting and engaging.
4. Into the Forest (Dir.
Patricia Rozema)
Directed by a woman, Into
the Forest is a pro-women, pro-life movie that is underrated and should
have been more widely released. Evan Rachel Wood delivered one of my favorite
female performances of the year.
3. American Honey (Dir.
Andrea Arnold)
My favorite release from A24, this is another movie that
exquisitely portrays the disparity among social classes in the country.
Intersting use of music, credits, and aspect ratio too! A must-see.
2. Jackie (Dir.
Pablo Larraín)
Where do I begin with this one. Every decision on this film
was on point. The score (which is my favorite of the year), that super 16 mm, the minimal use of stock footage,
the production design. Along with my favorite movie of the year, I watched this
twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.
1. Silence (Dir.
Martin Scorsese)
The film that finally got made! After almost 30 years,
Scorsese finally brings this dream project to the big screen. This was the most
thought-provoking and impactful film of the year. Garfield, Rodrigo Prieto, and
Scorsese deserve accolades for their work. There’s still hope for the Academy
Awards.
