The Top 10 Films of 2001

1. Amélie

One of the few perfect films ever made.  “Amelie” is filled with kindness, empathy, imagination, wit, romance and artistic flourishes.  I knew I was watching a masterpiece when I saw that overhead pan to Amelie skipping stones on the canal.  This film is one of the seminal works of the medium since the turn of the century.  Audrey Tautou became an overnight star.  I love everything about this film.

2. Mulholland Drive

David Lynch’s immortal masterpiece.  I have never been as terrified watching a film.  It may not be classified as a horror… but for someome who had literally just moved to Los Angeles at the time, I had instant regrets.  There are so many moments in this film that are burned into my subconscious.   I will never know entirely what this film is about… and I don’t need to.  The surreal nature of the dreamlike film is all I need.

3. L’Ultimo Bacio (ITA) (The Last Kiss)

One of the all time great performances, given by Giovanna Mezzogiorno, highlights this overtly passionate and intense drama about young Italian couples navigating their twenties.  The unforgettable and explosive argument at the center of the film is one of the best scenes of the decade.  A superb cast and a brilliant energy carries this film to greatness.

4. Vanilla Sky

Cameron Crowe’s epic time-bending love story is one of Tom Cruise’s best films.  It features one of my favorite quotes of all time… “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”  I have watched the ending to “Vanilla Sky” at least 30 times.  It is one of the most poignant and heartfelt endings in cinema history.

5. Training Day

It doesn’t get much better that Denzel Washington in “Training Day”.  He creates a character so filled with a bizarre mix of charm and corruption, that you will instantly recognize his brilliance as an actor.  Look out for a really solid turn from Ethan Hawke, who often gets overlooked in this movie.  This is a classic “guy flick” with ultimate rewatchability.

6. Brotherhood of the Wolf

One of the great martial arts films of all time is set in medeival France, as a wolf-like creature is murdering the villagers.  This film is a layered and gorgeously shot story with some of the most memorable imagery of any film this year.  Must watch!!!

7. The Man Who Wasn’t There

The Coen Brothers stitch together their most poetic film with a brilliant performance by Billy Bob Thornton at its heart.  This is a meditation on life.  The black and white photography is exquisite.  Love it.

8. Enemy at the Gates

Sniper vs Sniper during the relentless horror of WWI.  Jude Law and Ed Harris battle it out to see who will get who in their sights.  Rachel Weisz also features in a love story sub-plot.  

9. Moulin Rouge

Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor both shine in the superb, beautiful and ultra romantic musical from Baz Luhrmann.  Every song is achingly good.  The visuals are breathtaking.  How can anyone not love “Moulin Rouge”?

10. A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Kubrick’s project is handed over to Spielberg… and he delivers with a superb sci-fi fantasy that will stand the test of time longer than the Blue Fairy.  Beautifully shot and great performances all around. 

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