Members of the Filmotomy team agonize over their top ten for the decade (2010-19).
10. The Disaster Artist (2017)
There is nothing more fascinating to me than a story of Hollywood and people trying to make it in the industry (see my choice for La La Land being so high up?). The Disaster Artist is exactly that, telling the story of one of the most interesting figures in the film industry: Tommy Wiseau. Not only does this film have a great balance of humour and drama, but the story itself is one that is hard to believe actually happened. It was as if it was made to be adapted to film. Do a double bill of The Room and this when you can, it is a great viewing experience.
9. Joker (2019)
Love it or hate it, the talk of the year has been centred around Joker. What I love so much about this film is the development of the story, which is told through an unreliable narrator in Arthur Fleck. This film manages to capture the spirit of the Joker character in a Batman universe without tying it to any specific film franchises made as of yet, and I seriously hope it stays that way. The penultimate sequence of Joker dancing is in my top three sequences of the year, and it is for good reason. I get it if you disliked Joker, but please understand equally that I loved it.
8. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
This was a film that I saw being pushed as an awards contender and I was intrigued by the storyline, yet I did not know how emotional this film would end up being. Frances McDormand gives one of the best performances of the decade, with a supporting cast of Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson also pulling some emotion out of me. This may be the hardest of the films to get through on my list, but it is one of the best made and, whilst others may disagree with me, I adored the way this film ended.
7. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
The most recent film on my list but I immediately know this is a film I am going to watch regularly once I can. This is a beautiful story with a very stylised presentation that not only helps the narration but also the tone and character development throughout. I cried at three separate times in this film and there are many more emotional beats outside of those three moments. If you have not been able to check this one out yet, I highly recommend it.
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The Captain America trilogy has always been my favourite comic-book trilogy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier is easily my favourite comic book film of all time. With high stakes, a swell-developed villainous government showcased and a wonderful balance between the comic-book genre and that of a spy thriller, this film could entertain even those who do not care for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
5. A Star is Born (2018)
The first of two Bradley Cooper entries is on my list, and for good reason. 2018 was a weaker year for films, but this was the clear stand-out to me. From the moment the film begins, I knew I easily appreciated the raw filmmaking that went into capturing a real concert experience for the audience. The story is completely emotional, the romance feels real and the ending is a gut-punch unlike anything I have felt this decade. I still cry every single time I watch this film.
4. The Martian (2015)
I am not one to get that passionate about space movies, but I was anticipating The Martian after reading (and loving) the book of the film. The film certainly did a fantastic job at adapting the book, and manages to balance humour, drama and science all in one to create a 2.5-hour film that I never felt bored in.
3. Sing Street (2016)
I was introduced to this film quite late on but this is such a feel-good film. I have not seen a single person dislike this film, and there is a reason for that. The story feels real yet there is enough of a fantasy to it that it takes you away on this wonderful journey. “Drive It Like You Stole It” is the biggest snub in the Original Song category in years and I just wish this film got more recognition than it gets.
2. La La Land (2016)
This is a film I knew I would like from the concept and marketing, but this may be my most-watched film of the decade. Whatever mood I am in, I am always in the mood to put on La La Land. Each shot is stunning, the music is gorgeous and the chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is incredibly real.
1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
This is the film that got me completely wrapped into the film industry, from the production of a film to the awards season that follows it. As someone who has suffered from mental illness throughout her life, this film means so much to me as it handles the subject matter so beautifully. This film is completely underappreciated and it will always remain a huge part of my life.
