Movies that I watched or remembered in 2020.
1. Joker (2019)
Left me thinking for a few days. And looking too much into 20min analysis videos. Some favourites: Joker – SPOILER Talk!, This Is What An Oscar Winning Joker Scene Looks Like, Why Do Critics Hate Joker? | Video Essay
2. Ford V Ferrari (2019)
Masterful zoom-zoom shots. Not sure about Bale’s accent. Best fight scene of 2019.
3. The Irishman (2019)
Scorsese bringing in his buddies. Old guys chilling for 3 hours just having a good time. This guy explains it better: The Irishman Movie Review
4. Watchmen (2009)
Got me to read the comic, which is very very good.
5. Don Jon (2013)
6. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Flashed as Tarantino’s new bling.
7. Gone Girl (2014)
Fincher directing the audience’s attention. The book is also fantastic; dives deeper into the minds of both sides with their own narrative.
8. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
Different experience from the Before Trilogy, which I later came to prefer. Sweet disposition.
- (500) Days of Summer – Ten Years Later, influences of a movie on personal time and place. What we felt initially watching it, to the impressions years and experiences later. Looking back in disgust (hyper-hipsterism) versus outgrowing. First time I think I am outgrowing Tarantino.
9. Children of Men (2006)
Dystopian that highlights large societal issues like climate change, social division, and terrorism.
- The Alfonso Cuaron One-Shot Sequence Cuaron’s evolution of his signature one-shot. Very early on, Cuaron understands the importance of the long-take to be flush and coinciding with the story.
10. Good Will Hunting (1997)
A janitor well-versed in numbers.
11. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
The saint of his time.
12. Training Day (2001)
If ever in need of high blood pressure.
13. Seven Pounds (2008)
Saw it so long ago that all I can remember is its plenty o’ sad.
14. The Social Network (2010)
Top 30 list. Top friendship breakup. 10 year old biopic that’s still very relevant today.
15. End of Watch (2012)
Tragic Gyllenhaal.
16. Prisoners (2013)
Pressured Gyllenhaal. [See Zodiac (2007) for sleuthy Gyllenhaal. Stealthy Gyllenhaal on Nightcrawler (2014) is on the watchlist.]
17. Logan (2017)
18. Scarface (1983)
19. Léon: The Professional (1994)
20. The Gentlemen (2019)
McConaughey plays his coolest character (until I watch True Detective). Full action and British wit fitting for crowd entertainment night. For those that miss experiencing The Kingsmen (2014) for the first time.
21. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
22. Schindler’s List (1993)
23. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
24. The Master (2012)
25. Casino Royale (2006)
26. Skyfall (2012)
27. La La Land (2016)
28. Black Swan (2010)
29. The Tree of Life (2011)
Saw it when I was too young, didn’t get much from it. Except now having flashbacks to its mixed use of winding and expansive nature shots. Salt flats especially.
30. We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
31. Ex Machina (2014)
32. Limitless (2011)
33. Moneyball (2011)
34. Phantom Thread (2017)
35. The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015)
36. Tenet (2020)
- Why I’m OBSESSED with TENET, a film where each viewing changes. Tenet is a functional, entertaining film alike the newer Mission Impossible films. Everything is about creating the best cinematic experience. Nolan is not trying to look at the next story or character, but rather changing cinema. The Protagonist acts as a vehicle for us to take the story. When rewatching again, us the viewer knows what’s happening and what’s about to happen. The weird thing is that it seems like The Protagonist does too, as in there is a knowing look. An instinct.
- Why TENET is a Modern Masterpiece
37. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Watched sometime 1 year ago.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox – Ten Years Later, a turning point of Wes Anderson. A heart and soul of Anderson was never lost.
38. Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)
- Blade Runner: The Other Side of Modernity, a future where the characters are as limitless as the vast architecture of its city. Indifferent as the rain.
- Listening to Blade Runner. About how the music integrates with its music, sound design, and dialogue. The dialogue has its dreamlike quality from reverberation. A feeling of distance. Effortlessly blended.
One More Thought 