“Cinema, for me, has always been something like music composed with photographic images.” — Roger Ebert
Continuing the metaphor of cinema as music…2017’s playlist featured all genres, tempos, and beats, from comic book heroines, car chases, psychological thrillers, to fantasies, historical events, satire, and romance.
Apes waged war against people, countries battled each other on land, sea, and in the air, mothers and daughters argued, three billboards in Ebbing, Missouri asked a provocative question, and all the money in the world could not save the reputations of Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, and most recently, James Franco, and a long list of Hollywood men whom were exposed and called out by the #MeToo movement, which is changing the culture of the filmmaking industry and giving voice, long overdue equity, and opportunity to women, much like the change ignited by 2015’s #OscarsSoWhite.
Setting politics aside, which is increasingly difficult to do these days, step into a movie theater — and for this cinephile and for a couple of hours — the magic unfolds with the dimming of the lights and the roll of the opening credits. Music to my eyes.
First, before I share A Filmgoer’s Guide to the Best Films of 2017, this is a reminder that I’m a cinephile and not a critic, though I offer my thoughts and opinions on what worked, what didn’t, and what took my breath away. Movie-going is for the most part a solitary experience. Like other forms of art immersion, we respond emotionally, viscerally, and intellectually to it and share our impressions with others afterwards. I see a lot of films on my own, and with filmgoing friends and family, while this year, I celebrated my birthday in a theater with friends, who sang “Happy Birthday” to me in the theater before the film began — what a gift. Post-film discussions, whether on social media, or in-person, enhance the understanding and provide insights of the art form and the shared experience. This is a shout out to my filmgoing friends and family who join me and follow my reviews.
The New Amsterdam Theatre, New York
In the past year I’ve taken the next step in pursuing my love of films and filmgoing, and have added filmmaking to my resume. I’ve joined a local group of creative collaborators, Madison Independent Filmmakers, and will learn by doing, as I create, produce, and direct an original web series, Hotel Bar. As an emerging artist, I’m supported by others who love the craft and share their talent and experience. I’m grateful.
Lastly, a couple of housekeeping notes to put this year’s picks in perspective: I reprise these special categories: Films I Haven’t Seen Yet, Films I Wanted to Like More Than I Did, Films I Chose Not to See, Guilty Pleasures, and Dream Double Features.
A note about the criteria for my list: I choose films drawn from my favorite genres. I like biographies, LGBT-themed movies, crime and suspense dramas, coming-of-age stories, well-done romantic comedies, relationship and dysfunctional family dramedies, and documentaries. Films that pass the Bechdel Test earn extra credit. I especially enjoy stories from a woman’s point of view, even more so when produced or directed by women, or featuring a strong female lead. Finally, I seek out movies made by a short list of favorite directors and writers who often feature a repertoire of actors.
Now for the movies…
A Filmgoer’s Guide to the Best Films of 2017
(Not ranked, except as noted. All official movie posters courtesy of the film production studios.)
The first four films on my narrative film list are my favorites in this category. I’m hard-pressed to choose between them, much like a parent who loves all their children, but for different reasons. These first four films couldn’t be more varied. You’ll also notice this is a baker’s dozen of Best Narrative Films, though the final three on this list, I’ve noted some reservations with my recommendations. Adding in the six Best Documentaries, and my pick for the Best Foreign Film, it yields a total of my Top 20 Films of 2017.
For the complete story please visit the Mixed Metaphors website here.