Best of 2008: Becoming way closer to my siblings, grandparents, and uncles, my Shakespeare and Film class, NOT getting cast in a certain show, finally starting to get called back for stuff, getting cast in Berenice (!!) my Improv class, making new friends, getting fired from the parking office, my resolution not to talk to my mom for at least 6 months (if not longer), not being a teenager any longer.
Worst of 2008: My dad dyeing, of course. My mom getting remarried, spending Christmas break alone, realizing how far I have to go, growing apart, having to find someone else.
I know when most people make their list of their top ten films of the year, they restrict themselves to films that were released during the calender year, or at least were screened in theatres during that time. I understand why they do this: the movies that come out that year are the ones that the movie-going public is most likely attending, talking, and thinking about. Also, most movie critics are experienced, they’ve watched most of the films that have come out in the last twenty years. However, I’m only twenty years old, and so I haven’t seen most of the major films in the last twenty years. But I am making a concerted effort to see them. So for my top ten list, I include my favorite movies I’ve seen in the last year, regardless of when they came out. Another reason I do this is because I still haven’t seen a lot of this years releases, and I might include them next year–for example I still haven’t seen Wall-E, which topped many a top-ten list.
1. Slumdog Millionaire This film actually did come out this year, however. And it was brilliant. Not only is it the top film of the year, but it is my favorite movie (something I haven’t had for about five years–I’ve been looking for it, and now I’ve found it. This movie posits that our worst moments, our most intense suffering is not only necessary for our redemption, but is actually the seeds and the means of our redemption. In other words, it illustrates that our suffering has a purpose; that it is not pointless. The majority of well-made films these days our tragedies; this film is rare in that it is mind-blowingly beautiful, and yet it is a story of hope. If there is any justice in the world, this pic will walk away with Best Picture.
2. There Will Be Blood This movie is just so amazing. The obsession, the issues will family, Daniel Day-Lewis, etc.
3. Manon de Spring Fascinating French film, see it with its companion piece, Jean de Florette
4. In the Mood for Love This director always films without a script; he’s highly improv based. The result is fantastic.
5. Gone, Baby, Gone Great movie that helped introduce me to the talents of Cassey Affleck. Ben directs.
6. In the Valley of Elah If you have an opinion about the middle-east–or if you don’t–or if you want to see Tommy Lee Jones actually act (how did they get that performance out of him?!) see this film.
7. Psycho I had seen a ton of Hitchcock before this films, but this is on a whole different (and higher) level then the rest of his work.
8. Gosford Park One of the best scripts I have ever seen. See Clive Owen before he was famous (plus Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, and a ton of other fabulous actors.
9. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days Romanian-abortion-flick. No really.
10. Beyond the Gates Way better than Hotel Rwanda, which deals with the same conflict. Also examines issues of religion and suffering.
Other film highlights of the year: Dear Frankie, The Departed, Munich, The Legend of the Black Scorpion, The Lives of Others, Juno, Into the Wild, Woman of the Year, Zodiac, The Constant Gardener, Adam’s Rib, Annie Hall, Turtles Can Fly, Romeo + Juliet, Children of Heaven, Capote, Zodiac, Dirty Pretty Things, The King of Masks, The Kite Runner, Atonement, Away From Her.
Miniseries of the Year: Elizabeth I (2004)
Close Second: Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen (2006)
Best TV Series of the Year: Slings and Arrows As with Slumdog I’ve discovered my favorite series.
Others: Carnival, 30 Rock, The Office, House
Best CDs of the Year: I’m Not Waiting, Susan Egan: Live, Hot Notes, All That & More
Songs of the year: “I’m Not Waiting” “For No Apparent Reason” “Meadowlark” “Can’t Help Falling in Love” “Goodnight” “A Thousand Beautiful Things / Beautiful Day” “I Remember” “Home” “New Words” “Windflowers” “I’d Give it All for You”
Book of the Year: The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton
Best Theatre of the Year, Excluding BYU Productions, Because I Know Too Many People There:
1. Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter Oregon Shakespeare Festival
2. The Light in the Piazza Pioneer Memorial Theatre, Salt Lake City
3. The Clay Cart Oregon Shakespeare Festival
4. Coriolanus Oregon Shakespeare Festival
5. Les Miserables Tuachan
6. Pericles California Shakespeare Festival
I know lots of people don’t like New Year’s Resolutions, but I do. Many its because I make resolutions 3 times a year: at the beginning of each semester, and the beginning of summer (and anytime I move). I just like the opportunity to try a little harder and do a little better. This year I am only going to make three, however.
New Year’s Resolutions:
1- Go to the temple once a week.
2- Go to bed before eleven if at all possible.
3- Make this blog an accurate diary of all the TV/Film I consume (that will make for boring reading, but whatev.)
