More and more films are being sent to purgatory (aka VOD) so I’ve probably missed some of the gems I usually discover every year that would be on my annual Top 10 list. Many of the film festivals that are presented in New York City have seemed to have lost their way with respect to programming as they seem to rely more on the manufactured buzz of publicists and sales agents when it comes to their selections. Mumblecore is NOT a reincarnation of La Nouvelle Vague, just what happens when the cost of film production falls through the floor and everyone thinks they’re creative. On a serious note, with everyone shooting on digital, what is going to happen to film preservation down the road? 35mm is still the best archive format around. I started in this industry on the tail end of 2″ Quad, try finding a lab with the equipment to do a transfer from that format today.
Top 10 Films Of 2014
(460 Films)
Selma [UK/US]
Jodorowsky’s Dune [Documentary]
The Eternal Zero [Japan]
The Unknown Known [Documentary]
Dear White People
A Most Violent Year
Whiplash
Beloved Sisters [Germany]
Into The Woods
20,000 Days On Earth [UK] [Documentary]
Best Actor – Jeremy Renner (Kill The Messenger)
Best Actress – Tessa Thompson (Dear White People)
Best Supporting Actor – J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Best Supporting Actress – Jessica Chastain (A Most Violent Year)
Best Director – J.C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year)
Best Screenplay – Peter Landesman (Kill The Messenger)
Best Cinematography – Dick Pope (Mr. Turner)