Again, not a whole lot of rare or unusual things happened at the movies this year, but there were some rare and unusual movies.
5. Talk of the Town at the Astoria Historical Society. It wasn't exactly a large crowd - it wasn't even a crowd - but Sandi and I enjoyed the movie nonetheless, we made a new friend, and the day on the whole was pleasant. I think the Society gets more people at screenings when they're tied to a major event of some sort. This wasn't. It's okay, though.
4. Rebecca at Vija's place. Also more for that entire day, pouring rain, donuts, and all, although the situation with the malfunctioning DVD player was certainly an event in itself. I would've hated to have lost that DVD. In fact, I wrote a short story inspired by that incident. Gonna shop it around next year.
3. Island of Lost Souls at the Loews JC. Once again, Halloween at the Loews means party time; I got to hang with Aurora, plus I finally met Monstergirl (along with her girlfriend). Wish I could've stayed for all three movies in the triple bill, but I had a good time anyway.
2. Loving Vincent. One of the rare occasions I've loved a movie more for its looks than its story. The plot was good; it's just I wanted to bask in the visuals more - and every single frame of this extraordinary film literally is a work of art. It's a singular achievement that needs to be seen to be believed.
1. Mother! Full stop. I'm still not sure how I feel about this movie, but I do know it took brass balls to make, and Darren Aronofsky has got 'em. Maybe if I had gone into it knowing everything, I might not have been as freaked out by it as I was, but it seems to me this is why we go to the movies in the first place: for the possibility of seeing something you've never seen before that will shake you up in some way, even if you don't understand how or why. This may not make my top 10 for the year, but damn if it wasn't the craziest two hours I've spent in a movie theater in a long time.
Happy new year to you all. Barring any news about the future of the Lincoln Plaza, I'll return January 9.
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Previously:
2016 top five
2015 top five
2014 top five
2013 top five
2012 top five
2011 top five
I love how you wrote about "basking in the visuals". I feel that way about some music. I give myself up to it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I forget the world around me when I listen to a particular song.
ReplyDeleteI think it is similar with VINCENT in the sense that the images - the fact they were clearly oil paintings, done in a familiar style, animated - well, it was unlike anything that came before it. Of course I wanted to linger on them.
These are wonderful movie experiences.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, and all the best to you in 2018!
Very enjoyable article, Rich. I absolutely love Island of Lost Souls and Rebecca -- I'm actually named after the book Rebecca! Of course, Rebecca was the evil one, but it's a great name. I haven't seen Loving Vincent, but I do love Vincent and look forward to it after reading your thoughts. And Mother is one I still have to see as well!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked the name. I had a good friend from college named Becky who I haven't seen in far too long.
ReplyDeleteYou might like LOVING VINCENT, I think. It's character-driven, with a KANE-like story format, and of course the art...
Good to have you back.