The Top Ten Films of 2016 by Corben Carpenter

The Top Ten Films of 2016

By Corben Carpenter

"I thought my ideas were so clear. I wanted to make an honest film. No lies 

whatsoever. I thought I had something so simple to say. Something useful to 

everybody. A film that could help bury forever all those dead things we carry within 

ourselves. Instead, I'm the one without the courage to bury anything at all. When did

 I go wrong? I really have nothing to say, but I want to say it all the same." 

- Guido Anselmi, 1963

#10    The Lobster

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou

   An offbeat and hilarious exploration on the societal pressure for companionship. Strangely romantic and curiously dreadful, The Lobster is brave enough to tackle a taboo subject in its own outlandish form. 

#9   Hell or High Water

Directed by David Mackenzie

Written by Taylor Sheridan

   The line between good and evil is blurred in this gripping modern western. The timely subject matter elevates the picture with urgency and importance while the action set pieces are sensationally executed. 

#8   Loving

Written and Directed by Jeff Nichols

   Jeff Nichols showcases his signature rustic filmmaking to illustrate an intimate love story with historical impact. Loving expertly avoids the cliches of its peers by focusing on the unbreakable bond between the interracial married couple, portrayed beautifully by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga. 

#7    Nocturnal Animals

Written and Directed by Tom Ford

   An unflinching nightmare within a cryptic dream, Nocturnal Animals is a stylistic enigma that resets your expectations at every turn. Tom Ford's second directorial effort dazzles with its intricate narrative and haunting suspense.  

#6    Jackie

Directed by Pablo Larrain

Written by Noah Oppenheim

    Natalie Portman's portrayal of the First Lady is not an imitation, it's an embodiment of a wife and mother devastated by tragedy, gossip, and her own decaying stability. Jackie is unprecedented reveal of one of the most publicized Americans. 

#5    Moonlight

Written and Directed by Barry Jenkins

   Moonlight is an invitation to walk in someone else's shoes, to experience a perspective that is alien to most. The film is split into three distinctive eras of a young man's life, each highlighting his sympathetic struggles and his profound survival.  A deeply personal character study of identity and purpose that exhibits the importance and ingenuity of cinematic fables. 

#4    Toni Erdmann

Written and Directed by Maren Ade

   With a length of nearly 3 hours, Toni Erdmann could have been even longer and I'd still be enthralled in this ambitious comedic odyssey. An idiosyncratic father tries to connect with his detached daughter through outrageous means that dare you to not take it seriously, but instead you're left with heartfelt wonderment. 

#3    The Handmaiden

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Written by Park Chan-wook and Chung Seo-kyung

   Psychologically thrilling and cleverly manipulative, you can't count the amount of twists and turns in The Handmaiden with two hands. Park Chan-wook utilizes his bold vision to augment a twisted tale that is as eerie as it's enchanting. The extravagant art direction and chilling score are just icing on the cake. Allow yourself to be seduced by this breathtaking melodrama. 

#2    La La Land

Written and Directed by Damien Chazelle 

   We need more films like La La Land, a showpiece for a filmmaker's creative aspirations and a template for how to a produce an authentic crowd pleaser. Damien Chazelle seizes his moment with a seamless fusion of classical and contemporary inspirations. The sights are stunning, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are pitch perfect, and the soundtrack is an instant classic. It feels like a film that was made personally for me and I can't wait to share it with everyone I know. 

#1    Manchester by the Sea

Written and Directed by Kenneth Lonergan

   The previously mentioned selections are strong examples of why film is the best storytelling device, but there was only one that truly transcended the medium. Manchester by the Sea is a quiet masterstroke. Poignant but powerful, heartbreaking yet reassuring.  Casey Affleck gives the performance of his career and the finest work from an actor I've seen in a long time. It's remarkable to see Affleck and the rest of the incredible cast disappear into their characters as they become real, relatable people. Kenneth Lonergan, after a criminally long absence, methodically weaves a journey void of predictable outcomes and behaviors. An increasingly engrossing experience as emotions you didn't know were there suddenly emerge. It comes close to being a perfect film as one can get these days, and with a potentially bleak future ahead, Manchester by the Sea will resonate deeply for years to come. 

Thank you for reading

Have a happy new year

Previous Winners

2001 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

2002 - Adaptation.

2003 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

2004 - Kill Bill Vol. 2

2005 - Capote

2006 - The Departed

2007 - No Country for Old Men

2008 - WALL-E

2009 - Up in the Air

2010 - Black Swan

2011 - The Artist

2012 - Amour

2013 - 12 Years a Slave

2014 - Whiplash

2015 - Mad Max: Fury Road