These are the films I am anticipating the most.
01. The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick
A painterly auteur rea
01. The Tree of Life, Terrence MalickA painterly auteur rea
lizing the vision he's had on his mind since the 70's? An abstract, millennia-spanning epic that deals with his personal philosophy on existence and the beauty of the world? I'm so f_cking there, ready to be riveted and to be given a new gloss of paint on my perspective of life.
02. Robin Hood, Ridley ScottA filmmaker whose films are so sensory-pleasing that you can almost taste the aura of imagery on the screen presenting his take on England's most beloved classic hero? Crowe reclaiming his throne as the most authentic and thrilling action hero of our time? Bows, arrows, and pikes? I'm so fucking there, ready for a good yarn finally given its definitive treatment.
03. Inception, Christopher Nolan
Hollywood's premier director hot off of one of the most visceral, thrilling, and fiercely intelligent event movies of recent memory presenting an original story so secretive that all the trailers leave us is with traces of mind-bending imagery and an ominous booming? The most eclectic & impressive cast assembled since The Departed? A cerebral exploration of dreams and era-defining ideas masquerading as a blockbuster? I'm so fucking there, ready to have Nolan prove not just his merits as an auteur and big film director but as once-in-a-generation fusion of both.
Hollywood's premier director hot off of one of the most visceral, thrilling, and fiercely intelligent event movies of recent memory presenting an original story so secretive that all the trailers leave us is with traces of mind-bending imagery and an ominous booming? The most eclectic & impressive cast assembled since The Departed? A cerebral exploration of dreams and era-defining ideas masquerading as a blockbuster? I'm so fucking there, ready to have Nolan prove not just his merits as an auteur and big film director but as once-in-a-generation fusion of both.
04. Shutter Island, Martin Scorsese
The master of American cinema indulging in genre-pulp and trying his capable hand at conjuring horror? His muse given his most commanding, intricate and haunting role yet? A soundtrack that will include the works of Penderecki, Richter & Eno? I'm so fucking there, ready to experience a genre event that was denied us last fall in order for Paramount to better promote The Lovely Bones (hindsight's a bitch, isn't it?).
05. Never Let Me Go, Mark RomanekA filmmaker whose debut film haunted and upset me to great lengths returning for a heady science fiction story of young adults who are not only doomed to a ghastly fate, b
ut accepting of it? 2009's actress revelation and one of film's most glamourous and authentic young star's acting in the same film together? Based on a novel of great acclaim and a screenplay purported to possess the power to shatter your heart? I'm so fucking there, ready to be disturbed, haunted and above all moved.
06. The American, Anton CorbijnClooney, the most interesting and magnetic movie star of modern times (alongside Brad Pitt), continuing his hot streak of beautifully measured character studies helmed by an incredibly promising director? Thekla Reuten, who was so radiantly lovely in In Bruges playing his darkness-tinged character's love interest? I'm so fucking there, ready to be absorbed by another performance from who I am certain is the legend-of-our-times-in-the-making.
07. Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky
A director I had previously not been enamored with making his second film after finding his true creative nirvana in beautifully observed character dramas? Natalie Portman, after so many years of mediocre work being given a role that will finally challenge and push her talent to new heights? A script so bitter and bleak that it makes The Wrestler look gentle and soft-hearted? I'm so fucking there, ready to be dazzled by a modern nightmarish indictment of modern standards for women and artists.
A director I had previously not been enamored with making his second film after finding his true creative nirvana in beautifully observed character dramas? Natalie Portman, after so many years of mediocre work being given a role that will finally challenge and push her talent to new heights? A script so bitter and bleak that it makes The Wrestler look gentle and soft-hearted? I'm so fucking there, ready to be dazzled by a modern nightmarish indictment of modern standards for women and artists.
08. The Fighter, David O. Russell
The brilliant mind behind Three Kings given a shot at redemption with a potent story completely about redemption? Mark Wahlberg being reunited with the director who has always brought out the best in him? Christian Bale getting a role that will remind everyone of why he is considered one of the best talents in Hollywood? I'm so fucking there, ready to witness all of these men with something to prove making their creative comeback.
09. Miral, Julian Schnabel
One of the most lyrical and visually inspired filmmakers alive returning to once again dazzle us? The wonderful Hiam Abass getting the spotlight so she can prove what she's got? A story dealing with the emergence of Israel, an incredibly pressing topic that heavily influenced modern times? I'm so fucking there, ready to be awed by the mastery of a true artist telling a story that needs to be told.
10. The Killer Inside Me, Michael WinterbottomAnother film that enrages audiences at a highly respectable film festival, except that the director isn't a self-important douche who is basically masturbating his own fucked-up perspectives on the screen? Casey Affleck returning to the screen with what is sure to be a incredibly brave and naked performance? Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba getting the shit beaten out of them? I'm so fucking there, ready to see what all the fuss is about.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Ondine, London Boulevard, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Also be sure to check out HBO this summer, when we'll be able to see The Pacific, Trenet, and Scorsese's Boardwalk Empire.
