Over the past decade, the cinematic landscape has been forever altered by the exquisite craftsmanship of talented filmmakers whose unique visions have continuously inspired various audiences, both intellectually and emotionally. The impact of these artists' work is immeasurable because these movies must be analyzed through their perpetual impression on the culture and each individual filmgoer, rather than some arbitrary box office figure. Personally, I believe the future of cinema is in great hands, with young filmmakers continuing the pursuit of their initially stellar careers and legends creating masterpieces that enhance their foundation in the history of movies. Although many courageous and revolutionary films affected me immensely in ways that previously seemed impossible, there were ten movies that did this better than all the others. Here are the ten best films of the decade, in order of preference.
1. Monster's Ball (2001)
Easily the best and most emotionally challenging film of the decade, "Monster's Ball" is a harrowing and hopeful story of two people desperate to make a connection with immense obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, in two great performances as Leticia and Hank, never deviate from the consistently somber, yet optimistic tone. The story unfolds revelations beautifully, with tragedy being the common denominator that could eventually lead to a discovery of hope. Marc Forster's film makes stark and unambiguous statements about racism, poverty and class, the death penalty, and the omnipresent nature of abuse without lecturing or struggling for authenticity. Through their experiences, these people become better as exhibited by subtle gestures sometimes known only to them. The ending shows the growth in Leticia and her newly found resolve to choose the possibility of perpetual happiness over the certainty of never-ending loneliness.
2. The Wrestler (2008)
Darren Aronofsky's film is a flawless masterpiece that follows the tumultuous times of Randy "the Ram" Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke in perhaps the best individual performance of the decade. Randy is attempting to reconnect with his daughter, cherish a flourishing relationship with a local stripper, and find a peaceful balance with the ability to change but not the desire. The handheld camera and gruff look illustrates the harsh and unforgiving realities these characters inhabit, and the terrific performances enhance the vivid pollution of these people's souls. These people are emotionally naked to the audience, and every moment is significant in recording the inevitable march to judgment day when Randy's trespasses will be catalogued with nobody standing in his corner.
3. Sideways (2004)
Hilariousness and poignancy are pervasive in Alexander Payne's simple tale of two men on a final trip in the California wine country before one of them gets married. Paul Giamatti, one of the best actors working today, initially exhibits a pillar of pessimism that overwhelms his insecurities as Miles and Thomas Haden Church is Jack, a person whose sunny disposition is a rouse for the childlike behavior and emotional immaturity that constitute his life. The story is about whether Miles, who lives vicariously through Jack, will grow enough as a person to pursue a relationship with Maya, played with unmatched believability by Virginia Madsen, and if Jack will become enough of an adult to take responsibility for his mistakes and make the best life decisions. "Sideways" ends in the same manner as it begins because the universal themes it explores are forever ongoing in various lives as long as relationships blossom and evolve.
4. Crash (2005)
Paul Haggis co-wrote and directed a frank assessment of the prevalent racism that still plagues our society, while quietly acknowledging the immense progress that has been made. The film tells the interlocking stories of people of different races whose prejudices are uncovered because of either misunderstandings or actions that are escalated into incidents because of the discriminatory attitudes of those involved. "Crash" pulls no punches with its subject matter, containing neither perfect heroes nor wholly evil villains. These are real people with genuine flaws who, as the film argues, must first identify their cancerous racist attitudes before they can hope to confront them.
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
"Brokeback Mountain" is one of the greatest and most passionate forbidden love stories ever filmed. It deals with connections that are still largely prohibited in an society between two cowboys, played with remarkable delicacy by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, whose love seems like a futile enterprise because of their inability to cherish the flourishing relationship. The poetic story illuminates an intolerant world that makes all of these people victims, and the epic filmmaking style is still tender and reflective enough to understand the universal tragedy of unfulfilled desires from perceived differences.
6. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood's best film is a heartbreaking story of loss, sacrifice, determination, and, ultimately, love. Hillary Swank plays Maggie Fitzgerald, a female boxer who simply wishes to ascend from the life of despair and denigration to a societal place where she is respected as a courageous champion. Clint Eastwood is her trainer, Frankie Dunn, whose immense guilt for an unknown past transgression plagues his every decision and movement in the present. Morgan Freeman also has an important part in enhancing the relationship between the two, and Eastwood's direction is exquisite and perfectly measured.
There was asinine controversy over the ending after the film was released because of the ignorant belief that it supported a particular point of view of a contentious issue. "Million Dollar Baby" is not interested in playing politics with its ending, but is completely immersed in illustrating complex characters who make realistic, painful decisions in the context of the agonizing information they are provided.
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