Visco's top 10 movies of 2006

By Frank Visco
Collegian Editor
January 24, 2007

It’s hard to try to create a top 10 movies list for 2006, considering I didn’t see every film this year. I admit to not having seen Pan’s Labyrinth, The Lives of Others, Letters From Iwo Jima, The Queen, Volver, Half Nelson and a handful of other films that are supposedly knockouts. Still, I have to work with what I have seen, and so, without further aideu, my top 10 films in 2006:

10) Brick – A film noir set in high school, Brick marks a strong breakout for writer-director Rian Johnson. It also continues to make the case that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of the best actors of his generation.

9) Dreamgirls – Bill Condon brings the musical to theaters with real bravado, and there are two phenomenal supporting performances from Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy.

8) Babel – A powerful drama about the inability to communicate, Babel is a strong piece of filmmaking that splices four stories together from different parts of the world.

7) Little Children – Although not as good as In the Bedroom, the latest from Todd Field is an excellent look at the milieu of suburbia.

6) The Proposition – An overlooked gem, this western tells the tale of a lawman who gives an outlaw nine days to hunt down and kill his notorious older brother to save the life of his more innocent younger brother. The film is predictable but emotionally satisfying, largely due to the theme of moral ambiguity, the tight script by song-writer Nick Cave and the expert acting by seasoned pros like Ray Winstone, Guy Pierce and Danny Huston.

5) Casino Royale – This taut and gripping film proved that James Bond has more than a license to kill by making him emotionally relatable. A great script, some live-wire chase scenes and Daniel Craig’s fully-realized performance all add up to make Casino Royale the best Bond film on record.

4) Little Miss Sunshine – While most are calling this film cute, many people don’t see it as a viable end of the year awards contender. However, just because this film is the feel-good movie of the year doesn’t mean it is without merit. The cast, led by the superb Alan Arkin, is pitch perfect, and Michael Arndt’s script, while simple, is a beautiful example of economy in building a scene and character development.

3) The Prestige – Although overlooked by many critics, The Prestige is one of the year’s very best. Many have griped that the “trick ending” was too obvious, but the ending is not meant to be unpredictable (there are hints aplenty), but rather a natural progression. The beauty of this film is in watching the interplay of the characters, as they make sacrifices and moral choices to achieve ambitions and overcome jealousy and satisfy obsessions. The direction, by the can’t-miss Christopher Nolan is superb, as are the lead performances by Christian Bale and a never-better Hugh Jackman.

2) The Departed – This film has been received as an expertly made genre picture that isn’t about anything and has only emerged as an awards favorite because it’s been a weak year. However, such a labeling is a disservice to the film. Other than the tacky symbolism in the last scene of the film, The Departed represents a masterstroke for Martin Scorsese that is about duplicity, living two lives and the effects undercover work has on people. The film boasts stylish direction and great performances by all involved, especially Leonardo DiCaprio.

1) Children of Men – A look at the societal ramifications of what it would be like if mankind could no longer procreate, Alfonso Cuaron’s Children of Men is a thought provoking and beautiful film. Clive Owen continues to evolve as one of the most magnetic actors in Hollywood, and Michael Caine gives a touchingly funny performance. However, most noteworthy is that this film features the best cinematography and direction of any film this year. The color palette is desaturated and there are several breathtaking long shots that showcase amazing choreography on the part of the actors, the effects workers, the camera crew and the man in charge of it all – Cuaron.

viscof1@lasalle.edu