2003's Best Five Films for Brighton Cinecity

2003 
Monster
Monster

Very moving drama with exceptional leading and supporting performances by Theron and Ricci. For such a vile context, it is a testament that the audience are moved and captivated by the story. We never forgive or condone but we are treated to a humane, upsetting and  sympathetic view of Ailen Wuornos. The touching relationship of codependence between Ricci and Theron balanced out the murders and other upsetting scenes which made the film challenging for the viewer in terms of displacing sympathies.

Obviously plenty has been said about Theron's performance, really channelling Wuronos deeper than just makeup and voice. There is a real balance of pain, menace and hope which consistently disorientates and challenges conceptions over her actions. A thought provoking film with stunning performances that refrains from glorifying the sensationalism of the crime but the plight of humanity

Master and Commander

Crowe's performance, on the slight downward trajectory from previous works of A Beautiful Mind, Proof of Life and Gladiator is still raw, uncompromising and energetic. I cant think of a film where I have ever actually suspected Crowe was enjoying his work other than this. The level of detail and feel of adventure is palpable as are the effects which do more to perturb me than 3D has ever done.

This film could have sunken into the deep if it hadn't been the strong interplay between the clearly close Bettany and Crowe. Their relationship is touching and adds real relation between audience and cast. Roger Ebert noted that it achieves the sense of epic without losing sight of the human. The context is brutal and alarming but the interpersonal relationships keep it grounded and relevant.

Mystic River

A long, powerful drama heralded but powerful dramatic actors. Bacon has never been as good and this is my personal favourite performance of Sean Penn. It has its faults and the opening scenes are pretty easy to find abhorrent in order to grab our attention. But what follows, Eastwood orchestrates into a story unashamedly powered by emotion. The facts and details take second stage to the protagonist's search for truth, absolution and escape.

They are all burdened by the past and conflicted with the different paths that evolved from the opening scene and are forced to confront that under harrowing circumstances. Eastwood creates a moving evocative drama that lets everyone express themselves with scintillating results.

Lost in Translation



A wonderful, sentimental film about companionship and comfort in the context of alienating assertive Tokyo. On paper the plot doesnt seem inviting or interesting but the meandering almost dreamlike development of the two characters grounds the film. There are hints of sexual attraction, need and rest. But what Sophia Coppola does best is that the less said in the film about their relationship the more evocative it is.

Murray gives an extremely moving performance, bereft of cliche and inneundo and delivers his sadness without his customary deadpan. This makes it even more intriguing as the witicisms you expect to break up the dialogue never come. There is humour but it is internal humour, one that induces wry smiles and salutary nods. One of the most balanced, thought provoking uplifting films about people you will ever see.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King  The ending to end all endings! The Fellowship of the Ring launched the millennium in breathtaking fashion, irritatingly spawning countless tributes and imitations, attempting to recreate fantasy, action and story. The Return of the King seals the deal and climaxes the extraordinary trilogy in epic fashion. Yes the ending took as long as some feature films but after three years and 10 hours we could take it.

It is not my favourite of the three but the action scenes have never been replicated, the sense of occasion is huge and sentiment runs true. Everyone has an ending and The Return of the King delivers it all in blockbuster fashion. Amidst the action and set pieces we too easily forget great and likeable performances of McKellen, Mortensen, Lee and Wood.  I can't wait until the Hobbit this December.