Looking forward

If there’s any possible trend in my favorite movies of 2011 is that some of them had (or were about) people I sincerely admire or whom I absolutely idolize. Trying to say or find more than that would somehow be spoiling their truly wonderful heterogeneity and uniqueness otherwise.

Just like that of the people I love so much – who equally shine in them, in their very own way.

So here they are:

Pina

by Wim Wenders

More than a decade ago, Mr. Wenders showed us the possibilities of inexpensive digital video (in comparison to film) for the documentary genre and with that opened up a door to opportunities never before dreamed of for so many of us – especially us, less financially fortunate filmmakers.

Now he brings us this vision of the immortal Pina Bausch (post-mortem, most of it) in 3D! Which OK, lately has been used to exhaustion – sometimes literally – but not quite like this before. Producing something like a strange vivid dance dream filled with sturm, drang and lightness.

A Dangerous Method

by David Cronenberg

Vigo, Keira and Fassbender play the story of Freud, Jung and the woman that came between them like lava from our hysterical and unstoppable unconscious. Helping give birth and move forward the dangerous – because subversive – practice of psychoanalysis (as all these urges tend to do after all). Of course as shrewdly written by Hampton and vigorously directed by Cronenberg.

Bridesmaids

by Paul Feig

Coming possibly (or trying to be sold as) a movie to put an end to the silly debate: can women handle a dirty joke? Starring no other women more capable to answer that than the comic genius par of Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. If it advances the women’s cause or pushes it back, I was too busy laughing out loud with the ladies to figure out. And somehow Maya releasing herself in that puffy white gown in the middle of the street after the Brazilian churrasco (located close to the check cashing place, no less -), is the image that stuck with me this year.

Weekend

by Andrew Haigh

Two contemporary (very human) gay archetypes, openly talk about their relationship as they fall in love while trying their hardest not to fall in love, because they only have a weekend. Been there, done that. Plus the best framed movie of the year. Possibly because of its modest means, which made the director find very organic and poetic solutions – that give the film a documentary and immediate feel that no Hollywood movie with a gazillion dollars could ever buy (or even try to feign for that matter).

Le Quattro Volte

by Michelangelo Frammartino

How amazing the simple connection of everything in life is.

Certified Copy (Copie Conforme)

by Abbas Kiarostami

What’s original in art and life is what this film seems to be asking us. My answer to it can only be: Juliette Binoche (and this film) are a work of art.

Poetry (Shi)

by Lee Chang-Dong

A woman in her sixties decides to take poetry classes in the midst of a sordid affair that her (ungrateful and obnoxious) grandson has gotten himself into. And where the poetry finally erupts from, is the true poetics of this film that is so true to life.

Midnight in Paris

by Woody Allen

Last of the list (but in no way least) is the latest gem by mr. Allen – about and shot in Paris (!!).

I had already recently written about this film on my piece about 10 great Woody Allen movies. The list basically stops here, but I cannot help but mention once again the Allen documentary (Woody Allen - a documentary by Robert Weide) that aired last November on PBS and is truly essential viewing for fans of the master.

And also Bill Cunningham New York by Richard Press, about the legendary New York street fashion photographer; for everyone who’s ever asked themselves: what exactly is fashion?

This man’s life and work could be a possible answer.

Both these two contemporary men’s obsession and drive (as well as Freud and Jung’s), along with Binoche’s art, Pina’s eternal flame and back to Woody’s latest “Midnight in Paris” – that can only be described as a nostalgic film against nostalgia – make me realize how besides all the wonderful allure of the past and what we can learn from it (and from them) we ought to be living now and should always be looking forward.