The ever reliable J.C. Chandor is now scoring 3 and 0 with his latest effort. His brooding camera effortlessly roams the less scrupulous business parks of New York. Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac looking very much like Godfather’s Pacino) tries to make an honest go of his business despite the influential underbelly that goads him (including, to some extent, his wife played by the excellent Jessica Chastain). The screws are turned, and the pressure builds as the film moves inexorably towards its conclusion. I won’t give away the ending … it’s well worth watching for yourself.

It’s that time of year where I look back on the films I’ve seen and complete the ridiculous task of ordering my favourite five films. I say ridiculous because my compulsion to create such a list is not founded on anything other than just that — a compulsion. Ah, but it is so fun to do. There have been some crackers this year, my only disappointment is that I’ve left so many behind. The task of completing my Masters has sucked any time and energy that I would otherwise use watching a film. Once I have finally submitted my thesis (Feb 2015) I will climb back into the ones I’ve missed. Anyway, from what I have managed to see … here is my top five of 2014:

5. Grand Budapest Hotel – On the heels of the excellent Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson has delivered another delight. Who knew that Ralph Fiennes could be so funny?

4. Inside Llewyn Davis – A solid film from the ever reliable Coen brothers. Superbly acted, well paced, funny, and visually brooding. The music is pretty good as well!

3. Enemy – I’m such a sucker for films like this — an intricately structured psychological mind-melt. Enemy gives you that “penny dropping” moment when suddenly you realise that the film has been playing you for the fool all along — where you trace back every little detail that you had previous glossed over and question its significance. This well crafted piece of cinema leaves no stone unturned. Fantastic film-making, and might I also say how impressive Jake Gyllenhaal is at playing two wildly different personas.

2. Under the Skin – This is a stunning film that is as confusing as it is wonderful. Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast) directs this low key sci-fi film that thematically bares a striking resemblance to Patty Jenkin’s Monster. Among other similarities, both films concern themselves with the female image and its relation to the male gaze. Scarlett Johansson is cleverly cast here.

1. Boyhood – A real triumph of film making that took director Richard Linklater over thirteen years to realise. Despite its lengthy production, the pace and tone remains consistent and flawlessly holds together. Boyhood explores what it means to to grow up in middle America, but it does so without getting caught up in the sentimental tropes so commonly found in films of similar theme. For me Boyhood is a masterpiece and a wonderful example of cinematic realism. It is my top film of 2014.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thought I’d briefly mention some films I’ve seen lately:

Source code – Futuristic film noir that is ho hum. I had expected more from Duncan Jones (Moon). Not worth watching.

Moonrise Kingdom – Everything you’d expect from Wes Anderson. Funny, quirky, and interesting.

Inside Llewyn Davis – The Coen brothers latest is a low key film. Great performances. I expect so much from the Coen’s and somehow they have yet to disappoint.

The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson’s latest is more of the same … so yes, another thumbs up. Ralph Fiennes superb and very funny.

Enemy – Jake Gyllenhaal is great in this psychological thriller. This is an impressive film directed by Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners). It cleverly skirts the edge of comprehensibility and when the penny drops (for me the morning after) the true genius of this film becomes clear … very rewarding. (Think Fight Club, Momento, etc.)

Boyhood – Possibly the film of the year. Linklatter shows a masterclass of story telling. It was pleasant to be utterly engrossed in a film without the unnecessary distractions of visual gimickery and fancy cinematography that many other films makers would’ve otherwise insisted upon. A truly wonderful film!

The Congress – This film had me in parts. Ari Folman’s (Waltz with Bashir) film is perhaps the antithesis of Boyhood. Full of interesting visual hullabaloo, but I found it hard to keep up … I was unsure if I was even supposed to keep up. Really good in parts, and quite different, but on the whole it lost me somewhere … a bit like Robin Wright’s character I guess.

Maps to the Stars – David Cronenberg has disappointed me of late. I had hoped that this was going to be a return to form. Unfortunately, no. I found this film to be clinical and lifeless. However, others have raved about it … so maybe it is a matter of taste.

20,000 Days of Earth – A day in the life of Nick Cave. A little bit staged in parts and it is most certainly guilty of navel-gazing. Nonetheless, it is wonderfully shot and quite an interesting look at the man. His philosophical rantings are great, if not a little too much for 90 minutes of my attention.

Snowpiercer – Worth seeing for Tilda Swinton’s performance alone. Joon-o Bong brings a definite Korean flavour to this interesting sci-fi blast. Shades of Terry Gilliam in style.

The Young and the Prodigious T.S. Spivet – Finally I was able to take the kids to a film festival release. They loved this. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie). Was perhaps a little twee in parts.

Beneath the Skin – Wow! This is a unique film that has to be experienced. I won’t do it any justice by waxing lyrical about it here. A brilliant film.

The Trip – Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden are funny guys. On a road trip around the north of England, they play themselves as restaurant critics. This film was a real surprise because, yes, it is absolutely hilarious in parts, but also it was a real authentic and honest look at themselves. Good film and I’m looking forward to their next one together set in Italy

Calvary – Perhaps a little too smart for it’s own good. However, Brendon Gleeson makes this film into something worth seeing.

We Need to Talk about Kevin – Not for the faint of heart. Again, Tilda Swinton is amazing. This film is a vivid portrayal of the mother of a seriously disturbed child. Very good film.

All is Lost – J.C. Chandor’s second outing after the superb Margin Call. This film follows the misfortunes of a boat wrecked Robert Redford lost in the Indian Ocean. Nice film with an end that can be interpreted two ways.

Edge of Tomorrow – Heaps of fun. Really enjoyed this. Nuff said.

Blue Jasmine – Finally caught up with this and thought it was great. Cate Blanchett shows her immense acting chops. Both poignant and funny. Good balance.

Well, this time last year I was just about to hand in my thesis proposal. Now I’m only a few weeks away from handing in my final chapter. From there it’s the intro and conclusion … and a ton of editing (knowing my supervisor). To be honest, things have not been plain sailing. Although I’m on schedule, my writing has suffered due to lack of time and energy. I have found the whole process rather frustrating, it’s just so hard to fit full-time work (which is getting busier every week), study, and most importantly, family time. That latter has suffered at the hands of the former. However, with only a little over four months to go there’s nothing else to do but suck it up, push on, and get this thing finished. Hopefully all done and dusted by December … any later and I will be truly p!ssed off.

One of the staff at the University asked if I was going to go on and do my PhD, to which I laughed.

Anyway, enough of the whinging. On a more positive note, the New Zealand International Film Festival starts in a week. I am seeing seven films. They are:

20000 Days on Earth

The Congress

The Young and Prodigious TS Spivet

Enemy

Boyhood

Maps to the Stars

Snowpiercer

As usual, there are plenty more that I want to see but don’t have the time. Will let you all know if any of them are worthwhile seeing. If they half as good as the bunch I saw last year then I’ll be a happy man.