My top 5 of 2012: movies

Yes, yes, I know that it's 2013 and that I'm a week too late with this post. Nevertheless, I shall persevere, because I like lists and I like movies and god knows I didn't read enough books this year to justify a top five. . Well, unless you count "The Origins of Modern Germany". Banter. I saw an awful lot of films this year, actually. Maybe it's being in Dublin every day or maybe it's dating a film student : either way, I saw far more than I have any other year. Anyway, without further ado, I give you my top 5 of 2012. Sorry to Lawless and Argo, which I really wanted to put in, but a top 7 just doesn't work. 



Number 5:  Skyfall, dir. Sam Mendes, October









Before 2012, I had never seen a Bond film before. I have discovered since that I've missing out - big time. From the sumptuous opening credits with Adele warbling over them, to the gorgeous cinematography (particularly the underwater shots), the plot was almost secondary to my enjoyment. Which isn't like me! Daniel Craig is an excellent Bond, equal parts suave and scarred. He plays of the villain, the terrifying, camp Javier Bardem brilliantly too. Action films aren't my thing, but the social-media aspect of the plot kept me interested Certainly makes me want to see more Bond. Blimey. 


My Oscar: Supporting cast of the year. Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw all made this film at times poignant, exciting and hilarious. Simply stellar.



4: The Dark Knight Rises, dir. Christopher Nolan, July






It's a testament to how good a year 2012 was for film that a Christopher Nolan film comes in at no. 4 on the list. If you had asked me in October or even November, I would have placed this film at number one, no questions asked. So what has it so far down the list? Well, it's largely David's fault, who hasn't stopped criticizing it since July. I have to face facts: TDKR isn't a perfect film. In fact, there are quite a few holes in it. Okay, okay, it's kind of dull apart from the bits with Bane and when Batman's in prison. You got me. That said, Tom Hardy puts in a performance and a half as Bane, a villain so menacing that part of you wants to keep away from planes for the rest of your days. And it's got Ann Hathaway in it. I fucking love Anne Hathaway.



My Oscar: Opening scene of the year. The deeply menacing Hans Zimmer score. The image of a small plane disintegrating before the viewer's eyes and some very intense Bane dialogue. "Crashing this plane...WITH NO SURVIVORS!" 



3: Life of Pi, dir. Ang Lee, December






I saw this film with my family on Christmas Eve and if there was a prettier film this year, I didn't see it. life of pi isn't a film to make you believe in God but it's one to make you believe in cinema. Set almost entirely on a tiny lifeboat, Ang Lee brings the ocean to life. This is often done to harrowing effect -- the film is intense and certainly not a feel-goodie in parts. But then again, you're an idiot if you go into a film about a shipwreck expecting a heartwarmer. OH WAIT, that's what the trailer practically promises.

I cried. Don't go unless you're steeled for scenes of sheer desperation and less hope than the trailer implies. That said, it is fascinating to watch and takes you into it's world, hook, line and (er) sinker. 
My Oscar: Most visually stunning film of the year. The twenty minute boat sinking scene. The opening credits. The flying fish. It's pure ART. 



2: Silver Linings Playbook , dir. David O Russel, December





It kills me not to put this at number one, it really does. 2012 was J. Lawrz' year. While I loved her in The Hunger Games, her performance in Silver Linings Playbook was simply astounding. Playing a young widow with seriously intense mental issues, she bonds with the equally unstable Bradley Cooper. The two begin to dance together and over the next two hours, they fall in love. I did too -- what I love about SLP is how real it is. The two fight, they scream at one another and then they make up. Robert deNiro is an awkward dad, uncomfortable with the blossoming relationship. The film looks lovely, the soundtrack is fab and it leaves you filled to the brim with happiness. Wonderful stuff.

My Oscar: Best performance of the year in anything for J Lawrz. Yes, ok, I have a slight crush. 



And finally...



1: What Richard Did, dir. Lenny Abrahamsson, September






What can I say about this film? It's as close to perfect as you're going to see, trust me. I went to see this with David on a whim -- I'd read the book it's adapted from but wasn't even aware of the film. It's perfect. It opens with a group of lads in a Tesco buying cans. It shows teenage Ireland almost exactly as it is: not like a Skins style freakshow, but a silly, sometimes terrifying way to live. The story takes a dark turn when a crime is commited: the scene of the beating pulls no punches (sorry!) and leaves the viewer gasping. Literally. I've never witnessed such a powerful, horrifying moment in a cinema. What Richard Did is my film of the year becuase it's all around me. It's an Ireland anyone can connect with, and an Ireland everyone should fear. I've never seen anything like it and I don't think I will again. 


My Oscar: Most accurate portrayal of teenage Ireland ever