Aaron's 100 - 2021 Edition: No. 75 - 51

I love lists. I also realize that, when it comes to ranking films, lists can be somewhat silly. I mean, how can you rank a comedy as compared to a heavy drama? But hey, I can't help that my brain works this way. I actually keep a running list on my phone of my 100 favorite films, and the list is constantly changing. I decided that, rather than keep it to myself, I should share it with you. So, over the next few weeks, I'll be posting my 100 favorite films of all time. I started this in 2018, and you can find previous versions by heading over to my Movie Journal. On this year’s edition, I’ll make a note of where each film showed up the previous year (HM stands for Honorable Mention and NR stands for Not Ranked).

They'll come in increments of 25, with this post featuring numbers 75-51. Keep in mind a few things: 1) these are my personal favorites, so I'm not saying these are the 100 objectively best films ever made and 2) I am not giving a blanket recommendation for every film on this list. You should certainly keep in mind age and content maturity when viewing some of these films (for more info on that, check out this post). Also, this series will only focus on feature films, so you won't see any documentaries. Finally, for any films that I have previously reviewed, there will be a button below each title for you to click through to the original review. My plan is to post this series every year to see how my rankings have changed. But enough intro, let's get to the list! Here are numbers 75-51...

75. Se7en - David Fincher (1995) Few films choose a mood and stick to it as well as David Fincher's gritty 1995 crime drama Se7en. This film is dark, and it knows that. It pulls no punches and refuses to spare us from the gritty details our heroes encounter. There are elements of the buddy cop genre here, too, but Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) and Detective Lt. William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) do not find themselves an obvious pairing. One is a young up-and-comer, the other a soon-to-be-retired veteran. They have vastly different ideas of how to approach this case, but each makes important contributions. This film is famous for its ending, which is certainly impressive. Personally, I think this is Fincher’s best film, which is saying quite a bit. Last year’s ranking - #68

74. True Grit - Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (2010) Here is the first movie from the Coen Brothers to show up on my list, but it certainly won't be the last. Full disclosure - I haven't seen the original for which John Wayne won a Best Actor Oscar. While that means I have no framework for how closely this remake follows that film, I do know one thing - this film is incredible on its own. First and foremost, you have a gritty and, at times, hilarious performance from Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn. Matching him step for step is Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross. This was Steinfeld's breakout role, and she nailed it even as a 14 year-old. The Coens are masters of their craft, and their talent is clearly on display here. This is a film that is easy to re-watch and has more treasures in store every time. Last year’s ranking - #67

73. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - John Huston (1948) This is a bona fide cinema classic. You have one of the great directors of classic Hollywood in John Huston accompanied by arguably the greatest star of that era in Humphrey Bogart. We also get one of the classic lines in movie history. I was most struck by this movie’s depiction of greed and the ways it can consume a person. As are most films with him in them, this is Bogart’s picture. He gives a great performance. I wouldn’t argue with anyone who says this is his best performance. Bogart did not win the Oscar for his performance, however, the film did receive wins for Huston in both Director and Adapted Screenplay as well as for his father - Walter Huston - in Best Supporting Actor. Last year’s ranking - #66

72. The Revenant - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (2015) This film is a visual splendor thanks to the immaculate combination of director Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki. This was part of Inarritu's back-to-back Oscar wins for Best Director, but Chivo had him bested with three wins in a row for Best Cinematography, including his work here. They decided to shoot this film only in natural light, and it makes for some absolutely incredible visuals. Of course, this film also represented the first ever Oscar win for Leonardo DiCaprio. His acting here is visceral. He even ate real bison liver in one scene to add to the verisimilitude. One thing is sure after watching this film - I never want to meet a grizzly bear in the wild. Last year’s ranking - #65

71. Faust - F. W. Murnau (1926) Few films have made me appreciate the history of the movies quite like this one. I was absolutely floored upon watching it for the first time. How in the world did Murnau create such imagery with the tools on hand in the mid-20s? He is surely one of the great directors, and this film is a perfect example. Its story is one that has been handed down for generations, and if you've ever heard of a "Faustian bargain" you basically understand it. The demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) makes a bet with an archangel (Werner Fuetterer) that the good hearted Faust (Gosta Ekman) can be corrupted. In an attempt to save his plagued village, Faust makes a deal with Mephisto and we watch as he descends into darkness. Along the way, Murnau treats us to what must be some of the most incredible images ever committed to film. I simply don't understand how he did it, but I will never stop marveling at his unique achievement. This is another silent film, and while I wouldn't label it as "scary" necessarily, it does deal with some frightening themes. However, if you're a fan of striking imagery, you absolutely must see this classic from the silent era. Last year’s ranking - #64

70. The King of Comedy - Martin Scorsese (1983) Marty is known for other films besides this one. While it certainly has a dedicated following, it doesn't seem to get the acclaim of some of his more famous films. However, I think it holds up quite well to any film the masterful director has ever made. Here, Scorsese and Robert De Niro are satirizing our culture's thirst for celebrity. Scorsese uses "dream" sequences to throw us off and make us question whether we're seeing the real story or not. No matter what you think of the film, one thing is clear when you watch it - Rupert Pupkin is one of the most memorable characters you will meet. I reviewed this film for Filmotomy's retrospective on the year of film in 1983. Also, if you thought Joker was a good film (I did not) watch this film and see the influence it had. Last year’s ranking - #63

69. Roma - Alfonso Cuaron (2018) This film should have won Best Picture in 2018. It is absolutely beautiful, with jaw-dropping cinematography. The acting performances are also fantastic - particularly from lead actress Yalitza Aparcio. She, along with supporting actress Marina de Tavira, received Academy Award nominations, and rightfully so. This is a startling picture into everyday life in 1970s Mexico City. It is incredibly moving, and it is a visual marvel. This is an absolutely stunning picture. You can also read my full review of the film at InSessionFilm.com. Last year’s ranking - #62

68. The Shining - Stanley Kubrick (1980) Kubrick. Nicholson. These two names came together to adapt Stephen King’s famous novel into arguably the most influential horror film of all time. However, I think Shelley Duvall often gets overshadowed by these icons of cinema when we discuss this film. Kubrick’s treatment of actors on the set of this film has become notorious for its perfectionism. He often made them do 75 takes or more. In a story that is so unnerving and shocking, Duvall plays a key part and she absolutely knocks it out of the park. Yes, Nicholson’s performance is rightfully praised, but these scenes would not be as iconic without Duvall’s work alongside him. The music is also a key element, becoming almost as unnerving as Kubrick’s images. Almost. Last year’s ranking - #61

67. When Harry Met Sally - Rob Reiner (1989) It's the best rom-com. From the intercutting interviews with couples to the back-and-forth romance of its main characters, When Harry Met Sally is classic in every sense of the term. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are electric as one of the great on screen couples. And this film has some scenes that have been etched into movie history. Of course, there's the diner scene. But the New Year's Party scene is even better. There's many great quotes. It's just a great film. It's the kind of film that, when you watch it, you just know. Like you know about a good melon. Last year’s ranking - #60

66. Remember the Titans - Boaz Yakin (2000) This is a nostalgic pick for me. There was a time where I listed this as my favorite film. Growing up, there was no film that I had seen more than this one. In fact, this may still be the film I've seen the most times. It is incredibly rewatchable, and even though it is a Disney film and certainly appropriate for all ages, it deals with themes that are mature and thought-provoking. It uses music so well, from its soundtrack of 70s hits to its rousing score. And I'm not sure I've ever seen a bad Denzel Washington performance. He always delivers, and he certainly does so here as coach Herman Boone. As I've gotten older, my movie tastes have changed and my love for football has waned a bit, but this will always be a film that is near and dear to my heart. Last year’s ranking - #59

65. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Steven Spielberg (1989) For a long time, I've gone back and forth over which Indiana Jones film is my favorite. I remember watching the films with my family when I was a kid and being simply enthralled by the music, the story, and the character so wonderfully embodied by Harrison Ford. This is the film from the original trilogy that I have seen the most. It is so much fun, and I personally love the interplay between Ford and Sean Connery. I vividly remember watching the closing scenes as our hero takes the path of the "penitent man." And this film may contain the most classic closing shot of all-time. Too bad Indiana Jones didn't actually ride off into the sunset but made us sit through Kingdom of the Crystal Skull instead. Last year’s ranking - #58

64. Jaws - Steven Spielberg (1975) This film lives up to all the hype. It’s riveting. This is Spielberg at his near-best, which is quite a sight to see. The music, the quotes, the split-diopter shots - it all works. This is also a movie that changed the film industry by almost single-handedly ushering in the era of blockbusters. Moviegoing and moviemaking have never been quite the same. Though many blockbusters have tried to replicate this film’s success, very few have been anywhere close to it. Last year’s ranking - #57

63. Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky (2010) This film is haunting and incredibly dark. It deals with themes of artistic obsession and abuse. It contains one of the great lead performances by Natalie Portman, for which she rightfully won an Oscar. I’ve only seen this film once, and that viewing has stuck with me in ways few other films have. The ending, especially, just rocks you. In so many ways, it is the perfect ending to what we’ve seen throughout the film. Just perfect. Last year’s ranking - #56

62. Strangers on a Train - Alfred Hitchcock (1951) My first time seeing this Hitchcock classic remains one of my favorite moviegoing experiences. I saw it with my wife and my mother at the delightful Artcraft Theater in Franklin, Indiana. It was like going back in time with old-time popcorn machines and the small town feel. Into that quaint setting sprang this firecracker of a film. You must begin by talking about Robert Walker’s incredible performance as the villainous, Bruno Antony. Here also is possibly Hitchcock’s best example of the theme that shows up often in his films - the attempt to plan the perfect murder. This film is taught and thrilling and is very nearly the best film from the man that many consider to be the greatest director to ever live. Last year’s ranking - #55

61. The Irishman - Martin Scorsese (2019) If you haven’t figured it out so far, the rest of the list will make it clear - Martin Scorsese is one of my absolute favorite directors. When Sarah and I drove two hours to Chicago to see this movie in the theater, my anticipation was sky-high. I was almost nervous as the movie began. This was my first time seeing a Scorsese film during its theatrical run. It absolutely blew me away. It more than lived up to my expectations. Yes, it is long. But I find the film to be incredibly rewatchable. This is Scorsese wrestling with his own artistic legacy. It is moving and cerebral, yet it also contains the fun and flair for which he’s known. You can read my “Favorite Movies” piece about this film at the link above, and I also reviewed it for InSession Film. Last year’s ranking - #50

60. All the President's Men - Alan J. Pakula (1976) The Watergate investigation is one of the seminal events in recent history. Its impact is still being felt today - both in the political sphere and in the movies. We've seen a few major "newspaper movies" come out in the last few years. All of them - except for one - are in the shadow of this 70s classic. You have two great performances from Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in the lead roles, and an even better performance from Jason Robards in a supporting role as Ben Bradlee Sr. The headline here, however, is the script from the late, great William Goldman. This film handles its material so well. Think of all the different avenues this story provides. It navigates the pitfalls that have plagued other journalism films by staying focused on its main story - finding the truth. There are few better examples of that search than the work done by investigative journalists Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Hoffman). This film is a classic for a reason. Last year’s ranking - #53

59. Inside Llewyn Davis - Joel and Ethan Coen (2013) After two years in a row coming in at #48, this Coen Brothers’ modern classic slid a bit this year. Still, Inside Llewyn Davis remains one of my absolute favorite movie soundtracks. Here, not only is the film populated by many classic folk songs from the era just before Bob Dylan, but the music used in the film was all recorded live on set. And lead actor Oscar Isaac did not have someone else provide the vocals for him. No, he acted and sang as lead character Llewyn Davis in the film. Aside from the incredible production that this film was, the story is also riveting. It shows that talent alone is not enough. The road to stardom is dotted with many talented folks who simply never made it. From a technical standpoint, the direction and writing from the Coens are obviously stellar. But I must also call out the cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel. This film looks much different than other Coen Brothers' films, but that is a testament to how Delbonnel brings his own artistic touch into the story. His work perfectly captures the dinginess of the film's settings and the longing inside Llewyn Davis. Last year’s ranking - #48

58. Brief Encounter - David Lean (1945) On paper, you wouldn't think that an extramarital interaction over the course of a couple weeks would make for a great visual narrative. Such stories showcased in modern films often seek out the overly-salacious aspects, but there is no overt sexual content in this film and certainly no nudity. The story is revealed through subtext, at first, and then gradually we get more information about the relationship between Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard). Again, none of that sounds like the makings of a great film. But in the hands of the legendary David Lean, what doesn't look intriguing on paper becomes an enthralling story. Lean is most famous for his grand epics (one of which is still to come on this list), but he brings that same mastery of cinematic technique to this story which focuses on small moments and interactions. The black and white shots of the smoke filled train station are strikingly beautiful, and the characters make you feel for their inner turmoil. At the same time, it is Johnson's incredibly-evocative performance that elevates the material to new heights. This is another film that I've reviewed for Filmotomy, and it is a wonderful example of the art of filmmaking. Last year’s ranking - #70

57. Broadcast News - James L. Brooks (1987) What a great film! I’m always struck by the sheer power of this film. Director James L. Brooks has long been one of the best writers of romantic comedies in the entire film industry. This is my personal favorite of his films, and it boasts an all-star cast of comedic talent. At the top of that list is Holly Hunter, who commands the screen as TV producer, Jane Craig. William Hurt and Albert Brooks are both fantastic as well, and this is an indelible example of 80’s comedy film genius. Last year’s ranking - #51

56. Inception - Christopher Nolan (2010) This is the best Christopher Nolan film. I still remember the cultural discussion that surrounded it upon its release. Everyone wanted to know if you had seen Inception and what you thought of its ending. Putting its puzzle of a plot to the side for a moment, this is simply an incredible film. Nolan's direction is fantastic. The music from Hans Zimmer is some of the best he's ever created throughout his storied career. And the ensemble cast is wonderful throughout. The lead performance from Leonardo DiCaprio gets the headlines, but look at all the acting talent riddled throughout this cast - Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, and the legendary Michael Caine. Cotillard is, I think, deserving of specific praise. Considering the plot of the film, it may be too much to say her performance is "dreamlike" but there is certainly an ethereal quality to her work here. No matter what you think of the ending, this film as a whole is one we will be watching and discussing for years to come. Last year’s ranking - #69

55. Heat - Michael Mann (1995) Speaking of Christopher Nolan, he owes a great debt of inspiration for The Dark Knight to this Michael Mann classic. All you need to know about this film to be intrigued is the fact that this was the first film where Al Pacino and Robert De Niro appeared on screen together. They are two of the greatest actors of all-time, and they are both incredible in this film. Even so, this film is far more than just a vehicle for these two actors. Its narrative is strikingly unique in the way it looks at law enforcement and criminals - especially the effects of their jobs on their relationships. Michael Mann's direction here is so stylish and inventive. And the final scene is absolutely incredible, both visually and thematically. My love for this film has grown to an almost compulsive point. I’ve re-watched it many times over the last couple years, and that accounts for its big jump in the rankings this year. Last year’s ranking - #97

54. The Departed - Martin Scorsese (2006) First off, I always read this film's title as "The De-PAH-ted". The Boston setting makes for many great accents from this incredible ensemble cast - particularly Boston natives Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon. This cast really is fantastic from top to bottom. Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga and Martin Sheen all give wonderful performances. But I can't help but focus on Scorsese's direction even with the enormous and star-studded cast. This was Scorsese's first film to garner him Best Picture and Best Director wins at the Academy Awards. While I don't find it to be quite as good as some other Scorsese classics, those awards were certainly well-deserved. This is a film that spins us ever deeper into its story before unravelling in compelling ways. And it is impossible to stop watching once you put it on. Last year’s ranking - #54

53. L.A. Confidential - Curtis Hanson (1997) This film has to be on the shortlist for the greatest screenplays ever written. Its plot is labyrinthine and populated my many intriguing characters, but it never careens out of control. That is because the script gives us just the right information exactly when we need it. Specifically, this film does an incredible job of always keeping the intentions of its characters in mind. When characters make a decision, we understand why they did that. At the same time, the plot still manages to throw us for some major loops at times. This is a hard-boiled detective story and a seedy tale of corruption all rolled into one. The acting performances are pristine, particularly from Kim Basinger as the femme fatale Lynn Bracken. She won an Oscar for her performance, and it was well-deserved. She subverts many of the tropes of the typical femme fatale role by showing vulnerability and compassion and ultimately being an active agent in helping our protagonists achieve their goals. This is a fantastic noir that is endlessly re-watchable. It also should have won Best Picture at the 1998 Oscars (sorry, Titanic fans). Last year’s ranking - #52

52. Phantom Thread - Paul Thomas Anderson (2017) There's so much I love about this film, but I must first start with the score. The music here from Jonny Greenwood is so lush and evocative. It is one of the most beautiful film scores I've ever heard, and I think it should have won the Oscar for Best Score in 2017. Then you have what may be the final performance by the greatest actor of his generation and, possibly, of all time. Daniel Day-Lewis is incredible here, but...dare I say it...I don't think he gives the best performance in the film. Relative newcomer Vicky Krieps absolutely shines as Alma, the muse and love interest of fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis). Lesley Manville also gives a fantastic performance as Reynolds' sister, Cyril, but it is Krieps that takes her character on an incredible journey in the film. She comes to dominate the story despite the commanding presence of Day-Lewis. This is a dark film, but it is also incredibly funny at times. It was my favorite film of 2017, and it continues to beguile me. Last year’s ranking - #46

51. The Third Man - Carol Reed (1949) One of the great plot twists. Incredible cinematography. Orson Welles in one of his best performances, sporting his trademark Cheshire grin. I had long heard that this was one of the finest examples of postwar filmmaking. Then, I finally watched it and realized that was completely true. I’ll never forget my first watch of this film. I was absolutely floored. The images are indelible, right up until the unforgettable final shot. When you talk about great films, this one has to be on your short list. Last year’s ranking - #41

So, there you have it. We are well into the main list! Check back next week for numbers 50-26. For now, leave me a comment below or tweet at me to let me know what films you think I missed. Thanks, friends!