MADness—the Blog

With the Best of the Decade theme running on the front page this week—not my list, but the critics’—I would be remiss if I didn’t post my selections too (though I must admit that part of me resists the whole idea).  The movies below are ones that had a deep impact on me at the time and have stayed with me.  That is to say, it’s a subjective list.  But I think I could objectively argue as well that these movies are very good, at least, and in many cases, great.

All movie lists must have a Top 10.  I’m not sure why that has to be, but that was in the contract they made me sign when I opened this site, so I’ll abide.  On the other hand, ten is not enough for one whole decade, so I’ve added another couple of lists with more selections.  So sue me.

The Top 10

1. Mulholland Dr.
2. The Lives of Others
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Eastern Promises
5. Children of Men
6. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
7. Michael Clayton
8. The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)
9. You Can Count on Me
10. WALL-E

Five Ties for #11

• Blow
• The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
• “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy
• Syriana
• Zodiac

Films That on Another Day Would Make the Top 11

• Adaptation
• Almost Famous
• Amores Perros
• Babel
• Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
• Borat
• Brokeback Mountain
• Capote
• City of God
• The Departed
• Downfall
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
• Fahrenheit 9/11
• Far from Heaven
• Good Night, and Good Luck
• Gosford Park
• Hotel Rwanda
• I’m Not There
• Inglourious Basterds
• In the Mood for Love
• The Man Who Wasn’t There
• Million Dollar Baby
• Mystic River
• No Man’s Land
• Pan’s Labyrinth
• The Pianist
• Sideways
• There Will Be Blood
• Traffic
• 25th Hour
• Up
• Up in the Air
• The White Ribbon
• The Wrestler
• Y Tu Mamá También