The Man Who Wasn't There: I shouldn't say this, because it's too easy and obvious, but for me this was the movie that wasn't there. I didn't hate it, didn't like it all that well either. Maybe my expectations were too high. But if you want to see a noirish Coen brothers movie about infidelity, intrigue and murder in small-town America, I'd say rent Blood Simple. It's way better. And in light of Dan's allegation that the only reason Waking Life got positive attention was because it was animated the way it was, I contend that if this movie weren't black and white (and beautiful because of it), it would be completely unmemorable.
In the Mood for Love: I don't generally pay all that much attention to what people wear, but what I remember best about this movie are the high-necked, slinky dresses the female lead wears. She looks stunning in every scene. And the characters' predicament was pretty moving, too.
Amelie: I was blown away by Delicatessen and quite enjoyed City of Lost Children, both of which have a director in common with Amelie, so I figured I'd give it a chance, even though it sounded like it might be too cute or sappy. LOVED it. The actress who played Amelie is charming as all get out, the guy she goes after is super hot, the whimsicality and idiosyncratic humor made me smile many times.
Memento: Hooked me and didn't let go until several days later. I meant to see it a second time, but never got around to it. Aside from a couple of minor problems (a guy who can't remember anything he heard five minutes ago can wake up and write himself a note about something the chick from the Matrix told him the night before?), it was put together brilliantly. It's not the first time I've seen a story told backwards-remember that Seinfeld episode when they went to India for a wedding and Elaine got her nose pierced?-but nonetheless it felt original and inventive. Also, Guy Pearce looked nice with no shirt on.
Trembling Before G-d: If I didn't already hate organized religion as much as I possibly could, this documentary would have made me hate it more. It was mostly just depressing, watching these pathetic people who can't possibly reconcile their homosexuality with the teachings of their religion (orthodox Judaism), but keep trying in painfully futile ways.
In the Bedroom: The performances were great, and I liked that the audience isn't hit over the head with everything; much remains unshown and ambiguous. However, the situation wasn't all that original, nor was the way it was resolved. As I watched it, I was really into it, and I definitely feel that I got my $10 worth of entertainment. But I'm thinking that it's getting way more accolades than it deserves.
Mulholland Drive: Saw it in Baltimore with Kristen. As I was waiting for her to use the restroom afterward, an old man standing nearby said, "That Mulholland Drive was the most messed-up movie I've ever seen." I didn't argue with him, that's for sure. I don't believe I can offer a meaningful opinion on the film, having seen it only once. But I loved the Nancy Drewesque action, the over-the-top Lynchianisms (like the coal-faced man out in the alley), and the frighteningly gleeful elderly couple. The last part lost me, but now that I've heard the theory about that being reality and the beginning being a dream, I'd like to see again with that in mind. Thought Naomi Watts gave an amazing performance.
Audition: As Jamie said, I just about fainted near the end. Had to keep my head between my knees for 10 minutes or so. The guy sitting in front of me got up and left the theater, so I felt like I was better than him. The only other time that's ever happened to me in a movie was in Reservoir Dogs, when Michael Madsen pours the gasoline all over that guy and cuts his ear off. This was MUCH worse. Loved the movie though, especially how it seems pretty innocent, then just floors you with the creepy/scary factor.
How's Your News: See Jamie's list for a description of this movie that I can't improve upon, especially the thing about the theme song. I actually have a CD of the songs from the movie. I got it for answering a trivia question posed by Arthur Bradford, the guy who conceived the project and directed the film (and also wrote a kickass book of short stories called Dogwalker, that he autographed for me that night, not to mention that he bought me a beer after I told him the story of how his book was destroyed in my office in the Trade Center and I had to get another copy). Shame on me, though - I haven't listened to the CD yet. See the movie if you get a chance. It's funny and crafty and heartwarming.
Lord of the Rings: I liked it a lot. Looking forward to the other two. And no, Sarah, I didn't hear you eating your jawbreaker, but I did hear the girl sitting behind me say "That's Harry Potter. That's the guy who played Harry Potter," when Elijah Wood first appeared on the screen.
Waking Life: For the first third of this movie, I was feeling underwhelmed. The little monologues were about issues and points that weren't new or particularly interesting to me. But as it went along, it won me over. By the end, I felt like I'd been witness to something special. I was even sad that it was ending, but happy that it was ending the way it did.
Ghost World: It was great. What more can I say that other people on this site didn't already? Probably nothing.
The Royal Tenenbaums: I could have predicted the criticisms of this film before anyone ever saw it. It was inevitable that there would be a backlash, after the surprising level of praise Wes and Co. garnered for Rushmore. When I first saw Bottle Rocket on video 5+ years ago, it was one of the few movies I'd ever seen that made me want to run out and buy it and see it again and again for the rest of my life. It's going to take a lot for me to not like a Wes/Owen movie. I saw the RT's twice and would gladly go spend $10 to see it in the theatre again right now, had I not put myself on a superstrict budget so I can quit my job in the spring. Critics (some of them pros, others denizens of balgavy.com) have alleged that Wes Anderson's extremely personalized vision is too inside-jokey, caters to the elitist tendencies of hipsters, is self-congratulatory, etc. He's smart and funny, and instead of acknowledging that, he's supposed to…what? Appeal to the masses by making a craptastic yukfest starring Rob Schneider? I think it's going to be a lifelong struggle for me to decide who's cuter: Luke or Owen. They're still tied after this film. If I had to pick a favorite of the year, it would be this or Together, Marc's favorite, the Swedish film that made me laugh more than any other this year, and almost cry because I was laughing (I saw it the week after Sept. 11).
