1 DIVING BELL AND BUTTERFLY — One of the most transcendental experiences I have ever had at the movies. Julian Schnabel may be a pompous asshole, but his genius as a visual artist (both moving and still) cannot be denied.
2 AWAY FROM HER — Sarah Polley’s debut reveals an intelligence well beyond her years; I can’t think of another movie made that is so respectful of maturity and wisdom, particularly in our youth-worshiping culture.
3 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN - Watch for the Javier Bardem bowl haircut Halloween costume next year.
4 BILLY THE KID - Okay, I associate produced it. But I did that for a reason. I love this film. and Billy.
5 RED ROAD - Andrea Arnold’s film is a taut, perfectly crafted work of suspense and tragedy.
6 INTO THE WILD - At times cheesy and overwraught but in total, a beautiful meditation on a fascinating character.
7 MANDA BALA - Eroll Morris’s alleged prodigy crafts a film worthy of the master.
8 RESCUE DAWN - Yes, it is Werner Herzog at the reigns, but it is the stellar acting by Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, and Jeremy Davies that carries this excellent movie.
9 DAY NIGHT DAY NIGHT - An utterly enigmatic, brilliant, and tight film that is almost silent. Like a mute assassin.
10 KNOCKED UP - Although I have many problems with this film in retrospect (and yes, I do think it is sexist as all hell!), it made me laugh my ass off and intelligent comedies are hard to come by. That said, it was no 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN.