Top 10 Movies of 2013

10. Pacific Rim - For a big budget, effects driven, blow everything up kind of movie, this was the most fun and original.

9.  Frances Ha - A showcase for Greta Gerwig, in the best performance by an actress this year.

8.  Captain Phillips - A tough, real-world thriller, with Tom Hanks in his best role in over a decade.

7.  Nebraska - A true American original.  CLICK HERE for the full review.

6.  Dallas Buyers Club - Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey shine in a touching, true story.  CLICK HERE for the full review.
 
5.  All Is Lost - J. C. Chandor directs Robert Redford in the best performance by an actor this year.  CLICK HERE for the full review.

4.  Mud - One of the best original stories of 2013, and a master class in screenwriting.  Yet another great performance by Matthew McConaughey.

3.  Inside Llewyn Davis - Still captivated by this touching, funny gem from the Coen Brothers.  Oscar Isaac is headed for stardom.  CLICK HERE for the full review.

2.  Gravity - The most stunning visuals that technology has to offer combine with a timeless human story.  Catch it on the big screen if you still can.
 
1.  To The Wonder - A Terrence Malick work of art, something to be discovered, appreciated, and re-interpreted for many years to come.  CLICK HERE for the full review.

To The Wonder

Robert Redford through Hell and High Water in "All is Lost"

The performance of the year belongs to Robert Redford as a lone sailor fighting for survival in "All is Lost."  It's mesmerizing and profound and one for the ages - not just because of his acting skills.  It's amazing that Mr. Redford even agreed to this role - the boldest choice any actor has made in years.

"All is Lost" might be the only feature length movie I've ever seen with one - and ONLY one - actor in the entire film.  No gimmicks, no soliloquies, and no volley balls.  It's pure action, reaction, choice and consequence.  The fundamentals of acting, and the essence of screenwriting.  Credit goes to writer-director J. C. Chandor.

It's a master class in how to write visual action.  Mr. Chandor solves the issue of how to make one character fascinating and transparent without dialogue of any sort.  Even more impressive is that "All is Lost" is only his second film.  And 2011's "Margin Call" was completely different - an ensemble piece filled with words, talk, and theatrical staging.

Watch and see all the actions that Mr. Redford's character performs.  He fixes his boat, he repairs his radio, he learns celestial navigation, and he fights all the obstacles thrown at him.  He makes high-pressure decisions:  what to repair, what to save, how to survive.  Each endeavor is expertly written to maintain interest and tension, then skillfully enacted by a captivating figure.  The screenwriting and acting combination should be studied by all aspiring filmmakers.

Ultimately, what is this about?  Survival, perseverance and hope?  On the surface, yes.  But the casting of the All-American Golden Boy of the West says something more.  Any living actor could have played this role, young or old, American or international.  Mr. Redford's presence transforms it into a statement on masculinity.  Forget the young turks, this is a job for a real man.  He's a different sort of American than we frequently see in contemporary movies.  A father or grandfather with strength, skill, and integrity.  The Analog Man is not the obsolete man.  He's better equipped to survive, lead and rebuild.  Sure he's rich and well-provided, but he's no fat cat.  His privilege was earned with hard work.  Against the odds, against all hope, he makes sound choices and pulls off every physical action.  His character has no name except in the credits.  And it's most fitting:  he's "Our Man."

It's also worth noting the excellent song in the end credits.  Written by Alex Ebert, "Amen" is a haunting composition (listen here).  It's the perfect backdrop to stay and ponder the images and themes of the previous 100 minutes.

Costume display from the Arclight Theater in Hollywood