One positive about the delay: it should be easier to find some of the films on this list in nationwide release now (and a few have hit, or are about to hit, DVD). 2006 was not always a great year for moviegoing but a rush of last minute high quality product helped change that. Unfortunately a lot of those titles did not immediately turn up in theaters across the country. Some are still waiting on a wider release.
But whether a film plays on 4 screens or 4000, for one week or six months, I'll take quality anywhere I can find it.
Honorable mentions:
Alfonso Cuarón’s expertly crafted sci-fi think piece Children of MenThe latest successful change of pace for Marc Forster, Stranger Than Fiction, a character-driven comedy with a strong cast led by Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson
Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center and Paul Greengrass’ United 93, two films that struck the perfect tone and style to tell their specific stories of September 11 and will hopefully embolden other talented filmmakers to contribute to the cinematic historical record
Spike Lee’s first true genre film, Inside Man, which is also the latest of his rewarding collaborations with Denzel Washington
I also have high regard for: a pair of action movies done right—Casino Royale and Mission: Impossible III; The Dead Girl, which has the feel of five fascinating short stories captured on film; the refreshing romantic comedy The Holiday; crude but funny TV refugee Borat; two thematically provocative examinations of real women, one—The Queen—universally praised and the other—The Notorious Bettie Page—unjustly overlooked; and The Good Shepherd, an ambitious spy saga that evolves into moving personal drama.
In addition, I’d like to note the more modest achievements of Akeelah and the Bee, Shortbus, Shut Up and Sing, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Little Miss Sunshine, Wordplay and Friends with Money among others. Also worth a special mention: David Lynch’s unclassifiable Inland Empire, destined to alienate many more viewers than it will ever captivate. Just consider yourself lucky if you fall under its strange spell.
The Top Ten:
- 10. Half Nelson
- 9. Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
- 8. Little Children
- 7. Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima
- 6. Volver
- 5. The Lives of Others
- 4. Happy Feet
- 3. Dreamgirls
- 2. The Departed
- 1. Pan’s Labyrinth
American narrative indies took a backseat to documentary and foreign films in 2006 but this specific slice of life from the team of Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, made with equal parts energy and emotion, kept the scene alive and relevant. Ryan Gosling’s stunning performance underlines the promise of a significant career in the making.
The year’s most joyful movie combines documentary, music and comedy in a unique achievement from director Michel Gondry. Everything, and everyone, is cause for celebration as comedian Dave Chappelle organizes a kickass block party where one hip-hop/neo-soul superstar takes the stage after another, and sometimes together.
A smart, challenging movie specifically for adults at a time when American filmmakers seem deathly afraid of sexuality. No matter, since few would be able to navigate such complicated grown-up terrain as deftly as Todd Field does here. Kate Winslet is perfection as a suburban mother at an intellectual remove from responsibility.
Clint Eastwood’s dual World War II stories don’t demand to be seen together but they so brilliantly enrich each other that it’s a shame to consider them separately. Narratively distinct but stylistically of a piece, the films share a thematic concern with the emotional, psychological and spiritual tolls of war. Philosophically provocative works from a filmmaker who continues to surprise.
Since he’s delivered his fourth great film in a row it would be easy to take Pedro Almodóvar for granted, but why would you want to? His latest indispensable masterwork overflows with trademark humor and passion. A movie screen hardly seems big enough to contain Penélope Cruz, who happily thrusts herself into the role of a lifetime.
All of the qualities of a rich, textured novel are present in Florian Henckle von Donnersmarck’s remarkable debut feature. A fascinating look inside East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall centered around an intimate character drama, the film is equally successful as gripping melodrama and history lesson. Ulrich Mühe’s Stasi officer was one of the year’s most memorable screen characters.
First and foremost the year’s grandest visual achievement, it’s a family-friendly action/musical/comedy extravaganza. But it doesn’t stop there. Director George Miller skillfully pushes the limits of what’s “allowed” in English-language animation and comes up with a final product that appeals to the eyes, the heart, the mind and, oh yes, the feet.
Bill Condon’s dazzling showbiz saga remains unabashedly entertaining while living up to a daunting cinematic heritage. It’s exceptional filmmaking, both old fashioned and contemporary. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy set the bar for a flawless ensemble—how refreshing it is to see performers who can really sing, in a musical.
If only every remake used its source material as a sturdy foundation to support deeper emotions, a grander scale, richer roles for an enviable ensemble (including playful Jack Nicholson, breakout Vera Farmiga and career-best Leonardo DiCaprio) and a thoroughly authentic new setting. Hollywood would be a better place. Of course the same would be true if Martin Scorsese simply directed a film a year.
Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece explores and embodies the power of imagination. Set in the past, but relevant to the present, it ultimately feels timeless in the way it merges a simple, but lovingly detailed, fantasy world with the all too real horrors of war and fascism. Expert craftsmanship, compelling performances—including Sergi López as evil personified—and lyrical storytelling mark this singular creation. It's the year's most beautiful film, and also the best.
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