The Tree of Life (2011)

Perhaps the most interesting part of my experience watching "The Tree of Life" (besides the movie itself) was the utter quietness that fell upon the crowd after the credits began to roll. The previously boisterous group was now whispering, if not completely silent. I personally didn't want to say anything after seeing the movie, I just wanted to continue reflecting inward - because that's what this movie does. Malick's gorgeously shot meditation on the transience and insignificance of human life is on such a high level of cerebral and emotional comprehension that instead of merely throwing ideas at the viewer and hoping they stick, it pulls the things it wants to say out of the very soul of the viewer, allowing its philosophies to float and eventually take root. Though one could argue that the film is borderline gratuitous in its spiritual self-importance, the meticulous beauty of every single shot allows the film to never drift into languishing boredom. In a movie so structured around conversations with God, Malick has become God himself - he has created a timeless universe that despite its period implications, exists in its own realm, and has allowed his fascinating characters to simply exist. In short, it's a piece of art, the catalyst for important philosophical discussion, and a masterpiece.

10/10

Volver (2006)

I'd been waiting so long to see this movie, and I finally got my hands on a copy of it. I am so glad I finally did! I've only seen one other film by Almodovar ("Flor de mi Secreto", appropriately) so I didn't know what to expect. Needless to say, I was blown away by every part of this film.

The blending of the several storylines is flawless, helped immensely by the fabulous acting. This is easily Penelope Cruz's best performance (at least, the best of her Oscar nominated ones). She blazes through the screen without being hammy or over the top, as Raimunda lies and fights to help the ones she loves. It's really a wonderful performance, and her lip syncing scene, though it was lip syncing, hit me in the deepest recesses of my soul.

The other actresses, especially Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas, and Blanca Portillo, also give wonderful performances that each add so well in their own way. The music score was beautiful, and worked seamlessly into the movie.

And the writing was perfect. The dialogue was witty, sharp, touching and often funny, and the intertwining of every character's individual story was absolutely fabulous. So, so well written.

I honestly have nothing bad to say about this movie. I loved everything about it. It also solidifies 2006 as probably one of the best "Best Actress" years at the Oscars. Now that I've seen all five of the performances, I can honestly say that it is jam packed with brilliance. So hard to pick a favorite!

Thus, I give "Volver" a rare...

10/10

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

This post is for the 1001 Movies Club. Go over there and check out more reviews of this and other movies!
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is a film whose reputation precedes itself. It's on countless Best of All Time lists, it's endlessly parodied, and the title itself seems to be a household name. Movies like this are sort of unlucky - they have to live up to their glorious reputations, which is difficult. Many fail under the weight of their expectations. However, "2001" lives up to its impressive reputation, and then some.

"2001" is an epic science fiction tale that is separated into 4 parts. In part 1, we have "The Dawn of Man", in Part 2, we have an interesting chapter about interspace politics, in Part 3, we have the really famous bulk of the movie, in which two astronauts are on a mission to Jupiter and their computer goes awry, and then Part 4...cannot even really be described.

I personally find every single moment of this film to be brilliant. It's remarkably imaginative and the symbolism is very intriguing. Stanley Kubrick is obviously a genius. He allows scenes to drag on, but it's completely necessary and absolutely not too long. One of my favorite things about the movie was the use of music - the classical soundtrack of Ligeti and Strauss just enhance every single scene and add an overwhelming sense of majesty to the entire film.

One thing I did not expect (but was pleasantly surprised with) was how frightening and emotional the film was. Hal is just so creepy, and his "Daisy, Daisy" scene was just heartwrenching. Also, the fact that everything has a sense of malaise to it - the monkeys, the monolith, the "epidemic" in space...everything builds up to create this tension that really drives the entire movie.

And, finally, the visual effects were brilliant. I feel that even in today's world of CGI and 3D, I was still completely convinced by them.

Gosh, words cannot really describe my love for this film. It has been so long since I've seen a movie that is as mind-bending, entertaining, thought-provoking and intelligent as this one. I don't think I was half as awestruck during "Avatar"! So, if you haven't seen it yet, GO DO SO, RIGHT AWAY. Not only is it a classic, but it's freaking amazing.

10/10

(the first perfect score!)