Trevor's Top Ten Films of 2015

by Trevor Kirkendall

I didn't see as many movies this year as in year's past, maybe even almost half of what I usually see. Still, I found a way to see some very inspiring movies. Not "inspiring" like stand-up-and-applaud kind of movies. But "inspiring" in a sense of wanting to get me up and try my hand at making movies again. Many of the movies this year would have encouraged me, at age 10 or 11, to go out and make movies with my parents' camcorder. You hear filmmakers talk about what movies made them do that; it usually begins with "Star Wars." And this year even saw the release of another new "Star Wars" film. (Not listed here, despite being a very solid film from JJ Abrams, but will no doubt serve as inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers.)

This year was also a great return-to-form for the studios. Normally, only one or two studio pictures end up on my list. This year, it's six films. The studios finally figured out that risky stories end up making great films and shouldn't be cast aside for the indies to pick up and win tons of awards. 

10. Bridge of Spies

Mark Rylance and Tom Hanks learn to trust each
other in "Bridge of Spies"

Steven Spielberg returns to form with “Bridge of Spies,” a masterful work of filmmaking in a very classic style of cinema. The film can be a bit of a slow-burn throughout, but the story is never diminished. A lot goes on throughout the film thanks to a detailed, but exceptionally polished, screenplay from Mark Charman and the Coen Brothers, but Spielberg proves he’s still a master of telling stories despite taking his time to crank out films in more recent years. Tom Hanks provides a solid leading performance, a hero of the silver screen the likes of which we haven’t seen in a number of years. Mark Rylance steals the show as the Russian spy Hanks is tasked with defending and getting home. It’s one of the year’s best supporting roles. The film is a classic from its storytelling, to its look, to its heroes. It looks and feels like a product of the time from which it takes place. Spielberg was an inspirational storyteller for me back in my youth, and continues to provide that same type of inspiration today.

9. Spotlight

The Boston Globe Spotlight team uncovers
scandals in "Spotlight"

“Spotlight” may be one of the very best films about journalism since “All the President’s Men.” The film depicts members of the Boston Globe looking to uncover the sex scandal of the Catholic church in the early 2000s. Director Tom McCarthy's masterful direction brings us through many peaks and valleys of numerous emotions throughout the screenplay written by himself and Josh Singer. But the highlight of this film is the incredibly solid acting ensemble assembled. Michael Keaton leads the way, but Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams steal the show alongside Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci. This is an important film detailing an enormously taboo subject. It should not be overlooked. And it should help to guide journalists into an area where they need to report the issues exactly as they occur without regard to any kind of political or social agenda.

8. It Follows

Horror follows Maika Monroe in "It Follows"

Low budget indie horror films seem to be hitting their stride now, and David Robert Mitchell’s “It Follows” was the cream of the crop for 2015. If I’m an aspiring horror filmmaker, something like “It Follows” is going to be where I draw my inspiration for my film. It largely avoids the clichés that harm so many other modern horror films. There may appear to be some cheesy elements on the surface, but everything fits with the tone of the film. There’s so much to love here, and nothing to dislike, including a star-making performance by Maika Monroe. The film has many moments of organic tension created by the imagery on screen, the music score, and the situations, rather than relying on jump scares. This is how horror films moving forward should be made.  

7. Steve Jobs

Michael Fassbender is "Steve Jobs"

Aaron Sorkin’s razor sharp dialogue is on full display in “Steve Jobs,” a fictionalized account of the interactions behind the scenes at three major product releases during Steve Jobs’ career. Director Danny Boyle holds back on some of his trademark styles and instead lets Sorkin’s screenplay and the fierce performances of his cast take center stage. Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet are magnificent in their portrayals of Jobs and Joanna Hoffman. Outstanding supporting performances are also delivered by Seth Rogen (in a rare dramatic role), Jeff Daniels and Michael Stuhlbarg. But it’s Sorkin’s impeccable script, that plays out over three acts like three movements in a symphony, that ends up being remembered the most. Sorkin’s dialogue is unmatched and brought to life with such ease by Boyle that make this a truly remarkable film.

6. Inside Out

Pixar is back on top with "Inside Out"

Pixar storms back to life with “Inside Out,” a movie that takes place within the emotional headquarters of a young girl’s brain. We haven’t seen something original from Pixar in several years and the company seemed to be losing some steam, but “Inside Out” is the type of animated masterpiece only the brilliant storytellers at Pixar can deliver. It’s the perfect blend of humor to keep the kids invested and heart wrenching sadness to make grown adults weep. Again, only Pixar seems to be able to pull both of these strings with such ease when they’re allowed to think up original content. There’s far more human emotion conveyed here than any other film that came out this year and it’s entirely animated. It’s the best animated film to come out in recent memory and ranks in the upper echelon of Pixar’s decorated filmography.

5. The Revenant

Leonardo DiCaprio is out for revenge in
"The Revenant"

Alejandro González Iñárritu follows up last year’s Best Picture winning film “Birdman” with another contender for the same award. “The Revenant” is a beautifully brutal frontier film of revenge. The film is anchored by the best performances by actors this year: Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. Iñárritu continues his impressive career with his most ambitious project to date. Each and every one of his films – from 2000’s “Amores Perros” to last year’s “Birdman” – has appeared in my Best Ten lists. It’s safe to say he’s the best director working today. He knows how to pull out so much depth and emotions from his actors no matter how brutal the subject matter (or maybe in the case of “Birdman,” how weird).

4. Ex Machina

Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar
Issac in "Ex Machina"

One of the most inventive screenplays in years is Alex Garland’s sci-fi tale “Ex Machina.” The film is a subtle cautionary tale centered around how much power we allow technology to wield in our everyday lives. The story revolves around Domhnall Gleeson’s Caleb being invited to the home of Oscar Issac’s Nathan in order to help him text out a new robot he’s built with advanced artificial intelligence. That robot is Ava, played by Alicia Vikander in one of the most outstanding performances by an actress this year. Garland’s film takes place in essentially one location that feels much more claustrophobic as time goes on. It’s a sharp screenplay and brilliantly executed by all those involved. In an era where big budget films seem to be familiar, science fiction is one genre where the writers still have a lot more fun in coming up with crazy stories and plot lines. “Ex Machina” ranks up there among the best sci-fi films of at least the last 10 years. If not, more.

3. Room

Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson pass the time
in "Room"

Sometimes you hear that a movie is emotionally powerful and you can mentally prepare yourself for what’s coming. “Room” is indeed an emotional roller coaster, and no amount of preparation can get you ready for what you witness in this film. Director Lenny Abrahamson takes the dark nature behind this story and tells it through the innocence of a child. Newcomer Jacob Tremblay plays that child, and he’s an absolute revelation. To pour out the kind of depth and maturity into this performance at such a young age is astonishing. While Tremblay is spectacular, Brie Larson is even more sensational. After her turn in my pick for best film of 2013 “Short Term 12,” I wondered if she’d ever be able to match the intensity and dynamics of that performance. The answer is still no, but she sure did come close. She’s a fierce actress full of more talent than any of her peers. She’s not the focal point in this film, and she knows it. She never tried to be the person out in front, but she ends up there anyway. This is the absolute best performance by any actor or actress this year. And the film is pretty damn good too.

2. The Big Short

Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling debate the
housing market in "The Big Short"

If there’s one movie that came out of nowhere this year, it’s Adam McKay’s cautionary dark comedy “The Big Short,” which chronicles the collapse of the American housing market in 2007. This film is a true original and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The subject matter is serious and important, but McKay approaches it in a rather lighthearted kind of way. Not in the same comedy style as some of his movies with Will Ferrell like “Step Brothers” and the “Anchorman” movies, but more of a real-life humor. What’s happening throughout the duration of the film is so unbelievable that it’s funny. Only this stuff actually happened. And when an actual event is altered for creative purposes in the film, the actors break the fourth wall and tell you it’s been changed. At times it plays almost like a documentary, and others a straight narrative. Other times is both at the exact same time. It’s almost impossible to describe the tone of the film. Yes, it’s funny, but there’s something more to it that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s irresistibly entertaining which is why it’s on my Best Ten list, but it’s that level of uniqueness and originality that puts it all the way up at number two. I didn’t know McKay had it in him, but he directed one of the sharpest and wittiest movies in recent memory. It probably could have been number one this year if it weren’t for something else truly innovative and inspiring.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road

Tom Hardy in "Mad Max; Fury Road," the Best Film of 2015

The best film of 2015 is George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Faithful readers are probably wondering how in the world a big budget Hollywood summer blockbuster topped my list when I continually blast Hollywood for putting out way too many of these films year in and year out. While “Fury Road” has the big budget of a major movie studio, it’s far from a studio blockbuster. Everything about this film is an absolute masterpiece and could very well go down as one of the greatest action movies ever made. It’s a little early to be throwing around that title, but I can’t wait to see how the next generation of filmmakers are inspired to make their own action movies. If we start seeing more films in this style, then yes, it’s safe to say this will go down as one of the best action films ever. The rapid-fire editing style is nothing new in summer blockbusters, but still being so cohesive and understandable is something we’re not used to seeing. Credit is given to director Miller for conceiving this film as a complete visual narrative. You could watch this film on mute and still follow what’s going on. But then you’d miss the gorgeous wall of sound that accompanies the film, including the spectacular score from Junkie XL that helps propel this movie forward. And it’s always in a constant state of motion. It’s not bogged down by boring exchanges of dialogue only set up to provide you – the audience – with exposition. Instead, Miller puts this word and all its mythology in front of you and says, “Here it is in all its glory; now watch,” without providing a whole lot of back story. And it works perfectly. His stars, Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, are asked to read very few lines and instead deliver fiery performances in the middle of a desert on horrific looking Frankenstein-automobiles.  Miller’s use of visual effects is done with a majority of practical effects and using the computers to enhance the shots instead of leading them. This entire approach is against the grain of everything Hollywood filmmakers are doing nowadays. “Fury Road” is almost the antithesis of a studio picture. And finally, a film from a major studio comes out and shocks everyone with just how brilliant movies produced with big budgets and non-artist producers can actually make a film the way it’s supposed to be done.

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Trevor's Individual Awards-- (not my Oscar Predictions)

Best Film of the Year: Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Director: George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)

Best Actor: Leonardo Dicaprio (The Revenant)

Best Actress: Brie Larson (Room)

Best Supporting Actor: Tom Hardy (The Revenant)

Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)

Best Screenplay (original): Ex Machina

Best Screenplay (adapted): The Big Short