Best of 2008
My favorite movies from the year 2008. With comments.
***A somewhat incomplete list because there's still a significant amount of films I'd like to see from this year.***
***A somewhat incomplete list because there's still a significant amount of films I'd like to see from this year.***
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15 titles
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.So much more than a Superhero Movie, Christopher Nolan's epic gothic tale is emotional, action-packed, and totally relevant. Featuring a stellar cast (particularly the shocking, brilliant Heath Ledger) and incredibly strong direction, this is one for the ages.
Nominations:
Best Picture***
Best Director- Christopher Nolan
Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger***
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score - DirectorDavid FincherStarsBrad PittCate BlanchettTilda SwintonTells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with consequences.Beautiful, strange, and powerful film with David Fincher once again in top form, and Brad Pitt giving one of his better performances (don't forget Cate Blanchett either, as the Oscars did).
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director- David Fincher
Best Actor- Brad Pitt
Best Actress- Cate Blanchett
Best Adapted Screenplay***
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsMickey RourkeMarisa TomeiEvan Rachel WoodA faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.Heartbreaking filmmaking at its finest.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director- Darren Aronofsky
Best Actor- Mickey Rourke***
Best Supporting Actress- Marisa Tomei
Best Supporting Actress- Evan Rachel Wood
Best Original Screenplay - DirectorMike LeighStarsSally HawkinsAlexis ZegermanSamuel RoukinA look at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her.One of the most personally moving and changing films I've ever seen, featuring probably the best Lead Actress performance in a decade, this divisive film just might have changed my life.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actress- Sally Hawkins***
Best Supporting Actor- Eddie Marsan
Best Original Screenplay*** - DirectorJohn Patrick ShanleyStarsMeryl StreepPhilip Seymour HoffmanAmy AdamsA Catholic school principal questions a priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student.Marvelous Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and a superb Amy Adams come together for a thinker of a film.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actress- Meryl Streep
Best Supporting Actor- Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress- Amy Adams***
Best Supporting Actress- Viola Davis
Best Adapted Screnplay - DirectorAndrew StantonStarsBen BurttElissa KnightJeff GarlinIn the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Original Screenplay - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodBee VangChristopher CarleyAfter a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.Simply-made, and powerfully acted by Clint Eastwood, this one might just have you in tears.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor- Clint Eastwood
Best Original Screenplay - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsRichard JenkinsHaaz SleimanDanai GuriraA college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.A wonderful lead performance by veteran supporting actor Richard Jenkins brings this sentimental immigration drama to a whole other level.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor- Richard Jenkins
Best Original Screenplay - DirectorDanny BoyleLoveleen TandanStarsDev PatelFreida PintoSaurabh ShuklaA teenager from the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant on the show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati?' When interrogated under suspicion of cheating, he revisits his past, revealing how he had all the answers.Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director- Danny Boyle
Best Cinematography***
Best Original Score*** - DirectorBharat NalluriStarsFrances McDormandAmy AdamsCiarán HindsGuinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse.An underseen little gem, this is a charmer that's not afraid to be a little silly. Frances McDormand is delightful in a very different role for her.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actress- Frances McDormand
Best Adapted Screenplay - DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Gwyneth PaltrowTerrence HowardAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.Nominations:
Best Visual Effects - DirectorGus Van SantStarsSean PennJosh BrolinEmile HirschThe story of American gay activist Harvey Milk, who fought for gay rights and was elected as California's first openly gay official.Nominations:
Best Actor- Sean Penn
Best Supporting Actor- James Franco
Best Director- Gus Van Sant - DirectorPeter SollettStarsMichael CeraKat DenningsAaron YooTwo newly acquainted music-lovers spend the night scouting the streets of New York City in search of their favourite band's surprise secret show. All the while, they're both being chased after by their tempting but devious exes.Hilarious, angsty, indie in the best way; this film comes together beautifully resulting in one of the most ironic, unconventional, and touching love scenes in recent memory.
Nominations:
Best Adapted Screenplay - DirectorMark OsborneJohn StevensonStarsJack BlackIan McShaneAngelina JolieTo everyone's surprise, including his own, Po, an overweight, clumsy panda, is chosen as protector of the Valley of Peace. His suitability will soon be tested as the valley's arch-enemy is on his way.Funnier every time I watch it.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsAnne HathawayRosemarie DeWittDebra WingerA young woman who has been in and out of rehab for the past ten years returns home for the weekend for her sister's wedding.This dysfunctional family drama has both strong and weak points, the performances not excluded.
Nominations:
Best Actress- Anne Hathaway
Best Supporting Actress- Rosemarie DeWitt
Best Original Screenplay