Vic’s Top Ten (11) Films of 2007

by Vic Thiessen

This was the year for natural films. Four of the films on my list starred non-actors or unknown actors and three of these were filmed in an almost documentary style, with a lot of hand-held camera work and natural sound effects. This does not usually impress me, but in these films it obviously worked very well. Another common theme this year was the protagonists struggling to come to terms with something that happened during their childhood that forever changed their lives.

Those who read my reviews know that I particularly appreciate films that humanise people instead of dehumanising people. All of my six favourite films, and the two films tied for number ten, are, to one degree or another, about humanisation. Escapist and purely intelligent entertainment has its place, but we need more filmmakers who want to inspire us to get to know each other better (as a wider humanity) and to love each other more. This is the way film can promote peace and justice in the world at a time when both are desperately needed.

For those who would like the opportunity to watch and discuss some important films together (including number two), check out the blurb at the end of my list.

With an honourable mention to Ratatouille, the best animated film of the year, here are my top ten (11) films of 2007 (counting down to number one):

(10). 4 Months, Three Weeks and 2 Days – A film that feels much too real, this haunting tale presents us with one traumatic day in the life of Otilia (brilliantly played by Anamaria Marinca) as she assists a friend who wants to have an abortion in the oppressive context of 1987 Romania.

(10). Into the Wild – This film is more of an experience than an entertainment. A great road movie, it tells the true story of a disillusioned young man’s search for meaning. His search takes him on a journey through the American west all the way up to Alaska, where he takes up residence in an abandoned school bus in the middle of the wilderness. He finds his answers along the way and at the end, but they are not what he was expecting. Incredibly powerful film.

9. No Country for Old Men – Another brilliant piece of filmmaking from the Coen Brothers, this violent story concerns a cold and vicious killer in America’s southwest and the various attempts to outwit him. An example of almost perfect filmmaking, it would have been much higher on my top ten if it hadn’t been so violent. True, the violence could have been even more graphic than it was and the violence felt very uncomfortable (which is good) but for some reason (sarcasm) the sight of so much violence distracts me and detracts from my enjoyment of the film. Of course, if my friend Gareth Higgins is correct about his redemptive interpretation of the film’s ending (I will need to see it again before I decide), then this film moves up to number four.

8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – (See comments on previous film, which also apply here). My favourite Sondheim musical has been brilliantly filmed by Tim Burton and brilliantly acted (and sung) by Johnny Depp, with top-notch support from Helena Bonham Carter. But this is a very dark and violent tale which will not appeal to everyone.

7. Michael Clayton - It's rare these days to see a thriller that doesn't rely on action, let alone an intelligent complex thriller with great dialogue and real drama. Throw in an Oscar-worthy performance by George Clooney and you've got one of the best films of the year.

6. The Kite Runner - A perfectly-paced and perfectly told story, again feeling very real and natural (due to some great acting), about a boy in Afghanistan who betrays his closest friend in 1978 but is offered a chance at redemption 22 years later. This beautiful inspiring film gives us a glimpse into the lives of people in one of the most troubled nations in the world.

5. Atonement - This story of the horrific results of a teenager’s spiteful action (in 1930's England) is magnificently filmed by Joe Wright. In fact, the first 50 minutes of this film are another example of perfect filmmaking. It drags a bit after that but ends strong, and the acting, cinematography and score are outstanding throughout.

4. Once – As I said, I'm not generally a fan of low budget hand-held camera work, but it works perfectly in this film about two lonely souls, inhabiting the poorer parts of Dublin, who meet and make beautiful music together. It feels almost like a documentary, as if we are voyeurs watching a true story unfold live before us. It shouldn't work, at least not for me, but it does – brilliantly.

3. And When Did You Last See Your Father? – The death of my father (from cancer) only three weeks before watching this film (about a son watching his father die of cancer) no doubt accounts for part of the impact it had on me, but I thought the film was a gem, with a wonderful performance by Jim Broadbent (and excellent performances by the rest of the cast). Sure, some of the character development was superficial and should have gone deeper, but the film has many clever moments and is just good story-telling.

2. Silent Light - This award-winning film by Mexican director Carlos Reygadas is in Low German and has only Mennonite actors (or non-actors). The story of the spiritual crisis of a Mennonite farmer in Mexico who is having an affair, this is a gorgeous and thoughtful film that reminds one of the best works of former European masters like Carl Dreyer and Andrei Tarkovsky. Again, it felt so real, I thought I was there, participating in the life of this Mexican Mennonite community as it dealt with the grand themes of love, death and forgiveness.

1. The Lives of Others - a perfectly-made film in every respect, this is a wonderfully humanising tale of the struggle to be a good person, specifically in the repressive world of East Berlin in 1984. This is what life is all about, and this is what great filmmaking is all about.

Friday 4 April – Sunday 6 April

Film 2008: Finding God at the Movies 2: A Weekend on Film and Spirituality

Vic Thiessen

Gareth Higgins writes: “Going to the cinema can be a spiritual experience akin to worship, which can inspire and convict as well as any sermon.” Discussing films, and the relation between films and theology, is all very good, but there is something magical, and potentially spiritual, about dimming the lights and watching films together before we move into discussion.

Back by popular demand, we are offering another weekend residential conference to provide the opportunity to do just that. Vic Thiessen, a regular speaker on film and theology at Greenbelt and other venues, will share some thoughts on various aspects of film and spirituality, but the focus will be on the five films we watch and discuss together.

The film selection has not been finalised but we will be choosing important films relating to our theme, including films which people may have overlooked.

If you’ve ever wondered how watching a film together (followed by discussion) can enrich our spiritual lives, then come join us for this fun and stimulating weekend. We had a great time last spring. Please note that you need not have any film expertise or ever have attended a film seminar – everyone who enjoys films is welcome. Space is limited, so please book early to ensure a place.

Friday 4 April 6:00 pm.
- Sunday 6 April 2:00 pm.
Guy Chester Centre, Muswell Hill, London
Fee: £98 (double room); £118 (single room); £68 (without accommodation)
Fee includes VAT, meals (and accommodation)