Best films of 2012 - Non-mainstream Edition

Yes! The last list for last year! Yeah, I could've probably just made one list, but there were a lot of films that I thought needed to be recognised that wouldn't have gotten a mention otherwise. I will say this now, this list is made up more of favourites rather than straight up good movies, though in my slightly biased eyes, I consider all of these to be good movies. Feel free to disagree if you like.

So, firstly non-mainstream as defined by me is any film that released either through one cinema or they came out through a festival. Of course some festival films may have been (or about to be) released nationally. I'm still counting them on this list, since it's a list of films I saw last year, and that to me includes any festival films. Anyway, now that that's out fo the way, let's get into the last list for last year!

10. Berberian Sound Studio

I didn't see any other horror movies this year, and I know you'd be stretching to call this an outright horror movie. It's more like a psychological thriller. But whatever, this is definitely one of the most original ideas for a film I've seen in a while. Toby Jones stars as Gilderoy, an unassuming English sound engineer who is hired to do sound for an Italian giallo film (films from the likes of Dario Argento and ... others) the violent nature of which begins to take his toll on him as Gilderoy becomes more and more paranoid. But what's so original about that? Well, we never see any of the film, we just hear all the sound effects that accompany it, leaving the audience to wonder what is actually going on in the movie. I won't lie, this is slow. But the film builds well with Gideroy's silent mental breakdown, and the tension builds with it. It's not for everyone, but it is haunting and memorable in its execution.

9. I Wish

This is a very cute film. And considering how many films had exceptional child actors this year, the Maeda brothers did a very good job at standing out from the crowd with very realistic characters. This is quite a simple story, but it's one of those films where the plot isn't important. It's the characters that shape the plot that is the main focus. Kore-eda is one of the most respected Japanese directors, and sadly is not well known within mainstream Western culture. Most people have told me that his previous film with children, Nobody Knows, is the better film, and one day I will check it out. But right now, this film, with it's whimsical and hopeful feeling, is one of my favourite for the year.

8. Iron Sky

If you don't know the premise for this film, I have two words for you. Moon Nazis. Yep. This is an alternate reality dieselpunk movie, answering the question 'what if Hitler sent Nazis to the moon?' And American did not like this one. My friend first brought my attention to this, and I am so glad he did. I know a lot of people don't like this film, and I can kinda see why. It is very critical of American politics (going to far as to compare the rampant patriotism present in America today to the Third Reich), and it is a lot darker than you think it will be. But then why is it on here? Well, partly because of what the creators managed to do with such a small budget (and I'm going by todays standards). Most of the money for the film was donated by fans who wanted to see it, and it's incredible what they managed to, especially since most of it was green screen. Gonna tell you now, you won't notice it's green screen. In all honesty, it reminds of the old 50s sci-fi movies that had ridiculously long titles. And it plays out like that, though I can say that the plot took me by surprise. And there's a strong female lead. Bonus! If you go to watch it with an open mind, then it is rewarding, and I consider it to be one of the most underrated movies of 2012.

7. Ghost Graduation

Yes, I know I raved about this recently but I really do love this film. It takes tired tropes and gives them new life, possibly because this wasn't a Hollywood film. Think about it, if this was made in Hollywood, I would be able to have guessed the plot from the first ten minutes. And while some thigns were obvious, they done in a different way from what I thought they would be done. The best way to describe this film is refreshing. And you rarely get a film like that anymore. Now, if only I could find a copy of it...

6. Last Dance

Okay, now we're getting to the serious stuff. I doubt any of you have even heard of this film, it was only released through Nova after premiering at the MIFF. And even then, it wasn't at the Nova for long. But this film... I can't even put it into words. This film blew me away. I suppose a bit of plot might help. Well, a Muslim man takes an old Jewsih woman hostage after a botched terrorist operation. The film is basically their interactions and how they try to understand each others situation and their different views. It's that sort of set-up that made me want to see the film. Also the fact that it's set in Melbourne, not my side of Melbourne, but it is nice to see familiar looking buildings and trains and all that. This is a very touching movie. A little sentimental at times, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It builds slowly but with good pacing and good performances from Julia Blake and Firass Dirani as the two leads. Another one I will be waiting desperately for the DVD for.

5. God Bless America

Because one movie criticising modern American society wasn't enough. But while Iron Sky focused on America's questionable politics, God Bless America shows us how America's shallow capitalism and obsession on celebrity has turned the country into a cultural wasteland. Reality television has taking over normal conversation, TV and radio is filled with crude that tries to shock you into laughing, when in actual fact they are sexist, racist or just downright offensive. The plot is pretty awesome, a middle-aged man loses everything and becomes dissatisfied with his life, so he decides to go around and kill all the people he thinks are idiots or just rude and undeserving to be allowed to live. Joining him is a teenage girl who has slightly more ideal and left-wing views on who they should or shouldn't kill. There is quite a bit of violence, and it is as dark as Iron Sky, but it's the conversations between the two characters that really sell the film. And it is relieving to see a film by an American that brings up all the problems in his society.

4. Le Tableau

I really wish that this had gotten a bigger release than just the MIFF last year. This is a glorious film, and if you love animation then you really need to see this. People seem to forget that the French do create some truly exceptional animation. They are up there with the Japanese in what they have been able to do in terms of CGI animation. But what I really like about this film is that it's a perfect blend of amazing visuals and obvious messages for children, and a deeper look into life for adults. I won't say it's the perfect family film, it's a little too serious and dark at times for that, but for an older kid who likes animation and art, this is brilliant. Another one I've been looking everywhere for on DVD, and still haven't been able to find. But I will! One day, I will.

3. Tyrannosaur

I think I've already said all I could about this film. And I don't mean that in a bad way. There are times when I still think about this film and tears will come to my eyes. It did make me cry more than any other film, and there was only 91 minutes of it. I think I said this in my review but if you have only seen Olivia Colman in comedic roles, then you need to see her in this. She is incredible. And this film will forever make me wary of Eddi Marsan. But at the same time, only see this if you think you can take it. It is not a pretty film. I hope that Paddy Considine does direct some more films, being an actor he knows how to direct actors. Though I don't know if I'd be able to take anything this hear breaking.

2. ParaNorman

THIS IS BEING RELEASED IN AUSTRALIA ON THURSDAY!! GUESS WHO'S GOING TO SEE AT LEAST TWO MORE TIMES!! Sorry, but I'm so excited and more than a little annoyed it took about 6 months before it's national release in Australia. Especially since the lead voice actor is Kodi Smit-McPee. Anyway, there's already been a lot of hype and Oscar buzz about this film already in the States, and it's also been appearing on a lot of 'best of' lists. I have also heard some criticism towards it, stating that it is just another loner kid makes good movie, but while it's sort of just that, it's a lot more. Norman isn't the only character that goes through a journey in this film, all of the other characters grow in some way. That makes it different to your average outcast movie. Also, there are zombies.

1. Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

Watching this movie is like your eyes having a multiple orgasm. And even then that would be an understatement. There's just so much here, and not just in visuals. The characters, who we never get any more than a description for a name, all bond in a strange way, having been brought together through the death of a man. The man charged with murder barely says anything, yet all the guilt he feels is on his face for the entirety of the film. Really, you want to know why this is so good? See the film. Nothing I say can prepare how awesome this film actually is.

At last, we are finished. Time to put 2012 behind and look into what 2013 will bring. There are a few films I'm looking forward, and some I'm not. I probably won't be doing the CAE course, as I will be starting uni this year, which will take up most of my time. I also won't be going to see as many movies in the cinemas. Though hopefully I will still be able to put up a review now and then. But that isn't until March, so until then readers, expect some new stuff. Happy late new years, enjoy your time in 2013 and live long and prosper!

Ghost Graduation (Promocion Fantasma)

So, I didn't really know anything about La Mirada Film Festival, apart from a very misleading and pretentious trailer that was shown before every film at Nova for about month. But even though the trailer wasn't very enticing, I thought I'd check out the program. Partly because Pedro Almodovar is co-programmer, and partly because from my experience with film festivals (particularly the Russian one) I've learnt that there is always one little mainstream oddity that finds its way into the festival amid all the other serious drama and arthouse fair. I think I found the oddity of La Mirada, and the bad news is that the festival has already passed and you can't see it on the big screen anymore. The good news is that it is excellent.

Ghost Graduation follows Modesto (Raúl Arévalo), a school teacher who has the unusual ability to see and interact with ghosts, something which he views more as a curse since it interferes with his everday life, causing him to be fired from every school in his area. When he arrives at the prestigious school Monforte, he finds that it is haunted by five dead highschoolers,  bad boy Dani (Alex Maruny), pregnant Elsa (Aura Garrido), nerdy Marivi (Andrea Duro), jock Jorge (Jaime Olías) and party boy Pinfloy (Javier Bódalo), all of them killed in a fire that happened in the 80s. During their time as ghosts, the five have made the high school a haunted house, occupying their time scaring and annoying everyone who goes and works there. Modesto is asked by the principal Tina (Alexandra Jiménez) to get the ghosts to finish their unfinished business, which Modesto believes to be finishing the last year of high school, and to get them to leave the school before Founders Day. But it's not that easy when he has to contend with five impatient ghosts who have been stuck at school for the past 26 years.

Now, while researching, I found out that there is going to be an American remake helmed by Will Smith's production company Overbrook Entertainment, and I am not at all happy about it. And let me tell you why. In a nutshell, I have never seen a subtle American teen movie. They are all filled with the same sex jokes, bodily fluids and crude humour (American Pie, I'm looking at you), and while those things are in Ghost Graduation, they are pretty much all presented to you in the trailer. The rest of the film is more restrained, allowing the characters to grow through actions rather than long rambling explanations (Mean Girls, I'm looking at you). But most of all, there are serious and quiet moments, and considering that the film is basically about five teenagers coming to grips with their own deaths, you reall do need some quiet moments in the film for the characters to reflect on what they haven't done. The only person I would like to see attempt a remake of this is John Hughes, and since he's dead, I don't think it's very likely that he'll be heading the project. So, I'm sorry America, but after the 80s, your teen movies got really shit, and incredibly silly. I'm just scared that this will become another notch of failure in the genre. (I'm not saying that all teen movies after the 80s were bad, it's just that most of them were not good.)

But let's get on to the actual film, which I found excellent and refreshing. It riffs on both the teenage coming age/ high school movie genres, and also on the horror/ ghost story genres. But it's not scary, let's just get that out of the way first. It's not in the least bit scary at all. But that doesn't matter. It's funny, and that's what counts. So how does it put a spin on the old tropes? Well, for starters there's the basic plot, which is essentially Breakfast Club meets Heart and Souls, that's new! Then there's the actual teens, who look like they belong in Power Rangers. While they are all stereotypes, they are stereotypes done well and they aren't one dimensional, and they do react to things in a natural way. And the ghost movie tropes are used well also. Things aren't really explained, like why Modesto can see ghosts, and what powers they posess, but I like the fact that things aren't explained for the audience, it means that the makers believe that the audience are smart enough to make up their own minds about things.

The other thing that isn't explained is the actual nature of each teens unfinished business, which is also good. While I did like Heart and Souls, they were very keen to explain every characters motivations and used a lot of expositional dialogue at times. They don't do that here. Instead, throughout the film, as we follow the ghosts journey, we begin to pick up little cues that might explain why they are still here, but nothing is outrightly said. And I am so glad of this! I prefer to be kept in the shadows about some things, so that I can come up with my own theories as to what it all meant. The only ghost that we do know specific things about is Pinfloy, and that's more for comic effect than anything else. Plus, his story is actually funny. You can tell that the writers put a lot of effort into each character since they all have character arcs, even the ones who are alive, and it makes this movie feel more heartfelt.

And then there's the acting. I haven't seen any of these actors in any other film, but from watching this, I know that all of them are excellent comedic actors. Especially Raúl Arévalo as Modesto, who is dead-pan and expressionless for most of the film and consequently has most of the best lines. Even some of the minor characters, who have less development, have great actors, though they are a bit more exaggerated and spoofy. And I have to give a shout out to the extras, who usually have to act like there's no one there when someone is throwing books or chairs at them. There is also an excellent soundtrack here, featuring a lot of songs from the 80s, and a lot of songs from Spain. Though I should warn you, if you don't like Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" then you may want to cover your ears. She gets a lot of airplay in this. The special effects are good, and not many are used. A lot of the believability of the ghosts being invisible comes from how the extras react to what happens to them, another reason why they are awesome!

The one thing I haven't really talked about is themes, and that's cause this isn't the deepest of movies. There is stuff there to talk about moving on in death, and how the living cope with death and dying, but it doesn't go into too much detail. Like I said, this is more of a coming of age story rather than a ghost story, and if you go see it with that in mind, then it is rewarding. Apparently, this did get a mainstream release in the US, or at least was meant to (I wouldn't know, what with living in Australia and everything). I just hope that next year it comes out through Palace or gets a showing at the Nova or something. Because more people should see this film. It was one of the most popular films in Spain when it came out earlier this year, and we don't get much Spanish cinema outside of Almodovar and del Torro. If you get chance, see this. I think you can tell by now that I love it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go learn Shakira's "Estoy Aqui" in English on my accordion. Until next time, readers.