2018: A Year in Review

To say 2018 has been a rollercoaster year is putting it mildly. Marvel once more ruled the summer roost with both Infinity War, Black Panther, and Ant-Man and the Wasp ringing the box office bell. Lady Gaga showed that she is worthy of awards contention and movies like Hereditary and A Quiet Place showed us that a new breed of horror is rising. There were welcome returns for both Spike Lee and Paul Schrader and Damien Chazelle became a Hollywood elite at only 33!

Here is Closer to the Edge's Best of 2018

Top 10 Movies of 2018 

1. A Prayer Before Dawn (UK, USA, France, China, Dir: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire) 

Quite possibly the most overlooked treasure of 2018, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire created a masterpiece which blended gut-churning tension with a thoroughly uplifting theme of redemption. Based on British prisoner Billy Moore's experience being locked in Thailand's notorious Bangkok Hilton, the movie orbits around a stunning central turn from Joe Cole. Often a shockingly violent and unpleasant watch, Sauvaire makes us unable to look away.

2. Green Book (USA, Dir: Peter Farrelly) 

A road trip movie with a big heart, Peter Farrelly takes the story of two men traveling the deep south and steals our hearts. With two big central performances from a hulking Viggo Mortensen and a refined yet introverted Mahershala Ali, the movie finds its fair share of laughs. An effective and moving story about the friendship of renowned pianist Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga- Farrelly shows us how two men from vastly different worlds can forge a bond that will last a lifetime.

3. First Man (USA, Dir: Damien Chazelle) 

Unlike many biopic films, First Man showed us a very different side to the legend that is Neil Armstrong. Ryan Gosling was out of this world as the famed Commander and showed us with gritty realism the shy side of this man and his reluctance to embrace the celebrity thrust upon him. Chazelle also did a fine job of emphasizing the danger and risk that the 'Space Race' bestowed upon its pilots and how a safe return to Earth wasn't guaranteed. Riveting viewing which put its audience through the wringer.

4. BlacKkKlansman (USA, Dir: Spike Lee) 

After so many years of providing middle of the road movies, Spike Lee finally remerged triumphantly. One of the most unusual yet utterly engaging concepts of 2018, Lee provided a social commentary which extends to the volatility of Trump's America. John David Washington excels as the charismatic Ron Stallworth- a 1970's black cop who convinced KKK officials he was white. Adam Driver also turned in a complex performance as Filip Zimmerman. Part ticking time bomb, part detective thriller- it feels great to have the real Spike Lee back!

5. First Reformed (USA, Dir: Paul Schrader) 

Paul Schrader was another filmmaker who found his way back this year and gave us an absorbing thriller. Ethan Hawke turned in a multi-layered performance as the deeply conflicted priest Ernst Toller. Tending to a slowly decaying church and facing a crisis of faith Toller's disgust with the world slowly becomes increasingly potent. Schrader showed us the darker side to humanity and how sometimes even people of faith question their own role in the world. With an atmospheric soundtrack by Lustmond, this was one thriller which left us with our own crisis of conscience afterward.

6. Roma (Mexico/USA, Dir: Alfonso Cuaron) 

Emotionally harrowing and thoroughly relatable, Alfonso Cuaron went back to his roots for this portrayal of family life. Set in 1970 Mexico City, Cuaron made full use of the difficult political backdrop and coaxed a magnificent performance from newcomer Yalitza Aparicio. The notion of having to keep strong when everyone around you is falling apart gave this movie a more devastating feel. A slow burner but worth each moment of your time, this piece showed us why Hollywood needs more filmmakers like Cuaron.

7. Annihilation (UK/USA, Dir: Alex Garland) 

After experimenting in the director's chair with his previous effort Ex Machina, Alex Garland showed he is meant for a life behind the lens. Anchored by a strong turn from Natalie Portman, Garland's sci-fi was one of utter suspense. It's setting 'The Shimmer' provided all kinds of bizarre and disturbing scares. Animals crossing with humans and a chilling sequence when Portman comes face to face with a chrome mimic. Garland has arrived on the big stage and his future looks bright.

8. The Guilty (Denmark, Dir: Gustav Moller) 

One of the most claustrophobic pieces of 2018, Gustav Moller's single room setting provided tension by the bucket load. Jakob Cedergren made for a fine anti-hero as Asgar, a cop forced to man the phones who eventually comes across a call which will change his life. Moller provides his audiences with many twists and turns with devastating results. Sadly already slated for US remake with Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie shows how Europe still provides superior thrillers!

9. Whitney (USA/UK, Dir: Kevin MacDonald) 

Many of us thought we knew of the story of Whitney Houston. Kevin MacDonald however, lifts the lid on this starlet's dramatic rise and fall and show us a far more difficult story. Seeing her descend from a fresh-faced singer with that powerful belting voice to becoming the permanently sozzled source of media mockery is horrific. Let down by those closest to her, MacDonald shows the audience that the root cause of her problems began long before she laid eyes on Bobby Brown!

10. Black Panther (USA, Dir: Ryan Coogler) 

WHAT, NO INFINITY WAR! Yes, yes I understand that many Marvel fans will be shocked that I left off the ultimate showdown that was Infinity War. Black Panther was a superhero movie of a very different kind. Embracing the African heart and soul of the character, Ryan Coogler brought Wakanda to life in stunning fashion. Chadwick Boseman was the strong yet charismatic king that this franchise so badly needs and thanks to a fantastic rivalry with Michael B Jordan this was an action movie that felt almost Shakespearean! Wakanda Forever!

Best of the Rest 

11. A Star is Born (USA, Dir: Bradley Cooper) 

Narrowly missing the top 10- Bradley Cooper brought us a movie that threatens to give remakes a bad name. Excellent in front of the camera as well as behind it, Cooper found the perfect vehicle to show of the talents of Lady Gaga. Together the result is a movie that shows how love can tear us apart. Currently an awards front-runner, it would be hard to disagree if this swept the Oscars.

12. McQueen (UK, Dir: Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedqui) 

Designer Alexander McQueen was a man who was capable of providing fashion shows that disgusted, amazed and always captivated us. Directors Bonhote and Ettedqui go deep into his simple past as an East End boy in London to show the desire and hunger that propelled him to the top and would eventually lead to his tragic suicide. His shows are the real star of the piece and years on they still stand up.

13. A Quiet Place (USA, Dir: John Krasinski) 

Possibly the most unique concept of this year, John Krasinski emerged as a multi-talented performer after one. Set in a world where Monsters kill based on sound, this whole movie was a bucket of tension which kept even its audience silent. With wife Emily Blunt helping to anchor this piece, this was one family affair which kept us lost for words long after the credits rolled.

14. Hereditary (USA, Dir: Ari Aster) 

Despite not being the out and out horror that fans expected, Ari Aster's movie was two hours of sheer mind fuck. Delving into ancient mythology of demons and examining how family problems go far beyond the surface, Aster gave us a newer and more intriguing breed of horror. Toni Collette gives an excellent lead performance which scares as much as it captivates us.

15. You Were Never Really Here (UK/USA/France, Dir: Lynne Shelton) 

Lynne Shelton is a director who never seems in a big hurry to make movies- seven years had passed since We Need To Talk About Kevin. The long wait was worth it as thanks to Joaquin Phoenix's morally complex turn, this was a picture that took us to the dark depths of humanity. In one part this is a story of a man trying to redeem himself, the other part is a movie that shows the desperate length some men will go to attain their desires. Come back sooner next time Lynne!


Male Star of 2018: Chadwick Boseman

Starring in not one but two of 2018's biggest films, this year belonged to Chadwick Boseman. Always a capable actor in biopics like 42 and Get On Up, Boseman became the new Marvel king in swift fashion. Having an undeniable presence on screen and capable of stealing the show away from Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, Boseman is a big star for the future.

Female Star of 2018: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman already has an Oscar and is highly regarded as a Hollywood elite actress. However, 2018 produced some of her best work to date. Tough and unrelenting in Annihilation and jaded, vulnerable and insecure in Brady Corbet's Vox Lux (review incoming), Portman showed a whole new side to her talent. Also, let's not forget that second brilliant rap on SNL!

Best Director: Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) 

While I so badly wanted to give this honour to Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire- Lee just sneaks it here. BlacKkKlansman saw him finally getting back to the socially conscious and thought-provoking movies he previously delivered. This picture shows how the ongoing issue of racism and violence is still alive over 40 years later. If anyone deserves an Oscar this year its definitely Spike Lee.

Scene of the Year: First Man- Agena Spin 

Damien Chazelle gave us a scene that was beautiful as it was frightening to watch. When Neil Armstrong and David Scott attempt to dock their Gemini 8 ship with the vessel Agena- what starts as a by the book effort eventually descends into something far worse. Rarely does the camera leave Gosling's face and audiences will feel as if they've taken a ride in a spinning top.

Ordinary People: Review of Roma

Roma

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

By Alex Watson

Heading back to his roots of Mexico City, Alfonso Cuaron's Roma is a much more stripped back effort than his recent big-budget efforts. Sweeping the Golden Lion at Venice, Cuaron shows why he is among movie making's elite. Behind the picture's low key feel is some sheer emotional power. Showing the ordinary going's on of the average family, Cuaron is able to bring some excellent technical mastery and brings a very real feeling to this depiction of the troubles of ordinary people.

In 1970 Mexico, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) works as a maid in the home of Doctor Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) and Sofia (Marina de Tavira). Their lives appear to be very routine, but beneath the facade, the parent's marriage is extremely strained. After a few inciting incidents, Cleo finds herself thrust into the role of peacekeeper. However, she has her own troubles to deal with which will culminate in some life-changing moments.

Shot in black and white, Roma is a much more stripped back affair from the very beginning. A very slow burner, Cuaron is keen to bring his audience into the families world. Cleo's work is one of strict upkeep and during the opening titles we see the driveway being slowly cleaned of dog shit. There appears to be an almost loving security within the opening frames as we see her put the children to bed and happily read them stories. Thankfully there is no oversold commentary of the difference between rich and poor, Cleo is recognized as vital to the family. There is a tenderness in one scene as she happily watches television snuggled with the children. At first, this appears to be a typical depiction of an everyday family, but little by little Cuaron dismantles the facade. A very autobiographical film inspired by his own childhood in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City- Cuaron brings an authenticity which is undeniably compelling.

His stunning use of frames is another factor which makes this one of 2018 strongest efforts. Each frame is sharp and clear and brings us any number of memorable and stunning shots. One scene shows a forest fire on New Year's Eve set against a man singing sorrowly while the flames burn. Cuaron has made great use of tracking shots in the past (his stunning one take shot in Children of Men still stands out). Here he utilizes this to full effect and often we trail the streets of Mexico opposite Cleo. We feel like we are observing a stranger and we cannot take our eyes off the screen. These small touches bring realism to proceedings and as we watch this family unravel it stabs us right to the gut. As Antonio and Sofia show signs of falling apart, Cleo is required to keep the family together which proves an arduous task.

Roma might be a picture about Cuaron's childhood, but the story is focused on Cleo. A young girl still trying to make her way, she is required to be stronger than ever imagined. Throughout she learns life lessons the hard way, such as her doomed romance with martial arts obsessed Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero). She is responsible for some of the pictures most poignant and heartbreaking moments. On first glance, she seems like a shy and retiring flower, but underneath there is a strength and selflessness that makes her thoroughly endearing. While Antonio and Sofia face a bitter struggle, Cleo is one who really anchors the family.

The magic of this moment is mainly down to the stunning central performance of Yalitza Aparicio. The 25-year-old Mexican actress is a revelation onscreen and brings a performance of pure emotional intensity. Cast despite no formal training as an actress, Cuaron has found one of the stars of the future and Aparicio brings a strength and vulnerability that the film desperately needs.

Roma proves how Alfonso Cuaron is a director at the top of his game, Gravity may have won him an Oscar, but this might be a career best so far. Expect this name to appear frequently this awards season.

Top 5 Cinematic Battle Scenes

Saving Private Ryan: Omagh Beach

As openings go, none have been more realistic or eye opening  in Steven Spielberg's career than this one. Seeing Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) and friends speeding away in a boat towards what will be a life changing event, we see soldiers being sick from nerves. The moment they hit the beach, there are no heroics, men drown from their heavy packs, bullets hover like fireflies and lives disappear in an instant. Spielberg succeeds in showing that in the heat battle, only brave and the fortunate prevail. Even today this stands as one of the great directors finest sequences!

Star Wars: A New Hope: Death Star Attack

Since its release in 1977, George Lucas' sci-fi masterpiece has a finale that has lost none of its potency. An air bound dog fight in its finest, the Rebels goes head to head with the Empire in what amounts to little more than a suicide run. The thrill factor is still very much alive and Lucas and his company Industrial Light and Magic have succeeded in keeping the effects looking timeless. But it is what's at stake that provide the audience its real nerves as the Death Star is on the verge of blowing them out of existence. Try fight not to stand up and cheer during the trench run sequence, I dare you!

Zulu: Rourke's Drift

The most endearing this about the Cy Enfield's, 1964 war film is the soldiers it is based on. 100 brave British Soldiers stood firm against the a never sea of over 4,000 Zulu Warriors at Rourke's Drift. Enfield in a pulse raising effort shows the grit and determination of the men involved. Led by aristocratic Bromhead (Michael Caine) and hard nosed engineer Chard (Stanley Baker) the red coats find the spirit in themselves to repel the rolling waves before them. The finale sequence is the one that still stands out as the weary warriors through sheer will win a deserved respect from the enemy. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded for their courage- still a record to this day.

Apocalypse Now: Village Attack

These day's it is impossible to hear Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries' and not think of the memorable village attack from Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 Vietnam War classic! Emerging from the clouds like black angels of death, they quickly rain down a fiery and bloody outcome on the villagers below. Led by thrilling seeking surfer commander, Lt Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall) the image to this day still everlasting as he forces his comrades to surf will the tree line it set alight by napalm! As Duvall delivers the legendary line "I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" it leave us reeling from what we have just witness- this would prove to be one the last hurrah's of Coppola's career.

 Children of Men: Escape From Bexhill

If ever you needed proof that Alfonso Cuaron is one of the best modern day directors, you need only look here. Proving the master of the one take scenes, here Cuaron gives us a heart stopping escape attempt as Theo (Clive Owen) attempts to protect a mother and the first human born child in centuries. As the refugee uprising folds, the next six minutes has everything an exciting finale should have as bullets fly and explosions appear all around. However, even in the midst of a meltdown, there is a moment of beautiful serenity as both sides ceasefire to witness the miracle creation. Even in the midst of war, Cuaron finds space to reflect on what good can be find in the most unlikely places.

10 Great Opening Sequences

Children of Men

Alfonso Cuaron's opener to his 2007 Sci-fi masterpiece is one to cherish and proves to be a great example of succeeding in grabbing attention with minimum of effort. Clive Owen looking bored, walks into a crowded coffee shop. As he walks away (sneaking a drop of alcohol for good measure) suddenly the shop explodes! Prepare to jump with shock as this happens! Shot in one continuous take, Cuaron showcases the movie's rough feel and brings us in a future Britain where things are about to get heated!

Up

Animated opening sequences don't get more magical or devastating than UP's magnificent 'Married Life' segment. Truly anyone who doesn't find this enthralling, must have had their heart ripped out early in life, because it wonderfully captures the immense joy of finding the perfect mate and the crushing lows of losing them. It also sets up the character Carl's grumpy old man feel and aids our sympathy for him in the movie ahead.

The Social Network

Aided by Aaron Sorkin's razor sharp script, this opening break up scene in David Fincher's movie lays the ground work for Mark Zuckerburg's journey into the midst of fame and fortune, as being a red flag indicator for his difficult persona. Jesse Eisenberg and Rooney Mara truly make this scene come alive and you can feel the gradual hatred building to the point of things breaking apart! As break up scenes go, none will be more fabulously scripted than this!

Aguirre: The Wrath of God

Werner Herzog has always been a director who likes to get straight to the point, his opening sequence for Aguirre gets right to that. As we watch our band of heroes on their doomed search for El Dorado walking along a dangerous mountain path, it foreshadows the madness, murder and the series of other 'unfortunate events' that will follow suit. But what Herzog really succeeds at here, is creating an unsettling aura that will follow Aguirre throughout.

Apocalypse Now

Francis Ford Coppola's beginning to his Palme D'or winning classic is one that forever sticks in the mind. Opening with the sound helicopter blades followed swiftly after by flames rising from a tree line hit by Napalm- we sit up straight away. Interlaced with the haunted gaze of Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), it gives an eerie indicator of Willard's state of mind and the violent climax of his journey. Perfectly sound tracked by 'The End' by The Doors, this proved to be one of the last great moments of Coppola's career.  

Sunset Boulevard

Billy Wilder's opening scene to Sunset Boulevard is a great moment in the history of classic Hollywood cinema, as it plays out in reverse of the story. Watching police cars with sirens blaring head towards a large Hollywood house, we hear William Holden's narration advising us someone has been killed! But as arrive on the crime scene, learn that the man is none other than Holden himself! Wilder beautifully sets up a dark and mystique feel to this tale and we are given a great device to make us wonder how Holden ended up in water?

Jaws

The moment we hear John Williams' pulsating orchestral scores, we know instantly that Jaws is about to appear. This moment caused a great number of people to fear going into open water and Steven Spielberg proves here what a master of suspense he can be. The very second we begin underwater, our bodies freeze over with fear as we see the shark about to grab his first prey! This moment would demonstrate the qualities Spielberg has been able to bring and this moment is still ageless in cinema.

Touch of Evil

Orson Welles' opening shot of his 1958 crime classic is a masterclass in how to nail one continuous tracking shot. Watching Inspector Vargas (Charlton Heston) and his wife (Janet Leigh), you see a bomb being loaded into a car- which they pass several times on the way to the Mexican boarder! Welles builds the suspense up to unbearable levels and the thought this bomb could explode at any point stays with us throughout! The dark noir feel of the movie begins with the moment and it is still one of Hollywood's most perfect examples.

Trainspotting

Danny Boyle's arrival on the world of film was cemented with his excellent opening sequence to the 1996 British Classic. Arriving on the thumping drums of 'Lust for Life' by Iggy Pop, we hear Renton's (Ewan McGregor) almost poetic 'Choose Life' speech. The scenes that follow set up the characters and encapsulates the joy that their life of heroin brings them. But it will also add to the narrative drive later on and the euphoric high comes one horrific come down!

Inglorious Basterds

Tarantino's opener to his WW2 piece is one that has life and death hanging in the balance. The moment that Colonel Hans Lander (Christoph Waltz) arrives, you know this is no ordinary soldier because he has a wit and intelligence higher than most men! Also it superbly positions the awkward place the farmer has got himself into, does he give into the demands of Landa? Or does he make a brave stand and possible lose his life? QT brings alive one his most monstrous yet elegant characters and will prove to be a dangerous adversary for all that follow