November 11, 2001

Memento (2001) *****

Christopher Nolan's masterpiece.

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) *****

The first, and still the best, of Peter Jackson's six Tolkien's adaptations, visually magnificent, constantly entertaining and flawless in every respect.

Gosford Park (2001) *****

One of Robert Altman's greatest films.

Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001) ****

Y tu mama tambien (2001) *****

Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece, a daring and exciting political allegory about corruption in contemporary Mexico, loaded with sex and nudity, as well as deep tenderness and compassion for humanity. The twin opening scenes are stunning. They set the tone for the rest of the film, which becomes increasingly politicized as it progresses, using a narration to inform us of disturbing social realities that the main protagonists blissfully ignore. And that's because they are too busy trying to get into the pants of a middle-aged, but stunningly beautiful Maribel Verdu. Here the film offers a brilliant twist. What at first appears as a fulfilment of the young men's conscious sexual fantasies, ultimately focuses on the sexual fantasies of Verdu, as well as the young men's unconscious (and deeply hidden) desires. To put it bluntly, she takes advantage of them, rather than vice versa. And as result, their friendship is over. 

Mulholland Drive (2001) *****

Hypnotic, surrealistic and enchanting film about the Hollywood dream and the Los Angeles reality.