What a year. I don’t want to use the word ‘unprecedented’ but I think 2020 saw the least number of visits to my local Curzon Cinema since it opened in 2016. My heart breaks for small independent cinemas which have been yoyoing between open and shut as the government changes the rules and the film studios refuse to release any big money-spinning films.
Anyway, I did manage to go to the cinema in January, February and March and all of my favourites of the year are from that period. Not a single film I’ve watched at home has made it onto the list which reflects the delay of big films until next year when cinemas reopen. In no particular order:
Jojo Rabbit - I read a stinking review of this from a critic I respect and normally agree with, but I absolutely loved it and I think that Taika Waititi is one of the most interesting mainstream filmmakers working at the moment
Uncut Gems - I am a little reticent to recommend this because it is basically a two hour heart attack on screen. It is so tense and stressful and I thought it was absolutely fantastic but I really never want to watch it again.
Rocks - an absolute standout British film. Funny and heartbreaking, I would recommend it to everyone.
Parasite - oh where do I start with Parasite? It’s just so brilliant and unexpected and stylish and shocking and clever. The best film of the year by a country mile.
True History of Ned Kelly - not for everyone, this one, which suffered from opening a few days before lockdown in March. It’s a stylised violent adaptation of the story of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, directed by Justin Kurzel who also made Macbeth a few years ago (which I loved) and Assassin’s Creed (which I very much didn’t).
London Film Festival was mostly online this year and I really enjoyed a few films which will be released in 2021. Keep an eye out for Herself, Ammonite, Supernova and particularly Limbo.