15.

Written by: Brian DePalma

The most frustrating, frustrated, angry, punishing film of the year. Also the most visceral visual experience. Redacted is the one movie that I equally hated and loved and yet could never recommend to anyone,

14.

Written By: RBDJ, Ruffalo, Fincher

A great mystery.

13.

Written by: Dylan, Gainsbourg, Jim James, Stephen Malkmus

Though it didn't live up to my expectations and a seemingly inessential addition to the dearth of Dylan material out there, it is lifted by a bizarrely faithful Cate Blanchett performance, a great soundtrack, the honesty of Charlotte Gainsbourg, and cameos by Kim Gordon and Jim James.

12.

Written by: Herzog, Bale

Another great Herzogian comedy.

11.

Written by: Carice van Houten, Paul Verhoeven

The most interesting and beautiful(?) take on WWII. Technically flawless. Emotionally powerful.

10.

Written by: Nancy Oliver, Ryan Gossling

Absolutely the most charming film of the year. This movie deserves a lot more credit. If it were shorter it possibly would have been my favorite of the year.

9.

Written by: Diablo Cody, Ellen Page, Michael Cera

Almost as funny as Rescue Dawn, but way more realistic. After getting past the indulgent cuteness of the first 20 minutes of the movie, it is a most rewarding ride.

8.

Written by: Andrei Romanov, Andrei Kravchuk, Kolya Spiridonov

So poignant. A melancholy and hopeful fairy tale. Brilliantly acted. Beautifully shot. Great storytelling at its simplest.

7.

Written by: Mark Friedberg, Robert Yeoman, Wes Anderson

Wes does family like nobody else these days. And he takes you on a trip... like great films should.

6.

Written by: Sarah Polley, Julie Christie

Something to aspire to as a first time filmmaker is the top. An extremely difficult topic handled with the grace of a veteran.

5.

Written by: Jean Dominique Bauby, Julian Schnabel

The most engaging film of the year, this one hit home on every level for me. A linguist's wet dream.

4.

Written by: Daniel Day Lewis, Johnny Greenwood

This is my kind of movie. Paul Thomas even uses the kinds of fonts that I like. There Will Be Blood does not relent and it does not disappoint. The prologue and epilogue alone are worth the price of admission.

3.

Written by: Cormac Mccarthy, Coens, Bardem's Hair

This could easily be my favorite movie of the year. But I think most people have given it its due by now. A faithful adaptation beyond pulp.

2.

Written by: Noah Baumbach, Jennifer Jason Lee, Harris Savides

Watching this movie was like what I imagine having an exorcism is like. Formally exceptional. Ultimately redeeming.

1.

Written by: Charles Burnett

Human.