by Christopher Null
Christopher Null is a long-established writer and media critic based in Austin, Texas. He was first published at the age of 11, completed his first novel at the age 19, and his first screenplay, Fringe, at 23. Chris has also written 2 other novels and just completed September Drift, his second full-length screenplay. In addition to writing, Null Set Productions (the film production company he began with his brother) produced its first offering, a live-action short film entitled Pressurecooker, this August. The company hopes to begin shooting Fringe in early 1997. Now 25, Chris has been covering the world of film and the cinema for almost 3 years. He is internationally syndicated as a writer (now in 5 countries and 4 different languages) and is also Contributing Editor for Film for Mike's Feedback magazine, an Austin, Texas monthly. Now, Chris's reviews and articles reach over 850,000 readers (that's four times the readership of Austin's daily newspaper).
Mention of 1996 will always leave a sour taste in the mouths of critics.
In a year with almost 300 films released, I only bothered to see fewer than 100 of them at the theater (typically I see half). And with low-lights like FEELING MINNESOTA and SPY HARD, the ones I did see have formed a kind of crust of bad cinema on my brain. Of course, this is probably just punishment for all of my complaining about 1995, a year in which we actually had to turn to a talking pig for a Best Picture nominee.
I don't know how 1997 is going to shape up, but I have my fingers crossed. Then again, I guess that never really worked in the past.
Oh well.
Without further ado, here's my look back at 1996, top ten style. It's my chance to rave about the 5 percent of last year's movies that weren't crap -- the stuff I'd actually pay to see again, the stuff I want on videotape.
This year's ten is a solid one, and some of these are already winning Golden Globes and Big Time critics' awards. Some are personal treasures that you probably missed or haven't heard of. But that's what we have Blockbuster for, right?
Happy moviegoing.
1.
FARGO
What more can I say about FARGO? My praise for this tale of
murder and intrigue in the Great White North knows no limits, and rightfully so.
The winner of dozens of critics' awards and a sure contender for Best Picture,
it just doesn't get any better than this.
2.
WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE
Newcomer Todd Solondz hit the ground
running with his powerful black comedy about life as a junior high outcast.
I've watched the DOLLHOUSE video about a dozen times, and it gets more hilarious
and poignant with each viewing. Along with FARGO, my only five-star ratings of
the year.
3.
TRAINSPOTTING
Bob Dole said no; audiences said yes. Dole missed the
point, though, because Danny Boyle (director of SHALLOW GRAVE, The Movie
Emporium's #1 pick of 1995) has crafted a movie about the heroin subculture that
may shock your senses but really opens your eyes as to the dangers of the drug.
Surreal and majestic, and really in need of subtitles.
4.
SWINGERS
It's money, baby. Everyone knows that L.A. night life is
twisted, but who knew a movie about it would be so hilarious? This
low-low-budget exposé of some of Los Angeles's less functional
twentysomethings is nonstop fun -- and a happy ending to boot.
5.
ED'S NEXT MOVE
You have never heard of this film, unless you saw my review. Its
blink-and-you-missed-it theatrical release was truly unjust for such a touching
and humorous romantic comedy about life in that other big city -- New York. A
fresh up-and-comer cast plus John Walsh's great ear for dialogue made this one
of the best date movies of the year.
6.
SHINE
The cryptic story of the cryptic life of cryptic Australian pianist
David Helfgott doesn't sound like a natural, but it's truly a winner. Geoffrey
Rush's performance as the not-quite-together virtuoso makes him my early pick
for Best Actor. Hell, I've even started listening to Rachmaninoff.
7. THE
ENGLISH PATIENT
Another big favorite of audiences and awards groups. A shoo-in for
a Best Picture nomination, this grand and sweeping epic of an amnesiac burn
victim in WWII, his life, and his loves, it's a LAWRENCE OF ARABIA for our time,
only with better makeup effects.
8. THE
PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT
Another out-of-nowhere idea for a movie: the legal struggles of
porn king Larry Flynt? Even Courtney Love couldn't ruin the film, try as she
might. And Woody Harrelson -- an actor? Keep surprising me with movies like
this, Hollywood, and I'll be your best friend.
9. BIG
NIGHT
Working up an appetite while watching a movie has never really
been an issue, until the dinner sequence of BIG NIGHT. Italian delicacies
combined with the touching story of two immigrants trying to face down the
competition with their restaurant make for one sumptuous package.
10.
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER
Forgotten by most because it was released at the beginning of 1996,
you must see this film if for no other reason than to see Téa Leoni's
top-flight comedic performance. The rest of the film is no slouch either,
following an adopted man's cross-country search for his natural parents. Mary
Tyler Moore's infamous bra-shot is just a hint of the comedy to come.
