With the Independence Day just around the corner I thought it would be a good idea to celebrate some of the great American films of the new millennium. The stories are not necessarily those of the struggle for independence (some will be), but those by the native filmmakers and the best that our country has to offer in all aspects. Enjoy!
Gangs of New York
This film by the legendary director and his new acting partner Leo DiCaprio is quite simply the crowning achievement of the year 2002. Daniel Day-Lewis returned to the screen in a fashionable manner to be sure, perhaps the greatest role of his storied career. The narrative unfolds in the most turbulent time in America’s history, the Civil War. The Irish along with their knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time being a large migration to the States and many were carried right off into the war by Union recruiters. Gangs of New York is simply not to be missed, a unique and engaging picture to be sure.
The Patriot
Perhaps one of the most realistic portrayals of the American Revolution ever captured, this movie will have you crying one moment and cheering the next. The teaming up of veteran action star Mel Gibson with then newcomer Heath Ledger was smart and satisfying. The fact that they are both native Australians just adds one more uniquely American twist on the film. An epic from Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) is a beautiful, often brutal spectacle.
No Country for Old Men
Very few films ever achieve the atmosphere that the Coen Brothers (O Brother Where Art Thou?, Raising Arizona) were able to coax out of their adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name. Like all great films, they show us something that we have never seen before; in this case it was the brilliant and chilling performance by Spanish actor Javier Bardem. Along with Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin, the supporting cast was amazingly on point, right down to the bit parts. One of my personal favorites, check here for my full review.
There Will Be Blood
Another epic that barely contains the otherworldly presence of Daniel Day-Lewis, though this film rests solely on his capable acting, There Will Be Blood is the not only the story of greed and it’s power, but also the dark side of capitalism. The script was darkly funny at many points, but one fears that laughter will push the film off of the precipice on which it totters endlessly. Though the film’s success is almost always credited to Mr. Lewis, special praise must be given to Paul Dano who holds his own opposite the force of nature named Daniel Day-Lewis.
Rocky Balboa
This may seem like and odd placement for this film, but nothing says America like an underdog fighting their way up. Staring and Directed by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa is in my opinion the second best in the series, for two reasons: 1. I love watching actor’s roles age with them (Spencer Tracy for example) and 2. Sly made 4 comebacks by doing this movie: Acting, Directing, Reprising the Rocky Role, and Italian Stallion’s final fight. I also loved this film because although there was plenty of adversity, no one was vilified.
Part 2 is coming soon, stay tuned!
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July 25th, 2008 at 12:22 am
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