Best Movies of 1997
Blackrock
Do you remember Bruce Beresford’s brilliant Puberty Blues from 1981?
I do. Blackrock is the 90s version. America has a tradition of glorifying
teenage issues; it is left up to the Aussies to show the real youth of today
and the issues they face. Australian film of the year.
Breakdown
After seeing so much suspense-driven Hollywood crap over the year it is
good to see a plot-driven roller coaster thrill ride can still be made.
Good on you, Kurt. Action film of the year.
The Fifth Element
In the tradition of such classics as Brazil and Flash Gordon, this classy
Bruce Willis flick is the hottest glamfest showcased in '97. The costumes
are amazing and the concept way out there. Sci-Fi film of the year.
Hardcore Logo
This gem of a doco was played at the Brisbane International Film festival
and had everyone in stitches of laughter, tears and shock as we road toured
with legendary Canadian punk group, Hardcore Logo. You haven’t seen
a road movie till you’ve seen this. Rocumentary of the year.
James And The Giant Peach
Fantastic stop motion animated fairy tale based on the book by everyone’s
favourite children’s author, Roald Dahl. The amazing scenery makes
this endearing tale a spectacular voyage across the world. Most excellent
family film of the year.
L.A. Confidential
When it looked like Hollywood couldn’t make knock 'em dead, excellent
dramas anymore, it took a couple of Aussies to spice things up. The dialogue
is sharp, the pace just as sharp. And who would ever think I could sit there
and hold my laughter with Kim Basinger on the big screen? Movie of the year.
Men In Black
Technology produced imagery has seen cinema’s popularity become huge
in the 90s. '97 brought a whole heap more visuals but leading the dazzling
effects pack with ease was Barry Sonnerfeld’s geniusly brilliant MIB.
Wickedest Hollywood movie of the year.
Private Parts
Howard Stern is the funniest person of the 90s and he proved it with Private
Parts. Some find him offensive, they should take a look at themselves. It
reminded me of Rocky as Howard slowly took over America’s sound waves.
Crackup of the year.
Smilla’s Feeling For Snow
A who dunnit that doesn’t give away the who right at the start. Adapted
from the popular novel and shot beautifully in Greenland, the film gives
Julia Ormond her best performance yet. Oh, sorry, I forgot First Knight.
Just Kidding! Mystery thriller of the year.
The English Patient
There are movies, then there are those that open a little wider and you
see a whole lot more. In the sweeping tradition of classics like The Last
Emperor and Lawrence Of Arabia, The English Patient injected classic romance
back into cinema. It felt like going travelling. Mind you, I could have
flown to Sydney and back just as quick. Grandeur film of the year.
Scene of the year -
Anaconda - Jon Voight shows his true talent. Not as an actor but as a circus
performer when he gets regurgitated out of a man-eating anaconda. Bravo!
Chris Amos
The Western Echo, Flash Flicks & Optus Vision
Bound
The nearest thing to Tarantino this year.
Doin’ Time For Patsy Cline
Great story, great actors, great soundtrack, great movie.
L.A. Confidential
Ever so slick.
The Full Monty
A bloke’s movie - lots of male bonding
Mars Attacks!
Tim Burton was definitely the winner in this battle.
Austin Powers
It sure got me horny.
The Well
A well deserved AFI for Pamela Rabe.
The Castle
Once again the Frontline team don’t disappoint.
Kiss Or Kill
Frances O’Connor and Matt Day are once again spectacular.
Hype
Believe the Hype.
Dishonorable mentions to the year’s worst movies
for showcasing dumb male attitudes
Chasing Amy and Dust Off The Wings... It’s the nineties, guys and gals!
Cheryl Bliss
Skinny’s
Waiting For Guffman
Mockumentary of an amateur theatre production. Loved the audition scenes,
particularly the old guy doing a scene from Raging Bull.
Lost Highway
David Lynch gets wilder and weirder - a film from America that challenges
the viewer (now there’s a change).
Chasing Amy
Love triangle with a twist from the guy who gave us the brilliant Clerks.
Marvin’s Room
A weepie that doesn’t end up as corn (thanks to Meryl & Diane)
about estranged sisters and an inevitable death from a disease.
Kiss Or Kill
One of numerous excellent Australian films released this year.
Thank God He Met Lizzie
Another one of the numerous excellent Australian films released this year.
Grosse Point Blank
A very black and very funny story of a hit man falling back in love.
L.A. Confidential
James Ellroy finally makes it to the screen intact.
Swingers
Starring & directing in a film this good, why did the lead guy become
the boyfriend of one of those bimbos on Friends? (A: money).
Everyone Says I Love You
Woody Allen makes a musical with total success (except in the casting of
the ever-lamentable Julia Roberts, whom Allen kisses, thus concocting one
of the sickest, perverted screen moments I’ve ever seen).
Peter de Vries
Modern Movement
Pillowbook
Greenaway at his most accessible. A shame about Ewan.
Bound
Once you get over the comic-book feel, you can settle down to a tight script
and slick photography.
Kolya
A beautifully touching film while not being over sentimentalised. Something
Hollywood could never do.
Chasing Amy
Kevin Smith comes good. Slightly uneven but better than most other films
on the subject.
Prisoner Of The Mountains
Best antiwar film in a long time. The Russians still have the magic.
Mabo
Compulsory viewing for all.
Gebbeh
A tad cheesy but visually the most stunning film since Cyclo.
Welcome To The Dollhouse
The best black comedy of the year. A great ending regardless of what most
punters thought.
Basquiat
The performances save this film from being a self indulgence art wank. Herbie
Fletcher at the end was pure magic.
Lone Star
John Sayles proves that the indie directors can make fantastic films that
can be commercially successful.
Peter Fischmann
Dendy Cinema
The Full Monty
Great laugh. Robert Carlisle is proving to be one of the most versatile
actors around.
Kiss Or Kill
Great road movie that kept me guessing right to the very end. More Aussie
talent.
The Castle
Hats off to the Frontline team. The scary part is I think I’ve met
the Kerrigans before. Best comedy and social awareness film of '97.
The Star Wars Trilogy
Welcome back, old friend.
Lost Highway
A good argument movie. For me, it was so visually exciting and with the
soundtrack to fill in the gaps. it couldn’t be left out.
Hype
I love a good doco. There should be more of them. Some great footage of
the forgotten bands that got the ball rolling and even better stuff of the
ones that made it.
Austin Powers
Totally shagadelic. This '60s pisstake is hilarious but I still can’t
decide who I liked the most - Austin or Dr. Evil.
Donnie Brasco
I’m a sucker for a good Mafia movie and Johnny Depp is a fave. Fantastic
story, Al Pacino: say no more.
Slingblade
Beautifully shot film. Billy Bob’s performance was second to none.
One of those films that makes you laugh, cry and fear at once. Superb.
L.A. Confidential
I’ve just seen this crime drama last night and I can’t bring myself
to leave it out. It must be in, it must be in...
Denley Healy
Universal Music Australia
Sling Blade
A movie that slowly draws you in, then hits you uncomfortably close to the
belt.
Mars Attacks!
Head popping visuals and a world only Tim Burton can bring to life.
Basquiat
When will people learn to separate the art from the artist?
The People Vs. Larry Flynt
Any movie that can make a hero from such an unsavoury character shows the
real power of the cinema.
Lone Star
The sleeper of the year.
Prisoner Of The Mountains
Slow focus and beauty in the fine detail.
L.A. Confidential
Every year there is this one film, in 97, L.A. Confidential was it.
The Crucible
Powerful performances throughout.
Gattaca
Implied technology that was more believable than any special effect and
a warm human story.
The Big Night
Delicious.
Rob Hudson
Modern Movement
L.A. Confidential
What a film! great performances, great script and a great display of Aussie
talent.
The Full Monty
My favourite film of the year, along with the above mentioned film. I love
all comedies but it’s refreshing to see an intelligent one.
The English Patient
A beautiful epic and an incredible love story. The Academy got it right
with this film.
Face-Off
An action film in my top 10... who would have thought?
Evita
Minimalist scripting... I like it.
The Castle
Congratulations to the cast and crew. Just loved Darryl Karrigan, this little
Aussie battler’s film made good.
The Big Night
I’m Italian, I love food ... of course, I loved this film.
Scream
It’s great to see the good old slasher flicks re-emerge.
James And The Giant Peach
Best kids' film in recent history.
Mars Attacks!
I loved this! A scifi flick where the President of the USA doesn’t
get to play hero... Now that’s funny!
Fiona Iezzi
Roadshow Films
The Crucible
This was so powerful that when I went to Salem later in the year, I looked
at John Proctor’s name carved into the graveyard memorial and I almost
bawled.
The Trigger Effect
David Koepp is a God. The most sophisticated and moralistic disaster movie
I’ve ever seen.
Gattaca
More Gods! I want to meet someone as beautiful as this film and take them
to the 14th moon of Saturn.
Grace Of My heart
Everyone in this film is a God! Hands down, God Give Me Strength should
have gotten best song at every awards ceremony this year.
Marvin’s Room
No Gods, just brilliant acting and an incredibly moving story.
Jerry Maguire
Women will never understand!
Inventing The Abbotts
GOD! Invent me an Abbott.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
I laughed, I cried. It was a joy!
Basquiat
The Gods of Art.
Blackrock
A very sobering God-like experience.
Brinsley Marlay
The Scene
When We Were Kings
Muhammad Ali, you’re the best! An insightful, humorous and sensitive
story - expertly told and constructed.
Lone Star
Totally engaging story, excellent performances all around.
Le Appartment
French and just great.
Chasing Amy
Loved it! This dialogue junkie got her fix. Good to see some raw truism
in the subject matter.
Gattaca
Cool movie. Total style plus!
Titanic
You’ve got to hand it to him, he pulled it off.
Everyone Says I Love You
Woody and Goldie dancing in Rome - that’s enough.
Evita
Madonna junkie...
Air Force One
I actually got a thrill!
Day Trippers
My kind of road movie. Solid realistic characters and dialogue.
Roxanne Melloway
20th Century Fox
The English Patient
I want Ralph Fiennes’ shoes under my bed. Now!
The People Vs. Larry Flynt
Oh, to live their life, do their drugs, survive it and still look good.
When We Were Kings
What a man then and what a man now!
Private Parts
Loved Howard Stern’s irreverent, politically incorrect sense of egotistical
humour - does it remind me of someone??
The Big Night
Yum - I came away wanting to immerse myself in Italian culture.
Bean
What can I say? He makes me laugh without doing anything!
Chasing Amy
Highlighted the double standards men have towards women regarding the number
of partners they’ve had. Here’s to healthy experimentations! Could
totally relate!
Austin Powers
Yeah, baby!
Face-Off
For the adrenalin and I love the two leading men - Travolta and Cage are
electric together.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Surprise! I didn’t think I’d love it
as much as I did.
Bronte Mullen
Roadshow Films