Finally, after much writing, rewriting, and thought, my Top Ten of 1997. It almost included Alien Resurrection, Cop Land, Deconstructing Harry, The Postman, and The Sweet Hereafter, but ultimately does not. In alphabetical order:
The Apostle
Of course, an actor made a movie about a man on a stage building community and touching lives! I kid, it's a moving character study of a figure both uniquely American and Biblically familiar: flawed, yet truly touched by Grace. Extraordinary work from director/writer/star Duvall.
Batman & Robin
It's the best Batman film, taking its characters seriously without taking itself seriously. Costumes and sets so specific (and so impractical!), you can identify who's who and where they are with a single glance, even on mute - but then you'd miss one of cinema's greatest scores!
Boogie Nights
The highs and lows of a rising porn star (and friends) at a time of industry evolution and upheaval - Singin' in the Rain with more T&A! An extended hangout sesh, with its roving camera, vibing cast, and a smart, funny screenplay. There's even a dance number! Cinematic perfection.
Contact
Visually, sonically, and emotionally, delivers the sense of wonder I want from the movies. Examines the relationship between science and faith, how scary (un)certainty can be, grief expressed through personal obsessions, and who we permit to change the world. Gravity-shifting.
Good Will Hunting
The past, yes, it shapes you, but you are not beholden to that version of yourself, nor to any version others project upon you...but don't sell yourself short, either. Masterful writing, perfect performances. Just a great movie overall.
Jackie Brown
Pam Grier matches wits with Samuel L. Jackson and the feds. Jackson juggles work and home life with increasing difficulty. Robert Forster finds an unexpected romance with Grier. Each on its own is a terrific movie; together, a masterful crime-dramedy about middle-aged reinvention.
Lost Highway
Nightmare on loop. Don't look for answers, let the experience happen to you - it's a dream, isn't it? It has to be, it doesn't make sense, you need to wake up from this, what if you can't, what if it's real? Does great things for saxophone solos and safe driving habits.
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow ARE Romy and Michele. They communicate so much warmth, wit, and approachable cool, seeing their journey through self-doubt feels like watching a friend spiral (or yourself). Relatable without sacrificing absurdity. And what a stellar supporting cast!
Titanic
A romantic historical disaster epic with an iconic song and beautiful leads that, for all its lush craftsmanship, never forgets the humanity of those impacted by tragedy: this is one of that ship's many stories, some of which we get glimpses of. Love endures; heck, it transcends.
Waiting for Guffman
Undoubtedly, the funniest movie of the year. Knows exactly how to navigate its send-up of small-town community theatre folk with outsized ambition for their average work without being too mean: they nail it because they know it, they live it, they love it, quirks and all. Me too!
Next time, my nominees for the 1997 Retro Hollmann Awards!
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