Best of Film in 2014 : Francisco Salazar's Top Ten Films of the Year

By Francisco Salazar First Posted: Dec 30, 2014 10:30 PM EST

After 365 days, the 2014 calendar year comes to an end and with it many a number of great films.

The year definitely saw a number of terrible films, mediocre ones and some good films that were forgettable. However, the difference between this year and many others was it was crowded with a number of memorable films that made it almost impossible to make a Top 10. Among these memorable works that did not make my Top 10 were the wonderful and charming directorial debut by Steph Green "Run and Jump" and Jim Jarmusch's zany vampire drama "Only Lovers Left Alive." One of the most beautiful and captivating films of the year was by far James Gray's "The Immigrant," which had a triumvirate of great performances.

There was also Lenny Abrahamson's "Frank" and the brilliant Romanian feature "Child's Pose." India also brought the unforgettably sweet "The Lunchbox," and Brazil's "The Way He Looks" showcased one of the most honest portrayals of adolescence.

Mike Leigh's "Mr. Turner" showed the director at his finest, and Anton Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man" brought one of the best thrillers of the year. Finally Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice" was one of the most unique experiences of the year, and "Force Majeure" showcased how to make a comedic tragedy. All these films exemplified the best of the year but unfortunately did not make it into my top 10.

The following may not exemplify the best of the year, but they were the most memorable and my favorite films of 2014

10. Gone Girl : David Fincher has always been a master of making wonderfully crafted thrillers. With "Gone Girl" the director returned to the genre in an impeccably made feature led by Rosamund Pike. Pike's performance is a master class in deception and reminds audiences of the icy blond that used to be seen in Alfred Hitchcock's films. Meanwhile, Ben Affleck gives a controlled performance that displays his best attributes as an actor. Neil Patrick Harris, Carrie Coon and Tyler Perry also give excellent turns. Jeff Cronenweth's cinematography displays some of the most haunting imagery of the year, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score use synthetic sounds to enhance the mood and tone of the film. It is a wonderfully riveting piece of work that is among Fincher's best in years.

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9. The Theory of Everything : The Stephen Hawking biopic is far from a revolutionary film, nor is it the most original feature this year. However, James Marsh directs a heartfelt story that goes through the difficulties of Hawking's life and celebrates the strength and power of the human spirit. The biopic is guided by the amazing portrayal by Eddie Redmayne, whose physicality shows what the young British actor is capable of doing. He is also joined by Felicity Jones, who gives one of the most compelling performances of the year. Unlike Redmayne's physicality, Jones' expressive face allows audiences to understand her character in every scene. It is subtle, but so effective. Johann Johannsson's score is a marvel using melodic rhythms that enhance the romantic aspects of the film. In the end "The Theory of Everything" is a delightful and moving feature.

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8. Ida : Pawel Pawlikowski's is one of the most haunting features of the year. Starring newcomer Agata Trzebuchowska, the film tells the story of a young novitiate who discovers a dark secret dating back to the Nazi occupation. Spare and austere in style, the film is a master class in simplicity. Each frame is shot as a painting allowing the audience to concentrate on the performances and the central characters. "Ida's" themes are extremely resonant as the film brings to the forefront two women trying to belong in a society and trying to make amends with their past. Agata Kulesza, who plays "Ida's" aunt, gives a beautiful performance, and through her work she demonstrates the pain the war left on her family. "Ida" is a devastating film that will leave audiences drained but will have you thinking for days to come.

7. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" : Wes Anderson has always been known for his wonderful style but has never gotten credit for making provocative and funny tales. This year, the director made his best film to date. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Mathieu Amalric and many more, the film tells the story of Gustave H., a hotel concierge at a famous hotel. The film's structure is one of the most intricate as Anderson sets the story within multiple stories and multiple time periods. The film also takes place between World War I and II and disguises the horrors of the war through the fictional setting of Zubrowka. Anderson brings to the forefront the nostalgia and the repercussions of these wars but also keeps the tone light. The art direction is wondrous, and Milena Canonero's costumes are luxurious and detailed. Alexandre Desplat's score also features some of his most original, and Robert Yeoman's cinematography is impeccable.

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6. "The Imitation Game" : Morten Tyldum's biopic about Alan Turing is a devastating film featuring a compelling and riveting narrative. The film tells the story of Turing's work, helping crack the enigma code that saved millions of lives in World War II. Like "The Theory of Everything," the film does not reinvent the wheel nor does it try to do anything revolutionary in film. However, it is built around Benedict Cumberbatch's impeccable performances that shows the many facets of Turing. Cumberbatch can be arrogant at one moment, and the next he can be caring and insecure. By the end, he transforms into an unstable and shattered character. It is one of the finest turns for an actor this year and one that showcases Cumberbatch's full talents. Keira Knightley's performance is among the best as she subtly creates Joan Clarke's characters without any big gestures audiences have become used to. Alexandre Desplat's score is among his finest with one of the best themes in a film score in years. William Goldenberg's editing intricately builds the drama and allows the film to flow even when the time periods are shifting every so often. "The Imitation Game" is by far one of the best biopics in years.

5. "Foxcatcher" : After a number of delays Bennett Miller's fierce drama finally took off and showcased the director at his finest. The feature tells the story of the greatest Olympic champion brother team who joined John du Pont and trained for the 1988 Seoul games. The picture is bleak and deliberate in pace. However, Miller directs with so much insight and makes audiences think. Rather than answer every question in the feature, Miller leaves many questions open and provides ambiguity that can be frustrating for some but intriguing for others. The performances are also incredible. Yes, Steve Carell transforms in his first dramatic role, but it is Channing Tatum's physically brooding performance and Mark Ruffalo's subtle and tragic portrayal that really provide the heart and soul of the film. Vanessa Redgrave may have three short scenes, but her presence is always felt and she provides the usual gravitas she has been known for. Greg Fraiser's cinematography is sparse and simplistic, but he creates the frigid and moody tones with so much elegance and nuance. Miller's "Foxcatcher" isn't an easy watch, but it is truly an intelligent and provocative film.

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4. "Birdman" : Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has become revered for his dramatic features and for his intricate and multilayered films. However, this year he has made his finest and most memorable movie. "Birdman" tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a worn-out actor who tries to revive his career by directing a play. The film is composed of one full sequence that is disguised as one shot by the magnificent cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and is led by the magnificent Michael Keaton, who shows his skills as a comedian and as a dramatic actor. He is also supported by an array of actors including the incredible Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Andrea Risenborough, Lindsay Duncan, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis in his best work to date. Antonio Sanchez revives jazz music in his monumental drum impromptu, and editors Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise mask together the one shot and make the film flow with ease. However, Inarritu deserves a lot of credit for putting together this film and for having the vision to direct this funny, charming and incisive comedy.

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3. "Starred Up" : David Mackenzie isn't really known in the U.S. but after this masterful prison film, Mackenzie and his cast are likely to get more attention. "Starred Up" tells the story of a troubled and violent teen who is transferred to an adult prison and finally meets his match -- his father. The film examines the criminal justice system, the politics involved and the inner workings of prison life. It is a raw, realistic and at times a grotesque film that does not shy away from the harshness of prison life. Leading the film is Jack O'Connell in his best performance of the year. The young actor, better known for his work in "Unbroken," shows a tough and nonchalant character. However, he also brings out a vulnerable side that makes his character multidimensional. Ben Mendelsohn and Rupert Friend also give wonderful performances that are among the best of this year.

2. "Two Days, One Night" : Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have created yet another masterpiece in their careers. Grounded in suburban life, the film tells the story of Sandra, a woman who has a weekend to convince her co-worker to vote against bonuses so she could save her job. The feature is led by a magnificent performance by Marion Cotillard, who showcases the best work of her career. Through her physicality she shows Sandra's emotional destruction as well as her strength and her most vulnerable sides. She is joined by the always resourceful Fabrizio Rongione, who plays her supportive husband. Rongione plays against type and in this film shows kindness and comfort and grounds Cotillard's depressive Sandra. Both actors are a marvel, and their chemistry is wonderful. The Dardennes direct with ease and once again they allow the camera to follow the actors allowing the audience to experience Sandra's journey. The Dardennes never go for the simple answers, but they give this film an uplifting ending that is truly worth it.

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1. "A Most Violent Year" : J.C. Chandor has made the best film of the year bringing together one of the most powerful ensemble casts. The movie tells the story of Abel Morales, who fights to protect his business and family from corruption and stay grounded in morality. The movie takes place in 1981, which is said to be one of the most violent years in New York. Ironically, Chandor never really shows this violence but implies it in most of the scenes. Instead, he focuses his attention on the character's story and adventure and his evolution from a morally correct man to one that could eventually take the path of violence and corruption. Oscar Isaac gives his best performance to date. At one moment he is calm and relaxed business man, and at the next he can turn into a violent and uncontrollable man. It is an interesting juxtaposition and one that brings together the themes of the film. Jessica Chastain is the embodiment of Lady Macbeth. While she does not go crazy like Lady Macbeth, she is always in control of the situation and uses her sex appeal to get what she wants. The supporting cast is also brilliant with Catalina Sandino Moreno as an immigrant wife supporting her husband and David Oyelowo as a cool and calculated detective. Albert Brooks is fine as Isaac's attorney, and Elyes Gabel gives a breakthrough performance. Bradford Young's cinematography is simple yet breathtaking and evokes the chilliness and danger of New York. Alex Ebert's score is chilling and among his most memorable. Tense, thought-provoking and thrilling, "A Most Violent Year" is by far, in my opinion, the best film of 2014.

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