One of the advantages of not being a professional journalist is that I can deliberately overlook buzz, making my first experience with a film or video game something entirely special - and surprising. At least two of my picks this year fall in this category, so I tread very careful waters in un-spoilering any description of those works. If you can, get your hands on 'em before someone spoils the experience! Now, on with the show:
Film:
If ever there was a "the buzz is distracting" film, it's THE MASTER. Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to THERE WILL BE BLOOD is, yes, based on the inner workings and early goings of L. Ron Hubbard's Scientology cult, and a fascinating exposé of what goes on on behind its tightly closed doors. Nevertheless, the movie is ultimately less about the group than about the individual experience, in particular the brutal but compelling relationship between Philip Seymour Hoffman's eponymous villain and Joaquin Phoenix's loose cannon apprentice. Like Daniel Day-Lewis before him, the give-it-all performance by Phoenix is a shoo-in for the Best Actor Oscar.
Sarah Polley's highly personal STORIES WE TELL is a documentary about a family secret. Aaand... to say more would be a disservice. Suffice it to say, there's something about the Polley family, and over the course of 90 or so minutes, our hero sets out to resolve it. Of course, this being an indie/arthouse doc, her approach to the form is a bit unusual. Try not to spoil it for yourself!
The Blockbuster counterpoint to last year's TREE OF LIFE, CLOUD ATLAS is an art film for the masses. It's grand(iose). It's philosophical. It tries to say something about the meaning of life. And it's one hell of a thrill ride. Tying together stories of multiple characters across multiple generations (the element of reincarnation is key here), it paints a portrait of a world where everything we do is fated... and where the "chosen ones" have something greater to contribute to the Tree of Life (or the Matrix (or whatever you feel like calling it)). Tom Hanks and Halle Berry are the big names filling multiple roles, but it's Jim Sturgess (as both a 19th century lawyer and 30th century freedom fighter) and Ben Whishaw (as an early twentieth century composer) who give the standout performances. Hugo Weaving (Elrond, Agent Smith) is also a treat as the villain who just won't go away.
Video Games:
Easily the greatest work of art in gaming history, thatgamecompany's JOURNEY tells an elegant and sparse story of one avatar's narratively ambiguous adventure. As the game begins, you find yourself dropped in the middle of a desert. There are tombstones and strangely patterned ribbons leading off into the distance. Further on, a mountain beckons. As you proceed, a stranger appears. He appears friendly (in fact, he's a real person, who's joined your world via the magic of the Internet) chirping happily alongside you in an incomprehensible language. Soon, you've developed a buddy system, using Morse-like code to indicate hidden treasure (or enemies) and finding strength in numbers. As you proceed through your journey, each area one visual marvel after another, you grow to love your new friend, and come to fear for his safety. Your journey together isn't a long one, but what's there - the visuals, the music, the narrative turns - is the most beautiful yet created for this interactive medium. Even without an internet connection (and I have since taken the journey alone), it's still a wonder to experience.
A close second for Masterpiece of the Year is THE UNFINISHED SWAN. Developed by graduates of the same program that gave us thatgamecompany, it's another elegant and surprising little tale. Like
Journey, you're dropped in the deep end: an empty white space that starts filling with black splotches as you hammer buttons on your controller. Eventually, you begin to get your bearings, and it becomes apparent that the world has been erased; it's up to you to restore it with your paintball attacks... and to chase those odd birdlike orange footprints out into the world. It's a wonderful mechanic, and as the narrative progresses and shadow and colour are added to the mix, you find yourself in a real work of beauty. The story is quite touching too, a fairy tale for the 21st century (guest starring Terry Gilliam!).
It may not have had
the perfect conclusion, but damned if the MASS EFFECT TRILOGY isn't one of the all-time great space operas, comparable even to Star Wars or Trek. (And
Garrus Vakarian is at least as cool as Han Solo.) As blockbuster interactive entertainment goes, there ain't much better than this Canadian-made series. The epic finale sees Commander Shepard (customise your appearance, gender, and first name) facing off with the evil Collectors for one last galactic brouhahaha, Home Team Advantage. As Earth fights to stave off the invaders, a rogue faction of humans (led by Martin Sheen in a great voice performance) is hatching its own nefarious plans, throwing you in the middle of a conflict fought on multiple fronts. The choose-your-own story-telling is top notch - those who've been around since the first game will see the consequences of earlier decisions play out here - and features at least one heart-wrenching decision that you'll be contemplating for days and months to come. Hell, I still feel bad about my choice... which is, of course, the point of this series. It's always been best when it puts the big decisions in the hands of the player, and there's just nothing else like it out there. Amazing.
Bonus Can-Con Award:
As usual, a special shout-out to a homegrown favourite, Toronto's Drinkbox Studios and their
Game of the Year nomination for
Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack!
The Blockbuster counterpoint to last year's TREE OF LIFE, CLOUD ATLAS is an art film for the masses. It's grand(iose). It's philosophical. It tries to say something about the meaning of life. And it's one hell of a thrill ride. Tying together stories of multiple characters across multiple generations (the element of reincarnation is key here), it paints a portrait of a world where everything we do is fated... and where the "chosen ones" have something greater to contribute to the Tree of Life (or the Matrix (or whatever you feel like calling it)). Tom Hanks and Halle Berry are the big names filling multiple roles, but it's Jim Sturgess (as both a 19th century lawyer and 30th century freedom fighter) and Ben Whishaw (as an early twentieth century composer) who give the standout performances. Hugo Weaving (Elrond, Agent Smith) is also a treat as the villain who just won't go away.
A close second for Masterpiece of the Year is THE UNFINISHED SWAN. Developed by graduates of the same program that gave us thatgamecompany, it's another elegant and surprising little tale. Like Journey, you're dropped in the deep end: an empty white space that starts filling with black splotches as you hammer buttons on your controller. Eventually, you begin to get your bearings, and it becomes apparent that the world has been erased; it's up to you to restore it with your paintball attacks... and to chase those odd birdlike orange footprints out into the world. It's a wonderful mechanic, and as the narrative progresses and shadow and colour are added to the mix, you find yourself in a real work of beauty. The story is quite touching too, a fairy tale for the 21st century (guest starring Terry Gilliam!).
