Top 5 Cinematic Questions of 2010

The long winding road of the films of 2010 have taken viewers on an amazing journey. They've wowed and amazed us. They've infused and inspired us. They've infuriated and disheartened us. Yet, I think one aspects of this year's films has stood head and shoulders above the rest: befuddlement. From the faux-not faux documentaries of I'm Still Here and Catfish to the mind benders of Inception and Black Swan, directors this year have gone the extra mile to make sure we leave the theater with a sizable 'wtf just happened' expression plastered across our face. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I think films that request (in some cases demand) multiple viewings to gain a greater appreciation are great for cinema.

In honor of that I've compiled a list of the five questions I took away from this year's movie selection. Some come straight from the films themselves, others are my own creation.

5. Just How Little of Pete Postlethwaite are directors allowed to get away with?

I admit this question may be more for my own sake than anyone else's, but Pete Postlewaithe has never really been given an opportunity to shine in Hollywood. In his two biggest films this year - Clash of the Titans and Inception - both his roles combined wouldn't equate to more than 15 lines and ten minutes of screen time. Even as he was destroying fellow cast members in The Town, the world was overlooking how talented he is (yeah, we get it - Affleck has abs and Lively has boobs - move on already). If you don't believe me put this up for a double feature: In the Name of the Father followed by Lost World: Jurassic Park. Polar opposite roles, he nails them both. Oh and while you're at it check out The Usual Suspects, Romeo + Juliet, Alien 3, and just about all his other films. Though please, pretty please, ignore Dragonheart - nobody came out of that looking pretty (except Sean Connery - even as a Dragon his voice is sexy)

4. Are smaller Graphic Novels/Comic adaptations here to stay?

With films like Kick-Ass, The Losers, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Jonah Hex all failing to break the $100m mark, it was not a good year for smaller graphic novels (comic books) making their way onto the big screen. Kick-Ass' low budget helped keep it afloat (something a sequel will likely neglect), while Red turned out to be the only standout making a swift $150m +. The Walking Dead found some love on television, but it still seems that Marvel and DC will reign supreme for the time being. Some of the films mentioned above (Scott Pilgrim for example) turned out to be among the most fun viewing experiences I had this year. However, we all know when it comes down to it - the bottom line in Hollywood is paved with green.

3. When will the 3D debate finally hit its threshold?

Yes, we all agree that 3D, when used in conjunction with pretty visuals, is a captivating experience. Yes, we all agree that lots of films that convert to 3D do so because they're lacking another viable draw. Yes, we all know that we've all written in depth articles about whether or not 3D should be, or is, here to stay. Still, the debate shows no sign of stopping. On twitter people still argue about it. And posts about films in 3D (and even those not in 3D) feel the need to point out how much better (or worse) it is because of it. Perhaps a better question would be - which will end first, 3D or arguments over 3D?

2. What happens if you die in limbo?

To be honest, I couldn't care less about the spinning top. My big curiosity with respect to Inception is the notion of 'limbo.' Beyond being just another plot device to infuse us with a sense of real tension in a dream world, limbo serves as the backdrop for much of Nolan's play with reality. It also leaves one gaping question unresolved: 'what happens if you die in limbo?' Does your body self kick as a defense mechanism? Perhaps you end up back in limbo. Or worse, you end up in limbo limbo! Yet, in the film there's nothing that tells you what will happen. All the characters that 'die' in limbo (hit in head from train or falling from a building) wake up. So wouldn't it have made sense much earlier on (since we see you can remain in control for some time in limbo) to tell everyone once they get their to kill themselves? I'm not sure, but I it's eating at my mind!

1. Truth or Fiction... Do we care?

 

As I mentioned above, one of the aspects of cinema that really came to the forefront of debates in 2010 was the idea of 'realism' in cinema. Just how factual should we expect a film based on a true story to be? The King's Speech has been the victim of some berating due its leaving out King George VI's Nazi sympathetic ties. Exit Through the Gift Shop, I'm Still Here, and Catfish each spawned numerous online debates as to the fullness of their authenticity. Then of course there's The Social Network. I can't think of any film in recent memory that seems to have inspired more media outlets to make sure they're posts on the accuracy of the film is heard by the masses. Not to mention Mark Zuckerberg's 'I'm not going to say anything but here's what I think' shtick which he's used to make sure everyone he can possibly get a hold of knows he's not like the character in the film (me think thou doth protest too much) . Yet to be honest, through it all, I really don't care. I thought The Social Network was a captivating film, worthy of much of the praise it has received. Though if I wanted complete fact, I'd do the research on my own. As for these docu/mocku-mentaries, I tend to view them as more of entertainment pieces, than something such as Restrepo (where I believe accuracy is paramount).

So, ladies and gentlemen, I want to know - what the questions the films of 2010 left your mind mulling over now that the end is upon us?