Chris Tilly's films of the year

Online film editor Chris Tilly reveals what floated his boat in 2005.

Dec 21 2005

'No Direction Home: Bob Dylan'
Although it screened only briefly at the NFT, Martin Scorsese's documentary about the early life and times of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan was my stand-out film of the year. As an account of a remarkable artist in transition, it was a spellbinding journey, combining extraordinary live footage with unusually candid interviews with the man himself. But by also examining the seismic social and political changes that were taking place in America at the time, Scorsese transcended the traditional constraints of the rock documentary to create something far more profound.

'Sideways'
This sparkling, bittersweet comedy concerning love, wine and midlife crisis manages to move and amuse in equal measure. Paul Giamatti is terrific as hapless manic depressive Miles, his performance fortified with humour and pathos, while Thomas Haden Church is a revelation as best friend Jack, an irrepressible arsehole who somehow proves impossible to dislike. Their perfectly pitched performances, combined with able support from Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh and a sublime script from Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, produced a truly vintage feature.

'The Constant Gardener'
Fernando Meirelles proved that 'City of God' was no fluke with this unforgettable adaptation of the John Le Carre bestseller. Rachel Weisz is wonderful as determined activist Tessa, while Ralph Fiennes found the role he was born to play in the shape of the seemingly spineless British diplomat Justin Quayle. And while the political intrigue of Le Carre's plot holds the attention for the film's duration, it's Meirreles delicate portrayal of Tessa and Justin's doomed love that will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

'King Kong'
For all its faults, Peter Jackson's big budget behemoth towers over every other film released this year in terms of spectacle and pure, popcorn-fuelled entertainment. Yes, the first hour drags, yes the final battle goes on for what seems like an eternity and yes, Jamie Bell's character shouldn't have made it past the first draft, yet still the film remains a triumph thanks to special effects and action sequences that had this critic practically soiling himself.

'Wolf Creek'
As an exercise in pure, primal terror, 'Wolf Creek' was unparalleled in 2005. A relentless journey into the heart of outback darkness, first-time writer director Greg McLean combined the horror and gore of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' with the atmosphere and suspense of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'. The result was shocking, disturbing and strangely absorbing, while in Mick Taylor, Aussie actor John Jarrat created one of the most memorable big screen bogeymen of recent years.

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