Top tens

47 comments March 6th, 2008

Over at the Web site for Facets Video (which is based just down the road in Chicago), they’ve asked dozens of prominent filmmakers, experts and critics to list their top ten favorite movies. It’s a pretty highbrow assortment, ranging from L.A. TIMES critic Kenneth Turan to social critic Camille Paglia to (a personal favorite) offbeat Canadian director Guy Maddin. (Another favorite, showbiz legend Jerry Lewis, is also included).

CITIZEN KANE turns up on a lot of lists, along with some films noir, French New Wave and obscure stuff even I’ve never heard of. (Directors Michael Moore and Werner Herzog both include THE EMPEROR’S NAKED ARMY MARCHES ON, a 1987 documentary about Japan’s World War II campaign in New Guinea. Ever seen it? Me neither.)

It’s such a good idea, I figured I’d steal it. So here’s the plan: Post your own top 10 lists in the comments field below. If you want to offer a short reason or commentary on the list, that’s fine. If you want to just list ‘em, that’s fine, too. And they don’t have to be in any order — narrowing your favorites down to 10 will be tough enough. 

Don’t worry about being as highbrow as the folks over at Facets. If you love a movie, there’s no need to apologize for it or try to justify it. I’ll post my own list in a couple of days (as soon as I narrow it down), and believe me, there will be plenty of goofy personal picks tucked in among the classics. For instance, do you know what movie is pictured at the top of this post? I’m not positive it’s going to make my top 10, but it has a darned good chance.