Roger Ebert’s list of 20 films of 2008, plus 5 more documentary movies. I’ve seen exactly two of them1, so far, but several of Ebert’s selections sound intriguing.
In these hard times, you deserve two “best films” lists for the price of one. It is therefore with joy that I list the 20 best films of 2008, in alphabetical order. I am violating the age-old custom that film critics announce the year’s 10 best films, but after years of such lists, I’ve had it. A best films list should be a celebration of wonderful films, not a chopping process. And 2008 was a great year for movies, even if many of them didn’t receive wide distribution.
Look at my 20 titles, and you tell me which 10 you would cut. Nor can I select one to stand above the others, or decide which should be No. 7 and which No. 8. I can’t evaluate films that way. Nobody can, although we all pretend to. A “best films” list, certainly. But of exactly 10, in marching order? These 20 stood out for me, and I treasure them all. If it had been 19 or 21, that would have been OK. If you must have a Top 10 List, find a coin in your pocket. Heads, the odd-numbered movies are your 10. Tails, the even-numbered.
[From The best films of 2008… and there were a lot of them :: rogerebert.com :: News & comment]
Will I get around to making my own list? Maybe, I attempt to do so every year, but then often keep the list private, and don’t publish it. I’m too easily distracted by shiny new things.
