12 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

appealing but with friends ranting and raving about it a trip to the local cinema was needed. It's possible that this was released in 2007 over in the US but I didn't see it until 2008 which it why I'm still allowed it in my list.

This tale of the South Californian oil boom in the late 19th century is one of greed and envy at huge proportions with a superb performance from Daniel Day Lewis. From start to finish, Day Lewis takes control of the movie as we watch him grow into a monster in this exciting, disturbing and provoking drama. The title of the film itself is already quite ominous but it isn't long before you see where it's heading and despite my scepticism There Will Be Blood was quite the masterpiece.

Before continuing, one movie that I'm yet to see is Frost/Nixon which is by accounts brilliant so even though there is nothing to go on I'd just like to inform the readers in case you decide to see it for yourself. Hopefully, I'm not filling you with false pretence.

Another movie that I loved in 2008 was Man On Wire, a gripping docudrama based on a true story. The origins of the story are in 1968 where a young Frenchman, Phillipe Petit, sitting a the dentist waiting room is reading about the construction of the World Trade Centre in New York. There and then, as an aspiring high-wire walking, he decides that one day he will walk across the gap between the two towers. We see elaborate preparations, forging of documents, infighting and then finally the assault on the towers.

A lot of this movie is about conspiracy as the team of, well, maniacs I suppose, get past security guards smuggling in piles of cable and tonnes of equipment. There are times when you think his dream is over but he always seems to somehow bring it back to life. There doesn't ever really seem to be a motive as to why he did the walk but I don't think Petit really knew either. The stunt was actually carried out in 1974 and I'm pretty sure that if someone tried it now they'd be sectioned as clinically insane in this safety first world of ours.

Some have said that this is the crime of the century and an audacious act of human rebellion defying both the laws of the government and those of nature. I must admit that when he stands for 45 minutes on a pole at 1350ft above Manhattan it is quite an awesome but rather him than me. Quite amazingly, with there being no film footage, the whole direction relied on photographs so credit must go to director, James Marsh.

Those are my three favourite movies of 2008, each very different in its production but with equally compelling storylines, great action and powerful moments. Now, I think its time to sit back in my chair and hope that 2008 has seen the last of Carrie Bradshaw (sorry but if you knew the torment that movie had put me through you would understand). Let's hope that 2009 brings us some more golden cinema.

Learn more about this author, Marc Steel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Best of 2008: Movie (Drama)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!