By Quin
As one of the newest contributors to Brutal As Hell (I started here in early September) I definitely don’t feel that I saw enough movies this year to come up with a list of films that deserve to be on a top 10 list. So, if you have a short attention span, have I got a list for you! I actually really love lists, so next year you can expect a much longer one from me, but for 2013 here are my Top 4.
4. The Jeffrey Dahmer Files – Directed by Chris James Thompson
I sometimes enjoy true crime documentaries, but rarely do they deviate from that Unsolved Mysteries made-for-TV tone. I had low expectations going into this, but was more than pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The film has a style that is reminiscent of an Errol Morris documentary – one that is also a bit similar to My Amityville Horror (a documentary from this year that I did not like at all). In this documentary, we get to see an interview with the lead detective who worked on the Jeffrey Dahmer case, who is fascinating to listen to. We also hear from the medical examiner and Dahmer’s next door neighbor. In the more than twenty years since Dahmer’s capture, this is the most information I have ever heard on the subject. I learned things I didn’t even know I wanted to know, the most poignant being the complex feelings described by the neighbour of wondering why she didn’t know something was wrong. The details of the crimes are gruesome and heartbreaking. The film also does re-enactments with Andrew Swant as Dahmer. The fact that this could have gone horribly wrong but doesn’t is another element that makes this a great documentary and one of the year’s best films.
3. Jug Face – Directed by Chad Crawford Kinkle – Starring Lauren Ashley Carter
This a weird, fun and quite original movie with top notch acting with campy undertones, a creepy atmosphere and excellent use of a low budget. I can’t think a film about religious horror that I’ve enjoyed more than this probably since The Wicker Man. For a more in depth assessment, you can read Keri’s review here.
2. Escape From Tomorrow – Directed by Randy Moore – Starring Roy Abramsohn and Elena Schuber
This quite easily made it to my number two spot this year. This is basically a nightmare filmed at the happiest place on earth. It’s a visually amazing and super fun trip through the Magic Kingdom. I am so happy this movie exists and even happier that they made it right – oh, and no one was squashed by Disney over this film. Yay! You can read everything I have to say about this wonderful film right here.
1. The Battery – Directed by Jeremy Gardner – Starring Jeremy Gardner and Adam Cronheim
Not only is this my favorite film of the year, it’s probably also going to be my favorite film of the decade. Jeez, I know the decade isn’t even half over yet, but that is just how much I love this film. The Battery blends three of my favorite things beautifully – zombies, indie rock and baseball. I know it’s hard to believe, but I’ve always been a zombie fan. I stuck it out through the years of awfulness, where everything was either a remake, found footage or a zombie movie. But The Battery breaths new life into the genre. The pace and cinematography may be too much for hardcore horror fans, but those of you who appreciate the art of cinema are sure to enjoy the smart script and gentle, visual poetry that looks like Terrence Malick directing an episode of The Walking Dead. This is truly beautiful undead art. (Keri’s review.)