Alexandra M. Svokos STAFF WRITER

I’d love to give you a list of the top 10 films of 2008 but unfortunately I have not seen every film released in 2008. In fact, I’m not even sure that I saw 10 new releases in 2008. So yeah, I’m beating the system and instead just making it 10 films that I happened to watch between January and December of 2008…even if it wasn’t the first, second, or eleventh time I’ve seen the movie. Here it is, in no particular order other than what came to mind first.

1. The Science of Sleep
Plot Summary: a young man has sleeping/dreaming issues. He moves into his mother’s apartment building, gets a job, and is attracted to his neighbor/neighbor’s friend. (but it’s so so so much more than that). French, Spanish, and English with subtitles.

Why: Beautiful, quirky, confusing, hip, Michael Gondry. This movie is everything you could ever want plus Gael Garcia Bernal. Gael: you are perfect, I love you, marry me when you’re seventy. Friendly and unpretentious and seriously just watch it. Soon after you’ll say something only to realize that you subconsciously quoted it. Or that the compliment your favorite boy just gave you was exactly what Stephane said to Stephanie…that was an awkward but encouraging experience, I suppose I am not boring and different.

2. Slumdog Millionaire
Plot Summary: an eighteen year old boy from the slums of Mumbai is about to be given the final question on India’s “Who Wants to be A Millionaire” when he is arrested on suspect of cheating – how else could a poor, uneducated boy know the answers on the show? Let’s listen to him tell us… Hindi and English with really cool subtitles.

Why: Hey it actually came out this year so yay me. I went in with high expectations and Slumdog did not disappoint. The music is perfect, the cinematography and editing superb, and the story breathtaking. I want to see it fifteen more times. Well worth staking out one of the five theatres in your area that play it. Look out for M.I.A.’s newest song, “O…Saya” in the opening as well as Paper Planes and a remix – but note that Slumdog got Paper Planes before Pineapple Express did, Pineapple Express was just louder about it.

3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Plot Summary: Jean-Dominique Bauby, the former editor of French Elle, suffered a massive stroke and was stuck in “locked-in syndrome.” With a vivid, full, humorous, and pensive mind, Bauby can only communicate by blinking his left eye. We see his new life, and old memories, with his voice as a guide. Based on completely true and heartbreaking story. French with subtitles.

Why: When my friend Nikki – who I have to credit because she also took me to see Slumdog Millionaire and she’s amazing – was telling me to watch this movie, she described it as “poetry on film.” And that’s exactly what it is. Seriously, honestly, and really the Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the most gorgeous film I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. It is unique but quiet, visual, and enveloping. Once you watch it you will not be able to forget it. Days will be donated to be spent thinking about it. Don’t stop at the movie either: read the book. You will find more appreciation and love for life in those quick 132 pages than any motivational speaker could ever contrive. And Jean-Dominique Bauby…God…the man could have easily given up and wallow in self-pity but he chose to strive on, to keep trying. Every word was so carefully chosen, each idea entirely thought out. I do not believe it is possible for a more beautiful and perfect work to be created.

4. Mighty Aphrodite
Plot Summary: After adopting a son with his wife, Woody Allen’s character sets out to find the son’s real mother

Why: It’s Woody Allen so of course it’s good. It’s perfect, really. And hilarious. And uses Greek tragedies as punch lines.

5. American Graffiti
Plot Summary: One final night cruising before the boys head off to college in 1962.

Why: I just remember seeing the rented copy of this sitting on a counter in my kitchen and shoving it into the tv one long, boring summer day. It made me happy, it made me pay attention, it made me ardently wish that I lived in the 60’s. Artfully bittersweet, especially with the whole leaving for college thing. Good (and surprising) use of Harrison Ford.

6. The Dark Knight
Plot Summary: Oh, you already know.

Why: It’s on everyone else’s top 10 of 2008 list…

7. Eat Drink Man Woman
Plot Summary: The life and love of an old chef and his 3 semi-grown daughters in Taipei. Mandarin with subtitles.

Why: I think it should be a general fact that every single Asian film from basically any country on the land mass (including Japan) is incredible. Like, the percentage of American films that are good is probably around 60%. But for Asia it’s like 99% (if I’m not allowed to beat 99th percentile on SATs, no one’s allowed to beat 99 on anything). So Eat Drink Man Woman is not some crazy fighting action movie it’s just a quiet and upbeat suburbanesque drama. It’s very sweet and touching and makes me long to be back in China and eat all of the food.

8. Anchorman
Plot Summary: Plot?

Why: I don’t care if Arian thinks it’s already irrelevant, every line in the movie is impeccably hilarious.

9. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Plot Summary: Western! Bank robberies! Paul Newman! Robert Redford!

Why: You would never believe it’s from 1969, Butch Cassidy is so modern and, I suppose, timeless. It’s sidesplitting hilarious at times and has you hanging at the edge of your seat in suspense at others. You’re rooting for the “bad guys,” Newman and Redford and the robbers, which is always more fun. Also love to Paul Newman, we can’t believe your sad passing this year.

10. Twilight
Plot Summary: Robert Pattinson.

Why: Robert Pattinson.