The best films you didn't see in 2004

At the start of this year, Hollywood seemed destined for an overall theme of controversy with the release of Mel Gibson's somber religious opus "The Passion of the Christ" and Michael Moore's "Let's kick him back to Texas" film "Fahrenheit 9/11." After that hiatus came the summer of sequels and epics followed by the season of biopics and Oscar contenders such as "The Aviator," "Kinsey," "Finding Neverland" and "Hotel Rwanda."\nNow, while most of the films mentioned and many more were truly some of the best this year, and without doubt will receive the attention of the Academy, I thought it would be more alluring to compile a list of films that most people may not have seen. These films, many of which were indies or from abroad, but are equally as rewarding as the big budget films that most of us are familiar with.\nTherefore I give you my picks for the best "unseen" films of 2004:\n1) "Sideways" -- Alexander Payne seems to be maturing with every film he makes. "Election" and "About Schmidt" were original and grabbed our attention but ultimately were still fairly mundane. Then there's "Sideways," a film that, in my opinion, is flawless and the best film this year. Now while critics continue to praise this film, and there is already Oscar buzz, I think it is still a film that many people have not seen, therefore topping off my list at number one. \n2) Tie: "The Sea Inside"/"Bad Education" -- Spain had a very good year releasing two amazing films. "The Sea Inside," like last year's best foreign film winner "The Barbarian Invasions," deals with accepting death and bringing closure to life with an incredible performance by Javier Bardem, (his best since "Before Night Falls"). "Bad Education," the new film by acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, is a dark plot-twisting piece of film noir for a modern age starring the always wonderful, Gael García Bernal (Y Tu Mamá También.)\n3) "Baadasssss!" -- This, for much of the year, was my favorite film. Chronicling the making of one of the first independent films in America, "Baadasssss!" gives us a look at the raw side of filmmaking. While this will probably not receive any credit from the Academy, it should due to its wonderfully written screenplay and honest portrayals by its cast and actor/director Mario Van Peebles.\n4) "A Very Long Engagement" -- French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is one of the most interesting filmmakers today. Using stunning visual effects and creating fascinating, complex stories, he continues to astound me. Those who are familiar with Jeunet's previous film "Amelie" may be in for a surprise with this harsh World War I set film, however don't let this discourage you. The film is a beautiful story that shows the horrors of war, the strength of love and stars the wonderful Audrey Tautou.\n5) "The Machinist" -- This is another film that most people probably missed or didn't even know about due to its limited release. The little publicity it received was due to the extreme act of weight loss actor Christian Bale undertook in preparation for the part. While this aspect of the film was very effective for the feel of the film, it is the wonderfully crafted story that makes this a brilliant psychological thriller.\n6) "Before Sunset" -- In my mind this film, combined with its prequel "Before Sunrise," is one of the best modern day romance movies to date. Director Richard Linklater is a master of creating fascinating dialogue with previous films like "Dazed and Confused" and "Waking Life," but here the director, in real time, literally captures one giant conversation between two strangers rekindling a one night stand from their past.\n7) "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" -- Clive Owen is now one of Hollywood's favorite actors with performances in films like "Closer" and the upcoming "Sin City," however there is a side of him that many people are not familiar with and that is his British roots. This film is the second collaboration between Owen and British director Mike Hodges (the first being the clever "Croupier") who creates a haunting tale of revenge and remorse in this crime noir drama.\n8) "Bon Voyage" -- Another wonderful French film that many people are probably unaware of. This one takes place in France before World War II and features one of the most complex and intricate plots seen on celluloid in a long time. The film is part love story, part political statement and part comedy with great performances all around. \n9) "Touching the Void" -- It is hard to categorize this incredible true-life tale of survival. In many ways the film is a documentary because it is based on a true story and features interviews with the actual survivors, but at the same time features actors playing out the parts. Bottom line is if "Jaws" or "The Blair Witch Project" did anything with your feelings towards swimming or camping, this will definitely steer you clear of rock climbing.\n10) "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" -- Again this is a film that most people know about because of actor Jim Carrey and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, however surprisingly very few people actually saw the film in theaters. Kaufman is one of the most original storytellers working today and in my mind this is his best work yet.