127 Hours
As you may expect the dramatic movie has been the genre in which we have seen the most quality in this year.
Some of the big screen’s biggest names have produced fabulous turns in movies in this genre this year and we are going to take a look at some that really did stand out.
127 Hours - the latest movie from Danny Boyle was released almost 12 months ago and it really was a gripping watch.
It’s always tough to have just one actor on screen for most of the movie but that is exactly the chance that is taken in this movie as James Franco takes on the role of Aron Ralston and his battle for life.
James Franco is the heart and soul of this movie, much like Ryan Reynolds is in Buried, it’s a tour-de-force performance as he really does prove that he is a talent to watch.
Franco captures Ralston’s love for life in the opening sequences in the movie, supported fantastically by the beautiful backdrop of Utah.
The King’s Speech - the Tom Hooper directed film really has been on of the most talked about this year as it saw Colin Firth deliver a career defining performance.
This really is a movie about one man’s personal battle to conquer a demon that has plagued him his whole life - and this is played with a backdrop of a monarchy in crisis and a country on the brink of war.
It’s an incredibly moving performance from Firth and he banter beautifully with Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue. This unexpected friendship is developed and it’s this relationship that really pushes the story forward.
The movie went on to pick up Best Picture & Best actor Oscars as well as Best Director for Hooper.
Black Swan - this was another movie that was covered in Oscar glory this year as Natalie Portman walked away with the Best actress gong for her superb central performance.
Darren Aronofsky is well known for making slightly off the wall movies and this is no different as it was just a stunning piece of work.
Portman is truly sublime in this movie giving a very powerful and emotional performance as Nina's world slowly starts to unravel.
This is a role and a character that has allowed Portman to show off just how fine and actress she can be and her haunting performance as this troubled dancer will keep you hooked from the start of the movie until when the credits roll.
The Fighter - now I have always been a fan of the success against all the odds movie and that is exactly what The Fighter is all about as the story of Mickey Ward was brought to the big screen.
The Fighter really is a story of triumph against the odds as Mickey steps out of the shadow of his brother and has one last stab at glory.
It’s the performance of his career from Wahlberg as he keeps the movie focused on Mickey’s journey and struggle - despite the excellent performances and sub-plots going on around him.
There were also excellent performances from both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo and it was great to see them both receive the Oscar recognition that they deserve - walking away the two supporting gongs.
True Grit - I have never been too big a fan of remakes as nine times out of ten they are never as good as the original - but True Grit is a damn fine movie.
The film saw the return to the director’s chair for Joel and Ethan Coen while Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges were on the cast list.
The Western may not be as popular a movie genre as it once was but with movies such as this you can't help but wish that there were more of them around.
The Coen brothers have done it again as they capture the spirit of the old west but bring the genre into the 21st Century.
While the movie has a great script and looks fab, the Coens use the harsh landscape and scenery to beautiful effect, it's the cast that really are the heart and soul of this movie - they are all terrific.
Drive - Drive really is one of my favourite movies of the year as Ryan Gosling it totally sublime in the central role.
And from start to finish this actor is totally superb - it's amazing how, with very little dialogue, Gosling has created a character that was so totally compelling.
Director Nicolas Winding Refn really does have to be applauded as in a time where the big budget blockbuster rules with its CGI laden action set pieces he has shown that less really is so much more.
Finger crossed we see this movie pick up plenty of nominations during the awards season because it really does deserve them - if you have missed this then you really should check it out.
And early 2012 looks set to bring more great dramatic movies with the likes of the Iron Lady, Shame, War Horse and J.Edgar all on the way.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw