Tom Brooks’ list of the top ten films of 2007

'07 Review: Tom's Top Ten
Often at year’s end Hollywood’s nattering nabobs of negativism are chattering away decrying the absence of any film with artistic merit. But this year there’s quite a lot of good work out there so here’s Tom Brooks’ list of the top ten films of 2007.

Ten: Atonement
A very fine British period drama in which an act of jealousy wreaks havoc in young lovers’ lives. It’s elevated the status of its leading man and leading lady but it was not easy work.

“I think every job is tough,” said Keira Knightley. “I don’t think you have an easy one, and I’m not looking for an easy job. This was tough but it was also incredibly rewarding.”

Nine: Michael Clayton
George Clooney starred in this thriller, uncovering corporate evildoing. It also featured strong performances from Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton.

Eight: Eastern Promises
David Cronenberg’s noirish tale of Russian mafia shenanigans in London featured a standout performance from Viggo Mortensen

Seven: Sweney Todd
A beautifully discordant work from Tim Burton with this Stephen Sondheim adaptation. Yes, Johnny Depp can sing, and so can Helena Bonham Carter.

Six: The Bourne Ultimatum
The best Hollywood blockbuster of the year, made smart and gripping by British director Paul Greengrass.

Five: Persepolis
An ingenious animation that tells the story of a young woman buoyantly battling oppressive conformism wherever she might be, from the Iranian born Marjane Satrapi.

Four: No Country For Old Men
Not to everyone taste, but flawless cinema. A modern Western courtesy of the Coen Brothers that presents the unforgettable villain Anton, brought to life by Javier Bardem.

Three: Ratatouille
Masterly animation with attention to every detail. Exquisitely drawn characters clearly put together by people with an exact knowledge of how a French restaurant kitchen operates.

Two: The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
An expert fusion between cinema and content – content being the remarkable strength of a real person, the former editor of French Elle Magazine paralysed from head to toe who developed the ability to communcate by blinking.

One: There Will Be Blood
A masterpiece from PT Anderson working in an unexpected genre. This end of the 19th century California battle between an oilman and a preacher stars Daniel Day Lewis, who gives one of his best performances to date, and that is saying a lot.