If there is anything I love more than production design it is film in and of itself. I see roughly 250-300 films a year so while I definitely have a bit of catching up to do I did engulf quite a few films last year. However, I’m still kicking myself that I have yet to see A Separation which I’ve been told is phenomenal. Perhaps once I see it this list will change but as of right now, on Oscar Sunday, here are my Top 10 Favourites of 2011! Don’t judge. Oh, okay, you can judge.
Honorable Mentions:The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Bridesmaids, Young Adult, Take Shelter, The Descendants, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Artist and Monsieur Lazhar
Movies I have yet to see thus didn’t make it on the list:A Separation, Margaret, Le Havre, Weekend, We Need to Talk About Kevin
After some long and hard deliberations I have pared down what are, in my opinion, the top 10 best production designed/art directed films of 2011. In the end, given the subjectivity of film in general, all this means is these were my design favourites. Going through the many films I had on my list I was awestruck at the diversity, styles and overall quality of so many of the films. 2011 was really a banner year for production design the way I see it. Last year, I found it easy to just do a top 5 but this year I found it impossible not to do a top 10 and I easily could have made it a top 20.
So I just want to say to everyone who worked on these films- Bravo! Sincerely, you all deserve a pat on the back and a bottle of booze on me. I have the utmost respect for you all. Those who work in the art department know how hard it is; we know these sets don’t come together like magic. It’s an intense endurance run to the finish line mustering up every skill you’ve ever learned on a whim. It’s a hard gig but thrilling if you can get it.
To all those past, present and future working in art departments all over the world to make visions come to life- I salute you. You truly make movies better and don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Winning by just a hair Hugo took my top spot due to complexity of 3D, different time periods done to superb perfection as well as the overall romantic and lush look of a film in love with film.
Which were your favourites in production design this year?
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