The 2010s have been a rich decade for cinema. In addition to innovative films that bring different perspectives to the narrative, we have seen countless great films dancing with the codes of different genres.
Although there are many elements that make a film “cool,” such as the use of mise-en-scene, acting, places, costumes, and sounds, the most important of all is the feeling it gives you while watching it.
Here are the 10 great films of the 2010s that have succeeded at this and which have proved the magic of cinema.
10. Frances Ha (2010)
Noah Baumbach, who has earned acclaim with great films like “Marriage Story” (2019), “The Squid and the Whale” (2005) and “Mistress America” (2015), is one of the most intriguing directors of our time. And “Frances Ha,” which he built with Greta Gerwig, is probably his most intriguing work.
Frances, a 27-year-old apprentice with a dance troupe, is a dancer who does not have a brilliant career. She does not have a stable job, and only dreams of being a permanent employee of this company.
On the other hand, as she applies for many different jobs, none are successful. The only person who fully understands Frances is Sophie, with whom she shares an apartment. However, Sophie’s move to the city of her dreams will shake their relationship, causing Frances to meet a cruel reality.
Although it is reminiscent of Woody Allen’s “Manhattan” in its black-and-white images, with Frances’ optimism and love, it also brings to mind Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “Amelie” and its colorful world.
It masterfully salutes the French New Wave cinema with its warm expressions; it manages to be sincere and cool at the same time.
9. Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Tom Ford’s second feature, “Nocturnal Animals,” is a marvelous thriller based on Austin Wright’s novel “Tony and Susan.” Ford created a masterpiece based on the harmony of form and content.
Nineteen years ago, Susan Morrow left her husband, Edward Sheffield, who is a writer. In her second marriage, she lives a normal life as the wife of a doctor. One day, she finds a sketch of her first husband’s novel, which has never been published. The ex-wife asks for her opinion.
She can’t leave this book called “Nocturnal Animals.” Susan remembers her past as the life of the book’s character becomes miserable. These dangerous emotions change her life.
While heralding the enormous visuality with the opening sequence that will make its mark in the history of cinema, it fascinates with its deep and impressive narrative. Flawless performances from Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon also help to create a dark and disturbing atmosphere.
8. Under the Skin (2013)
“Under the Skin,” directed by Jonathan Glazer, is one of the most controversial science fiction films of the 2010s. It is loosely based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Michel Faber.
We follow a mysterious young woman as she seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland. However, events lead her to begin a process of self-discovery.
Whilst this attractive, captivating, and eerie story travels among genres, it also presents interesting cinematographic elements. By combining social reality and science fiction, it brings a unique experience.
Bringing a new dimension to noir cinema with its foggy Scotland landscapes, Glazer draws strength from the unique femme fatale character he has created, and undersigns one of the most stylized and exclusive works in film history.
7. The Great Beauty (2013)
Paolo Sorrentino’s magnificent film opens with a quote from Céline’s “Journey to the End of the Night”: “Traveling is very useful: it makes your imagination work, everything else is just disappointment and trouble. Our journey is entirely imaginary, which is its strength.” And that perfectly divulges the film.
Jep Gamberdella, who lives in the charming and glorious atmosphere of Rome, is a 65-year-old writer who often misses his youth. He had great success in his youth and was accepted into the high society of Rome, and started a splendid life.
He tries to see the world as a better place by masking degenerated people and frustrations with his cynical attitude. The only thing that keeps its innocence in his dreams is the love of youth. Jep realizes that he has lived superficially, so he begins the search for great beauty.
It is a quest story that turns its narrative into a kind of feast with references to Fellini. This hybrid aesthetic is adorned with absurd humor while intertwining fake with sincere, fiction with reality, sacred with vulgar.
6. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
“Only Lovers Left Alive” is one of the coolest pieces in Jim Jarmusch’s great filmography.
Eve and Adam are immortal lovers, two depressive vampires who have lost faith in most things. Adam is a successful musician who devotes all his time to music and songs. He lives in Detroit, which has the appearance of a largely abandoned ghost town.
His only love, Eve, has been living in Morocco for a long time. When Eve comes to visit Adam, they encounter the unexpected visit of her sister Ava. Until then, Ava has brought nothing but trouble, and once again she leads them to a difficult point.
This film discovers vampires’ extraordinary relationships with science and technique, their production as artists, and their passion for intellectual knowledge.
In addition to Jarmusch’s ingenious touches, the strange and charming performances of Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston are enough to make it quite cool and enjoyable.