Last Days - (Gus Van Sant;2005;USA) - ****
The final days of a burnt-out rock musician as he wanders around his secluded home and gets hassled by groupies for favors.
Van Sant's best, and the best film of 2005 so far. Michael Pitt does a great job in his role from writing the music to using mostly his body language rather then dialogue. Van Sant may have a few subtle things happen but overall he ignores the cause of death, focusing on the protagonist's mental death rather then physical. One of the best films in recent years and a must-see. "Death to Birth" should win an Oscar.
#11

Elephant - (Gus Van Sant;2003;USA) - ****
On the day of a school shooting, we follow several different students as the day progresses.
The best film of 2003. Van Sant doesn't explain, but only shows the events that follow just as a slice of life. The tracking shots for all the characters work and make the audience feel closer to the story. The music is great, and for once a high school actually looks like one, rather then a bunch of perfect looking people. The film also proves to be both shocking and depressing.
#19