Best of the Year Bullshit
Updated: Jan 1, 2019
When I was still writing for a living, I dreaded the end-of-the-year assignment of jotting down the best whatever. Not because I don't experience anything amazing in a given year but more like I feel very sincerely from the very core of my being that nobody fucking cares.
Really, what does coming up with the best movies of the year do and who gives a floating fuck? "Oh, that writer from The New Yorker came up with his 2018 best restaurants list and my favorite is on that list." Great! But since it is already my favorite, what's the need for more validation?
If the New Yorker guy didn't include it on his list, will I go: "Damn! My joint isn't on this writer's list. I'm gonna stop coming then and just let go of my special bond with their braised pork belly." Nope! I would still order that delicious plate whenever I have a chance. And that is pretty much everyday.
In addition, best of the year lists aren't 100% truthful. I've written a bunch of them and I could say that only half of the items are real and the rest are fillers.
One time, I was asked to write about the top 10 best movies of 2011 and I came up with this:
1. Thor
2. Captain America: The First Avenger
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2
4. Drive
5. The Artist
6. Midnight In Paris
7. The Bang Bang Club
8. The Flowers of War
9. The Kid with a Bike
10. The Source
I only saw the first three and really enjoyed them. The rest? I added them so I could look cool.
Drive? Ryan Gosling and Brian Cranston are in the film so that should be on any list.
The Artist? Oscar winner so, duh?
Midnight in Paris? Oscar winner so again, duh?
The Bang Bang Club? Title looked cool.
The last three are foreign films and they do add a tremendous amaount of gravitas to any list.