American films rise to the occasion

Short Term 12 has empathetic perspective that many American dramas miss.

Despite the critics, it’s not all frivolity, writes Dominic Corry

When I was growing up the term "American claptrap" was repeatedly employed by my parents when discussing films. Naturally, this resulted in my dedicating my life to negating the notion, by seeking the best movies the United States has to offer.

The demand for American movies is greater than ever, but they are still often dismissed as frivolous. Here are my picks of the movies from the past 12 months that prove American cinema can still be vibrant, surprising and powerful; and some that have the potential to do so.

The past 12 months

Short Term 12

This heartfelt and frank drama about a foster centre for troubled kids was on the verge of breaking out, but the Oscar buzz (focused on Brie Larsen's stoic lead performance) didn't quite manifest in any nominations. It presents a deeply empathetic perspective that a lot of well-intentioned American dramas miss.

Gravity

Shot in England by a Mexican writer/director, Gravity is nevertheless very much defined by its status as a thoughtful American blockbuster. It proved populist cinema can be bold and boundary-pushing and the audience will go along with it.

Her

The beautifully rendered near-future setting of Spike Jonze's rumination on love, commun-ication and artificial intelligence is all too easy to believe, one of the film's many insights.

All Is Lost

This bold film-making experiment (one man, a boat, the open ocean) starring (only) Robert Redford deserved a much wider audience.

The Counselor

Dismissed as pretentious and indulgent, this Ridley Scott thriller starring Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem and Cameron Diaz is definitely both of these things. But critics failed to realise that both traits are beneficial.

The Lego Movie

Far more entertaining and subversive that a film based on a toy brand has any right to be, this proved that mainstream family films need not play by safe narrative rules.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson's previous film Moonrise Kingdom felt a little same-same, but he came back in a way with this cornocopia of cinematic delights.

In A World ...

Often consigned to "girlfriend" roles, Lake Bell wrote, directed and stars in this charming winner as a vocal coach who dares enter the competitive world of movie trailer voiceovers and challenge her father's dominance in the field.

The next 12 months

Boyhood

This ambitious drama from Richard Linklater was shot over 12 years, during which its lead actor/character ages from 5 to 18. It's one of the most enticing offerings at this year's International Film Festival.

Inherent Vice

Arguably America's greatest living film-maker, Paul Thomas Anderson takes on Thomas Pynchon's novel. The heavyweight cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson and Martin Short.

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

Robert Rodriguez's long-awaited follow-up to the 2005 hit that blew the doors of the traditional comic book adaptation.

Gone Girl

David Fincher directs this adaptation of Gillian Flynn's zeitgeist-grabbing thriller. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike are perfectly cast.

Interstellar

This big-budget, sci-fi drama from Christopher Nolan has the potential to be Hollywood's most ambitious film about space exploration since, well, ever.

Big Eyes

Tim Burton reunited with his Ed Wood screenwriters Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander for this true story about the fascinating conflict between populist art icons Walter and Margaret Keane.

Black Hat

Previously referred to as Cyber, the title for this upcoming thriller from Michael Mann is only rumoured, but we know it's about cyber-crime and stars Chris Hemsworth.

Jupiter Ascending

The trailer for this upcoming sci-fi fantasy from The Wachowskis (The Matrix, Cloud Atlas) brought mockery from some viewers, but the vast storytelling ambition is enticing. The Wachowskis are at their best working on a macro scale.