We don’t only see them - we feel them. I am speaking about the films that hit us like a train after they are over. Films that overwhelm us with devastation. Films so powerful that they bring about tears, rage and even nausea. That is what is so incredible about this art medium. The following list is comprised of the top ten films in which I believe are the most upsetting of all time. These films, unlike others, bring about particular emotions. As I call it - the feels. These films ARE in order. ** CONTAINS SPOILERS **
#10 - The Thin Red Line Directed by Terrence Malick
Mr. Malick’s trademark is beauty - not devastation. However, they work hand-in-hand in his 1998 war epic The Thin Red Line. Malick’s juxtaposition between the wonder of nature and the cruelty of war is done with an artist’s touch. The loss of humanity expressed in this film is like no other. Most Devastating Moment: When one of the troops gets broken up with through a letter from his wife.
#9 - Antichrist Directed by Lars Von Trier
Marketed as a horror film - Antichrist is so much more than that. I see it as a character study of two broken individuals. Nature is represented as a force of evil in this film. The animals seem to have a connection with the wife’s inner demons as they self-mutilate. Von Trier’s most shocking film yet. Most Devastating Moment: When the husband finds out that his wife would put the shoes on the wrong feet of their child before he died.
#8 - Melancholia Directed by Lars Von Trier
Only Von Trier would disguise a movie depicting depression with an apocalyptic one. Melancholia is easily Kirsten Dunt’s most powerful performance of her career. As the planet slowly gets closer to Earth, and the characters really start to fall apart, we as audience members can’t bare but to feel helpless. Most Devastating Moment: Kirsten Dunst attempting to eat dinner with her family. “It tastes like ashes.”
#7 - My Sister’s Keeper Directed by Nick Cassavetes
I remember the day perfectly when my cousin dragged me to see this in theatres. I was caught off guard by how the film struck me. A very original plot for a cancer-victim movie, and all the actors really brought it to the table. By the end, I was trying my best to not start sobbing like the rest of the theatre. Very happy the director changed the ending from the novel. Most Devastating Moment: When Cameron Diaz finally accepts that her daughter is going to die.
#6 - The Hours Stephen Daldry
With an all-star cast, and three different storylines, The Hours deserved every Oscar nomination/win it received. This film symbolized depression in such a spot-on and heart wrenching manner. Possibly the best performance ever by Julianne Moore. Most Devastating Moment: Julianne Moore’s scenes as an old woman.
#5 - 12 Years a Slave Directed by Steve McQueen
Easily the best portrayal of slavery in America in the history of cinema. The fact that Solomon’s character was sold into slavery as a free man makes the storyline more original than slavery tales told before. The performances in this film are physical ones. The laboring of the slaves and the sweat, blood and tears all feel genuine. Most Devastating Moment: Solomon being forced to whip Patsy.
#4 - 21 Grams Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
21 Grams hits you hard. It is hands down Naomi Watt’s best performance of all time. She took herself to a dark place and the audience can truly feel it. Iñárritu is a fantastic director. I loved how he decided to not present it in chronological order. It proved to be a puzzle of devastation that pieces itself together slowly. Most Devastating Moment: Naomi Watt’s character discovering the fate of her family in the hospital.
#3 - Requiem for a Dream Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Requiem for a Dream plays as a symphony of self-abuse. Aronofsy has created the most realistic portrayal of heroin addiction seen to date. No character is left unharmed as they fall helpless to the drugs, be it heroin or speed. Clint Mansell’s unrelenting score of violens brings about a physical reaction. The director’s best film to date IMO. Most Devastating Moment: The torture Mrs. Goldfarb goes through in the psychiatric hospital.
#2 - Dancer in the Dark Directed by Lars Von Trier
Sorry Les Miserables, but Dancer in the Dark is easily the most tragic musical ever made. Of course, it is the least conventional musical ever made as well - what else is there to expect from Lars Von Trier? Bjork meekly portrayed a near-blind woman who falls victim to the some of the darkest cruelties of human nature. In this film, the justice system is one of those oppressors. Most Devastating Moment: The last 25 minutes.
“You don’t remember the quiet moments. You remember fights. You remember seeing the girl kissing another guy at a party, or you remember a moment where you took ecstasy with a girl and you’re on the beach all night long—small images. But the truth is that the most lovingful moments are quite hard to remember. Because they’re musical. They’re not narrative. The moments of hugging and kissing or making love, they’re usually colored abstract or emotional.”
