DFS Programmers give us their Top 5 films of 2012

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Marc Lee

As another year winds down, the Dallas Film Society programming team, James Faust and Sarah Harris, reflect on some of their favorite films from 2012. Hundreds of films were released this year, and we still haven’t hit the holiday releases, but they’ve narrowed their choices down to five each. How do they do it?

After reading through their lists, find out how the programmers’ choices compare with the films they were looking forward to early in 2012.

JAMES FAUST, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ARGO
Loosely based on a true story; this superbly directed thriller may garner Ben Affleck his next Oscar. He should win the best beard award hands down.

THE SESSIONS
John Hawkes and Helen Hunt turn in the bravest acting performances of their careers. I don’t believe there is a film with more heart and triumph on any screen this year.

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS
I am fan. Sort of a fan boy, but a fan of a good summer film. Joss Whedon’s movie is one of the greatest Summer films of all time. Pure Entertainment. JAMES SMASH!!

MOONRISE KINGDOM
Wes Anderson has done it again. Not only did he make a wonderfully magical film, but he was able to get amazing performances from unlikely sources … see Bruce Willis. I now wear Boy Scout shorts … because it’s cool.

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED
Winner of the Sundance Film Festival screenwriting award, and well deserved. This quaint little quasi-sci-fi romantic comedy has the best surprise ending of the year.

SARAH HARRIS, FILM PROGRAMMER

SKYFALL
A great Bond film and absolutely gorgeous to watch. (Go Roger Deakins!) I want to see this again!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
Fulfilled all my expectations and more. Great cast and a wonderful adaptation of the book.

LOOPER
A fun sci-fi film. I totally loved the ride. Yet another title where Joseph Gordon-Levitt impressed me.

THE MASTER
This film warrants extra viewings. A stellar cast. The prison cell scene with Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman still wows me. How about Freddie Quell’s mixed drinks? And all in 70mm no less!

DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
A fabulous portrait of a woman who changed the way Americans view and interact with fashion.

Check in with us early in 2013 to find out what James and Sarah are looking forward to in 2013.

DFS MEMBERSHIP

JOIN THE FILM SOCIETY

DFS Members receive invitations to year-round films and events, reserved seats at screenings with our cultural partners and exclusive benefits at the Dallas International Film Festival.

Your support helps the DFS bring filmmakers to Dallas, offer year-round programming and provide educational events for future filmmakers.

We have a membership level for every budget. JOIN NOW! »