In a down year, films of joy and inspiration

I'm ready to see the end of 2008.

This is coming from the heart, readers; it's been a difficult year. So many people close to me this year have faced rough times that my natural optimism has drooped a bit now and then. And I know things are tough all over.

So what's the point of spending precious ink and newsprint on a list of favorite movies? Why should they matter, in the grand scheme of things?

Because every one of these movies, some of them watched on days when the world seemed very dark indeed, lifted me up and took me someplace else. That's the magic of a movie theater: We can forget our troubles and immerse ourselves in someone else's vision — moved to laughter or tears, thrilled by artistry or daring, inspired to look forward to brighter days.

So here are my 10 favorites for 2008, listed alphabetically because I'm not interested in ranking any one above the other. If you've missed any of these and are inspired to check them out, I've noted which ones are in theaters, or now available on DVD. I hope all of you found some joy, hope and inspiration in a movie theater this year, as I did with these films.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Nearly three hours long, and it goes by in a heartbeat. David Fincher's sepia-toned tale of a man (a wondrous Brad Pitt) who's born old and grows young is utterly magical and filled with unexpected wisdom about life, death and the marks we leave on the world. (In theaters now)

"The Dark Knight." Who will forget that image of a brooding Batman, standing on a ledge over an impossibly dark Gotham City? Christopher Nolan's thrilling superhero saga featured Heath Ledger's brilliant final role, as a man who "just wants to watch the world burn." (On DVD)

"Frozen River." No movie stars, no big-budget effects, just a story of two forgotten women willing to take enormous risks to improve their lot in life. Melissa Leo, whose performance is touching and never sentimental, gives a star turn here under Courtney Hunt's direction, in a film that's an inspiring demonstration of the power of an independent filmmaker's vision. (DVD out Feb. 10, 2009)

"Man on Wire." Absolutely unforgettable. Philippe Petit, a Puck of the tightrope, dances on a wire strung between the two World Trade Towers in 1977; James Marsh's marvelously suspenseful yet playful documentary lets us go there with him. (On DVD)

"Milk." Sean Penn transforms himself before our eyes into Harvey Milk, a gay politician in 1970s San Francisco — and finds the man's gentle soul. Gus Van Sant's warmhearted film immerses us in a unique time and place, eloquently reminding us of a memorable man, a terrible crime and a fight not yet won. (In theaters)

"Priceless." I thought my list would be devoid of comedy this year — and then I remembered this delicious French bonbon, which made me absurdly happy. Audrey Tautou plays a golddigger on the French Riviera; Gad Elmaleh her at first unwitting partner in crime. Pure rom-com silliness, and beaucoup fun. (On DVD)

"Revolutionary Road." This one hasn't opened in Seattle theaters quite yet, but I couldn't leave off this devastating showcase for Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performances as a despairing suburban couple in the '50s are astonishing. Director Sam Mendes and screenwriter Justin Haythe do vivid justice to Richard Yates' novel. (In theaters Jan. 2)

"Shine a Light." The jittery, slinky wonder that is Mick Jagger is captured for the ages in Martin Scorsese's mesmerizing concert film, in which the forever-young Rolling Stones play a concert in New York's Beacon Theater. Pure energy, caught on celluloid. (On DVD)

"Tell No One." Tell someone: A moody thriller with a touch of bittersweet romance, this French murder mystery (a turn behind the camera for talented actor Guillaume Canet) is a wonderfully tangled web of suspense, punctuated with a thrilling chase and sprinkled liberally with some terrific roles for female actors (including Kristin Scott Thomas). (Now playing at the Crest; on DVD March 31, 2009)

"WALL*E." Another gem from Pixar, this is an almost wordless tale of a robot finding love in a desolate landscape of empty skyscrapers. It's an enchanting mixture of sci-fi adventure, wistful romance and a dash of "Hello, Dolly!" "It only takes a moment ... " (On DVD)

A splendid second 10: "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," "The Band's Visit, "Doubt," "Frost/Nixon," "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day," "Rachel Getting Married," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Standard Operating Procedure," "The Visitor," "Young@heart."

Oh, let's not even get into the year's 10 worst; I'd rather leave 2008 on a positive note. May the new year bring all good things at the movie houses — and elsewhere, for all of us.

Moira Macdonald: 206-464-2725 or mmacdonald@seattletimes.com