The2000scontinue to be looked back on fondly. Despite being years removed from the initial rumblings of a Y2K revival, the decade continues to serve as a catalyst for reflection. Contemporary conversations about the Noughties shine a light on the stronger embrace of optimism in the future, seen in the chrome-covered, cyber-inspired glory of album covers, film sets, and fashion. While some term for the very same optimism, others see the recent obsession with nostalgia as an indicator of far more nefarious aspirations.
In one way or another, these movies contend with dilemmas spanning decades. In part due to their ambition and approach, said films also failed to meet expectations at the box office. However, as the years have gone by, these films have enjoyed an era of rediscovery and subsequent celebration.
10’Zodiac' (2007)
Zodiacseems like it would be a contemporary smash. With its cast including Mark Ruffalo, Jack Gyllenhaal, and Robert Downey Jr. and its role as a true crime marvel, the film finds David Fincher splicing stories of the victims of the Zodiac Killer and complementing said stories with a decades-long investigation of the killings. As the film progresses,Zodiaccaptures the anguish and effort that the detectives experience while hunting for the truth. While a controversial conclusion may have left viewers divided, the film ultimately highlights a necessary truth about crime that rings true to this day.
A Moving Interrogation of Crime and Sensationalism
Despite the intriguing premise, the film would only generate $13.3 million during the opening weekend, a stark difference from the film’s budget of $84.7 million. When discussing the underperformance, director David Fincher attributes the film’s box office to marketing issues, with the film struggling to clearly speak to an audience that would appreciate it upon first watching. Nevertheless, the film has not only gone on to be a cult classic but comfortably sits in the top ten of various “Best Of…” lists, also receiving praise from the likes of Bong Joon-ho.
9’Children of Men' (2006)
Children of Men
Children of Mensees Clive Owens star in a dystopian drama set in the year 2027. Reeling from the effects of rising rates of infertility, the elite rules over its citizens with an iron fist, rationing resources at the expense of said citizen’s health and survival. The personal and political meld together when Theo Faron (Owens), a former activist-turned-bureaucrat, becomes embroiled in a global scheme involving Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), his estranged wife, who aims to lead her community of hopefuls towards a definite path towards liberation. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón,Children of Mendelves into the darkness of dystopia, never shielding viewers from the morose and the menacing attitudes that arise in the wake of mass dread.
A Chilling Look at the Future
A major success in the UK,Children of Menwould gross $2.4 million. However, with a budget of $76 million, the commercial success of the film would suffer due to its limited release in the United States. In spite of its performance,Children of Mencurrently enjoys its reception asthe crème de la crème of dystopian fiction. Combining themes of hope, criticisms of discrimination, and stellar performances from Owens, Moore, and Chiwetel Ejiofor,Children of Menremains enthralling and impressive.
8’Ali' (2001)
Alisees Will Smith morph into legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Following his career throughout the arena, his conversion to Islam, and his vision of black liberation, the film manages to explore the difficult and infamous balance between celebrity and activism. Alongside actors like Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, and Mario Van Peebles,Alimakes strong use of the talent at its disposal. Directed by Michael Mann, and with a level of enthusiasm for the film from Ali himself, the film stands as one of the most enjoyable biographies of the century.
The Story of the Man Behind the Legend
Given the inherent difficulties that come with attempting to explore a real person’s entire life on film,Alimanages to stand out as a well-paced look at Muhammad Ali’s life, boxing career, and activism. Smith provides a compelling portrayal of Ali and, coupled with contributions from Foxx and Peebles, the film has often been regarded as a breakthrough by critics who felt endeared to the story at hand. In competition withThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, the film wouldlose Columbia Pictures $100 million, a worthy sacrifice for an imperative story of triumph in the face of repression.
7’Punch-Drunk Love' (2002)
Punch-Drunk Love
Punch-Drunk Loveis a hilarious rom-com that follows the life of self-defined loner Barry (Adam Sandler), namely his burgeoning love life. A brother to many sisters, Barry frequently expresses feelings of isolation despite his otherwise successful professional career. When he calls a late-night hotline, Barry finds himself in deep trouble, which further complicates an already puzzling relationship with Lena Leonard (Emily Watson), a close friend of his sister’s. As the dilemma reaches a boiling point, Barry begins to buckle at the knees. However, Adam Sandler never succumbs to the pressure and delivers a rather entertaining performance.
An Unnerving Love Story
Not only was the film praised for its unpredictability, butPunch Drunk Lovewas also embraced by critics for expanding the audience’s perception of what romantic comedies could look like on film, combining familiar creative decisions with attributes of thriller and crime. Moreover, the film has often been credited by many as a testament to Adam Sandler’s versatility. His performance of the somber Barry would set the template for more darker roles Sandler would lead and succeed in, specificallyUncut Gems. Despite its influence, the film would only gross $24.6 million at the box office against a budget of $25 million.
6’Sunshine' (2007)
Once looking at the cast ofSunshineand its meddling success, feelings of sadness rise to the surface given the potential of the story, especially with the actors attached to the film. Set decades into the future, a group of astronauts travels to the Sun in hopes of saving a freezing Earth. Once venturing closer to the sun, the team experience a bevy of challenges that threaten to set their mission back, some more daunting and haunting than others.
A Pernicious Space Odyssey
Including Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, and Michelle Yeoh, to say the least, the film was bolstered by great talent who sunk their teeth into their respective roles as seen in their performances. Furthermore, the intriguing premise and subsequently successful execution of a space mission to save the earth is nothing short of a capacious story that includes a bevy of themes, terrors, and triumphs. Nevertheless, the film would generate $32 million against a budget of $40 million, cementing its cult classic status for years to come.
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5’Idiocracy' (2006)
Idiocracyfinds Maya Rudolph and Luke Wilson starring in a pointed satire that amusingly critiques hyper-consumption, anti-intellectualism, and dysgenics. Following the admittedly normal Joe Bauers (Wilson), the film focuses on his selection for a top-secret hibernation experiment conducted by the government and the resounding effects. Leaping five centuries into the future with Rita (Rudolph), a woman involved in sex work, the duo come to figure out the various societal ills that plague the new world they have stumbled into.
A Hilariously Dark Omen
Much of the celebration of the film derives from its multifariousness. A comedy that delves deeper into serious, aforementioned topics, not only acknowledges the intelligence of its viewers but offers a necessary brightness that carries their attention from beginning to end. Wilson and Rudolph command said attention with their witty humor in the face of devastation. While excellently depicting the enabling factors and consequences of a kakistocracy, the film would only generate $495,303 against a budget of $2.4 million.
4’Grindhouse' (2007)
Grindhouse
Grindhouseis an ambitious film that combines the talents of both of its acclaimed directors, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. An amalgamation of thriller, horror, and action with an absurdist twist,Grindhouseconsists of two films.Planet Terroris a horror-comedy that finds Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, and Josh Brolin trapped in a frightening world filled with flesh-eating zombies. Despite the bleakness of said world, there is a lightness that buoysPlanet Terror.On the contrary,Death Proofis a twisted look into the life of Mike McKay (Kurt Russell), a stuntperson who targets and leads women on treacherous drives for his fascination and entertainment. On one occasion, he discovers a tough group of women who shatter his illusion of omnipotence.
An Ambitious, Bloody Comedy
Most likely, the film’s ambition would prove to be a hindrance to its commercial success, only amassing $11.5 million at the box office, despite the film reportedly costing $53 million to create. Nevertheless, the film would be embraced critically for the very same reason. With standout performances from McGowan, Russell, and Rodriguez, the film largely remains a funny and gritty homage to exploitation films of the 1970s, blending absurd artistic choices with strong storytelling.
3’Mulholland Drive' (2001)
Mulholland Drive
David Lynch’s revered masterpiece enjoys unanimous adoration to this day. However,Mulholland Drivewas not the booming success that received the same consideration that it currently does. When an aspiring actress named Betty (Naomi Watts) comes across a stressed woman with no memory of her identity, the two decide to dedicate their time and energy to helping the woman, donning the name Rita (Laura Harring), and discovering the truth behind her lack of awareness.
An Unforgettable yet Gratifying Mind Maze of a Movie
Lynch’s experimental and dreamlike masterpiece begs audiences to consider the power of the mind, while also offering a look at one’s complicated relationship with the City of Angels. A nuanced and unrestrained approach to storytelling, Betty and Rita’s journey of self-discovery illustrates the unique longing that exists in Hollywood, whether it be a yearning for success or security,Mulholland Driveremainsa worthwhile exercise in ambiguity and fantasy. Grossing $20.1 million against a budget $ million cheaper, the film would be a quaint commercial success, but the numerical data does little to capture the film’s importance.
2’Treasure Planet' (2002)
Treasure Planet
Treasure Planetis often considered an underrated Disney film. While the premise seems familiar to most, delving into the story of Jim Hawkins (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) reveals a sprawling tale. A young adventurer who embarks on a harrowing journey, Jim lives on the planet Montressor, a world where humans exist alongside cyborgs as the most powerful sentient beings. After an incidental visit from a stranger, Jim and his close friends embark on a galactic trip that the former hopes will reveal much-needed information about his missing father.
An Overlooked Animated Adventure
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1’Donnie Darko' (2001)
Donnie Darko
Donnie Darkois arguably the “role that would cement Gyllenhaal’s place in the cultural landscape,” the inspiration behind the closer to British experimental pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma’s 2018 album “I’m All Ears”, and a popular template for brooding male protagonists to come. However, the film was not the immediate success that fans from then and now believe it deserved. Beginning with the realization of his sleepwalking, Donnie soon comes across a mysterious entity named Frank, donning a grotesque rabbit costume. After his meeting, Donnie’s grasp on the world and reality falters, resulting in an unforgettable adventure.
An Iconic, Dreadful Exploration of Fate
Many filmmakers set out to create a film that is largely recognizable for its ambition, intent, and aesthetics. With Donnie Darko, director Richard Kelly would achieve everything with his debut. Gyllenhaal offers an outstanding performance as a troubled teenager whose grip on reality slowly loosens. The inventiveness behind the film would cement its status as a phenom in the world of independent film before leaping beyond entrenched borders and becoming a classic in its own right.
Due to the trailers featuring a crashing plane, the film was rarely advertised as its promotional tour was largely affected by the September 11th attacks. Grossing only $517,375,Donnie Darkoshatters myths that correlate commercial success with quality and longevity.
