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During this year of lockdowns and quarantines, I took the opportunity to catch up on movies I’ve never seen before, and managed to watch nearly 200!
Here’s a thread of my top 10 first-time viewings of 2020. [1/11]
![During this year of lockdowns and quarantines, I took the opportunity to catch up on movies I’ve never seen before, and managed to watch nearly 200!Here’s a thread of my top 10 first-time viewings of 2020. [1/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiZbcXEAAcQy6.jpg "During this year of lockdowns and quarantines, I took the opportunity to catch up on movies I’ve never seen before, and managed to watch nearly 200!Here’s a thread of my top 10 first-time viewings of 2020. [1/11]")
Here’s a thread of my top 10 first-time viewings of 2020. [1/11]
10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]
![10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiaL0WMAce1pJ.jpg "10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]")
![10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiaL0XcAM4EsR.jpg "10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]")
![10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiaL-W8AAHmt4.jpg "10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]")
![10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiaMHW8AA-dFT.jpg "10. SHATTERED (1991) — Went on an erotic thriller binge and this was by far the most keen on plunging itself off a cliff and ripping my face off with it. Contains sequences that out-does De Palma at his own game in only the way a Euro director cut loose in the US can do. [2/11]")
9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]
![9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQialwXMAAZZbk.jpg "9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]")
![9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiamCXYAg24Wc.jpg "9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]")
![9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiamfXMAAplYj.jpg "9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]")
![9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiaoGXAAMkNaS.jpg "9. FEAR CITY (1986) — In this under-discussed grindhouse gem from Abel Ferrara, strippers in NYC are getting mutilated. An emotionally scarred boxer-turned-private-eye pines after his heroin-addicted ex, and overcomes his dark part to avenge the ladies. [3/11]")
8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]
![8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQibX2XAAIoNhh.jpg "8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]")
![8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQibXMXUAE-AQ9.jpg "8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]")
![8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQibXVXYAMdpf7.jpg "8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]")
![8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQibXrXEAIcMWX.jpg "8. SMALL SACRIFICES (1989) — Wild true story of a mother and her 4 children that arrive at the ER each wounded from gunshots. Farrah Fawcett delivers a tour-de-force performance as the suspicious trashy mom and proves her range extends well into Aileen Wuornos territory. [4/11]")
7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]
![7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQicScXcAAybDf.jpg "7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]")
![7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQicSbWMAYUmsw.jpg "7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]")
![7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQicSwXcAA3EkV.jpg "7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]")
![7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQicS6XMAsY3S1.jpg "7. DEEP COVER (1992) — Fishburne goes undercover in the LA narcotics trade only to discover the hypocrisy of the war on drugs itself. An existential street drama in a neo-noir framework that’s criminally underseen. [5/11]")
6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]
![6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiczrW8AUufUZ.jpg "6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]")
![6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQic0HXAAAsA7z.jpg "6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]")
![6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQic1vW4AIDf8e.jpg "6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]")
![6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQic12XAAAEGON.jpg "6. MIKE’S MURDER (1984) — A nonlinear exploration of LA malaise as Debra Winger tries to fill an emotional void by solving the murder of her tennis instructor crush. Although heavily recut by a studio, it’s still a super fascinating exercise in neo-noir dream logic. [6/11]")
5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of a
female ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]
![5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQieb-XUAM346v.jpg "5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]")
![5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQieb9W4AM5Ycp.jpg "5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]")
![5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiecFXEAIiVMM.jpg "5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]")
![5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQiecKXYAI8yEu.jpg "5. REMEMBER MY NAME (1978) — An emotional revenge tale of afemale ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]")
female ex-con terrorizing a seemingly random construction worker & his wife. The genius here is withholding her motivations, which leads to both shockingly cruel scenes without context, and a blindsiding 3rd act. [7/11]
4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,
silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]
![4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQie57WMAATG6_.jpg "4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]")
![4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQie6IXMAAunOc.jpg "4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]")
![4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQie6ZXYAUUpn4.jpg "4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]")
![4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQie6kW8AIllzm.jpg "4. SUPERFLY (1972) — The grainy,silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]")
silent observation of characters as they walk/drive along to Curtis Mayfield alone would make the list. But it’s homegrown authenticity is on display on every level, making most others in the genre seem like manufactured caricatures. [8/11]
3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]
![3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQifqAXIAAzFd9.jpg "3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]")
![3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQifp-XcAADEzY.jpg "3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]")
![3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQifp8XUAAUsPt.jpg "3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]")
![3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQifp_W4AErDNR.jpg "3. GUYANA TRAGEDY (1980) — Shot just months after the actual Jonestown Massacre, this 3 hour made-for-TV biopic is shockingly accurate. But, it’s Powers Booth’s uncanny portrayal of a cult leader’s fatal descent into megalomania, which is sadly more relevant now than ever. [9/11]")
2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]
![2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQivVhW4AAU2B1.jpg "2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]")
![2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQivVcXUAcJm9N.jpg "2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]")
![2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQivVfXUAoYp3-.jpg "2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]")
![2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqQivVfXUAANkEL.jpg "2. EMMA MAE (1974) — Wrongfully billed as blaxploitation, this combines the lush melodrama of Douglas Sirk with gritty social justice vigilantism. Features a tragically unsung lead performance that is the driving force of it’s emotional power. [10/11]")
1. COME AND SEE (1985) — Contains simultaneously the most beautiful and horrifying images I’ve ever seen. Legit feels like a waking nightmare or flashback of war itself. Can’t think of another film that evokes hallucinatory terror on such a poetic level. One of a kind masterwork.
