s a whole, 2011 will not go down as a banner year at the movies.

Sure, there were some treasures to be found among the waves of inferior product, but it required a lot of looking and a lot of patience. Many of the best films weren’t released until the final few months of 2011 and several Oscar contenders (including “Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy” and “Shame”) are yet to open in Bowling Green or Nashville. And there were some films that received a lot of praise (“Tree of Life” and “Meloncholia”) that I liked, but not as much as everyone else.

It made the task of compiling a best-of-the-year list a little more difficult. Here are the films that I feel are the very best of 2011:

1. “The Artist”

What could have been nothing more than a gimmick – a black-and-white silent film about a movie star (Jean Dujardin) who sees his popularity fall as talking pictures arrive – proves to be the best film of 2011, a magical, beautiful piece of cinema that leaps off the screen with vivid imagination and precise execution.

Writer/director Michel Hazanavicius has crafted a gorgeous film that isn’t just a homage to silent movies, it pays tribute to everything from “Citizen Kane” to “Singin’ in the Rain.”

2. “The Descendants”

Writer/director Alexander Payne’s first film since “Sideways” in 2004 is a beautifully complex character study full of rich performances and sharp dialogue.

George Clooney deserves Oscar consideration as a father struggling to connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident that leaves her in a coma. 

This film feels authentic, thanks to Payne’s magnificent screenplay and a strong cast that also includes Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard and Robert Forster.

3. “Moneyball”

A film about baseball in which most of the action takes place off the field might seem like a tough sell, but this compelling baseball drama pulled it off with flair.

Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this story of Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane (in a great performance from Brad Pitt) and his quest to build a contender with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball comes to life thanks to a strong screenplay from Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin.

4. “Martha Marcy May Marlene”

A star-making performance from Elizabeth Olsen, the younger sister of better-known twins Mary-Kate and Ashley, drives this complex drama about a young woman who escapes an abusive cult and tries to re-enter society.

Olsen perfectly captures the emotionally disconnected and vulnerable character, conveying so much emotion without saying a word. 

This is a movie that slowly gives viewers the pieces to the puzzle without painting the whole picture, enhancing the drama and paranoia of the lead character.

5. “Drive”

More about attitude and style and less about words, this slick slice of film noir is deliberate and quite entertaining. Ryan Gosling gives a performance that evokes memories of James Dean and Marlon Brando. The supporting cast – which includes Bryan Cranston, Ron Pearlman and an Oscar-worthy performance by Albert Brooks – sizzles as well.

6. “Young Adult”

Dark and, at times, uncomfortable to watch, the latest from director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody is also rather fascinating.

Anchored by Charlize Theron’s uncompromisingly abrasive performance, this story of a divorced writer who returns to her home to break up the marriage of her high school sweetheart is the cinematic equivalent of a train wreck you can’t turn away from. 

7. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

More than just a summer popcorn flick, this blockbuster was taken to another level, largely due to Andy Serkis’ brilliant work as the film’s primary primate, Caesar.

Serkis created a character that gave the film a heart and soul, giving the final act a little more emotional punch.

8. “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”

This was the film I anticipated more than any other 2011 release, and the American adaptation of Steig Larsson’s best-selling novel delivered, thanks to keen direction from David Fincher and a star-making performance from Rooney Mara. This version is true to the source material, a dark and, at times, disturbing piece of work.

9. “Hugo”

The biggest surprise of 2011 was Martin Scorsese’s magnificent-looking film that, like “The Artist,” is a love letter to the origins of cinema. The sets are elaborate and Scorsese creates beautiful angles and camera shots that are quite exquisite. The final act is sheer cinematic poetry.

10. “Bellflower”

This indie drama that was written, directed by and starred Evan Glodell has been called a cross between a John Hughes film and “Mad Max,” but that simple description doesn’t do it justice. This is a special piece of work that engages, shocks and fascinates – starting out as a sweet and tender love story, then shifting into something much more tragic and dark.

This piece of work isn’t easily forgotten and I think deserves multiple viewings.

Those films constitute the top 10 list for now, but I can’t finish this review without honoring 10 more films that left a lasting impression on me in 2011. My honorable mentions, in alphabetical order, are: “Beginners,” “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop,” “Everything Must Go,” “Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin’,” “Rango,” “Source Code,” “Super 8,” “Tabloid,” “Take Shelter” and “Win, Win.”

— To get sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton’s up-to-the minute thoughts on all things movies, visit his blog at mcompton.wordpress.com or his Twitter page at twitter.com/mcompton428. You can also email him at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.