10 Modern Movies That Will Be Viewed As Classics In Years To Come

8. Inside Llewyn Davis (2014)

Largely ignored by Oscar (no Best Actor, Director or Screenplay noms, while nominations for Cinematography and Sound Mixing came across as mere participation medals), Inside Llewyn Davis managed to be the first Coen brothers film since No Country for Old Men that didn't receive a Best Picture nomination. That's despite it being a Cannes Jury Prize winner and one of the Coens' best-reviewed films in...well, ever. This fictionalised depiction of the New York folk scene circa 1961 is another existential lament from the brothers, and one of their most seemingly aimless films. In reality, it works on a much deeper level, and is infused with meaning. It's also their most feeling film to date. As the titular folk singer, Oscar Isaac is extraordinary, keeping Llewyn the right side of sympathetic even in his more despicable moments. The singer is wilfully difficult, scuppering chances at fame and fortune along his journey for the sake of artistic integrity, and the film has an alarmingly bleak message for struggling artists: you, like most people, are likely just ordinary, and destined for an average life. It's perhaps why Inside Llewyn Davis didn't chime so well with audiences - the Coens dial back the comedy for this one and make something close to a modern tragedy. But it's a compelling one, and a lasting experience thanks to Bruno Delbonnel's gorgeous photography, some catchy tunes and that breakout central performance.