All is Lost

In a movie that features almost no dialogue, Robert Redford delivers some of his best work ever as a man trying to survive a shipwreck in the Indian Ocean. While sleeping in his yacht, Redford's character (simply called “Our Man” in the credits) is abruptly awakened by the feel and sound of a floating cargo bin crashing into his boat's side. What follows is over 100 minutes of watching Redford solve problems and fight to stay alive. Much credit goes out to the legendary actor, and relative newbie writer-director J.C. Chandor (Margin Call) for making this compelling from start to finish. You'll be surprised by how gripping the sight of a man simply trying to repair his boat can be. Redford looks like he put himself through the ringer in this one, and the results are well worth it. His character gets no real backstory, and other than one loud expletive, a couple of radio transmission attempts, and a quick beginning narration, we never really get to hear his voice. No need for vocals. Redford does it all with his face in a performance for which he will always be remembered.