Mottram’s top 5:

1. The Master

Lurking beneath Paul Thomas Anderson’s rigorously composed sixth film was a stirring character study and portrait of post-war America.

2. Shame

Michael Fassbender and Steve McQueen continued their relationship forged on Hunger with this searing, sad and sobering study of sexual addiction.

3. Berberian Sound Studio

Our own David Lynch, Peter Strickland’s second film was a wonderful homage to Italian horror and the world of sound design.

4. Searching For Sugar Man

Forget The Imposter, this was the documentary of the year, touching story brilliantly told.

5, Holy Motors

Absolutely bonkers film from Leos Carax, with Denis Lavant on head-spinning form.

Best Male Performance:

Joaquin Phoenix.  After his four-year absence, and foolish detour with I’m Not Here, Phoenix delivered a staggeringly intense turn – full of volatility and vulnerability.

Best Female Performance:

Marion Cotillard. The Rust & Bone star was quite sensational as an amputee who finds solace with a bouncer/boxer.

Biggest Disappointment:

That Berberian Sound Studio bombed at the UK box-office; here’s hoping it finds a life on DVD.