I've thrown together a list of 7 films that came out in the decades before I was born that I can still watch and enjoy. These films have stood the test of time. They are classics that have transcended the context they were created in. I'm sure this list could be longer, but here are some of my favorites...
1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Talk about the epitome of musicals. This film was written so that we would fall in love with the characters. If this film doesn't represent all that was good about Old Hollywood, I don't know what does. Each musical number is a perfect compliment to the story and helps move it along - never feeling thrown in or overdone. Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, and Donald O'Connor are absurdly charming and since this film came out during the advent of "talkies," it made history in more ways than one.
2. North by Northwest (1959)
One of Alfred Hitchcock's classic films, this story has intrigue, mystery, and a twisty plot that rivals any modern day thriller. As Hitchcock always does, he provides us with a story where we are hanging on every line of dialogue and engrossed in every scene. It stars Cary Grant in his hay day and Eva Marie Saint. I'd love to see a remake of this except I'm not sure anyone is qualified to do it justice.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Probably one of the best book to screen adaptations of all time, this courtroom drama is laden with themes that are still relevant. With a character like Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck) at the helm, you can't help but love this important story about racial prejudice, justice, and family. Gregory Peck does an extraordinary job, and while we don't get the first person perspective of his daughter, Scout, like in the book, the film still works and remains a classic you don't want to miss.
4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1962)
I just recently watched this film for the first time as a part of my online screenwriting class, and was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to love it so much, but the boyish charm and hilarious performances from Paul Newman and Robert Redford, combined with a fun story, makes this classic action film set in the Old West a lovable tale, even though we are rooting for the outlaws.
5. The original Star Wars trilogy (1977 - 1983)
I'm not really sure if there's much to say about the original Star Wars films except that they have shaped the industry as we know it. There are still Star Wars super fans that are so committed to the Star Wars universe that they will wait in line for 24 +hours just to get a sliver of information about what's next in the saga. I can't say much for episodes I, II, and III, but I know I'll always love these original films and appreciate how groundbreaking they were.
6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Before George Lucas got all crazy by trying to make an Indiana Jones movie with aliens, the original Indiana Jones movies were cemented as classics, and Raiders of the Lost Ark in particular presented a unique mixture of a love of history and learning, thrilling action sequences, and of course dreamy Harrison Ford. All three of the original movies are amazing, but Raiders really did set a precedent for action movies.
7.The Princess Bride (1987)
In what has possibly become the most quoted film of all time, The Princess Bride is a classic story that is the stuff of fairytales. Hollywood legends Rob Reiner and William Goldman paired up for this funny and charming story that was based off of a book. It might be considered a crime at this point to not have seen it. If you haven't, you must go out immediately and watch it. You won't regret it.
No comments :
Post a Comment