50 - 26 - Great Films
50. FORREST GUMP (1994) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Screenplay: Eric Roth (1994)
“My name is Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump.” With flawless direction by Zemeckis, set to music by Alan Silvestri, this film introduces us to one of the most iconic figures in movie history. It became a huge success, by the amazing acting by Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Robin Wright (Jenny), Gary Sinise (Captain Dan), Sally Field (Mrs. Gump), and Mykelti Williamson (Bubba Blue). The film is now legendary, a milestone in new CGI special effects, such as putting Forrest in the same scenes as 3 past U.S Presidents, increasing the Lincoln Memorial scene from a few hundred to tens of thousands and the removal of Captain Dan’s legs. The modern day whimsical fairy-tale is told by Forrest as he relates his past life to strangers at a bus stop. Appealing to the masses, covering subjects such as true friendship, dark secrets from the past, child bullying and the terror of war—it’s truly a love story!…Enormously Popular and Simply Stupendous!
Link #1 Official movie trailer - Forrest Gump. Link #2 Young Forrest with new braces on his legs and his mother at the school principal’s office. Link #3 Forrest at losing Jenny.
https://youtu.be/vdtqSaJO-iM?si=XA7zsoUfZ--7PZsn
49. RASHOMON (1950) Japan
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Screenplay: Ryunosuki Akutagawa / Akira Kurosawa / Shinobu Hashimoto
At the midway point in the 20th Century, 1950, this Akira Kurosawa film, his 2nd listed, brought recognition to the movie world, that a master storyteller could rise out of the Japanese ashes to become one of the most celebrated directors in the world, only 5 years after the end of WWII. This film is included in his body of work with the examination of a crime of rape and murder as related from 4 different conflicting witnesses, all related in flashbacks, and none of which could be relied on to tell the story as it really happened. This foreign language film was so well made, it prompted the Academy Awards to form this as a new permanent category. The director’s skill at lighting, though the crime takes place deep in the woods in ninth-century Japan, was lauded as remarkable, and he is considered by his peers the world over as a master at his craft for the next 50 years. Was it the bandit, the samurai, the woodcutter, the priest? Truth is oftentimes so Obscure!
Link #1 The gatehouse, where the first accounts are related. Link #2 Montage of magnificnet black and white cinematography.
48. THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963) U.S.
Director: John Sturges
Screenplay: James Clavell / W. R. Burnett
With hardly a dull moment in its nearly 3 hour running time, this high-voltage adventure film centers around a POW camp in Europe in which most of the inmates of the international Allied Forces are known for their…escape-pades. The ensemble of stars includes Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Donald Pleasence. Loosely based on real events, only 79 escaped, and over 50 were killed. Famous scenes—Steve McQueen’s amazing motorcycle sequence, and any scene from the tunnel digs. The remarkable WWII film only shows few killings, only one in the prison, but you can still feel the violence of the war. The appeal of the movie grows exponentially each year, thanks to John Sturges excellent direction, a profanity free script by Clavell and Burnett, and a sensational musical soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein, one of his finest ever! Considered by many Best Prison Break movies in history!
Link #1 Official Trailer, 1963. Link #2 Roger (Richard Attenborough) & (Gordon Jackson) plan the escape with Hilts (Steve McQueen). Link #3 The motorcycle scene with Hilts.
https://youtu.be/M2bEzJFVdQ4?si=9x6Ys6kVWug-xSXr
47. RAISE THE RED LANTERN (1991) China. / Hong Kong
Director: Yimou Zhang
Screenplay: Ni Zhen / Tong Su
Could Yimou Zhang be considered one of the world’s most respected filmmakers? The ‘voice of reason’ would like to answer…Yes—just by his use of colors, art and symmetry in his films. A young woman, Songlian, in a simmering performance by Chinese actress, Gong Li, becomes the 4th wife, a concubine of a wealthy man in the fading ‘Warlord’ days in China during the 1920s. As these centuries old customs come to an end, she soon wishes she was not part of that “arrangement,” having to compete for the affections of a selfish older man who abuses his “ownership” of his wives as “property.” What develops is tragic as well as unexpected, as each wife must raise the Red Lantern to gain “favors” of the master. The cinematography by Lun Yang and Fei Zhao is stunning, the direction is flawless in his 2nd listed film, a superb psychological story of a woman’s slow descent into madness, in a world not of their making…A Splendid, Visual Experience on film!
Link #1 A heartbreaking moment when Songlian (Gong Li), realizes she will be the 4th concubine to the master. Link #2 Songlian’s final descent into madness.
46. TOY STORY 3 (2010) (Ani.) U.S.
Director: Lee Unkrich
Screenplay: Michael Arndt / John Lasseter / Andrew Stanton / Lee Unkrich
When Pixar became a computer-generated technology company, little did they know the result from 3D visuals and deep, emotional storytelling would become the norm, producing an animated film so revolutionary, that it would change the film industry, leaving an impact as big as the first hand-drawn cells as Disney did in the 1930s. The Toy Story franchise became a game changer. Looking back, Toy Story 3 in 2010 may have been the finest in a long list of colossal hits. Winner of 2 Oscars, including best animated feature, it was a box office juggernaut, giving us Woody (voice Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) Jessie (Joan Cussack) and a host of other toys that come to life, even after Andy goes to college. The story is amazing, appealing to all ages, because it explores how we grow up, hoping our former playthings can be adopted by a new child. Adventure, drama, comedy, and extremely touching moments, making adults dab their eyes. An Instant Classic!
Link #1 Woody and the gang, the great escape from Sunnyside! Link #2 The incinerator scene, courage and dramatic. Link #3 Andy reluctantly gives his toys to Bonnie, saying his goodbye to childhood. “So long, Partner,”
https://youtu.be/hIs3k4iKFjM?si=NQTcBpAyxEJtxDhc
45. SPARTACUS (1960) U.S.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Dalton Trumbo
To some Gladiator (2000) is a better film, but as one who lives through both these Gladiator films, this flawed movie has HEART, not depending on special effects, mystical visions or caricatures. One year after Ben Hur won 11 out of 12 Oscars, this epic Stanley Kubrick film, his 2nd listed, won 4 Academy awards. The star-studded film with Kirk Douglas in the title role, Peter Ustinov in an Oscar-winning performance as the gladiatorial school owner, Lawrence Olivier as Crassus, with an obsessive lust for power, Jean Simmons as Varinia, the slave woman who loves Spartacus, and Charles Laughton as Gracchus of the Roman Senate, all have great moments. A former slave, turns gladiator, and leads a rebellion / war against Rome, almost succeeding in this case, "until every slave in the Roman Empire is free!” A meaningful script by Dalton Trumbo, Alex North’s magnificent music score, stunning battle setups, a great romantic love story, all can shout…”I’m Spartacus!”
Link #1 Opening title sequences by Saul Bass, music Alex North, one of the greatest in film history! Link #2 Two gladiators unnecessarily fight to the death, Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) vs. Draba (Woody Strode). Link #3 Peter Ustinov - Oscar winner (Batiatus), Charles Laughton (Gracchus), Lawrence Olivier (Crassus) Power-driven politics. Link #4 Crassus seeks Spartacus after the battle, dead or alive…”I’m Spartacus!”
https://youtu.be/-spQt_tLBeI?si=KIaabKQiNOC7v6p9
https://youtu.be/MAuCEY_EJFk?si=x-pX63FwA5_pX569
44. THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1992) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Michael Mann
Screenplay: Michael Mann / Christopher Crowe
Very few historical movies, set in New England, North America, have the authenticity and impact of transporting us through the window of time as this one. The time is 1757 during the French and Indian War vs Great Britain when Colonialism was fracturing the continent, and the Native Americans were just as divided as its new masters. Based on James Finamore Cooper’s saga of Hawkeye (Daniel Say Lewis), adopted son of Chingachgook (Russell Means), and his son Uncas (Eric Schweig), they maintain a neutral position, until Cora (Madelein Stowe), and Alice (Jodhi May), become captives of a vengeance personified, Magua, (Wes Studi). The story is magnificent in its courqge, romance and adventure—all the actors pull it off with skill. Michael Mann’s direction is flawless, the music score by Randy Edelman / Trevor Jones is unforgettable, the cinematography by Dante Spinotti, a moving painting. Hawkey’s promise,“Stay alive, I will find you!” is Legendary!
Link #1 The ambush—and the rescue of the Munros. Warning, incredibly staged realism. Link #2 One of the most reassuring lines in romance, “Stay alive! I will find you.” Link #3 The ending scene, “the Last of the Mohicans,” with original music score.
https://youtu.be/kKWSZXHahjc?si=81-qXJ8D7xWejuuq
43. THE TRUMAN SHOW (Ed.) (1998) U.S.
Director: Peter Weir
Screenplay: Andrew Niccol
Meet Truman Burbank, a typical working man with a wonderful wife (Laura Linney), and a perfect fulfillment of the so-called ‘American Dream’, just like everyone else…only different! Australian Director Peter Weir has crafted a jaw-dropping tale, along with Jim Carrey as Truman. In one of the greatest satires of all time, we travel with him every day, within a faultless, undisturbed, seemingly perfect life—-until he realizes his whole life is a “Reality Show,” seen by billions of people, all over the world! The whole scenario is a science/fiction comedy/drama with the largest set ever built, under the menacing control of Christof, (Ed Harris), with thousands of extras. When Truman starts to realize the glitches are not coincidence, he begins to unravel the mystery, until it is finished. Andrew Niccol’s story, Philip Glass’s music, the whole production, works together without a dull moment, showing what an impact TV has on pop culture…And what a Joy Ride it is!
Link #1 The Original Trailer - The most spectacular reality show of all time! Link #2 Truman (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s being watched. Link #3 “In Case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening and good night.”
https://youtu.be/dlnmQbPGuls?si=mJD2gCFXs16p8Cbf
https://youtu.be/b7sghRdlf14?si=RnGx8M-Ls5w__FZw
https://youtu.be/JevxC5lgYLg?si=lbbjGSICIBk5fjbr
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42. THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) (BST) (Bio.) U.S.
Director: David Lynch
Screenplay: Christopher De Vore / Eric Bergen / David Lynch
As one of the most celebrated, Avant-Garde film directors of the 1980s - 2000s, David Lynch directs this masterpiece, transcending the most inhumane of living conditions to become one of the greatest examples of human dignity ever filmed. Based loosely on the true story of horribly deformed Joseph Merrick in the late 1800s, we experience the cruel tragedy of his life to his ultimate humiliation from the crowd at the train station, “I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!” We feel pain, his shame and constant anxiety—and his triumph! John Hurt’s sensitive portrayal, (his 8 to 10 hours a day of makeup) the black and white ‘Victorian’ cinematography of Freddie Francis, a haunting music score by John Morris, and the flawless acting ensemble including, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Treves, John Gielgud, Hannah Gordon, Anne Bancroft and Freddie Jones as the evil Bytes. Prepare your heart for one of the Saddest, yet Rewarding films you will ever see!
Link #1 Dr. Treves (Anthony Hopkins) introduces John Merrick (John Hurt) to the hospital administrator, (John Gielgud). Link #2 Dr. Treves and his wife (Hannah Gordon) try to normalize John Merrick’s condition, an exercise in human dignity…Beautiful! Link #3 If he could just sleep lying down…Music by Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a quiet dignity.
https://youtu.be/vjHGkHwvCkM?si=o2xkFLpdxIEImHas
41. O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? (2000) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Ethan & Joel Coen
Screenplay: Ethan & Joel Coen (and edited)
The Coen brothers, known primarily as the duo who gave us bizarre, dark, sinister out-of-control characters, this time give us bizarre, hilarious, out-of-control characters. This movie was a landmark in comedy for the Coens, taking Homer’s Odyssey and repackaging the story about 3 men who could not stay out of jail or trouble, meeting lawless, reckless characters who were…lovable! And the music—O what a surprise it was, becoming one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time featuring Blues, Country. Bluegrass, Traditional, Folk and Gospel. Even the most jaded movie-goer or music lover, loved the ingenious way it was all presented, winning every kind of award, Oscars and Grammys, and it was a worldwide smash! Our 3 featured vagabonds, George Clooney, John Turtorro, and Timothy Blake Nelson, surrounded by Holly Hunter, John Goodman and Charles Durning. It was a stroke of genius, it was a hoot, it was a satirical comedy masterpiece! Enjoy It!
Link #1 The Soggy Bottom Boys record their first song, Man of Constant Sorrow. (George Clooney, John Turturo & Tim Blake Nelson.) Link #2 The Boys make their tentative plans—and the baptism. Link #3 The fugitive Soggy Bottom Boys perform, incognito.
https://youtu.be/Gs0HZUvvC6s?si=rR_BzIxOTUU6Rzys
40. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962) U.S.
Director: John Frankenheimer
Screenplay: George Axelrod
Not many films have made such an impression on the critics or the public as this fictional political thriller, based on Richard Condon’s book. The vstoory is about the paranoia created by divisive, finger-pointing rhetoric and how dangerous and destructive it can be—and is! Frank Sinatra gives us a great performance as Ben Marco, haunted along with other soldiers, by a reoccurring nightmare from their capture behind Korean enemy lines, and by the deceptive, Communist act of the brainwashing they all experienced. Lawrence Harvey is Raymond Shaw, taught to show no emotion as the would-be assassin.. Janet Leigh, and especially Angela Lansbury, as Raymond’s malevolent mother, gives a chilling portrayal of evil in a legendary role. John Frankenheimer was a superb director in 60s & 70s and is spot-on, as is Axelrod’s screen play, easily describing our times. The movie had a delayed release because of John Kennedy’s assassination…The Queen of Hearts?
Link #1 An Angela Lansbury interview about filming the Manchurian Candidate, showing scenes from the film. Link #2 Angela Lansbury as Senator Iselin’s wife—her final revelation to her son (Lawrence Harvey.
39. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (2003) New Z. / U.S.
Director: Peter Jackson
Screenplay: Fran Walsh / Phillipa Boyens (Based on book - J.R.R. Tolkien)
This final film of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy won accolades and almost every Oscar (11) it was nominated for, becoming one of the most successful franchises in movie history. It fulfilled every genre, satisfying fans of adventure, drama, fantasy and horror, with extraordinary special visual and sound effects, a stellar music score, cinematography, epic battle scenes and awesome creatures never before seen with such imagination. Peter Jackson’s crowning achievement came from New Zealand and the film was the 3rd installment of Tolkien’s book. As the final confrontation between good and evil, it takes us on Frodo and Sam’s long journey to Mordor to destroy the original Ring, while Gandolf and Aragorn head up the good forces (Men) to fight against Sauron’s evil army of orcs. With Viggo Mortenson, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and worlds of others and well over $1 billion box office—You will be Constantly Amazed and Astounded!
Link #1 The final battle! Theoden rides forth! Gandolph’s lead (Ian McKellen) turns the tide. Link #2 “No man can kill me!” “I am not a man!” Eowyn (Miranda Otto) to Evil Personified. Link #3 Gollum (Andy Serkis) argues with My Precious,” split personality, villainy wins. Link #4 Aragorn, (Viggo Mortensen) is crowned King, “You bow to no one!” The return to the shire.
https://youtu.be/Lc9q6nnmrGY?si=qTY5dXpFu8YMk_B5
https://youtu.be/wmUKSZWVQvo?si=E7Kzxoq-zYewhX-
38. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) U.S.
Director: Frank Capra
Screenplay: Sidney Buckman / Myles Connolly
Film history has been kind to this Frank Capra classic, his 2nd listed film. The film was a huge success, and spawned a large controversy—actually criticizing and condemning the U.S. Government’s political process as being controlled in some cases as a corrupt political machine in the hands of “big business.” Real Senators thought it should be banned, others vilified it as “corny.'‘ Modern times accept it as a very realistic portrayal—there is such thing as corruption! However, this film works as an authentic example of American idealism and integrity. Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) and Saunders (Jean Arthur) are matched perfectly with stellar performances, as are supporting roles by Senator Paine (Claude Rains) and Jim Taylor (Edward Arnaold). The Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol also set the scene in a great role. This political movie succeeds as comedy, romance, satire, and a David & Goliath story as only Frank Capra perceives it…We are the winners!
Link #1 Jefferson Smith’s (James Stewart) meets Jim Taylor (Edward Andrews). Link #2 Senator Smith’s disappointment, he gets advice from Saunders (Jean Arthur). Link #3 “Will the senator yield? No Sir!” Sentor Smith to Senator Paine (Claude Rains). Link #4 The great filibuster scene, “Fighting for lost causes.”
https://youtu.be/WT7LZQ6jl6A?si=j9ThIbYpjfQoysEp
https://youtu.be/7Yd3ouQsPFY?si=6uMYwloZIT46wcEM
37. THE REMAINS OF THE DAY (1994) U.K.
Director: James Ivory
Screenplay: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
This stellar Merchant Ivory production would certainly qualify as one of the greatest studies of heartbreak ever filmed. Anthony Hopkins’ potrayal of Stevens, the butler, is a study of a man so devoted to duty to his employer, even in sinister matters, he represses all his personal feelings of love, affection and conscience. Emma Thompson as Miss Kenton, in charge of the housekeepers, soon realizes that loyalty has a price, and after an Anti-Semetic dismissal of two able workers, eventually leaves Darlington Hall. She is outspoken with Stevens, “Why? Why, Mr. Stevens, do you always have to hide what you feel?” She fianlly reveals how she really feels. Also in the cast are Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant and James Fox. Richard Robbins delicate, restrained music score, impeccable. James Ivory direction, exquisite, especially the parting scene when Stevens and Miss Kenton meet years later, their farewell. The movie, a masterpiece…a study of Suppressed Love and Sacrifice!
Link #1 Official trailer 1994. Link #2 Butler Stevens and Housekeeper Miss Kenton confront each other in being suspicious of Lord Darlington’s Anti-Semitic ideas. Link #3 The farewell scene of Stevens and Sally Kenton, regreting their lost love.
https://youtu.be/jALmEb72beg?si=V50j_eje1L6i1ByI
36. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
Director: William Wyler
Screenplay: Robert E. Sherwood / McKinlay Kantor
This superb story of 3 soldiers who return from WWII is legendary—and rightly so! It is the quintessential film of not only the war’s effect on their families, but on their own personalities as they adjust to civilian life. Al Stephenson, (Fredric March), a prosperous banker. and wife Milly, (a radiant Myrna Loy), awkwardly try to adjust a new form of civilian life. Fred Derry, (Dana Andrews), comes home, loses his job, discovers what PTSD is, and quickly realizes he and his new wife, ably played by Virginia Mayo, did not really know each other. Homer Parrish, played sensitively by non-professional actor, Harold Russell, a real-life amputee (both arms), in an Oscar-winning performance, trying to avoid the reality of his sweetheart (Cathy O’Donnell) loving him out of pity. And a terrific (Teresa Wright) as Peggy, always a delight. The film won 7 Oscars. William Wyler’s direction is powerful, as is Hugo Friedhofer’s magnificent music score. This is a Real Treasure!
Link #1 Al’s surprise return homecoming from the War. Al (Fredric March), Milly (Myrna Loy), Peggy (Teresa Wright), Rob, (Michael Hall) Link #2 Homer’s (Harold Russell) honesty, showing how life would be without arms, to his sweetheart, Wilma, (Cathy O’Donnell). Link #3 Fred (Dana Andrews), the memories flood, the airport scene and the scrapped leftover bombers.
https://youtu.be/hX_eI8Gh73w?si=pOR8o8dTbixwnQ-w
35. THE GENERAL (1927) (Silent) U.S.
Director: Clyde Bruckman / Buster Keaton
Screenplay: Buster Keaton / Al Boasburg / Clyde Bruckman / Charles Smith
One never knows when a masterpiece is born, and this Buster Keaton classic’s initial $ 750,000 investment just barely turned a profit in 1926/27 when first released near the end of the silent era. However, time has been good to this American Civil War epic / action comedy—many critics and movie historians hailing it as one of the greatest films ever made! Buster, playing Johnny Gray, enlists in the Confederate Army, but is rejected by the military, refused because he is more valuable as an engineer. Doing all this to please his sweetheart, Annabelle (Marion Mack), and wear a uniform, but his General, his Locomotive, takes center stage to everything else. His physical comedy is astonishing, a master of perfect timing, even in big scenes as he and his General, sometimes in a hijacked situation, try to make a big difference in the war. Words can’t express his stunts and how he pulls off all his actions, all the while as stone-faced as ever…Our 3rd Amazing Silent Film!
Link #1 The mortar sequence with Buster Keaton. Link #2 Johnny Gray clears the tracks. Link #3 The iconic train wreck, up to that time the most expensive scene ever filmed.
https://youtu.be/v1vwdqeAba0?si=pT4RltPX_KP-FwUT
34. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) U.S.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Steven Spielberg / (Thanks for several uncredited writers.)
This selection (his 2nd on our list) qualifies as one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time. It’s not a story of good versus evil, or interplanetary warfare, it’s Steven Spielberg’s labor of love. He uses his craft to reveal the Extra Terrestrials are communicating with Earth, with good-intentioned scientists trying to talk back. This sci-fi classic offers drama, mystery, adventure, excitement and dazzling, but beautiful, special affects—without one person losing his life! John Williams adds a precise, symphonic music score that SOARS to the heavens. Roy is Richard Dreyfuss at his best, as a man whose personal encounter is so real, he loses his sense of reality, at times…(going nuts!) Others in the cast, Melinda Dillon, young Barry, (Cary Guffey), director Francois Truffaut, and Bob Balaban are also exceptional. The 5-note musical theme…unforgettable! With multitudes of great moments and the pleasure of wonderment…well, it’s pure IMAGINATION!
Link #1 Opening scene. “How long have you been working on this project?” Ensemble -The discovery. Link #2 Ensemble - Air Traffic Control scene, “Do you want to report a UFO?” Link #3 Roy’s (Richard Dreyfuss) PERSONAL close encounter, such fear! Link #4 Communication by music, the Mother Ship, The 5 tones! “The dark side of the moon.”
https://youtu.be/wZj7gUIO-2k?si=w7wr9d34NF9Qiyjn
https://youtu.be/MLiRnvppAaM?si=OPen1No2VwP4flvC
33. PSYCHO (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Joseph Stefano
The “master of susupence” proves his worthiness here in one of the greatest murder mysteries ever filmed. It proved to be a study in scarlet—thank goodness it was filmed in black and white! yet it was not gory. The novel by Robert Bloch is ‘brought to life’ by Hitchcock’s 2nd entry on our list, yet it was not gory, thanks to the director’s extraordinary use of editing and jump cuts, especially the shower scene. It may be classified as a horror film rather than a mystery—it’s both! After star Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane) demise halfway through the film, a rarity in itself, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) has become an iconic movie character, and pop culture was never the same. Adding fuel to this horror mystery’s fire, Bernard Herrmann’s all-string orchestration adds to the terror, one of the most effective scores ever made. The plot turns and spirals out of control, two stories in one, and the ending—Wow! You simply have to See It to Believe It!
Link #1 Alfred Hitchcock’s Official Movie Trailer, 1960. Link #2 Norman (Anthony Perkins) argues with his mother. Dinner with a guest. Link #3 Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), ditches Marion’s car in the swamp.
https://youtu.be/Wz719b9QUqY?si=VezqBsGyBBYL-Pfh
32. THE SEARCHERS (1956) U.S.
Director: John Ford
Screenplay: Frank S. Nugent
This was not an “ordinary” western—this is a character study of a deeply flawed man, full of race prejudice and vengence against the Indians. John Ford’s direction here is a marvel, and John Wayne perhaps gives his best career performance. The movie has accumulated great acclaim in recent uears as one of the superb westerns ever made, and it would be hard to debate that. Monument Valley is part of the background, and it does snow in the desert. As Ethan takes a 5 year sojourn to find Debbie, his niece, and Marty (Jeffrey Hunter) and they track Cief Scar and his renegade Comanches. The movie has tender moments, angry ones, and even funny scenes, but it also has great fearful moments and loss of perpective by Ethan. The framing at the beginning and ending are among the best shots in Film History!
Link #1 Ethan’s reaction to little Lucy’s death, and the consequences. “What do you want me to do, draw you a picture!” Link #2 “Debbie (Natalie Wood), let’s go home.” Link #3 Ethan and Marty return home with Debbie, missing 5 years, and ending doorway scene.
https://youtu.be/S6iFW-HoFwc?si=5Rqkc-inYEn-Dv5U
31. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) U.S.
Director: Victor Fleming (George Cukor / Sam Wood)
Screenplay: Sidney Howard / Oliver H.P. Garrett
Margaret Mitchell’s sensational 1936 book was among the most successful novels of the 20th Century, selling over 30 million copies. The motion picture drew incredible reviews, over 202 million people paid the admission price, making it the most watched film of all time for 6 decades. The star-studded cast included Clark Gable (Rhett Butler), Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara), Hattie McDaniel, Leslie Howard, Olivia DeHavilland and the American Civil War. As a winner of 10 Oscars, it stood alone for many years as the greatest of American films, in spite of its controversy. 1939 is still considered the banner year in movies. The majestic scope displayed in almost 4 hours of screen time made people applaud and forgive its epic length. The acting by the 2 leads was considered a superb example of a misplaced, unresolved love story with Scarlett’s fickle heart causing chaos and ruin wherever she went. Nevertheless, it’s a Monumental Achievement!
Link #1 Official 75th Anniversary Trailer - with greatest scenes. Link #2 Mammy (Hattie McDaniel) in her most tender scene telling Melanie (Olivia DeHavilland) about Rhett Butler’s condition. Link #3 The railway station scene with the hundreds of dead and wounded, epic.
https://youtu.be/h2oX0zQA67U?si=afxM8ZENYQuBfFvQ
30. PATHS OF GLORY (1957) U.K.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Stanley Kubrick / Calder Willingham / Jim Thompson
This film prompts the question, can three soldiers accused of cowardise receive a fair court-martial trial, even if they’re innocent? No, not according to the French high command, General Paul Mireau (George McCready) and General George Broulard (Adolph Menjou). Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) is caught in the middle in defending his three men, and the deck is stacked against him is the absurd mock trial. The condemned are found guilty as an “example” and are to be shot at sunrise. This remains one of the best anti-war films ever made and in the hands of director, Stanley Kubrick, is considered an absolute classic, surviving the test of time. With harrowing war scenes with the folly of trench warfare, we feel the pain of Kirk Douglas in one of his greatest roles. Though not a flawless film, it stays in the viewer’s mind long after it’s over. Unforgettable! “I beg your pardon, Sergeant. There’s no such thing as shell-shocked!”
Link #1 Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) walking through the trenches, knowing most will be killed when going over the top.
Link #2 The 2 generals discuss how well the men died today in their execution for cowardice. Link #3 The tavern scene when a young lady sings to the soldiers, turning emotional.
https://youtu.be/0gyyGHHXfck?si=iuyJpyDXyY0Z0Q74
29. THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928) (Silent) France
Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Screenplay: Carl Theodor Dreyer / Joseph Deltiel
Possibly one of the greatest silent films of all time, this diamond in the rough (almost lost to film detioration) survives preserving the magnificent performance of Maria Falconetti (Jeanne d’Arc), wrongly accused of heresy by the self-righteous religious judges in this period piece (1431). The story became quite a legend, a country maid, disguised as a boy, led the French troops to defeat the British. But this film concentrates more on the trial to disprove her holy visionary heresy that takes place in most of the film and its torturous aftermath. The direction by Danish filmmaker, Carl Theodor Dryer, considered one of the greatest helmsmen of the silent era, focuses on extreme closeups, no makeup and minimal dialogue—the result is a totally silent historical epic, bathed in total realism for its time. Falconetti never made another film. Regardless, it remains a classic as great art and story.
Link - A scene from the trial of Joan of Arc, (Maria Falconetti).
28. THE GODFATHER (1972) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Screenplay: Mario Puzo / Francis Ford Coppola
This landmark film has slowly ascended up almost all film writer / historian’s list as the best cultural study of organized crime and the part gangsters have played throughout American life in the 20th Century. Technically it is pure genius, considered by those in the film community as a flawless masterpiece of F. F. Coppola’s expertise in direction. The violence takes up less than 15 minutes of the entire film, and the audience is not subjected to a barrage of relentless obscenities. But this is a study of bad people with no moral conscience. Don Corleone (Marlon Brando), and his reluctant son, Michael (Al Pacino), present flawless performances, as do the rest of the “family,” Robert Duvall, James Caan, Diane Keaton, and a host of characters. It’s about power, in business and the act of keeping it. Mario Puzo’s book comes to life, so does Nino Rota’s haunting, aesthetic music score. Brando refused to attend and accept his Oscar, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
Link #1 “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Don Corleone (Marlon Brando), taking care of ‘business.’ Link #2 The meeting called by Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) with the 5 families, calling for peace. Link #3 Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) offers to take over the “Family business.”
https://youtu.be/SeldwfOwuL8?si=Jra6rGBNWl5Z3kgZ
27. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
Director: Robert Wise / Jerome Robbins
Screenplay: Ernest Lehman / Jerome Robbins
When the musical play opened in 1957, it was an award-winning success—when the movie musical opened in 1961, it won 10 Academy Awards, still holding the record for most Musical Oscar wins. How could a Shakespear-inspired story (Romeo and Juliet) about two rival street gangs possibly attract such huge loyal crowds in which the two main characters die in the end, (Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood) be considered one of the greatest musicals ever made!? Never mind, the film works, thanks to the songs from Stephen Sondheim and music score by Leonard Bernstein. The movie also dealt with social injustice, the bitterness between Puerto Rican immigrants and American gangs, the rival Jets and Sharks. The film, the 3rd musical on our list, is boosted also by some of the greatest songs ever presented on the screen, Maria, Tonight, Somewhere and America, and the superb Choreography of Jerome Robbins. It was So Good, Steven Spielberg made it over again!
Link #1 Maria, Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), Link #2 Mambo, competitive dance in the gym. Link #3 Tonight, Tonight, montage of the Sharks verses Jets / Tony, (voice Jimmy Bryant) / Maria, (voice Marni Nixon)
https://youtu.be/UWlqoeyreXU?si=LALWEfV92RQ7h8CX
26. CINEMA PARADISO (1988) (Ed.) Italy / Fra.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Screenplay: Giuseppe Tornatore
Hands down, this is the most nostalgic film about film nostalgia, ever made! Through the eyes of a young boy Salvatore, “Toto” (Salvatore Cascio), we experience the hopes, the dreams, even the heartache, of the grown-up boy, Salvatore, who has become a famous director (actor Jacques Perrin) told in flashback. Training under the supervision of the theater manager and projectionist, Alfredo (Phillippe Noiret), we experience the ongoing conflict between the sensor’s scissors in this Catholic town, in deleting all love scenes, including kissing. This coming-of-age film has gotten better with age and features wonderful direction by Giuseppe Tornatore and a marvelous romantic score by Ennio Moricone. And what part does this lone movie theater play in the lives of this Sicilian village? You simply have to see the movie yourself. The ending is one of the most exhilarating in movie history!…Amazing!
Link #1 A montage of the beauty of the story of Cinema Paradiso. Link #2 The now mature director views the edited portions of love, never having seen the spliced film, then final credits.
