"reading your blog makes me want to watch old movies. where should i begin? there are so many!"
So I am now going to write a starter kit for classic films... a canon, but because I think most canons are BS, it's only to get ideas (also based off of films I enjoy).
(Leah)
A good place to start would be to look at the AFI top 100 Movies list (if the link doesn't work, you may have to register at their site, but it's free!)
This list provides a range of movies and most of them are relevant in everyday pop culture. Not everyone agrees on these, I don't agree with a lot of them, but they are good movies to see. I have seen 56 in their entirety, 78 at least 1/2 way and 85% I can refer to and know what I'm talking about.
Depending on taste, you may find this helpful.
Next step: Classical Comedy Basics
Duck Soup -- Marx Brothers --The Marx Brothers are HILARIOUS. Check out any of their movies but one of the most recognizable and available is Duck Soup
Bringing Up Baby-- Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn-- A 1938 classic that was doomed in the box office at the time, but has found new life in the genre of Classic film. This movie is to die for and makes me laugh every time. I have written about it before. The first usage of the term "gay," the way we use it today, is found in this film. Also you get to hear Hepburn and Grant say "leopard" a lot.
Arsenic and Old Lace--Another Cary Grant film-- This movie is based on a play. Cary Grant's character has two old aunts and a crazy uncle who kill carpetbagger/traveler types. GREAT FILM!
His Girl Friday-- Cary Grant and Rosailind Russell-- Yes, he's quite the screwball comic, but trust me, these are all popular for their own reasons! This movie is famously funny and the social implications of the time are not to be ignored. Pay special attention and you'll see how much has changed yet stayed the same!
The Odd Couple--Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau-- Hysterical comedy that was later made into Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Neil Simon wrote the play and screen play.
Another Neil Simon play/movie to check out-- Barefoot in the Park with Robert Redford (eye candy) and Jane Fonda (eye candy again)
Some Like it Hot--Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis and Marylin Monroe-- I'm not a Marylin Fan, but this movie is a must see. Partying, drinking, trains, trannies, music, laughs and love. See it.
Okay... if you would like any other suggestions or want something from a different era... let me know!
Moving on to Drama:
Citzen Kane is a strong #1 for the AFI list. If you're not accustomed to Classic film this movie may be a little long and heavy for you (that's what she said).
Cassablanca is a good start--granted I'm biased. Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart lead a cast of recognizable faces in this war time adventure. The film is a pop icon and lives on very timelessly. You'll recognize quotes, people, scenery and shots. A very good start for any novice.
Notorious/The Birds/Psycho/To Catch a Theif/North by Northwest--I would say that of all the Hitchcock films, these are probably the easiest to get started and finish when you've never seen his style. They have beautiful characters, recognizable and understandable plots, scenary you'll like and villains to hate (but also recognize). They are all fantastic flicks and keep with true Hitchcockian values of suspence and beauty.
The Quiet Man--John Ford was famous for westerns and working class stories (She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and The Grapes of Wrath). John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara star in this Irish classic about a couple trying to get thier love right in a culture clash situation. The movie is beautifully shot, in color (for all of you anti-b&w fools), and is dramatic and funny. John Ford painted pictures beautifully with the camera and this is an easy one to love.
The Wizard of Oz--Victor Flemming did it right and we all know it. Judy Garland and friends make it easy to take a journey into a fantastic classic hit. PS I love the b&w/technicolor transition in this film, plus it's shorter than the other work he did with Gone With the Wind...wouldn't suggest that for a first timer.
From Here To Eternity--Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr, Bert Lancaster, Montgomery Cliff-- This movie is about Pearl Harbor, the war and love. The film is funny, has music (not a musical by any means), dramatic and heartfelt. Donna Reed won the Oscar for this film by portraying a horribly named prostitute (slight change from where most know her It's a Wonderful Life, another easy to watch classic, and The Donna Reed Show).
Any film from 1967. The most popular are The Graduate, Bonnie and Clyde, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The Heat of the Night and Dr. Doolittle.
Musicals:
I'm just going to list these because if you're a musical fan you should see these anyway.
Many are remmakes (this happened/happens a lot with musicals, so I'll just name a few)
42nd Street
State Fair
My Fair Lady
The Sound of Music
Show Boat
Funny Face
Funny Girl
Hello Dolly
Guys and Dolls
Victor Victoria
Oklahoma!
Fiddler on the Roof
West Side Story
Any Disney
Singin' In The Rain
Anything with Fred Astair in it or Gene Kelly... famous classic film dancers
There are so many classic films that I could recommend. If you are curious about any, feel that any were rejected... I could do a "feeling rejected blog" or just want to know any more films that I have seen, let me know.
COMMENT!
Remember-- these were according to my taste... also they were the basic building blocks to accepting the BEST genre of film hahahaha!
5 comments:
haha thanks lex! :) i especially appreciate the awesome picture of me. misssss you!
Do you like Jerry Lewis movies? Cinderfella has been one of my favorites since I was little.
I haven't seen many Jerry Lewis movies aside from a couple with Dean Martin (who I love) and the Nutty Professor.
I like slapstick, but I can't quite see what the French love about him so much? I can see why Jerry's Kids love him though, he seems like a funny, generous man.
Is Who's on First a feature? I am familiar with a bit that Abbot and Costello had about baseball players, but couldn't find a feature by Laurel and Hardy of that name. Both teams are funny and the baseball bit is good.
You're right Dad! Sorry for the confusion... I should check my sources better, but hey, even the news has corrections... Thanks!
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