Hello faithful readers...if there are any left.
This summer, I (Megan) will be choosing my movies from the AFI film lists. Before we start this event, I would like to go through the original 100 films list, take out the ones I've seen, and briefly talk about them. lets begin:
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941) - I watched this for Bill Wine's "Film as Art" class sophomore year. It is a great example of great film, however, I can't say that it's my favorite movie or anything. That being said, anyone who calls themselves a film buff or a film fan should watch this movie at least once.
2. CASABLANCA (1942) - The first time (or two) that I saw this film, I hated it. Then one day it was on TCM and I watched it and I fell in love. This is one of those movies for everyone. It has romance, action, some comedy...it's a well put together film. And who doesn't love Humphrey Bogart? (Best Picture winner, 1943). Year of release is in conflict...
3. THE GODFATHER (1972) - I think I'm one of those weird girls who just loves The Godfather. I prefer the second one, but this movie, despite its length, just pulls you in and keeps you there until the credits are done. The music, the acting, the directing, the settings...all just breathtaking. It makes me wish I was Italian. (Best Picture winner).
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) - I've loved this movie since I was thirteen, although if you want to really do this film justice, just read the book. That being said, the movie is able to stand on its own and entertain the masses. WARNING: this movie is long. It runs 3 hours and 45 minutes, but it's worth the watch. (Best Picture winner).
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) - (edit: 1/5/2011) What an epic! I've seen a number of films that define themselves as such, but this was truly fitting of the title. The music was also sweeping and fabulous. (Best Picture winner).
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) - Honestly, who over the age of 6 hasn't seen this movie? It's magical and original and full of populist symbolism. There isn't much to say that hasn't been said.
7. THE GRADUATE (1967) - The original teenage angst film. I love this movie. It introduced me to the greatness that is Dustin Hoffman. The soundtrack, by Simon and Garfunkel, is also worth checking out in its own right.
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) - I personally feel that this movie is overrated. I refuse to believe that it is the perfect musical. It is good, I'll admit that. However, this just gets far too much credit as a movie musical. That being said...I do own the soundtrack.
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) - No Christmas season is complete without this movie. It's uplifting, romantic, and I defy anyone to say that they hate this film. Jimmy Stewart is at his absolute best here and you really feel for him, as well as identify with him and his situation. I'll watch this in July. Also, Frank Capra is the master of directing uplifting films, and this is easily his best film.
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957) - This movie proved to me that Alec Guinness is more than just Obi-Wan Kenobi. I usually don't like war films much, as they are too violent or completely cheesy, however this film transcends that and makes for a great night of film. I watched this with my pappy...that set really enjoys this era of film. (Best Picture winner).
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) - One of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are fantastic as the two cross dressing band members who use a girls band to get out of Chicago after witnessing the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. With a start like that, its hard to believe that this movie could be very humorous. Add Marilyn Monroe and cast of stock mobsters from the 30s and 40s and you have a recipe for comedy.
15. STAR WARS (1977) - I love Star Wars and the entire trilogy. I would put the other two higher on the list, as they are better films than episode 4. However, Star Wars episode 4: A New Hope was the original in the innovation department. We wouldn't have the movies we have today without Star Wars.
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) - This movie reminds me what a good actress Bette Davis is. This is a movie for movie people, as it is about the entertainment industry and its just great watching these women stab each other in the hypothetical backs.
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951) - The only pairing in film history of Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, and the movie that gave Bogart his only Oscar. Action, romance, adventure, and a little comedy...Everyone loves this movie. I enjoy the movie that covers the bases for everyone in the room.
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) - I saw this movie for the first time when it was re-released in 2002, on the big screen. I'm really glad that that was the first time I saw this amazing family film. Just that one scene with Elliott and ET on the bike in front of the moon is reason enough to see the whole thing in a theater. If Bill Wine taught me anything, and he did, it is to see any movie you can on the big screen. It's 100% worth it.
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964) - This satire is hilarious and full of people who you would never expect, such as George C. Scott. This is wildly intelligent, so if that isn't your thing, I would stay away. I saw it when I was 13, and hated it, as I didn't get it. However, I reviewed it when I was about 20 and I definitely got a lot more out of it.
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) - This movie SHOULD HAVE earned Jimmy Stewart an Oscar, but he was beat out by Robert Donat for "Goodbye, Mr. Chips". Stewart won the following year for "The Philadelphia Story", but it was more like a consolation prize for being beat in 1939. If you like politics, watch this film, as it is refreshing and sweet.
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977) - This is my favorite movie of all time. There's an entire essay about it on this blog. That's all. (Best Picture winner).
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974) - I think this is the superior film in the Godfather trilogy, perhaps because this the film where Michael makes the transition from semi-decent human to evil, evil man. This is a must watch after the first film, however you can skip the third part. It sucks. (Best Picture winner).
33. HIGH NOON (1952) - This is the only western that I like, aside from Blazing Saddles. I love Grace Kelly and Gary Cooper and the movie is just the epitome of suspense. The entire film you just wait for noon to roll around...it's intense.
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) - I watched this the summer before my sophomore year, just after reading the book for English class. While Gregory Peck is just fantastic, the reason this film is sooo amazing is because the piece of work upon which it is based is American writing at its finest. Check it out also for Robert Duvall's debut as Boo Radley.
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934) - This is a rare comedy from this era, as the humor translates well to present day. Clark Gable is at his most charming, and Claudette Colbert is simply beautiful. This was the first movie to sweep the five major awards at the Oscars as well. (Best Picture winner).
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969) - I first saw this movie as part of my "America and the City" class at school. It is quite a trip, I'll just say. Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight are amazing, but I think I can only watch this once. (Best Picture winner).
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) - This is one of my favorite movies. It tells the story of three servicemen returning home from the European theater of World War II, all from different socio-economic backgrounds, but from the same town. The most touching tale is the story of Homer, the youngest of the group, who lost both of his hands and now uses hooks to get around. He was played by real life amputee from WWII, Harold Russell, who was given a special award at the Oscars for his service to the country, and also because no one thought he would win the Best Supporting Actor award that night. He went home with two Oscars. (Best Picture winner).
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965) - (edit: 1/5/12) I've been trying for years to watch this movie, and never seemed to make it past the first hour. Finally, about two years ago, I made myself sit and watch it, and I'm really glad I did. I'm inspired to read the book, and I love listening to the soundtrack whenever I ride the train.
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) - This was the first Cary Grant movie I remember seeing AND the first Hitchcock movie I ever saw. Needless to say, my love affair with both men artistically has remained since that day.
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961) - A beautiful movie with music and dancing that make life worth living. When I've seen it live, its the only piece of theatre that pulls tears from me. However, Marni Nixon dubbing Natalie Wood kills this for me (See also: My Fair Lady and The King and I). (Best Picture winner).
42. REAR WINDOW (1954) - This is my favorite Hitchcock film, as I think it is almost a perfect movie. Only Hitchcock could shoot an entire film from one setting and viewpoint and still keep the action moving.
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951) - This is one of the few movies I've ever seen that gave the original work (book, play, etc.) that actually did the work justice. Marlon Brando is at his best, and Vivien Leigh is as crazy as ever in this film.
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971) - The first time I saw this, I had to watch it in 20 minute increments, despite having read the book, as I was terrified. Another film that I will love, but probably never watch again. It's also another film wherein I highly recommend that you read the book...but be sure to purchase the British version (it has 21 chapters).
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975) - This movie is just awesome.
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) - Everyone has seen this, but it holds a special place for me because it is the first movie my grandmother ever saw when she was growing up in Nazi Germany. Any movie that makes my Oma that happy makes me happy.
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) - Another movie that I just love. Newman and Redford are a great onscreen pair and this is an action movie that even I like.
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) - As anyone in my theatre group can tell you, I love this movie. The movie, in a rare twist, is better than the play. The play is just a tad too sophisticated and subtle for most audiences, where as the movie tweaks what just didn't work in the play to make for a more solid story with less confusion. Really funny and worth a watch.
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) - Although this film is famous for the romantic scene on the beach, the real reason to watch this one is for Frank Sinatra's Oscar winning performance. This film has also stood the test of time, which is more than I can say for a lot of it's Best Picture counterparts of the same era (Best Picture winner).
53. AMADEUS (1984) - Long, but good bio-pic. I don't really remember the highlights of this movie, but I do recall that I enjoyed it a lot. I should probably give it another watch. (Best Picture winner).
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)- Last summer I watched this movie at least once a week. The setting is beautiful (who DOESN'T want to go to Austria?), Julie Andrews is fantastic, and those charming children! How could you go wrong? If you haven't seen this movie, you need to run to your local West Coast Video (do they exist?) and pick it up. Other wise, you have no soul. (Best Picture winner).
56. M*A*S*H (1970) - This military satire, which spawned the long running sitcom, is possibly better than the show. Chock full of great actors and it makes great points on the absurdity of war in the middle of the Vietnam era. A prime example of the genius that is Robert Altman.
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940) - I think I'm one of the only people who counts this film among my favorite Disney movies. It spawned my love for classical music and the animation was well ahead of its time. This is the movie that proves to me that not only was Disney a great man with a big heart, but he was also a true genius.
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) - Harrison Ford! The Ford factor in this film is the highest it can be. This is the first film of a solid trilogy, which I could (and have) watch over and over again. It's one of those movies that can be classified as perfect, in that it has romance, action, and comedy all at the same time.
61. VERTIGO (1958) - I recall that this film confused me, but also reminded me that Hitchcock and Stewart are a solid film team. Just another quality notch in Hitchcock's large belt.
62. TOOTSIE (1982) - Another film that I first saw in Bill Wine's "Film as Art". Dustin Hoffman really can do it all, as this film proves. Just three years before he was a struggling single father in Kramer vs. Kramer, and now he's hamming it up as Dorothy Michaels. I'll see anything with him in it...even Meet the Fockers.
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) - This was not what I thought it was going to be. Outside of the technical achievements of this film, I'm unimpressed.
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) - AAAAHHHHH! This movie scared the bejeezus out of me, as it should everyone else. Great film...I don't anticipate watching it ever again. If I do, it will be in a well lit room around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. (Best Picture Winner)
66. NETWORK (1976) - A time capsule of the 1970s. It magnifies the media corruption of the era, peaking with the "I'm as mad as hell and i'm not going to take this anymore" scene. My professor tells me that people actually did that after the release of the film. I think that my generation could use a film like this.
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951) - This is the film that I think should be at 10 instead of Singin' in the Rain. It takes the music of George Gershwin and tells the story in a full out way. It also uses the piece "An American in Paris", which Gershwin wrote as a "musical poem", and constructs a beautiful and sensual ballet and film out of it, which is genius in my book. Gene Kelly is in both films, so it's easier to compare to the two. (Best Picture Winner)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994) - I have an essay in the works about this one. Either way, I love this movie. Edit: The Essay is complete! Check it out! (Best Picture winner)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931) - I enjoy Charlie Chaplin because of this film. I frequently get this and 'Modern Times' confused, however I love both and they should be required viewing for all who call themselves film buffs.
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973) - This is another film that I love, if for no other reason, for the amazing soundtrack. It is full of top 40 hits of the 1950s and 1960s. It is also one of the first films for a number of actors of this generation, including Ron Howard (as an almost adult), Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, and Suzanne Somers. This is also Lucas' mainstream directing debut, and in that sense, it is quite better than Star Wars.
78. ROCKY (1976) - I go to school in Philadelphia, so this movie has special meaning to me as well. It is a true underdog story from in front and behind the camera. Sly Stallone is good in this and everyone should include it in their "uplifting sports film" repertoire. Rent it now. (Best Picture winner)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978) - Another film that I watched for my "America in the 1970s" class, and a disturbing one at that. If violence and war makes you uncomfortable, best steer clear of this Vietnam War era masterpiece. Along with the usual horrors of war, you also get Christopher Walken going insane and playing Russian Roulette...for fun! (Best Picture winner)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936) - Another Chaplin film that I enjoy immensely. Famous for its scene where he flips and flops through the gears of a giant machine.
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996) - A Coen Brothers' masterpiece! This dark comedy about murder in North Dakota is well worth the watch. Highlights include: Francis McDorment playing a pregnant cop (for which she won a well-earned Oscar), Steve Bushemi, and a wood chipper.
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970) - I find this film boring...but my dad loves it, so I can't knock it completely. I figure I'll like it, or at least appreciate it, one day. (Best Picture winner)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964) - This film is no where near as good as the play. That being said, it is an excellent family film and has quite the catchy little tunes. Again, Audrey Hepburn is dubbed by Marni Nixon (let her sing!) and she lost the Oscar that year to Julie Andrews, who originated the role on Broadway but was denied the opportunity to play the part on screen because Jack Warner didn't feel she was a big enough star for the project. She won for her part in Mary Poppins because Walt Disney is a genius. (Best Picture winner)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960) - Jack Lemmon is at his best in this film, although I want to say that about every movie I have ever seen him in. He and Shirley McClaine make this dramatic romance quite enjoyable. Also, a Billy Wilder joint...so how bad could it be, really? (Best Picture winner)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938) - I figure this is the representative for screwball, 1930s comedy on this list, as while it is enjoyable, I don't think it is really Top 100 worthy. It is funny to watch Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn interact with a leopard, to comic results.
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967) - The classic film about race relations in the late 1960s. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy (in their last film together...Tracy died two weeks after shooting wrapped on the project) star as a married couple who's daughter (played by Hepburn's real-life niece, Katharine Houghton) is coming home with her new boyfriend, who happens to be Sidney Poitier. Today, that would be like your daughter coming home with an unmarried, 20-year-old Barack Obama. Classic film.
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
