This won't be easy...
Aug 08 '01
The Bottom Line Obviously, no two people are ever going to agree completely and decisively. This is just my opinion.
Let me start off by saying that it would be impossible for me to ever conclusively decide the ten greatest movies of all time. My opinion is constantly fluctuating, and there’s still a great deal that I’ve yet to see. Then there’s the case of sentimental favorites, respective genres, etc. I tried to draw the line somewhat down the center. The movies in this list are those I feel are the best-written, best-acted, most outstanding, and, to a degree, most groundbreaking.
You’ll probably notice that very few of the movies in my list where made before 1960 or after 1980. Now, I don’t have anything against movies outside of this period. Many, many excellent works have come before and since. A number of my own sentimental favorites came during the early 1980’s as I was growing up. I feel, however, that movies turned into something much greater during the sixties and seventies. People began to convey complex thoughts and ideas through filmmaking. A number of taboos found themselves shattered, making for a more realistic and engrossing experience. Older films may have worked better had they been able to utilize these tools. On the other hand, these days, movies mostly play to a Hollywood audience and simply abuse what they’ve got to work with.
And now, on to the show…
10. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - 1977
Here was the movie that forced science fiction away from a selective audience and into the mainstream arena. Some pretty decent acting by actors who were relatively unknown at the time (and some of who still are) and a story the likes of which no one had ever seen before. This one also gets credit for leaps and bounds in the special effects department.
9. Rosemary’s Baby – 1968
Although Alfred Hitchcock was probably the first to delve into the realms of psychological horror, I would have to say that Roman Polanski was the first to do it so masterfully and on an epic scale with this movie. The performances of old veterans Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer add to the offbeat chemistry of Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes. Very intriguing plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you wondering. This showed us that you didn’t need blood and gore to craft an effective horror movie.
8. Unforgiven – 1992
For those of you who think Clint Eastwood is all about big guns and catchphrases, you ought to check out this amazing movie that completely turned the western genre inside out. Strong cast including Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. Many western elements we take for granted are put into a more realistic light to create something completely unique. A great theme concerning morality and a new psychological perspective for the hardened western gunslinger.
7. A Clockwork Orange – 1971
Many people look so much into the sex and violence in this movie that they fail to see what’s underneath. A young Malcolm McDowell doesn’t get enough credit for his near-flawless portrayal of Alex. This one also takes a crack at the issue of morality, as well as the overall degradation of society. The satire that holds the story together is simply incredible.
6. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – 1969
Another unique twist on the western genre, this time portraying outlaws in such a light that they can be perceived as lovable. Fan favorites Paul Newman and Robert Redford probably don’t hurt its case. Lots of fun, but also explores a flipside to the life of an outlaw and the sort of people who get mixed up in it. If not one of the greatest, then certainly one of the best-loved movies of all time.
5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – 1975
Here’s another one of the best-loved. Jack Nicholson plays himself as usual, along with Louise Fletcher doing great as Nurse Ratched and an assortment of ‘loonies.’ This one urged us to root for the rebel and says a lot about humanity in general. Shows the gritty underside of our common institutions. Disturbing at times and inspiring at others.
4. Midnight Cowboy – 1969
A story of broken dreams and the first x-rated film to ever win an Academy Award (although it has since been changed to ‘R’). Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman show off their extreme range as actors. The idea of an ambitious young man struck down by bitter reality is echoed in Joe Buck’s adventures. Says a lot about where the world is heading through the sad story of a backwoods boy who can’t get a clean break in the cruel big city.
3. The Bridge on the River Kwai – 1957
An epic war/adventure film so unique because of its diverse and specific character viewpoints. Alec Guinness at his best does justice to a man who can be insane yet civil at the same time. William Holden, Jack Hawkins, and Sessue Hayakawa round it off, forcing us to see things from their points of view. Briefly touches on the morality of war and remains riveting to the very end.
2. Chinatown – 1974
A dedication to the film noir style and some of the best atmosphere you’ll ever see in a movie. Jack Nicholson, back playing himself, along with a deadpan Faye Dunaway and film legend John Huston. All the plot twists befitting of a mystery and full of surprises that you’ll never have expected. Uses the film noir elements but makes them grittier and less idealistic to create something completely new.
1. Network – 1976
If you’ve read my epinion of Network, then you already know how I feel about it. Every actor puts on an incredible display, especially Peter Finch, who is unequaled as Howard Beale, ‘the Mad Prophet of the Airwaves.’ Lots of huge statements here, mostly about television, big business, and society in general. Very intelligent, extremely original, and unquestionably powerful.
So, there you have it. If I can find the time, I’d like to write lists of the sort for the respective genres as well. Thanks for reading!
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Epinions.com ID:
cactus_matt
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Location: Florida
Reviews written: 40
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