During this most recent semester of college I saw 35 new releases. But, thanks to a couple of film courses, I also got to watch 11 “classics”, each for the first time:
WESTERNS
“Stagecoach” (1939) – Highlighted by John Wayne’s breakthrough performance as the outlaw Ringo.
“Shane” (1953) – So glad I got to see this before “Logan”; It’s amazing how significant a role it plays in Hugh Jackman’s final Wolverine chapter.
GANGSTER FILMS
“Little Caesar” (1931) – Edward G. Robinson is dynamite in this look at crime and loyalty.
“The Godfather” (1972) – Yes, I finally watched “The Godfather”. Haven’t gotten to Part 2 yet, and I’ve been told Part 3 might not even be worth it. Part 1 is slick and star-studded, though a little long.
DETECTIVE
“The Maltese Falcon” (1941) – Humphrey Bogart lights-up the screen as fast-talking Sam Spade.
NOIR
“Double Indemnity” (1944) – Robinson here again, along with the infectious Barbara Stanwyck and equally convincing Fred MacMurray
MUSICAL
“All That Jazz” (1979) – Roy Scheider gives a physically demanding and emotionally straining performance as dancer and director Joe Gideon. And what a finale!
“Moulin Rouge!” (2001) – Baz Luhrmann’s visuals are more distracting here than in his 2013 version of “The Great Gatsby”. So I focused my attention solely on Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, who are sensational together.
WAR
“Sands of Iwo Jima” (1950) – Another Wayne picture, this time as Sgt. Stryker – just as good
“Platoon” (1986) – Oliver Stone’s Best Picture winner is bold and brutal.
DRAMA
“Philadelphia” (1993) – Two months before director Jonathan Demme’s passing, I experienced one of his most famous films. Hanks and Washington are terrific and the story has such a lasting impact.
I ALSO SAW PARTS OF:
“The Birth of a Nation” (1915) – D.W. Griffith’s highly controversial look at life amidst the Civil War
“That’s Entertainment!” (1974) – MGM’s tribute to the musicals of their heyday is filled with entertaining, overwhelming clips of production numbers, as well as appearances by iconic stars.
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998) – The opening 25 minutes of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning war drama are jarring and amazing movie-making.