For my first 2001 entry may I take this opportunity to offer you a list of the 25 Best Movies Ever Made, as recently voted by 13,000-film industry members.
In the past, I have rarely offered my opinion; rather I have given a particular film my best account of what I see upon the screen and how and why it moves the audience to tears or laugher.
However, on this occasion, a list of 25 Best Films cannot be offered up without a comment from this author. I have based my opinion on whether or not I believe the film will withstand the test of time, a particular film experience will move me again and again and/or have me discover something new even after countless viewings. Please note I have seen every one of these films at least 8 or more times, with only one exception.
25. E.T. (Although engaging much too much sloppy sentimentality for continuous viewing)
24. Raging Bull (I ask why this made the list? Is it because it depicts the American dream come true?)
23. The Maltese Falcon (Confusing plot but superb dialogue delivered with panache. EG: Greenstreet, “I love talking to a man who loves to talk…”)
22. 2001 A Space Odyssey (Still makes me think about the meaning of life every time I see it.)
21. Grapes Of Wrath (The most wonderful history lesson of the great depression)
20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (After the second viewing there is nothing left to discover)
19. Chinatown (Maybe if it had Polish subtitles I may decipher the plot)
18. Psycho (Hitch horror at its very best in black and white)
17. The African Queen (An autumn love story to warm the heart)
16. All About Eve (Want to know what ‘screen presence’ really means, watch Bette)
15. Star Wars (Yet to sit through it to the very end)
14. Some Like It Hot (The Lemmon/Brown tango scene still makes me LOL after countless viewings)
13. Bridge On The River Kwai (Only an Englishman could deliver this account, although Holden does his best to keep up)
12. Sunset Boulevard (Was and still is the most superb script and classic Hollywood of all time!)
11. It’s A Wonderful Life (When only the best schmaltz will do)
10. Singin’ In The Rain (Eat your heart out Michael Jackson! These dance sequences that will never again be repeated)
9. Schnidlers’ List (The finest tribute to acknowledge human suffering)
8. On The Waterfront (Brando at his method acting best… Just watch what he can do just picking up a glove?)
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Lea Frydman's Reviews of Classic Films topic, please visit the Discussions page.