![]() All three of those movies "won best picture Oscars in years when arguably far more timeless films - Singin' in the Rain, 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Day at the Races, respectively - were not even nominated."Ī movie is classic, says Mia Mask, professor of film history at Vassar College, "if it's a well-crafted, well-acted, compelling story that speaks to the human condition in a way that's unique." Bob points to The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), Oliver! (1968) and The Life of Emile Zola (1937). Lots of motion pictures that are now regarded as timeless weren't that popular when they came out, Bob says, citing Casablanca, It's a Wonderful Life and Citizen Kane.Ĭonversely, other films that were once regarded as great haven't withstood the scrutiny of time. When NPR movie critic Bob Mondello is asked "What makes a timeless movie timeless?" he says, "Man, I'd love to say quality and universal themes and leave it at that, but I think it can be equally a matter of audience affection, of when in your life you see a film, and of the ever-changing zeitgeist."Ī film that is too much of its own time, Bob says, "is unlikely to feel timeless 10 years later - in fact, it may quickly feel dated." So memorable films are timeless - and vice versa. And by holding onto a film, or a fragment from a film, that marks a time in your life that will always be a part of your life." "They are the custodians of these visual memories, these stories. What makes movies timeless are audiences, says Steven Spielberg in a 2012 interview for Universal Orlando. And strong directors necessarily have a strong point of view, which is crucial to making something that will endure - and not just be timely, topical and disposable." to create a cohesive, expressive whole. What the best movies share, says Ann, "is a great director at the helm, someone who has marshaled all the many elements - screenplay, actors, cinematographers, musicians, etc. Seen today, it's still a potent visual and aural experience, and the brilliance of its component parts - the cinematography, the editing, the performances, the dialogue - may be even more easily appreciated in the absence of immediate topicality." "That's a movie that certainly struck a more immediate, visceral chord about Vietnam when it was released in 1979. She says some movies even gain ground over the years "in relevance and aesthetic estimation." "I definitely think there are films that stand the test of time," says Ann Hornaday, movie critic at The Washington Post. It has happened with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. ![]() Unsettling experience: You insist to someone that a movie is a solid and ageless gem and you sit down together to watch it and the movie is a flimsy and dated yawnfest. Which of the beloved and belaureled Movies of 2013 will we still care about in 2113 and carry with us for years to come? Which movies of our time will become timeless? And, while we're at it, what makes a movie timeless anyway? Which all leads up to the 86th Academy Awards on March 2. Then in February the industry's writers, cinematographers and art directors - among others - will be honoring movie makers. 25, the Directors Guild announces its winners. The 2014 Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards - among others - have already been handed out. And all over us with red carpets, acceptance speeches and actor antics.Īmerica is smack in the middle of its annual three-month making-much-of-movies mania. ![]() It could become a classic.Īwards season is upon us. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |