Decades of Cinema - 10 Best of the 1960's

Previous lists are the 1920's, 1930's, 1940's and the 1950's. Here we have my ten favorite films from the 1960's.

10. The Apartment

Thanks to the Katherine Heigl's and Gerard Butler's of the world, the words "romantic comedy" have gotten a bad name. Here's the thing though: a good film is a good film, regardless of genre, and there have been a lot of terrific rom com pictures over the years. The Apartment by Billy Wilder is one of the all time greats. 

9. Winter Light

I find it ironic that I am always drawn in by pictures filled with religious themes and those that frequently feature religious imagery because in reality such things have little to no meaning in my life. I may not go to church, well, ever, but I will certainly attend a sermon directed by Ingmar Bergman. Winter Light is a truly special film that follows the pastor of a church as he searches for answers from a silent God. 

8. Persona

Oh, that Ingmar Bergman guy? Was I just talking about him? Well how about that, here we are again with one of his masterful works, this time the psychological mind fuck known as Persona. When I saw this film, I had no idea what I was watching unfold, but I didn't care. I knew what I was seeing was brilliantly crafted and the definition of memorable.

7. Night of the Living Dead

The ultimate zombie film from none other than the master himself, George A. Romero. Night of the Living Dead has so much more going on than just the walking dead. It is easy to ignore these days and treat as inconsequential, but this is a horror film released in 1968 and the lead role was a black male who bossed around the white people. Think about that for a second. Think about how controversial it must have been to see at the time.

On a much simpler level, this is a brilliantly made classic and it's entertaining as hell.

"They're coming to get you, Barbara!"

6. Breathless

This film from Jean-Luc Godard can only be described in the most simplistic of terms, even though the picture itself is anything but: it's just so god damn cool. From the model himself in the vein of Bogart Michel to his hip and beautiful girlfriend Patricia, Breathless is one of the earliest and most influential movies from the French New Wave.

5. La Jetee

One of the finest films ever created and it clocks in at less than 30 minutes in length, La Jetee is short but utterly brilliant. Director Chris Marker takes us on a science fiction journey in an unconventional way by delivering a story not with a normal cinematic flow but as a slide show of images and a voice-over narration. La Jetee ended up being the work that influenced the creation of the movie 12 Monkeys, and while I love the Terry Gilliam picture, the original is the masterpiece for me.

4. Dr. Strangelove

The top four films from the 1960's will be a perfect representation of why I consider Stanley Kubrick to be quite possibly the greatest cinematic mind in history. While only two of the four films will be his, they represent just how much range he demonstrated as an auteur and here we have one of the all time most brilliant comedies ever made. Yet another example of Kubrick being extremely anti-war only instead of delivering these messages via Paths of Glory or Full Metal Jacket type narratives, he makes us laugh out loud early and often here.

3. Psycho

If you have been following my lists thus far, you have figured out by now that I am quite the fan of Hitchcock. Psycho is iconic and having the chance to see it on the big screen last year for the first time in my life was quite the experience. Also, is it just me or does Andrew Garfield look an awful lot like Anthony Perkins? Too bad they wasted a remake on Vince Vaughn.

2. Lawrence of Arabia

There was never another film like Lawrence of Arabia and there never will be again. It is a once in a lifetime miracle of cinema, a massive epic that, if it were made today, would demand a 300 million dollar budget and most of it would be wasted on special effects. Don't be fooled by the daunting length of this one and let that stop you from watching, Lawrence of Arabia is one of the smoothest and easiest films I have ever digested.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey

A haunting monolith of cinema, 2001: A Space Odyssey is considered by many to be the greatest achievement in movie history and it is difficult for me to find a compelling reason to disagree. Stanley Kubrick does something mesmerizing and profound with the material by baffling us yet also inspiring his audience into believing that film can be an art form unlike any other. Personally, I think 2001 is a giant, amazing representation of the evolution of humanity, but hey, what the hell do I know?

The most important thing to remember when experiencing 2001 is to not get frustrated trying to analyze the details to death. That first time you see it, who cares what it is about? Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Next up, the 1970's. Oh boy the 1970's. I had to make some real tough choices and leave off some amazing films there. One that did make the cut is depicted above.

Decades of Cinema - 10 Best of the 1950's

You can find my lists for the 1920's here, 1930's here, and 1940's here. It's time to cover the 1950's, a pretty incredible ten years of filmmaking.

10. Wild Strawberries

The brilliance of Ingmar Bergman can not be overstated. The man was a genius, and one of my favorite works of his is Wild Strawberries, a film that beautifully walks the line of real and surreal with grace and ease. This is without a doubt a far more accessible movie compared to some of his others, as we go on a journey with Isak Borg both in the literal and deeply personal sense as he drives a great distance and also reflects on his life and finds inner peace with himself along the way.

9. Ugetsu

Ugetsu is a tremendously beautiful, haunting ghost story that is celebrated for being one of the defining pieces from the Japanese Golden Age of Film. It is a mystical, magical fable that utilizes gorgeous cinematography to set an atmosphere that is impossible not to admire.

8. A Man Escaped

A man condemned to death in a Nazi prison camp in a then German-occupied France. Much of the film is spent inside the claustrophobic confines of a prison cell, and you can feel the walls closing in around him. The only way out is via escape and a plan is methodically put into place, and the tension is built brilliantly using sound and space. This Robert Bresson film is not only a masterclass in filmmaking on its own regard, but it has since been the inspiration for other major pictures including the Oscar winning Alfonso Cuaron picture Gravity. A Man Escaped is a must see.

7. Rashomon

A film that literally invented terminology referring to scenarios in which multiple eye witness accounts of a single event offer conflicting information. The Rashomon effect. This is a movie worthy of being described as spellbinding, as I cannot look away as I watch it. Rashomon is essentially perfect cinema on every possible level, yet it only ranks as my #7 of its decade. That's how great the 50's were.

6. 12 Angry Men

A sublime example of minimalism done right, 12 Angry Men almost entirely takes place in one room and yet the setting is probably more vital to the storytelling than any single character. A jury deliberates the fate of a man who has been charged with a murder, and the tension in the room is reflected by the climate outside. One of the finest examples of a film being carried by performances that I can think of.

5. The Night of the Hunter

In the review I wrote for Only God Forgives, I explain what is wrong with blindly following a site like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic without giving a movie a chance and making up your own mind. One of the biggest historical examples of thing is The Night of the Hunter, the only film ever directed by Charles Laughton. Why only one? Because it was panned critically out of the gate and was a commercial failure. Now you can't find an expansive list of the greatest films of all time without seeing The Night of the Hunter on it.

4. Paths of Glory

There have been a fair amount of hard hitting war films released since the dawn of the medium, but Paths of Glory is surely one of the greatest. One of a few examples of the genius Stanley Kubrick using his platform to artistically express his anti-war sentiments, the story here involves a group of soldiers who refuse to participate in an attack that is essentially suicide. Three of these men are chosen randomly to face a court-martial for cowardice. 

The first time I saw Paths of Glory, I was literally speechless when it ended. I then proceeded to immediately press play on the remote and watch the entire thing over again without even so much as standing up.

3. Rear Window

For the second straight list of my favorite films from a decade, Alfred Hitchcock will occupy two of the top three spots. Safe to say I am a fan, eh? The difference between the two sets of films is the 1940's variety, with Shadow of a Doubt and Rope, were two movies I had not even seen until relatively recently and I fell in love with as an adult. Here with Rear Window, the love is both due to the exquisite filmmaking and also the nostalgic feeling I get from seeing this so many times throughout my life. I cherished Rear Window nearly 20 years ago and I admire it even more today.

2. Singin' in the Rain

If I am ever even in a slightly dour mood, a little headache, a bad day at work, hell simply stubbing my toe would suffice, I can turn to Singin' in the Rain and everything will be just fine soon after I press play. I used to claim I hated musicals. I used to be an idiot. This is one of the great joys of cinema, a film that absolutely glows thanks to memorable musical numbers, amazing set pieces and tons of laughs. 

1. Vertigo

The best film of the 1950's is also one of my favorite of all time from any era. Vertigo sort of represents what cinematic perfection feels like for me because it was the first film I ever saw that made me understand what the word masterpiece meant. Not to mention the fact that when I lost my Vertigo virginity, I was a 14 year old boy so beautiful women were certainly in my wheelhouse. Probably explains why I was smiling like an idiot whenever Kim Novak was on the screen.

Next will be the 1960's, which will feature some of the finest films ever made.  

Decades of Cinema - 10 Best of the 1940's

After covering the 1920's (list found here) and the 1930's (here), it's time to move into a pretty iconic decade of cinema, the 1940's. These are my ten favorite achievements released during those ten years.

10. The Lost Weekend

Director Billy Wilder unleashed this Best Picture winning film on the world in 1945, telling the troubling story of a man losing his battle with alcoholism. It feels a bit over-the-top and melodramatic at times, but it is still an impeccably crafted work that certainly gets its point across, showing the damage that can be done by the disease.

9. The Treasure of Sierra Madre

A classic western adventure film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre tells the story of three men on a search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. Thematically the film focuses on the way greed corrupts humanity, turning men once in cahoots against each other and having one of these characters be played by Humphrey Bogart only enhances the relevancy of this film nearly 70 years after its release.

8. The Third Man

A noir that thrives on its atmosphere, The Third Man is a film I would recommend even if it were watched with the volume muted and no subtitles. Just literally seeing the movie is a hell of an experience thanks to the cinematography alone, but when you add in the performances and that brilliant musical score? Dynamite cinema.

7. Bicycle Thieves

A man desperate to find work in Rome shortly after the conclusion of World War II receives an offer to hang advertising around the city, but owning a bicycle is a requirement for the position. After his wife Maria sells a valuable possession to a pawn shop in order to acquire one, things are looking up for this poverty stricken family until the bike is stolen on his very first day on the job.

A heartbreaking yet beautiful film, and certainly one of the greatest landmarks from the 1940's.

6. It's a Wonderful Life

I may be beginning my transformation into a bitter, old man, but I still absolutely cherish Christmas and what it represents. I think about the warmth and comfort of being indoors as winter rages on outside, a mug of coffee in my hand while watching films that perfectly suit the season. It's a Wonderful Life is without a doubt one of the greatest holiday cinematic achievements of all time, a staple for many every single year and it's easy to understand why. 

5. Citizen Kane

I'm sure for many having this one listed at only #5 of its decade is blasphemy, as Citizen Kane is widely regarded as perhaps the greatest film of all time. I may not hold it in that high of esteem but its still impossible not to admire the stunning craft of this work by Orson Welles. 

4. Rome, Open City

Released in 1945, Rome, Open City depicts the all too real events of what took place in a Nazi occupied Rome only a year earlier, so yeah, it's safe to say the power of this film was still hauntingly fresh. Seeing this one for the first time only a couple of years ago, I was blown away by the pain depicted in the movie so I can't even imagine how hard it would have been to see it having gone through the actual experiences personally. A tremendous achievement by Roberto Rossellini.

3. Shadow of a Doubt

One of two Hitchcock films to make the top three on this list, Shadow of a Doubt is a chilling movie about a charming man affectionately referred to as "Uncle Charlie" by the relatives he is staying with and the daughter of the family, also named Charlie, who sees something dark and sinister behind his facade. Brilliantly performed and having that exquisite Hitchcock touch to the whole experience, Shadow of a Doubt is a top notch film.

2. Casablanca

Hey, you guys ever heard of this one? I decided to get a little unpredictable and obscure with my number 2 selection, a little film that has flown under the radar for over 70 years called Casablanca. 

No, seriously though, this is considered a cinematic treasure for a well deserved reason. Bogart and Bergman are timeless and perfect in a frame together.

1. Rope

Decided to end the 1940's with a little bit of color. Prior to seeing Rope, I had heard it was a bit of a lesser Hitchcock when compared to his other, iconic releases, so imagine how I felt when I was floored by this absolute masterpiece. Best known for being experimental by taking place in real time and using editing trickery to appear to only use one single continuous shot throughout (which was a trick recently utilized by the Best Picture winning Birdman), I was drooling over the perfectly executed long takes and loving the sinister concept of a party going on literally around a dead body hidden right under their noses. Rope is, without a doubt, my favorite film from the 1940's.

Next up, the 1950's. Thanks for checking out my lists, would love to hear some of your favorites from these decades. 

100 Favorite Films - #20 - #11

A continuation of my list of my 100 favorite films of all time.


20. The Godfather: Part II (1974)

One of the finest sequels in the history of film, The Godfather: Part II is actually the first one to ever win Best Picture at the Academy Awards and a deserving honor without a doubt. In fact, rarely is the merits of this film ever debated but rather the question of whether or not it is superior to The Godfather (spoiler alert for this list: I slightly prefer the first). Absolutely perfect epic crime storytelling.


19. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

My Review of Eyes Wide Shut

The final masterpiece from the genius auteur Stanley Kubrick, the film Eyes Wide Shut was misunderstood before it was even released with a marketing campaign that seemed to sell the eroticism of its actually married real life stars rather than the actual point of the work. A downright eerie, unsettling, hypnotic, and literally nightmare inspiring piece of cinema, if you wrote this off upon its release as being a lesser Kubrick, it's time to revisit and reevaluate. The film is absolutely brilliant.


18. Boyhood (2014)

My Review of Boyhood

That's right, a film released in 2014 has made the top twenty of my all time favorites list. Boyhood is absolutely worthy, an almost indescribable experience crafted by Richard Linklater that feels so real and authentic, watching young Mason grow up before our eyes. It was impossible for me not to make every possible connection to this movie, as I connected with both the struggles of adolescence and also the difficulty of a parent, as at the age of 30 I am not that far removed with the child and teenager I once was, but I also have a 7 year old at home whom I am watching grow up seemingly far too fast. One of the finest aspects of this film that doesn't seem to get the credit it deserves is the editing, which is never flashy because it doesn't need to be but it allows a film that took 12 years to make flow with grace in a running time under three hours. Boyhood is an experience I can't wait to share with my daughter for years and years and years to come.


17. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

The final piece from the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi is my least favorite of the three and yet still finds a spot in my top 20 films of all time. The key is that I word it "least favorite" rather than "worst", because this is a film I love, an adventure I have taken so many times before and will continue to on a regular basis. Was it a step down from The Empire Strikes Back? Sure, but how could it not be? Regardless, I still have a nostalgic joyous blast with this epic conclusion to the single greatest trilogy of all time.


16. Drive (2011)

My Review of Drive

Drive was released in 2011, and I didn't get a chance to see it until early 2012, and despite this being less than three years ago, I have seen the film literally 15 times. That isn't an exaggerated guess or made up number, honestly, 15 times I have sat on my couch and watched Ryan Gosling soak in the gorgeous neon glow of the streets of Los Angeles. Drive is a cinematic drug and I cannot get enough. The aesthetic, the score, the subtly nuanced performances...I knew within the first ten minutes that this would be a special film for me, and I was right.


15. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense, and quite possibly the finest example of this throughout his illustrious career came with the 1960 film Psycho, which has not lost even a bit of steam despite approaching its 55th anniversary. I recently read the novel of the same name that the film was adapted from, and it actually made my respect for the work of Hitchcock grow even bigger (which I didn't think was possible). It isn't that the source material was poor, in fact it is quite good, but the changes that were made as it was translated to the screen were done so perfectly, and this for me is the mark of a wonderful filmmaker. Hitchcock was clearly willing to use a majority of the book that he felt was on point, he was willing to admit that he shouldn't change EVERYTHING but rather only the small amount of pieces that he just felt could fit better...and the result is incredible.


14. Se7en (1995)

My Review of Se7en

Before I had any concept of who David Fincher was, he was keeping me awake at night with the disturbing thriller Se7en, as I was viewing it at an age that was probably inappropriately young for the material. The rain soaked streets set the somber mood that resonates throughout, and the concept is both deranged and endlessly intriguing: a serial killer showcasing his artistry through the deaths of those he deems worthy, those whom he believes have violated one of the seven deadly sins. While many other scenes are more memorable, I could watch Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey talk about the historical significance of these killings on repeat.


13. Metropolis (1927)

A silent science fiction wonder that was so far ahead of its time it's crazy, Metropolis knocked my socks off the first time I saw it, at a time when I unfairly associated the word "silent" with "boring". An entertaining, bizarre landmark of cinema that managed to blow my mind 80 some years after it's release. I can't even begin to imagine what it did for moviegoers when it was first unleashed onto the big screen.


12. Gravity (2013)

For many, the scientific inaccuracies or the "simplicity" of the story were enough to tarnish the appeal of the film Gravity, but not only did these inaccuracies not bother me, I find them completely meaningless, and there is nothing simplistic about the story being presented. Gravity is absolutely a survival story, but not one of astronauts in space but instead the survival of Dr. Ryan Stone as she searches for a reason to carry on after the tragic death of her young daughter. The cold vastness of space represents death, the glow and inviting nature of a beautiful Earth below represents life, and the obstacles faced by Stone symbolize the extremely painful burden one most carry with them when they are grieving.

I was emotionally wrecked the first time I screened this film, as I recognized the thematic depth of what was being portrayed immediately and I connected to it on so many levels. A major part of me thought of my own daughter sitting at home in that moment and just how awful it would be to not have her in my life. Another part of me was thinking about those people who share this level of grief as the character being portrayed, and my heart shattered thinking about their loss.

Gravity is one of the boldest, most original allegories regarding the subjects of grief and loss and moving on, and those questioning the position of satellites or whether or not the circumstances are "realistic" are missing the point of this cinematic miracle.


11. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

My Review of Singin' in the Rain

A film I look to when I need a little bit of joy in my life, Singin' in the Rain is an absolute classic, one that I almost never gave a chance to because of some ill-conceived notion that as a man I wouldn't be able to connect with a musical. I cannot stop smiling from beginning to end when I watch this picture, with iconic songs and magnetic performances, seriously, this is a treasured piece of the history of film. I never can take my eyes off of the screen and I find myself laughing out loud from beginning to end. Delightful.

Here we go, into the top 10. Well, top 11 actually, as a lame tie will rear it's ugly head in there to allow an extra slot for a film worthy of the recognition. Either way, the next list I post will conclude my favorite films of all time. The image above is one that will appear in my top 10 (11) films of all time.

100 Favorite Films - #40 - #31

A continuation of my list counting down my 100 favorite films of all time.


40. Paths of Glory (1957)

Stanley Kubrick was bound to make quite a few appearances on my list of favorite films and here he is again with his devastating anti-war work titled Paths of Glory. The plot of the film focuses on a group of soldiers that refuse to follow through on an attack that would most certainly result in their deaths, and thus their superior officers decide to hand pick three of the men at random and make an example of them, putting them to death for their cowardice. The concept of putting your life on the line for your country only to have them decide you should die is powerful, gut wrenching stuff...and don't get me started on those final moments of the film. Good gravy I could never shake those moments from my cinematic memory, but they are so masterfully done I wouldn't want to.


39. Life of Pi (2012)

My Review of Life of Pi

A film that feels like a miracle to me more than just another movie, I recently revisited it and reviewed it (see the link above) and it is still such a treasure. Ang Lee managed to do something that only one other filmmaker has done in recent years for me: keep me awake at night thinking about the existence of a god. A truly beautiful film in every way.


38. Aliens (1986)

My Review of Aliens

I fell in love with both Alien and Aliens at a surprisingly young age considering the content, and I still recall trying to fall asleep as a child with my bedroom door open after watching Aliens specifically, and I kept imagining the shadows of approaching xenomorphs creeping through the darkness towards my room. I recall the inner debates I had fueled by panic and sheer terror, what to do? Do I get up and close the door as fast as I can, or merely pull the blanket over my head and hope for the best?

A few times I was brave enough to make it to the door, and other times I cowered until the covers and prayed for my safety. Sounds like a terrible experience for a child, right? Probably was, but the fact is I will never forget those nights or the films that inspired the fear. Not often a picture can leave that kind of mark.


37. Memories of Murder (2003)

A decade before the release of his English language debut Snowpiercer, Boon joon-ho released his masterpiece, a korean serial killer film titled Memories of Murder. The story is actually based on the true story of the first ever documented serial killer in the history of South Korea, and it is a chilling, brilliantly executed picture. If you have seen the film, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. If not, do check it out. It wonderfully uses its setting and mood and the eerie nature of the real life events, and the result is a memorable, fascinating feature.


36. Rear Window (1954)

One of the finest efforts from the all around amazing filmography of Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window uses a minimalist scenario of a man in a wheelchair looking out his window and the result is absolute perfection. The voyeuristic aspect of the film is fascinating and it makes you wonder, how much do you know the people that live near you? What are they actually capable of? Sublime cinema.


35. Zodiac (2007)

My Review of Zodiac

Watching this film now and knowing the popularity of the man who crafted it David Fincher, it is shocking that this was a complete box office failure. What else could people want from a picture? Based on the real life events of the Zodiac killer, the story of this film actually focuses on the investigation more than the murders themselves, although some sequences showcasing the work of the deranged psychopath are shown. The central character is an unlikely one, as you would assume the police would be the focus when in reality the lead is a man named Robert Graysmith (played expertly by Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Fincher was, of course, the perfect choice for the material, as he sets the gloomy, ominous tone that perfectly suits it. One of the finest efforts from the modern master of thrillers.


34. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuaron won his academy award for Gravity last year, and deservedly so, but the man was making fine films years before it and one of them is the totally superb science fiction thriller Children of Men. The first time I witnessed this film, I had never seen anything like it. Nearly nine years later, I still have never seen anything like it. Not only is the premise a fascinating one, the concept of a world that can no longer reproduce and thus the death of the human race awaits, but it is so expertly directed by Cuaron and the cinematography from the master Emmanuel Lubezki is lucious and beautiful in a drab and depressing way.


33. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

My Review of The Fellowship of the Ring

When Peter Jackson wants to take me on a tour of Middle Earth, even with his more recent Hobbit films (although I am not seeing the final installment until Tuesday night), sign me up. I love the sweeping, epic feel of the pictures and they feel like events more than just great films. For whatever reason I associate watching them with the holiday season, a time during the year where I want to sit next to the glow of my Christmas tree, put my feet up and watch the story of Frodo and his quest to destroy the ring. This explains the review I linked above coming just recently, as each year, late in the year I feel the need to revisit this world, these characters and the journey they take.

The Fellowship of the Ring is a wondrous way to start the trilogy and it is an excellent demonstration of character development and story and world building inside a massive budget epic film.


32. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

If you appreciate beautiful stories that effortlessly connect to the audience on an emotional level, and also films that celebrate their own medium by making the love of cinema an important aspect of the characters, Cinema Paradiso is just the delightful picture for you. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, the story focuses on a man receiving terrible news which forces him to reflect on his childhood, a time when he fell in love with movies while assisting the projectionist at a theater in the village they lived.

A reminder that cinema once was far different than the world we live in now with streaming, Blu-ray players and IMAX theaters, Cinema Paradiso takes us back to a time when people used to cherish the opportunity to see any film on the one screen in the one theater near where they lived. A truly touching, wonderful film.


31. Alien (1979)

My Review of Alien

Listed in the same installment of ten films as its sequel, Alien was a film that taught me just how scary a movie could be at a young age. The review I linked above came after I had the opportunity to see it at midnight at a local, old school theater I live near, one that reminds me of the film I listed above Cinema Paradiso. It was an amazing experience, getting to see the horrific events that take place aboard the Nostromo, and despite the fact that I had seen Alien many times previously it felt exciting and brand new in that setting. One of the finest science fiction and horror films ever made.

Down to the final 30 films. Above is an image from one that will be listed among the next ten.