I realize that we are living in what some may call a "sad state" of American cinema, but stupidity aside, films continue to be one of the strongest cultural phenomena in our country, and the newer, funnier and more expensive- the better. I realize that "Gone With the Wind" is a so-called "classic", but I haven't met ten people in my life who have managed to sit through the entire thing. Thus, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" has about as much business at the top of the quotation list as "Citizen Kane" does heading the best 100 films of all time. If we're going by frequency of usage and recognition, I'd have to go with one of the lines from "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy". I don't know how many times I have walked through the hallways of my school and heard, "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal", or "LOUD NOISES". I've even seen witty t-shirts bearing the pictorial equivalent of "I love lamp". While these selections may lack class, I don't think I've ever heard someone under thirty quote "Gone With the Wind" without a rapid ass-kicking shortly following.
While some of the categories of the "Ten Top 10" were well executed in selection, many were populated with flicks bearing titles that are met with shoulder shrugs and questioning of their actual existence. I'm going to address the "gangster" category first, purely because it just so happens to be my favorite genre of film. I felt as if the picks here were intelligent choices. Many pre-date my, and in some cases, my parents' birth dates, but still are frequently watched by the current generation. "The Godfather", "Goodfellas" and "Godfather Part II" leading the lineup allows me particular bragging rights following a recent movie night at my house featuring screening of those exact three movies, as well as a lavish Italian buffet to complete the theme. I was however, irked by the absence of recent best picture winner "The Departed".
As much as I was impressed by the accuracy of the gangster category, I was outraged by the selection of Westerns. Yes, yes we all know that the nuanced John Wayne classic "The Searchers" was revolutionary and socially relevant, but really, is that why people watch Westerns? Where was the Clint Eastwood love? Yes, Unforgiven took a spot in the lineup, but imdb's headlining Western, "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" didn't even place! In my humble opinion, watching Blondie take on Tuco and Angel Eyes in a gun-fight to end all others beats morning about the "Lost Frontier" any day.
I won't go through every category, because frankly, I myself haven't even seen many of these films. I think the only choices under the "Courtroom Drama" section that I have ever heard mentioned or watched personally are "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "12 Angry Men". The "epics" list was full of sappy and overlong oldies, though I did smile at the inclusion of "Reds"- the most beautiful and politically relevant love story I've ever witnessed. Potential dates take note: I'd rather see Warren Beatty as John Reed run from anti-communist gunfire into Lousie Bryant's arms at a Soviet train-station that roll my eyes to the familiar and boring "romantic comedies" such as "Sleepless in Seattle". Oh wait, my mistake. AFI seems to think those sort of movies warrant their own list as well. Apparently though, I am more out of touch with this portion of cinema than I thought. Coming in at Number 1 is some old Charlie Chaplin flick called "City Lights". I don't watch many of these sorts of movies, but in my eyes, Charlie Chaplin has the sex appeal level of a squashed zucchini.
The last section I'll give my input on is fantasy. I honestly don't think that the committee even bothered to watch the submissions here. "The Wizard of Oz" was a landmark in cinema, but even me, a musical-die-hard would rather see one of the epic battle scenes in "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" than the Cowardly Lion. Oh wait, "Return of the King" wasn't even on the short list! Instead, we have part one of the trilogy, "Fellowship of the Ring"; widely considered to be the weakest of the series. I was also disappointed at seeing the pedophile fantasy "Big" coming in at number 10, rather than the film that the kids with class occupied themselves with; "Princess Bride".
The AFI specials frequently become the highlight of my summer television viewing, if only for the lack of better things to watch and the countdown to the first place winners that I always anticipate will bring heated debates and fiery words reigning down upon my house for weeks to come. Although it would be my own recommendation for the AFI committee before next year's voting, to include younger members on its selection board- ones who have a live pulse on the movie scene today, instead of checking for the heartbeat of one of the many dead corpses that continue to show up on the "Top 100" series year after year.
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Note: I will once again be departing on another road trip tomorrow morning, and will not be returning until next Sunday. Until then, take what you've learned on this blog and go out into the world unafraid to take your own opinions and perspectives on the culture around you. Don't forget to check back next Sunday!
-Jordan
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