10 Years later… AFI 100 Best American Films June 21, 2007
Posted by mrspeel in : Movies, News , trackback10 years ago I was 8 years old. My favourite movies were Beauty and the Beast and the Wizard of Oz. I didn’t have an interest in films, and I didn’t even have good enough cable to get the first run of the show. Jump forward seven years when my passion for film was really ignited, their first run list was something that I used as a guide for film watching. I didn’t know much about cinema, and I tried to see as many of the films as possible. While I STILL haven’t seen all the films listed on  the original, I think the list is fairly good. I have many problems with it, and think it’s too populist (still, what do you expect from a list done by consensus?), but it’s a good starting point for film, and I think it’s fairly solid.
Last night I watched the 10 years later show, and like every year since I started watching I enjoyed the hell out of it. Maybe I’m just easy to please, but the show is well made and downright fun. I like to be reminded of old favourites, as well as getting introduced to films I haven’t seen before. I don’t think the list is worth getting upset or used as justification for a film’s quality (or lack thereof). It’s a good way to remind  people why they like cinema, and gets the discussion rolling. For the sake of fun I’m going to go through all 100, and give brief thoughts on the inclusions.
100. Ben-Hur (1959)
I haven’t seen this, and I can’t say I really have an urge too. I once tried to sit through this multi hour epic and couldn’t get past the first hour. I did see the chariot race on TV once though, and it’s impressive. I don’t see myself hurryingto see the rest anytime soon though.
99. Toy Story (1995)
I don’t have a problem with this at all, especially considering it’s important impact on animation. It’s also just a great film. I would have liked to see other animated films in it’s place (Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, or even Finding Nemo), but I appreciate it’s impact and think it’s a good film.
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
I’m surprised this is still on the list honestly, while I think Cagney is an absolute JOY to watch, and the music is pretty good I think as a non-American I can’t fully appreciate the blatant patriotism displayed. It turns me off somewhat, and I doubt if this list were compilled by non-Americans it would make the list. I would like to have seen it replaced with something like 42nd Street or Gold Diggers of 1933 that are more important musicals in terms of reviving the genre, introducing a non-glamorous setting, and having Busby Berkeley working on the choreography.
97. Blade Runner (1982)
Should be higher, but I’m happy to see it on the list. I am also thrilled to see the new release for the DVD and apparently a limited theatrical release that I’ll be checking out.
96. Do The Right Thing (1989)
I haven’t seen this, but predicted it’s inclusion on a whim. I also am looking very much forward to seeing it.
95. The Last Picture Show (1971)
I was surprised to see it included, but very happy as well. A very sincere portrait of small town American life, as well as being a great drama about growing up. The performances and the cinematography are great.
94. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Not a fan, but I understand it’s impact. I think it’s where it should be on the list.
93. The French Connection (1971)
I haven’t seen this, and while I don’t particularly want to part of me loves Gene Hackman so I’ll check it out.
92. GoodFellas (1991)
I need to see this again, my love for it has been dying over the years but the clips included reminded me why it was one of my favourites a few years ago.
91. Sophie’s Choice (1982)
I’m shocked at the inclusion of this; I didn’t see it coming at all. I don’t think it’s a particularly remarkable film honestly, and don’t truly understand the mentality behind the inclusion. I can’t deny though the potency and the beauty of Merryl Streep’s performance.
90. Swing Time (1936)
I don’t know if I’ve seen this or not… I don’t think so… I’m not much of a fan of Fred Astaire, but I won’t really dispute the inclusion of this. As I said for Yankee Doodle Dandy though, I would have preferred a Busby Berkeley film.
89. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Good film, but not a great one. It doesn’t really hold up to multiple viewings. I don’t really understand the mentality behind the inclusion.
88. Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Not my favourite screwball by any means, but it’s the definete screwball in it’s utter nonsense.
87. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Again, not one of my favourites but it’s a beautifully crafted film and has very interesting commentary on the justice system. I love how it acknowledges it’s imperfections, while still holding the ability for people to cast aside their own prejudices when needed to make the world a better place.
86. Platoon (1986)
I haven’t seen and never really had an urge to. Maybe one day…
85. A Night At The Opera (1935)
I was upset when I first saw this because I thought it means Duck Soup was off the list. It’s definetely one of their best films, especially the deliciously surreal scene of them being in that crowded “room”.
84. Easy Rider (1969)
Surprised by the inclusion. I think this has a lot to do with the general age range of the voters rather than the quality of the film… although I haven’t seen it, so I shouldn’t really judge.
83. Titanic (1997)
I knew it was going to make it, it made a lot of money… and stuff. I don’t think it’s as bad as some say, but calling it the “Casabanca for this generation” is extreme. Meh I say.
82. Sunrise (1927)
I’m so ashamed I haven’t seen this, I’m happy it’s here though. Not enough older/silent films on the original list.
81. Spartacus (1960)
Not a fan really, it has it’s iconic moments, but they work best as Pepsi commercials. I’m not a fan of epics.
80. The Apartment (1960)
I love this film, and I’m only reminded that I need to see it again. Wilder balances comedy and drama so beautifully, and this film is the definition of bittersweet. I especially adore Shirley Maclaine who really ushers in a new brand of woman who’s smart, beautiful, and still vulnerable.
To Be Continued…
Comments»
Glad to see you liked Toy Story’s inclusion like I did, and I definitely agree with you on Blade Runner and Sixth Sense. You should really see Platoon, its a great war film.
Thank you for commenting!
I’ll check out Platoon because of yoru recommendation, I really like JFK, so I can’t see how this should be any worse.