Quintessential Classical Hollywood

F

Fidelio

Active member
I have an essay that I have to write for my Classical Hollywood Cinema class; I am only supposed to choose one film from that era and I don't know which one is the quintessential/definitive one. Help!
 
Damn. I was gonna say SINGING IN THE RAIN. But you guys, of course, are right on.
Yes, it's CASABLANCA.
 
Actually, it's not. While Casablanca is a brilliant film, the 2nd act is a flashback and the protagonist is an anti-hero. That does not define classic Hollywood.

I'd pick something from this list:

Gone with the Wind
It's a Wonderful Life
The Philadelphia Story
Sunset Blvd.
The Wizard of Oz

You'll separate yourself from the rest of the class, who'll pick Casablanca.

Personally, I'd go with Sunset Blvd. since it's a send-up of classic Hollywood itself by one of the truly masterful directors of all time. There. You even have your opening sentence.
 
Sunset Blvd. Not only is it from the classic hollywood period, its about classical hollywood.

but isn't Holden an anti-hero?
 
I think sunset blvd is a pivotal film, but maybe not representative of classical quintessential hollywood. too many noir touches. plus the contrast of acting styles between the two principles. gone with the wind is prob. a good choice.
 
Citizen Kane

Gone With the Wind...

The other ones mentioned are good too, I just didn't feel like putting them in my post because they were... already mentioned.
 
If you werent given strict criteria, then dont sweat the details, I would go for Citizen Kane, probably one of the best movies ever. It would draw a crowd even today.



ash =o)
 
of COURSE

of COURSE

AshG said:
If you werent given strict criteria, then dont sweat the details, I would go for Citizen Kane, probably one of the best movies ever. It would draw a crowd even today.



ash =o)
Click to expand...

Citizen Kane, the best film ever made. of course. That's your pick. GWW is a runner up, but Citizen Kane takes it. AFI put it as #1 on their top 100 list, for what that's worth.
 
There's also IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE... what some think is a Christmas movie is a dark film at times.

But knowone really remembers that because it has a happy ending...

Of course many other classics besides the one's written in these threads

Ford's THE SEARCHERS but of course Wayne isn't very nice in this film... and many others...
 
Hairy Lime said:
I'd pick something from this list:

Gone with the Wind
It's a Wonderful Life
The Philadelphia Story
Sunset Blvd.
The Wizard of Oz
Click to expand...
Good list, as I would also recommend Gone With The Wind, Wizard of Oz, and Wonderful Life, but you forgot Ben Hur. Or, if you are a smartass, you could choose Cleopatra.
 
Not big on swords and sandals epics defining classic Hollywood. DeMille was the Ron Howard of yesteryear. Is that really what we want to aspire to?
 
Where did Demille come from? And as far as Ben Hur goes, I could take it or leave it. It's way too long. However, it is a great movie which makes good use of the 70mm frame and Technicolor. I even have one of the swords from it :)

And Cleopatra really does fit as the "quintessential" Hollywood film. A huge budget that went waaaaay overbudget, huge effects, huge stars... and bombed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top