We’re all familiar with Mr. Jeremiah Dollins, Colton High’s legendary film teacher, movie aficionado, and all around expert on all things cinematic. He’s graciously agreed to pen this little primer to get you ready for Oscar Night!
With the 87th Academy Awards right around the corner this February 24th, interest in movies couldn’t be higher. Suddenly, people flock to theaters to see the nominees, search for them On Demand, or (for shame!) illegally download them on their phones, tablets, or computers. Conversations start up over which nominees are deserving, which potential nominees were snubbed, and about the overall importance of the Oscars to our culture. These conversations have been going on every year around this time since the 1st Academy Awards was held in May 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Most importantly, the Oscars are a terrific entry point for young cinephiles to start exploring their new passion for movies. The only problem is there are so many films to see that it is hard to decide what to watch first. So, here are five Best Picture winning films to whet any budding film geek’s movie appetite.
The Godfather (1972; 45th Academy Awards)
Even if this film from director Francis Ford Coppola had not won Best Picture, it would still be a must-see. The story follows the Corleone crime family as it deals with a change in leadership from Don Vito (Oscar winner Marlon Brando) to his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino). Watch the movie for its story and iconic characters; study it for Gordon Willis’ influential cinematography, Nino Rota’s beautiful musical score, and its well-developed themes about the corruption of the American Dream. The Godfather is a true masterpiece of cinema.
The Sting (1973; 46th Academy Awards)
The Sting somehow managed to upset an exceptionally strong Best Picture field, which included George Lucas’s American Graffiti and William Friedkin’s The Exorcist. But George Roy Hill’s caper comedy is such pure entertainment, such incredible fun, that you can’t help but fall in love with it. There is nothing deep about The Sting, but this story about two small time criminals (Robert Redford and Paul Newman) who set in motion a long con against a big time crook will have you laughing and appreciating the craft of a story well told.
Amadeus (1984; 57th Academy Awards)
At first, Amadeus seems like a biographical film about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most influential composers in the history of music. But once the movie begins, its story is really about Mozart’s greatest rival, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). It is an obsession film about how jealousy drives creative people to madness. Amadeus won 8 Academy Awards, and is remembered not just because of its amazing performances from Abraham and Tom Hulce as Mozart, but for the exciting production design, which recreates 18th century Vienna with stunning authenticity and occasionally surreal flair.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991; 64th Academy Awards)
Jonathan Demme’s film is the first horror film to win Best Picture. The Academy seldom gives major awards to genre films (horror, sci-fi, fantasy, western), but The Silence of the Lambs was too great to ignore. It is anchored by classic performances from Jodi Foster and Anthony Hopkins, who won Best Actor despite only being onscreen for 15 minutes total. The film is a flawless examination of human psychology and need for transformation. As with The Godfather, the cinematography stands out and demands to be studied.
No Country for Old Men (2007; 80th Academy Awards)
This masterpiece by Joel and Ethan Coen is a dark modern western about a man who finds a bag of money and the stone cold killer who will stop at nothing to find him. From its look, designed by acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins, to the malevolent performance from Javier Bardem as killer Anton Chigurh, No Country for Old Men explores the nature of violence and our reaction to it. The suspense is maddening, and its controversial, ambiguous ending is certain to start a lot discussion between everyone who watches it.
