41. Paths of Glory
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Humphrey Cobb’s novel was not shown in France for three decades and despite the passing years, it still has the power to shock.
Archive for 'Podcasts'
40. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Blake Edwards’ adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella has an enduring appeal but is far removed from its literary source.
39. Sunset Blvd.
Sunset Blvd. tasted like very black coffee when it was released in 1950 and if anything, Billy Wilder’s classic tale has only darkened over the years.
38. High Noon
On its release in 1952, High Noon was seen as an allegory for the McCarthy witch-hunts, but as each new year passes older themes continue to emerge.
37. Robocop
Robocop is now a quarter of a century old. With a remake soon to be released, we ask is Paul Verhoeven’s original beginning to rust?
36. A Room with a View
James Ivory, Ismail Merchant and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala had been collaborating for decades when, in 1986 they delivered this mini-gem.
35. Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron left behind a formidable legacy of films. While most of them were romantic comedies, her impact was wider than just one genre.
34. Do The Right Thing
Spike Lee’s joint was the hottest movie of 1989 and marked him as a major director. The years since have not diminished its power.
33. The Wild Bunch
Sam Peckinpah’s masterpiece stands as a landmark western, announcing as it did the beginning of the end to the quintessential American genre.
32. The Beatles on Film
The Fab Four’s legacy is legion; their songs have lived for over half a century. But how has their music fared on the silver screen?
31. Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity boasts some pedigree; Billy Wilder directing a script he co-wrote with Raymond Chandler that they adapted from a book by James M. Cain.
30. In the Heat of the Night
In the Heat of the Night was one of the landmark films of late 60s’ Hollywood, confronting head on the bigotry of the Deep South.
29. Barton Fink
The Coen Brothers won the Palme d’Or at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival with this sardonic look at Hollywood. But is that what it is really about?
28. Max Steiner
Max Steiner’s credits include some of the most popular films of all time. And while his influence is still heard today, his mentors echo down from the 19th century.
27. Chariots of Fire
A surprise hit in 1981, Chariots of Fire was nominated for 7 Oscars including Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Score and Costume Design. Does it still have legs?
26. Black Narcissus
A landmark of British cinema from 1947, this frightening psychological drama involves a group of English nuns living high in the Himalayas.
25. Scarface
The original Scarface was released in 1932. In 1983, Brian De Palma directed Al Pacino in an update scripted by Oliver Stone. Are ‘remakes’ always bad?
24. Voice-Over in Film
Voice-over is often used to seal up the cracks in a story. But used well, it can enhance a story and make sure that it is told in a way that is uniquely cinematic.
23. To Kill a Mockingbird
When a great novel is adapted to the screen, due reverence can be ruinous. Did Robert Mulligan’s film of Harper Lee’s do it justice?
22. Religion in Film
With so many faiths being practiced in America, Hollywood knows better than to show people praying. As a result, ‘religion’ is found in some unexpected places.
21. The Oscars
Oscars are awarded to the ‘best’ of each year, but is excellence the real reason why the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was first established?
20. Rosemary’s Baby
Rosemary’s Baby was controversial before it was made. Inspired by a real-life Satanist, a sinister aura has hung around it ever since its release in 1968.
19. Trailers
The first trailer dates from 1912 and ever since then, they have been carefully refined to make sure that they attract the right audience.
18. Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe was 16 when he went on tour with the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Who and Iggy Pop. But in recounting the tales, Crowe turned to a most unusual source.
