72. Dead Poets Society
The students of Welton College carried their English teacher around the yard, shoulder high. Is this a fair reflection of school, or is it another Hollywood fantasy?
Tag Archives: Oscar
71. The Summer Blockbuster
With young audiences off from school, Hollywood knows there is more money to be made in the summer than at any other time.
70. Casablanca
“Here’s looking at you, kid.” Casablanca has more quotable lines than any other movie, but it’s the visual design that gives the film its thematic resonance.
66. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Ken Kesey’s story of social oppression was inspired by the CIA program, MKUltra. Did the film retain the novel’s rage?
59. The Breakfast Club
By no means the first teen-drama, The Breakfast Club is not just a landmark film for teenagers. It’s essential viewing for adults and teachers as well.
54. The Graduate
The Graduate has long been regarded only in terms of Benjamin Braddock’s affair with Mrs. Robinson. But what does it tell us about Elaine Robinson?
51. The Last of the Mohicans
James Fenimore Cooper’s novel has been adapted to the cinema screen nine times. How does Michael Mann’s version fare?
49. The Manchurian Candidate
Half a century old, how well is John Frankenheimer’s adaptation of Richard Condon’s best-selling conspiracy thriller holding up?
46. All About Eve
Four actresses received Oscar nominations for their performances in All About Eve. Great script, great acting… but a great movie?
45. Spielberg & Friends
Steven Spielberg is one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers ever, so what accounts for his phenomenal success?
44. The Princess Bride
The origins of Rob Reiner’s great movie have long been disputed. Here we try to unravel who really wrote the novel on which it is based.
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.
17. Sideways
Sideways is more than just a funny, sad and honest study of encroaching middle-age and desperation. It’s also about the search for the perfect Pinot Noir.
14. It’s a Wonderful Life
Based on a short story no one would publish, It’s a Wonderful Life is a seasonal favourite with a surprisingly dark tone.
12. Dirty Harry
‘Dirty Harry and the homicidal maniac. Harry’s the one with the badge.’ With a tag-line like that, no wonder the film has been the subject of controversy.
3. Stand By Me
Under Rob Reiner’s direction, William Goldman’s script excised all of the supernatural elements of of Stephen King’s short story and became a surprise hit in 1986.
