Is it just my experience, or is society turning away from old things in general? The schools only push brand new books and brand new perspectives these days... and I'm afraid that we will inevitably lose our finest artistic endeavours to the increasingly shallow sands of time.
That's why I've been turning back the clock for my daughter any chance I get! Books, music... and definitely with the #movies I pick for us to watch!
I introduced her to the "Honey I Shrunk" and "Look Who's Talking" series of films, Back to the Future, The Monster Squad, the first Nightmare on Elm Street recently (she's a horror fan) and even the original version of A Christmas Carol...
And We Just Watched 12 Angry Men!
Most of that list above doesn't reach further back than the 80's-- except A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which is a haunting and beautiful film that everyone should watch-- so I'm trying to find older gems.
No film fits the bill better than 12 ANGRY MEN, the 1957 feature directorial debut of Sidney Lumet (Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network) starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb and others.
If you haven't seen it, I would sum it up like this: the whole #film revolves around a jury in deliberation, and the conflict created by one single juror believing the young defendant is innocent. He must do his best to convince the other eleven men that there is indeed a reasonable doubt.
IMAGE C/O AMAZON (REFERRAL LINK)
As almost the entire movie takes place in one room, it is a very character and dialogue-driven experience. Although it might seem like an easier approach, I think it runs the huge risk that either the script or the performances will show signs of weakness.
Simplicity in Storytelling.
That's one of the things I love about older #movies: they didn't lean on technical wizardry and visual extravagances the way we do now... they were trying to tell great #stories.
I'm not saying they never tried to amaze people and create a spectacle, but they generally had simpler sets which supported and enhanced the story. The actors and actresses seemed to speak more clearly, and to act more honestly.
It's actually hard to put into words, now that I'm trying!
And if you go too far back, you will need to adjust to the over-acting which was required when there were no recorded sounds. These silent films of the early twentieth century had soundtracks with music and occasional sound effects, but the dialogue would be written on screen as part of the film.
IMAGE C/O KYLE HEAD ON UNSPLASH.
There is still some wonderful stuff back in that stone age of #cinema, but I wanted to give fair warning that actors were able to naturalize their styles and performances more and more as they got accustomed to VERBALLY telling part of the story.
ODYSEE AND OLD FLICKS!
I've found a few channels on #Odysee that upload full movies, and a few of them focus on older stuff. My favorite is called PUBLIC DOMAIN MOVIES-- even though they seem to re-upload a lot of the same stuff.
One interesting silent film example I saw there recently is METROPOLIS, a science fiction film from 1927... or most of what was saved and reconstructed. I think there's a longer version floating around, but you definitely get the experience. That second link is for a separate channel called OLD FILMS, which has a small selection of classics.
Maybe I'll write a post sometime with all of my favorite film-related ODYSEE channels. That could be fun... and I really have done most of my film discovery over there lately anyway.
Sydney's In Film School!
Not really... she's twelve. But she has taken a keen interest in looking beyond the here-and-now, discovering movies and music and literature from different eras. It's amazing!
She wants to watch The Shining next, and all the original slasher flicks. And I'm going to keep slipping in older, brilliant works that may just pique her attention... and mine.
For good measure, she's also enjoying Bram Stoker's "Dracula" right now too. The book, I mean... we'll watch the film later. Oh, @sydney.potts, you are going to be one #awesome, cultured, intelligent, interesting human! (Parental boom.)
Film Fanatics OWN Films.
As usual, I have included links to an Amazon listing for this amazing flick-- and A CHRISTMAS CAROL-- because true #cinephiles want to actually own the movies they love, not just stream them in SD. (Ugh.) They want a physical collection to have and hold (to hug and squeeze). So if you're like me, then you should add 12 ANGRY MEN to the shelf.
As an Amazon affiliate, any purchases you make through my links will award me a small cut at no extra cost to you... so I thank everyone who may do so sincerely. Much appreciated! 🙏
And if you're a frequent consumer and/or creator of film and TV-related content, make sure you use the CINETV platform at least part of the time. And remember to use the #CINE or #CINETV tag AND stake those #CINE tokens to make your curation count!
