51st Greatest American Film

Conversation regarding 'The Philadelphia Story' carried on from Billboard Bulletins:

Okay Joe, much more suitable forum for what can possibly be a lengthy discussion...

So, what would you list as your Greatest Films, American or otherwise...

I must admit that I certainly have different expectations of American films than I do of others, and will often dismiss a film not from America as being 'Too American'.

I must admit my list of Greatest films would probably include 'Seven Samurai' (or maybe even 'Yojimbo' or 'Rashomon')

So: question to people give us your top three (to make it easier) on the followinglists:

Greatest Films
Best Films
Most Favourite Films

(And yes, if you think about it, they should all be three different lists...)

I don't know if I could categorically state my favorites (/best/greatest/etc) in anything. My favourite thing is variety, and so my lists are constantly changing depending on the frame of reference I'm thinking in at the time.

According to your guidelines, though, some 'Best' candidates include all of Quentin Tarantino's, for the way he reinvented several genres into what's now 'his' genre, and for his character dialogue, and his excellent non-linear storytelling.

'Memento', as well - for amazing reverse-linear storytelling.

I know they're not American, but Monty Python's 'Holy Grail' and 'Life of Brian' are films that would be in my 'Greatest' category by your definition...because of the percentage of the English-speaking population who can still quote virtually every scene, word for word. Not high art but certainly far-reaching in influence.

And possibly my 'favourite' group are the Christopher Guest films 'Spinal Tap', 'Waiting For Guffman', 'Best In Show' and 'A Mighty Wind'....because of the incredible ensemble of actors he works with, and the fact that virtually all dialogue is improvised comedy.

I'm sure I'll think of others...

But while I do, what about a 'Worst' category? 'Welcome to Woop Woop' would get my vote there, straightaway. (Although I love the soundtrack)

Cheers,
Craig

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Re: A couple of Heros, anyway

Thread (13 posts)