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| Cover of Fellini's Roma |
The films that I'll be listing in my April postings will not necessarily be films that I'd call my favorite films, but they will be favorites in the genres I'll be naming. The A to Z genres are very specific micro genres as opposed to the broader genres like action, romance, or comedy.
If we love movies, it stands to reason that we probably like movies about how the movies are made. From early film history filmmakers have made movies about their process. For one thing it's probably cost effective since they can often use preexisting sets and the studio lots themselves. And it's an idea that sells. Audiences like to peek behind the curtain.
There are so many films that I could list here, but here are some of my favorites:
Singing in the Rain (1952)-- Silent movies make the transition to talkies. Some old stars can't make the grade while new stars are born. One of the greatest of all film musicals.
8 1/2 (1963) -- A film director encounters crisis in his life and on the set as he tries to make a science fiction film. This film is a semi-autobiographical look at the film's maker Federico Fellini. The theme examines the complexities of the creative struggle. This should be required viewing for all writers, aspiring or already published. It is in Italian with subtitles, but if you write I assume you can also read.
Fellini's Roma (1972)-- This is one of my top ten all time favorite films. In this wildly surrealistic pseudo-documentary, Federico Fellini leads his film crew as they make a movie about the history of Rome and how the city intertwines with his own life history. A lot of interesting social commentary with fascinating cinematic imagery.
Day of the Locust (1975)-- Based on the novel by Nathaniel West, the story follows Hollywood wannabes and victims of life into the insanity of the film industry during the years of the Great Depression. Strange and seriously disturbing, the film borders on greatness and is a very good film about Hollywood.
Living in Oblivion (1995)-- Steve Buscemi stars as a serious minded director trying to make a great independent film with a small budget and an incompetent staff and cast. Buscemi does a fine acting turn here in a film with hilarious scenes mixed with serious drama. It's a very entertaining film.
Hearts of Darkness (1991) -- This is a documentary about the making of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. This doc shows the travails that had to be overcome in making the theatrical release. A great look at real film making that's nearly as good as the actual movie itself. This is a must for any hard-core Apocalypse Now fan.
Burden of Dreams (1982) -- Another making-of film that in some ways rivals the film it's about. This documentary follows the creation of Werner Herzog's epic film Fitzcaraldo. This was one crazy film about a true life crazy idea that encountered some amazing obstacles. The obsessive Herzog was intent on filming this story and managed despite the odds against him to produce a great film. A very interesting documentary about getting a movie made.
Seen any of these? What films about movie making do you think I should have added here? Do you enjoy documentaries? Why or why not?
Seen any of these? What films about movie making do you think I should have added here? Do you enjoy documentaries? Why or why not?
