easy rider
brazil
breathless
the 400 blows
bonnie and clyde
nashville
solaris
walkabout
my own private idaho
planet of the apes
rollerball
the devil's backbone
el topo
halloween
friday the 13th
a nightmare on elm street
scream
clerks
welcome to the dollhouse
reservoir dogs
gummo
el mariachi
who framed roger rabbit?
toy story
the lion king
heaven's gate
thief
the silence of the lambs
army of shadows
the rock
aguirre: the wrath of god
dirty harry
shaft
batman (1989)
blade
iron man
the matrix
to die for
princess mononoke
alien
die hard
white god
blazing saddles
once upon a time in the west
tombstone
rocky
the godfather
clueless
the breakfast club
who's afraid of virginia woolf?
jurassic park
se7en
chinatown
and, of course, ghoulies 3: ghoulies go to college
No love for Ghoulies 2?! (Jeeze Phil Fondacaro is in everything)
uhh this is for a college course, so you need college ghoulies
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Zonugal(He/Him) The Holiday ArmadilloI'm Santa's representative for all the southern states. And Mexico!Registered Userregular
edited September 2017
I ended up sending her this:
Hey, here are thirteen suggestions and ideas in how to approach them within a classroom setting.
1st -- Jurassic Park: an adventure movie that showcases nearly every virtue of a strong movie, with an emphasis on pacing & plot-escalation. Also utilize the film to discuss old narratives (monster movie) and how they can be revamped.
2nd -- Who Framed Roger Rabbit: a period-piece noir highlighting not only animation but the blending of it with live-action. Also utilize the film to discuss the use of themes such as racism in films geared towards a younger audience.
3rd -- Die Hard: an action film which created an entire sub-genre based on its use of location. Also utilize the film to discuss emerging feminist elements in masculine movies.
4th -- Rocky: a sports film with remarkable writing. Also utilize the film to discuss historical themes such as the American Dream.
5th -- Alien: a science-fiction horror film with terrific creature & set-design. Also utilize the film to discuss themes like body horror and the adoption of the mundane into the horrific.
6th -- Memento: a thriller that displays amazing editing into the narrative of the film.
7th -- Hero: a martial arts film with an amazing use of color-design.
8th -- The Matrix: a science-fiction martial arts film with terrific cinematography and color/wardrobe-design. Also utilize the film to discuss incorporating philosophical ideas for movie-going audiences.
9th -- Se7en: a crime-thriller that delivers a masterwork lesson in tone and pacing.
10th -- Pan’s Labyrinth: a fantasy film that incorporates impressive creature-design. Also utilize the film to talk about the use of fables/fairy tales for adult audiences.
11th -- Born into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids: a documentary that highlights bringing in emotion alongside truth in film-making.
12th -- Super Fly: a blaxploitation crime drama with a bodacious soundtrack.
13th -- Highlander: the greatest movie ever made. You close on this film as it is the peak of cinema.
Zonugal on
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Raijin QuickfootI'm your Huckleberry YOU'RE NO DAISYRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
I think that if you're going to put together a list of must watch films covering...50+ years, you probably should dig a bit deeper than Die Hard and Jurassic Park, unless you're coming at them from a very specific angle. There's absolutely value in watching and discussing big blockbusters, but I'd probably expect film students to have already seen something like Alien.
It's kind of...a broad ask, though, to go, "hey, what do you think are some movies film students have to see," like...are you looking for cultural touchstones, movies that were super innovative, movies that represent different genres, important works from prolific filmmakers, or...what, exactly? Honestly you could probably get more mileage out of something like the Room than you could out of something like the King's Speech, in a film studies class, you know?
I think that if you're going to put together a list of must watch films covering...50+ years, you probably should dig a bit deeper than Die Hard and Jurassic Park, unless you're coming at them from a very specific angle. There's absolutely value in watching and discussing big blockbusters, but I'd probably expect film students to have already seen something like Alien.
It's kind of...a broad ask, though, to go, "hey, what do you think are some movies film students have to see," like...are you looking for cultural touchstones, movies that were super innovative, movies that represent different genres, important works from prolific filmmakers, or...what, exactly? Honestly you could probably get more mileage out of something like the Room than you could out of something like the King's Speech, in a film studies class, you know?
I'd probably expect film students to have already seen something like Alien.
I think you'd be surprised at how many haven't.
I work with someone who hasn't watched Star Wars, I think you'll find that a) I wouldn't be that surprised, and b) there's a high likelihood of them knowing a lot about Alien despite themselves
which might be a good lesson in itself, frankly
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Garlic Breadi'm a bitch i'm a bitch i'm a bitch i'm aRegistered User, Disagreeableregular
Hey folks! One of my film professors asked this question via facebook and I was wondering what you might suggest?
Okay filmmakers/teachers/students/alumni ... this is a tall order but can you name a few films between 1960 and today that you think MUST be studied by film students? I don't want to limit myself to my recollections and/or what's in the textbook. Thanks in advance.
I am going to think on it throughout the day and try to construct a list of ten films.
2010s
Let Me In
Weekend
Cabin in the Woods
Blue is the Warmest Color
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The Witch
Pan's Labyrinth
Train to Busan
Get Out
mother!
Mad Max Fury Road
Thoughts
The only one of these I'd consider removing is Pan's Labyrinth, because as beautiful as I believe it is, I feel del Toro's Shape of Water will leave me feeling somehow even more in awe during and after my first watch than Labyrinth did. Everything else in my opinion has more than earned its place here. Let Me In is the rare remake that is just as perfect, if not moreso, than the original. The 2011 Weekend by Andrew Haigh, and the 2013 Blue is the Warmest Color, are two of the most valuable LGBTQ+ films I've ever witnessed. More than enough has been said about Cabin in the Woods, Get Out, and The Witch, and I believe everyone (regardless of their thoughts on the genre) should give each at least one watch. Any film from the modern Planet of the Apes trilogy could belong on this list and deserve it, I just picked Dawn because it's my favorite. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is one of the most gorgeous films I think I've ever seen; mother! is one of the most stunning films I know I've ever seen and I probably won't ever shut up about it. Mad Max Fury Road is to this day my favorite experience in a movie theater. And Train to Busan is the most fun and wonderful addition to zombie media in at least a decade.
Thinking about doing more for more decades, definitely enough material. Regardless of the sincerity when Straightzi said it earlier, Antichrist would definitely be on my list for the 2000s
of course I'm sitting here like "they've probably seen Alien," thinking, "they should probably watch the little mermaid," which I can guarantee more college students have seen
i think it's a huge misconception that a film studies class need to avoid iconic pop movies. unless the class is about film history, you are going to want to load up your curriculum with big name movies. classics should be shown, always, but film technique will stick a lot more in a student's head if you are letting them peak behind the curtain of something they are already familiar with.
when you want to deep dive, you have genre specific classes. or again, history classes.
like, one scene i remember deconstructing in one of my classes was the scene where selina kyle comes home and becomes catwoman in batman returns.
I think that if you're going to put together a list of must watch films covering...50+ years, you probably should dig a bit deeper than Die Hard and Jurassic Park, unless you're coming at them from a very specific angle. There's absolutely value in watching and discussing big blockbusters, but I'd probably expect film students to have already seen something like Alien.
It's kind of...a broad ask, though, to go, "hey, what do you think are some movies film students have to see," like...are you looking for cultural touchstones, movies that were super innovative, movies that represent different genres, important works from prolific filmmakers, or...what, exactly? Honestly you could probably get more mileage out of something like the Room than you could out of something like the King's Speech, in a film studies class, you know?
They've probably already seen the movies, but a guided look into the process of making it, the choices by the filmmakers, and just the general "how to"s in examine a movie with a filmmaker's eye can be a lot different than watching it for entertainment. If it's an early course then they have to build up the 'vocabulary'. Know when certain shots work, know how to write dialog, and know at least a little in how to edit. Something like The Room is better tackled when they can go shot for shot and know where the mistakes are, but something like Alien is great when your audience is still learning the basics.
i think it's a huge misconception that a film studies class need to avoid iconic pop movies. unless the class is about film history, you are going to want to load up your curriculum with big name movies. classics should be shown, always, but film technique will stick a lot more in a student's head if you are letting them peak behind the curtain of something they are already familiar with.
when you want to deep dive, you have genre specific classes. or again, history classes.
like, one scene i remember deconstructing in one of my classes was the scene where selina kyle comes home and becomes catwoman in batman returns.
sure! I guess I still don't really know the intent of the list, like...if this is for an intro or general course, obviously you go with more known movies, but if we're just looking for a list of "must see" movies it feels like kind of a cheat to go, "well, obviously, you should watch star wars." if this is a list of, "hey, watch these movies, they're important," that feels like more of a time to go for...not necessarily deep cuts, but maybe something tbs doesn't run 60 times a year
I think the original Evil Dead could make for a good film student class.
Because it was made by a bunch of film nerds with almost no budget, held together by hope and dumb luck.
It can serve as both a lesson on what to do and what not to do as a young, independent film maker.
I watched Evil Dead in my horror film class! Second film on the syllabus.
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Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Die Hard has lots of really good stuff to analyze from a student's perspective.
The movie is over 30 years old at this point, I wouldn't just assume that a Film Student has seen it.
Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
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MaddocI'm Bobbin Threadbare, are you my mother?Registered Userregular
I don't really feel like "Have they seen it" really enters into it
There's a difference between watching it on your own time at any given time, and watching it for the purpose of dissection and discussion
Like if we wanted to academically discuss a movie, even if it's a movie I've seen dozens of times, I'd probably want to watch it again just to have it fresh in my mind
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Zonugal(He/Him) The Holiday ArmadilloI'm Santa's representative for all the southern states. And Mexico!Registered Userregular
i think it's a huge misconception that a film studies class need to avoid iconic pop movies. unless the class is about film history, you are going to want to load up your curriculum with big name movies. classics should be shown, always, but film technique will stick a lot more in a student's head if you are letting them peak behind the curtain of something they are already familiar with.
when you want to deep dive, you have genre specific classes. or again, history classes.
like, one scene i remember deconstructing in one of my classes was the scene where selina kyle comes home and becomes catwoman in batman returns.
My film program had us watch and discuss Con Air a lot.
i think it's a huge misconception that a film studies class need to avoid iconic pop movies. unless the class is about film history, you are going to want to load up your curriculum with big name movies. classics should be shown, always, but film technique will stick a lot more in a student's head if you are letting them peak behind the curtain of something they are already familiar with.
when you want to deep dive, you have genre specific classes. or again, history classes.
like, one scene i remember deconstructing in one of my classes was the scene where selina kyle comes home and becomes catwoman in batman returns.
My film program had us watch and discuss Con Air a lot.
Probably because its a fucking great movie.
we studied the harrison ford film "witness" far more than was remotely healthy
Producer Roy Lee (IT) is teaming with Scott Bernstein and Warner Bros to adapt Ma.K
Originating in the early 1980s in Hobby Japan magazine, Ma.K was a monthly comic that also tied into customizable model kits. It was created by artist and sculptor Kow Yokoyama, who worked with the magazine's editors to create an expansive universe inspired by Star Wars, Blade Runner and World Wars I and II. The combination of manga and models took off, gaining a worldwide cult following over time.
The story is set far, far into the future after a nuclear war caused survivors to flee Earth. When the planet is habitable once again, new colonies are set up, but it's not long before a battle over resources begins. When one side wants to make Earth independent, a new revolutionary war begins, this time with mechanized armor and robots.
"Kow is a world creator in the truest sense, and this project finally gives Ma.K a global audience who will experience this epic and rich sci-fi property as fans have for the last 35 years," says Kevin Munroe (TMNT), who will executive produce with Yokoyama, Rick Privman and Yumiko Miyano.
I think most Edgar Wright productions are cinematography lessons in their own right. The commentary for Spaced was one of the most informative and interesting dvd commentaries I've ever watched, because he would deconstruct almost every shot for you.
Is this film program more of an academic/theoretical/historical program, or one more geared to making some dang films? I mean, usually there's some of both, but I think it would change the list.
Academic would be more by era/movements/schools, whereas a more practical program I'd break it down more by form.
I realize you already submitted a (very good) list, but fuck it, I'm digging into this.
I think if you wanna hit blockbusters, it should maybe be just like, Jaws
One of my colleagues persuaded another to watch Jaws last weekend. "It's a classic, you NEED to see it."
The second guy is now threatening to set fire to his laptop "To cleanse it of this dire, unwatchable drivel!"
... I'm trying to think of other movies I can booby-trap him with.
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keith you charmer.
You know, we're trying to have a serious movie discussion here. Can you please bring your outrageous shenanigans somewhere else?
No love for Ghoulies 2?! (Jeeze Phil Fondacaro is in everything)
I've, uh... never watched Highlander
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you don't need a flute to charm this snake
Die Hard, the Matrix, and the Terminator all came out during/after the 80s and had a huge impact on their genres.
I think so too
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It's kind of...a broad ask, though, to go, "hey, what do you think are some movies film students have to see," like...are you looking for cultural touchstones, movies that were super innovative, movies that represent different genres, important works from prolific filmmakers, or...what, exactly? Honestly you could probably get more mileage out of something like the Room than you could out of something like the King's Speech, in a film studies class, you know?
you'd be surprised...
I work with someone who hasn't watched Star Wars, I think you'll find that a) I wouldn't be that surprised, and b) there's a high likelihood of them knowing a lot about Alien despite themselves
which might be a good lesson in itself, frankly
When I went to art school for animation, I'd already seen every movie they made us watch.
Professors don't and can't assume
2010s
Let Me In
Weekend
Cabin in the Woods
Blue is the Warmest Color
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The Witch
Pan's Labyrinth
Train to Busan
Get Out
mother!
Mad Max Fury Road
Thoughts
Thinking about doing more for more decades, definitely enough material. Regardless of the sincerity when Straightzi said it earlier, Antichrist would definitely be on my list for the 2000s
Steam
when you want to deep dive, you have genre specific classes. or again, history classes.
like, one scene i remember deconstructing in one of my classes was the scene where selina kyle comes home and becomes catwoman in batman returns.
They've probably already seen the movies, but a guided look into the process of making it, the choices by the filmmakers, and just the general "how to"s in examine a movie with a filmmaker's eye can be a lot different than watching it for entertainment. If it's an early course then they have to build up the 'vocabulary'. Know when certain shots work, know how to write dialog, and know at least a little in how to edit. Something like The Room is better tackled when they can go shot for shot and know where the mistakes are, but something like Alien is great when your audience is still learning the basics.
Because it was made by a bunch of film nerds with almost no budget, held together by hope and dumb luck.
It can serve as both a lesson on what to do and what not to do as a young, independent film maker.
Rock Band DLC | GW:OttW - arrcd | WLD - Thortar
sure! I guess I still don't really know the intent of the list, like...if this is for an intro or general course, obviously you go with more known movies, but if we're just looking for a list of "must see" movies it feels like kind of a cheat to go, "well, obviously, you should watch star wars." if this is a list of, "hey, watch these movies, they're important," that feels like more of a time to go for...not necessarily deep cuts, but maybe something tbs doesn't run 60 times a year
I watched Evil Dead in my horror film class! Second film on the syllabus.
The movie is over 30 years old at this point, I wouldn't just assume that a Film Student has seen it.
There's a difference between watching it on your own time at any given time, and watching it for the purpose of dissection and discussion
Like if we wanted to academically discuss a movie, even if it's a movie I've seen dozens of times, I'd probably want to watch it again just to have it fresh in my mind
My film program had us watch and discuss Con Air a lot.
Probably because its a fucking great movie.
we studied the harrison ford film "witness" far more than was remotely healthy
Producer Roy Lee (IT) is teaming with Scott Bernstein and Warner Bros to adapt Ma.K
Steam
i do them sporadically but yeah i can do a camp counseling this friday at 8pm pst
(the time they always will be)
Wait, you mean the "That's some bad hat, Harry" line from the closing credits of every episode of House is from a movie?
Academic would be more by era/movements/schools, whereas a more practical program I'd break it down more by form.
I realize you already submitted a (very good) list, but fuck it, I'm digging into this.
One of my colleagues persuaded another to watch Jaws last weekend. "It's a classic, you NEED to see it."
The second guy is now threatening to set fire to his laptop "To cleanse it of this dire, unwatchable drivel!"
... I'm trying to think of other movies I can booby-trap him with.