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| Image in Public Domain. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. |
It's that time of year again, folks.
Not that it's a particular holiday or anything, but I've always been partial to late summer as a time for making nominations to the National Film Registry. Each year, the Library of Congress selects up to 25 films for preservation. These films must be American, over 10 years old, and be by Congres's judgment "historically, culturally, or aesthetically significant." Films that are in the Registry include such diverse titles as Vertigo, Rebel Without A Cause, Blade Runner, and Bambi.
Last year, I nominated these films for preservation:
1. Barney Oldfield's Race For A Life (1913)
2. Bottle Rocket (1980)
3. The Shining (1980)
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
5. The Cat Concerto (1947)
6. Der Fuehrer's Face (1947)
7. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)
8. Superman: The Movie (1977)
9. The Defiant Ones (1958)
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
11. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
12. Jurassic Park (1993)
13. Rape Culture (1973)
14. Gimme Shelter (1970)
15. What's Up, Doc? (1972)
Not a single one of these nominees were selected, but I'm not bitter about it. The films that Congress did select for the Registry that year, such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Felicia, and Saving Private Ryan, were more than welcome. That said, I'm still insistent, and indeed, I'll re-nominate all of these films for the year ahead. While one can nominate up to 50 films, only 25 can be selected. 50 seems a bit much for an amateur like me, so I'll limit myself to 25, meaning that I can only pick ten more films. Here goes.
16. The Patterson-Gimlin Film (1968)
I must be honest, I'm nominating this partially out of curiousity. Could the Library of Congress actually get their hands on a working copy? From what I hear, the original negative was destroyed, so only later copies exist, and they are held by the families of the filmmakers, Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin. For those who don´t know, the Patterson-Gimlin film is believed by many to be the best evidence for Bigfoot captured on film.
Even if you don't believe in Bigfoot, the film has played a big in shaping our popular understanding of the elusive beast. Indeed, if there could be one film you would use to symbolize our ongoing fascination with Bigfoot, this one is probably it. I'd argue that Patterson-Gimlin is to Bigfoot what the Surgeon's Photo is to Nessie. Though like the aforementioned photo, the film is probably a hoax. We only need to weigh the possibilities to know where to hedge our bets. Does it seem more likely that two men happened to film a creature whose existence has yet to be supported by any verifiable bones, footprints, or photos? Or does it seem more likely that these two men got a stong friend in an ape suit to participate in a home movie for them? I´ll let you decide, though if you want more background on the matter, I´d recommend reading Brian Dunning´s research on the Patterson-Gimlin film for Skeptoid.
17. Return of the Jedi (1983)
Episode VI of the Star Wars saga may not be the best amongst the Original Trilogy, but it's a undoubtedly a great film that's worth preserving. The special effects were second to none at the time, with grand spectacles being Jabba´s Palace, the Battle of Endor, and the final showdown at the Second Death Star. VI also brings an acceptable end to Luke Skywalker's bildungsroman as a Jedi who conveys tact and wisdom upon his confrontation with Darth Vader.
Though I have other intentions, too. I've long been critical of George Lucas's apparent inability to recognize the significance of preserving the unaltered editions of America's first great film trilogy. The Library of Congress has twice asked Lucas to provide the original versions of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back for preservation, but the disgruntled director instead defaulted on giving them the Special Editions. While I respect Lucas for his numerous contributions to our cultural heritage, his childish witholding (from The Library of Congress, of all institutions) smells of hubris and resentment. Maybe a third attempt by Congress, in addition to the release of the Episode VII in December, just might be the straw to break the camel's back.
18. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
The series, Star Trek, has proven to be iconic in the world of American television. So too does The Wrath of Khan hold an enduring impact for bringing the best of Star Trek onto the silver screen. I say this upon the year we lost Leonard Nimoy, an invaluable actor, who's role as Mr. Spock has become lauded within the annals of science-fiction. Of course, Spock's place in Wrath of Khan is partparticularly famous, including a heartfelt moment where he utters, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." Of course, none of this is to diminish the superb cast of the USS Enterprise, played by William Shatner, Deforest Kelley, George Takei, James Doohan, Walter Koening, and Nichelle Nichols. Though few stick out as well as the fearsome Khan himself, potrayed viciously by Ricardo Montalban.
19. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
As a film, Jason and the Argonauts has various issues. Todd Armstrong, is frankly, kind of bland as the role of Jason and his romance with Madea isn't very compelling. I found the supprting crew far more interesting, but that's beside the point of this film's significance. I would rather raise this work as a marvel of Ray Harryhausen's spectacular stop-motion effects, from the many headed Hydra to the army of skeletons.
20. Carrie (1977)
Based on Stephen King's debut novel of the same name, Brian DePalma's horrifying adaptation has helped launch King's narrative into a popular myth of contemporary America's culture. Carrie touches a nerve in many, the social outcast with an underappreciated talent. The horror film has particularly haunting performances by Piper Laurie, as Carrie's fundamentalist mother, and Sissy Spacek, whose portrays our conflicted protagonist's spiral into madness. Both of whom were nominated for Oscars, a rarity among horror films today.
21. The Blues According To Lightning Hopkins (1968)
Lightning Hopkins is considered one of America's finest guitarists, and Les Blanc's documentary shows just why. Blues is an integral part of our cultural history and Hopkins plays with an emotional understanding of this fact. Throughout we see the impact of his music on ordinary people.
22. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Harry Potter launched from more than a bestselling book series and into a global phenomenon. This influence was felt no less by film. The inaugural entry into the popular film series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was successful in creating Hogwarts, the fantasy world where goblins run banks, sports are run on broomsticks, and chess pieces can run you over. Harry Potter was also a showcase of Britain's best talent, from Alan Rickman to Richard Harris to Maggie Smith, as well as catapult for bringing fantasy novels and young adult fiction onto the silver screen.
23. Ghostbusters (1984)
So I've decided to jump on the bandwagon. Last year, CBS News reported that the three most requested films for addition into the Registry were Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Titanic, and Ghostbusters (Morgan). Ferris Bueller's Day Off was selected last year, presumably leaving Ghostbusters and Titanic for later.
Ghostbusters is a quality comedy film with creative special effects used to breathe life into the various ghosts: Slimer, Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and Zuul. Though the core of the film's appeal rests with the superb banter of Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, and Ernie Hudson. Then there's the famous Oscar nominated theme, which has gone on to be a staple of our cultural soundtrack.
24. Titanic (1997)
Titanic is not a perfect film, nor is it a perfect romance. The popularity of Titanic is evident from it having won more Oscars than any other film (tying it with Return of the King and Ben-Hur) and being one of the highest-grossing movies ever (second only to Cameron's own Avatar). Titanic is a film that harkens back to the love stories of Old Hollywood, simpler love stories that captured the popular imagination. Though more so than a romance, Titanic is also an impressive special effects film. The ill-fated ship itself painstakingly crafted from models and set-pieces, giving audiences a historically accurate and thrilling portrait of the great "unsinkable".
25. Fight Club (1999)
Based on the equally controversial book by Chuck Palaniuk, David Fincher's Fight Club is a film that examines masculinity, consumerism, and meaning in a changing society. Edward Norton plays the unassuming narrator, whose directionless life is given an injection of adrenaline by the wild Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. Tyler starts a fight club, which allows men to fight out their aggression, within various rules, of course. The first rule of Fight Club being that you cannot talk about it. Fight Club is a dual image, both a condemnation and a celebration of our twisted society, along with the men who reside in it.
Here is the full list of films I've selected:
1. Barney Oldfield's Race For A Life (1913)
2. Bottle Rocket (1980)
3. The Shining (1980)
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
5. The Cat Concerto (1947)
6. Der Fuehrer's Face (1947)
7. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)
8. Superman: The Movie (1977)
9. The Defiant Ones (1958)
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
11. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
12. Jurassic Park (1993)
13. Rape Culture (1973)
14. Gimme Shelter (1970)
15. What's Up, Doc? (1972)
16. The Patterson-Gimlin Film (1967)
17. Return of the Jedi (1983)
18. Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982)
19. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
20. Carrie (1977)
21. The Blues Accordin´ To Lightning Hopkins (1968)
22. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer´s Stone (2001)
23. Ghostbusters (1984)
24. Titanic (1997)
25. Fight Club (1999)
I've also added the earlier justifications I made for the previous fiffteen nominees:
1. Barney Oldfield's Race For A Life
(1913)
A classic silent comedy that immortalized the famous image of a damsel in distress being tied to the train tracks by a mustachioed villain. The film also features the Keystone Cops, who stand along with Chaplin and Keaton as comedy icons of America's silent film era.
2. Bottle Rocket
(1996)
Wes Anderson's films have gone on to represent independent filmmaking in America for many years, and much of that started with his meandering debut Bottle Rocket. The film, though flawed, maintains a strong focus of friendship between its cast, through the adventures of bored middle class suburban teenagers who try to become professional criminals. Bottle Rocket is a looking-glass, perhaps, into America's restless Generation X, as well as into the creativity of Anderson's own mind.
3. The Shining
(1980)
The Shining goes alongside 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange as one of Kubrick's more iconic films. This psychological horror film that deals with insanity, alcoholism, and isolation, is set against a haunted house, with the writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) suffering a violent mental breakdown, and his son Danny, who's supernatural abilities grant him an extra sense to the spirits around him. Kubrick's visual cues here draw out the unknowable tension in the film with his tracking shots behind Danny, the elevators of blood, and the Grady twins. Jack Nicholson pulls off one of his best performances as the mad Jack Terrance who gives the popular line, "Here's Johnny!" The Shining, much like The Exorcist, is one of the more intelligent horror films that asks that its audience interpret its events for themselves as opposed to explaining things to them. The film is also the best visual representation of Stephen King's works, which have captured the imaginations of American pop culture for ages. The film was added to the American Film Institute's "100 Years…100 Thrills" and Roger Ebert's Great Movies collection.
4. The Shawshank Redemption
(1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is a clever drama that brings its viewers into the difficulty of prison life, while humanizing each of its characters. Tim Robbins as the clever Andy Dufrense is strong symbol of endurance and resistance, who provides some of the film's most memorable scenes. He is guided by Morgan Freeman's character, Red, who is a long time prisoner that gives Andy, as well as the audience, the perspective of long-time prisoners inside and outside of the walls. The film was nominated for the Oscar of Best Picture, added to the American Film Institute's "100 Years…100 Cheers" list, and continues to be a popular staple on television.
5. The Cat Concerto
(1947)
Tom and Jerry are one of the most popular duos in animation history, and the oft copied Cat Concerto stands as one of their finest examples. Tom and Jerry compete with a piano while Franz Liszt's famous Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 plays on. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject and was included on Jerry Beck's 50 Greatest Cartoons.
6. Der Fuehrer's Face
(1943)
During World War II, Disney produced multiple animated propaganda films to sway public opinion in favor of the war. Der Fuehrer's Face is an excellent example as it features Donald Duck living under the horror of the Nazi regime. Much like Chaplin's The Great Dictator, it is a great satire of Nazi Germany. The film one the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject.
7. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
(1954)
Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is one of the most famous and critically acclaimed adaptations of Jules Verne's enduring novel. The film has a cast of some of Old Hollywood's best actors: Paul Lukas, Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre, and most famously, James Mason as the chilling Captain Nemo, who stands as one of the most morally complex characters ever put onto film. The film is one of Disney's most mature, carrying many of Verne's themes on personal freedom, the dangers of science, and the failings of society. It is especially interesting that the film was released during the Cold War, so much of the growing fears about nuclear war are cleverly added to the film. The movie itself is a special effects milestone, featuring an impressive giant squid and winning the Oscar for Special Effects that year.
8. Superman: The Movie
(1977)
Superman is a triumph of comic book films that has Christopher Reeve as one of the most popular incarnations of arguably America's most popular comic book character. Supermanwas able to get across the humor and cheer of the comic with a script by The Godfather'sMario Puzo, a magnificent score by John Williams, and Richard Donner's clever direction. The film's extravagant special effects were landmark, and along with Star Wars and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, reinvigorated popular interest in science-fiction. Roger Ebert included it into his Great Movies collection.
9. The Defiant Ones
(1958)
Stanley Kramer's The Defiant Ones is great film about America's changing attitudes towards racism against blacks. The film stars Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier as prisoners on the run chained together. The two, in many ways, are a microcosm for the racial tensions between blacks and whites in America, but their ultimate ability to work together shows the superiority of friendship over racial prejudice. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(2001)
Peter Jackson's opening feature of his critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which along with Harry Potter, reinvigorated an interest in fantasy, and promoted the accessibility of blockbusters over two hours long. The film is a fantasy epic with an ensemble cast, including the likes of Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, and Hugo Weaving among others, which centers on the friendship between its leads, Frodo and Sam, as they go on an odyssey to throw the One Ring into the fires of Mt. Doom. The film echoes back to older epics, such as Ben-Hur and Gone With The Wind, that has a memorable grand score, along with a balanced use of computer animation and practical effects to create truly breathtaking shots and scenes. The author of the original trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien, once called his books "unfilmmable". Conversely, The Fellowship of the Ring as one of the first major pictures of the 21st century represents just how far American films have come since D.W. Griffith's opuses. Indeed, it is a culmination of all the breakthroughs American movies have made in the 20th century, and a golden standard by which future American films would be set to.Fellowship of the Ring was nominated for numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was added to the American Film Institute's list "100 Years…100 Movies (10thAnniversary Edition)."
11. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
(1988)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is credited for helping to kick-start the animation renaissance of the 1990's, and a landmark step in combining cartoon characters with real people. Who Framed Roger Rabbit serves as the ultimate tribute to Hollywood's Golden Age of animation, by using a wealth of characters from both Warner Brothers and Walt Disney. Its tongue-in-cheek film noir detective story is also a homage to the Old Hollywood films.
12. Jurassic Park
(1993)
Jurassic Park is Steven Spielberg's popular blockbuster that convincing showed audiences photo-realistic dinosaurs for the first time, and exhibited the power of computer animation. The story is a simple morality tale on the dangers of exploiting nature for profit and has a quirky cast, competent enough with the script to keep the movie from lowering into the stupidity of a standard slasher movie. The film's success guaranteed computer animation as a staple of future movies, altering the paradigm of special effects, which have been both a blessing and a menace. It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and was added to the American Film Institute's "100 Years…100 Thrills" list.
13. Rape Culture
(1973)
A raw documentary produced by Prisoners Against Rape, the DC Rape Crisis Center, and political filmmakers Margaret Lazarus, and Renner Wunderlich, Rape Culture is probably one of the first movies to examine the crime of rape in its ugly forms and the roles that Hollywood films, pornography, masculinity, and racism have played in its persistence. The film also features various feminists such as Mary Daly, who give viewers a glimpse into radical second-wave feminism. Although many aspects of the film may seem quite obtuse today, the film represented a time in American history when the causes of rape began to be identified, or at least disscussed. Whether or not one agrees with all of its assertions, or even the existence of rape culture, the film represents a visual milestone in the start of a conversation that still continues to this day.
14. Gimme Shelter
(1970)
Ever since the British Invasion of the 1960's, The Rolling Stones have been a staple of American rock music. The first half of the movie shows their energetic live performances on concert and the stresses that go into recording their songs. The Stones were not at Woodstock, but they did have their own sort of festival at the Altamont Free Concert. Thus, the second half of Gimme Shelter depicts the concert itself, set up at the Altamont Highway. This section of the film shows some of the crude excesses of the counterculture, which tragically culminated in a murder during The Stone's song, "Sympathy For The Devil". In a sense, this film is a gritty contrast to idealistic flower power of Woodstock. Gimmie Shelter has since been added into the Criterion Collection.
15. What's Up, Doc?
(1972)
Peter Bogdanovich's excellent tribute to the screwball comedies of the 1930's that manages to be something of a great comedy in itself. The movie keeps in the tradition of the New Hollywood era which were the first films directed by people who had grown up on films. The American Film Institute included it as one of the nation's best comedies.
(1972)
Peter Bogdanovich's excellent tribute to the screwball comedies of the 1930's that manages to be something of a great comedy in itself. The movie keeps in the tradition of the New Hollywood era which were the first films directed by people who had grown up on films. The American Film Institute included it as one of the nation's best comedies.
Bibliography
Morgan, David. "What favorite will be added to the National Film Registry." CBS News. December 13, 2014. Web. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-favorite-will-be-added-to-national-film-registry/
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