Classic Movie Musts

In this episode, we discuss Milos Foreman's Amadeus (1984), starring F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce. Despite having the pretensions of a biopic, Amadeus is really a subjective instrospection on the nature of genius.  Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, Amadeus is #53 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movie of All Time.

In this episode we breakdown the classic dramedy Stage Door (1937).  Directed by Gregory LaCava and starring Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers, amongst many other familiar faces, this film is determined by its historical context.  We'll examine how this movie bends the conventions of the screwball comedy, balances comedy and cynicism surrounding the Great Depression, and skirts the Hollywood production code.

This is part two of our look at the evolution of the film noir detective genre.  Today's episode will focus on the modernist film The Long Goodbye (1973), starring Elliott Gould, and examine how director Robert Altman exaggerates genre myths and conventions to appeal to a more analytical audience.

This episode kicks off a two part look into the film noir detective mystery genre.  This week's episode will explore the classical myths, conventions, and iconography associated with this genre as seen in Murder, My Sweet (1944).  Murder, My Sweet was directed by Edward Dmytryk and stars Dick Powell and Claire Trevor.

In this episode, Max is joined by comedian Ian Herrin to discuss the Stanley Kubrick poltical satire, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.  Starring Peter Sellers in a triumverate of rolls, along with George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens, Dr. Strangelove perfectly captures Cold War fears and takes them to their extreme conclusion. Dr. Strangelove is #26 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

In this episode, we go down river on The African Queen (1951).  Directed by John Huston, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, this movie deftly balances adventure, romance, and comedy. The African Queen is #17 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

In this episode, we discuss the Spike Lee classic biopic, Malcolm X (1992).  Starring Denzel Washington, this movie foregrounds all the classical elements that define the biopic genre.  In doing so, it makes a controversial activist appealing to mainstream audiences.  

In this episode, we explore the film noir western, The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), starring Henry Fonda.  This movie is a haunting introspection on the nature of masculinity.  It's also a fascinating glimpse into the pschye of America on the eve of World War II.  This film beautifully and hauntingly combines the themes of the film noir and the icons of the western.

In this episode, we discuss the science fiction classic, Blade Runner (1982).  Directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Harrison Ford, this film epitomizes the melding of science fiction, film noir, and cyberpunk.  What's more, this film does not appeal to mainstream scifi tendencies, making it all the richer for deep analysis.

In this episode, we delve into the musical/historical spectacle hybrid, The Court Jester (1955).  Directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, and starring Danny Kaye, Basil Rathbone, and Angela Lansbury.  This film epitomizes an era of genre experimentation and lavish Hollywood spending.

In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we breakdown the iconic film Taxi Driver (1976). Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Cybil Shepard. The film also features Jodi Foster and Harvey Keitel. Taxi Driver is #47 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we discuss the original screwball comedy It Happened One Night (1934). Directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. It Happened One Night is #35 on AFI's Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we break down the epic adventure Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Directed by David Lean and starring Peter O'Toole, the film also features Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and Claude Rains. Lawrence of Arabia is #5 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we taken in the epic culmination of the classic gangster film, White Heat (1949). Directed by Raoul Walsh and featuring and iconic performance by Jame Cagney. White Heat is #4 on AFI's Top Gangster Films.

In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we discuss the Audrey Hepburn classic Two for the Road (1967).  Directed by Stanley Donen, the film also stars Albert Finney.  This movie must is an introspection on marriage and time.