Introduction"AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies: America's Greatest Movies" is a tv special that aired on June 16, 1998. It celebrated the centennial of American cinema by counting down the top 100 American films as chosen by a panel of over 1,500 artists, critics, and historians from the American Film Institute (AFI). Hosted by star and director Dustin Hoffman, the program looked at the cultural impact and historic significance of these movies while including interviews with numerous prominent figures in the film market.
The Top 100 FilmsThe list of 100 films was divided into ten classifications, consisting of adventure, comedy, drama, epic, secret, musical, romance, science fiction, western, and war. All films on the list were needed to have actually been released between 1896 and 1996 and meet specific requirements set by AFI, such as demonstrating American cultural significance, having a significant influence on movie history, and receiving crucial recognition.
The leading 10 movies on the list were:
1. "Citizen Kane" (1941)
2. "Casablanca" (1942)
3. "The Godfather" (1972)
4. "Gone with the Wind" (1939)
5. "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)
6. "The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
7. "The Graduate" (1967)
8. "On the Waterfront" (1954)
9. "Schindler's List" (1993)
10. "Singin' in the Rain" (1952)
Themes Presented in the SpecialThe program checked out the impact of these films on American culture and values, along with their overall impact on the development of movie theater. This consisted of analyzing themes such as the representation of American history, the role of ladies in film, and the representation of race, among other social and political concerns.
One such theme was the concept of the "American Dream", as exhibited by movies like "The Godfather", "Citizen Kane", and "On the Waterfront". These movies showcased the pursuit of success, wealth, and power in America, while likewise providing a crucial evaluation of its often-dark repercussions.
Another major theme explored was the depiction of the human spirit and its resilience in the face of misfortune. Films such as "Gone with the Wind", "Lawrence of Arabia", and "Schindler's List" conveyed the capacity of people to withstand even the most tough circumstances.
The program also highlighted the use of film as a medium to reveal political and social problems. For instance, "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) checked out themes of racial inequality, while "All the President's Men" (1976) highlighted issues of governmental corruption and the function of journalism.
Memorable Moments and InterviewsThroughout the unique, different market experts, consisting of directors, actors, and critics, were talked to about the movies on the list and their impact on American movie theater. Some of the notable figures consisted of Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Sidney Lumet, and Francis Ford Coppola.
One memorable moment in the program was an interview with director Steven Spielberg, in which he discussed his psychological connection to "Schindler's List" (1993) and the impact the movie had on global awareness of the Holocaust. Spielberg's personal financial investment in the story made the film's high ranking on the list even more considerable.
Legacy of the Special"AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies: America's Greatest Movies" played an influential role in sparking discussions about the history and significance of American movie theater. In the years following the very first list, the AFI continued to launch upgraded rankings, commemorating American films through styles such as heroes, villains, motion picture quotes, music, and actors, to name a few. It inspired a sense of national pride and gratitude for American film while showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions these films have actually made both in the United States and worldwide.
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