Now, I know everyone has movies that they love. And not everyone loves the classic films that are cultural icons. But in order to be at least coherent in film circles, there are some movies you simply have to see. You don't have to love them, but you should at least be able to say, "Hey, I've seen that!" when someone starts snobbily talking about the final shot of Citizen Kane. So without further ado, here is a list of movies you should probably see in order to talk to film snobs.
1) The Godfather- You can probably skip part 3 if the crime genre isn't your thing, but definitely see The Godfather and The Godfather 2. That way when anyone says "Leave the gun, take the canoli" or talks about the bloody horse head, you'll understand what they're talking about.
2) Taxi Driver-Not only is this film cinematically important, but culturally as well. Remember the whole Jodie-Foster's-fan-tried-to-kill-Reagan-to-impress-her thing? That was because of this movie.
3) Citizen Kane-Now you'll know the secret and dirty meaning behind the term "Rosebuuuuuuuud".
4) The Graduate-I actually kind of hate The Graduate. It's not that it's a bad movie or anything. As movies about sex with your girlfriend's mother go, it's fine. I just don't understand why it's a cultural phenomenon. But, the fact that my professors in film school showed it every...single...semester...that probably means something. If for nothing else, watch it for the great soundtrack. Mrs. Robinson next door will never seem the same after that.
5) Chinatown-I haven't seen this yet. I've been reprimanded many times. Don't make my mistake.
6) Planet of the Apes-Not the crappy re-make with an ape Abraham Lincoln. The original, true-blue, Charleton Heston overly-acted dramafest. Know it, love it, and try not to look at the DVD cover if you don't know the ending yet, because it gives it away. (I guess that's proof that you should see this movie-so many people have seen it that they put the big reveal right on the cover!)
7) Back the the Future-And not just the first one. Watch all three.
8) Star Wars-I hate Star Wars. I know, I'm un-American. But you should watch it anyway so you can at least recognize the cultural references to it.
9) Psycho-Again, please do yourself a favor and don't watch the remake. It's painful. But the original Janet Leigh flick? Absolutely creeptastic. It's the grandaddy of all horror films, and in my opinion Alfred Hitchcock's greatest achievement (not to belittle his other wonderful films, of course).
10) I had a lot of trouble picking a classic film. Not because there aren't enough good ones, but because there are too many. So, instead of just one, here's a bonus list:
The Jazz Singer-this is the first full-length film with sound. Therefore, definitely a must-see.
Gone With the Wind-I hate Scarlett O'Hara with every fiber of my being, but at least she gets dumped in the end, which makes it worth watching.
The Wizard of Oz-this film was one of the first to use Technicolor in such a way. It's an outstanding technological achievement.
12 Angry Men-Based on a play of the same name, this film presents some of the greatest acting performances in the history of film.
The Apartment-I haven't seen this yet, but I'm told I should.
The Ten Commandments-As Charleton Heston's most iconic film, this one is a must-see.
Lawrence of Arabia-The sweeping cinematography make this one a huge leap forward in technology.
There! Now you can go schmooze with the token annoying film snob who randomly gets invited to dinner parties. And for those of you who rose to the challenge and want to go one step further, here's a quick list of the films you should watch next:
Indiana Jones trilogy
Any James Bond film
Halloween (the original, please)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fantasia
Toy Story
Titanic
The Sound of Music
Casablanca
Shop Around the Corner
It's a Wonderful Life
Happy watching!
-Posted by Colleen
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