The 1970s: A Decade of Cinematic Revolution
The 1970s was a transformative era for cinema, a time when the medium matured and evolved in ways that continue to influence Hollywood today. From foreign films to Hollywood blockbusters, this decade delivered a diverse range of enduring classics. Let's dive into a selection of the best movies from this golden age, as rated by professional critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Journey Through Cinematic Excellence
Badlands (1973)
Terence Malick's debut, "Badlands," is a captivating tale inspired by real-life murderer Charles Starkweather. The film follows Kit Carruthers (Martin Sheen) and his girlfriend Holly (Sissy Spacek) as they embark on a cross-country killing spree. What makes this film particularly fascinating is its blend of accessibility and Malick's unique storytelling style. The London Evening Standard praised the performances, comparing the film to a thoughtful exploration of crime couples, akin to "Bonnie & Clyde."
Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's "Halloween" revolutionized the horror genre, bringing slasher films into the mainstream. The film introduces the iconic masked killer Michael Myers, who stalks the streets of Haddonfield on Halloween night. Parade magazine described it as the quintessential popcorn horror film, praising its pacing, performances, and Carpenter's musical score. Jamie Lee Curtis' star-making performance as the ultimate final girl, Laurie Strode, has ensured the film's enduring popularity.
The French Connection (1971)
"The French Connection" is a gritty crime thriller directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman as the relentless NYPD detective Popeye Doyle. The film centers on Doyle's pursuit of a drug trafficking ring led by the ruthless Alan Charnier. Beyond Hackman's magnetic performance, the film brings a raw authenticity to the genre, with plenty of collateral damage reminding us of the high stakes. It became the first R-rated film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" is a masterpiece of romantic comedy, starring Diane Keaton in an Academy Award-winning performance as the titular character. The film explores the relationship between Alvy Singer (Allen) and Annie Hall, and why their romance ultimately failed. Despite Allen's controversial personal life, the film's legacy endures, with a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. A contemporary review in the Los Angeles Times labeled it as Allen's best and most autobiographical work.
The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" is a landmark film, an adaptation of Mario Puzo's crime epic. The film charts the rise of mobster Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and has since become synonymous with Coppola's career. Ironically, Coppola initially felt the film didn't align with his storytelling sensibilities, yet it has defined his legacy. Richard Roeper referred to it as the most revered and entertaining American movie ever made.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" is a sun-soaked horror masterpiece that revolutionized the box office. The film depicts a great white shark terrorizing a coastal community, and Spielberg's masterful direction blends aquatic suspense with slice-of-life domesticity. The Saturday Evening Post praised it as one of the most seamlessly structured films ever made. With a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Jaws" launched Spielberg's career and gave birth to the summer blockbuster.
Day for Night (1973)
François Truffaut's "Day for Night" is a delightful dramedy that explores the world of filmmaking itself. The film-within-a-film narrative chronicles the production of a melodrama, with Truffaut playing the director. Roger Ebert declared it the best movie ever made about the movies. "Day for Night" maintains an impressive 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing Truffaut's observational storytelling with a self-aware twist.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is an intense heist movie starring Walter Matthau as a transit police officer caught in a subway car hijacking. The film boasts a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Matthau's performance and the intense, tautly placed crime narrative. It's a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling.
The Conformist (1970)
Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Conformist" is a visually stunning meditation on complicity, set during fascist Italy in the 1930s. The film holds a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its atmospheric presentation and complex message. Working with cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, Bertolucci delivers a dream-like, surreal masterpiece.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
Luis Buñuel's "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" is a darkly funny satire of French high society. The film follows a group of wealthy individuals whose personal lives are revealed amidst surreal disruptions. With a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is praised for its deadpan satire and subversive qualities.
Killer of Sheep (1978)
Charles Burnett's "Killer of Sheep" is a haunting experience, set in the impoverished Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The film earned a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with Roger Ebert praising its depiction of poverty as a quiet nobility. More than a narrative, it gives a voice to the overlooked and downtrodden.
The Last Picture Show (1971)
"The Last Picture Show" is a deeply melancholy coming-of-age story set in small-town Texas. The film boasts a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its bittersweet narrative and moodily dying town. Newsweek described it as a masterpiece, and it remains an essential movie about high school.
Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski's "Chinatown" is a neo-noir thriller starring Jack Nicholson as a private investigator. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the film explores a conspiracy involving the city's water supply. With a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Chinatown" is praised for its dark twists and stylish presentation, easily ranking among the best neo-noir movies.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" is an intimate melodrama about an older widow and her relationship with a younger Moroccan man. The film carries a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with Sight & Sound praising its remarkable balance between stylization and realism.
Stalker (1979)
Andrei Tarkovsky's "Stalker" is a philosophical sci-fi masterpiece with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. The film follows a guide, known as a stalker, who leads clients through a forbidden zone in search of a chamber that grants wishes. A Los Angeles Times review described it as a hypnotic adventure, crafting its own enigmatic world. "Stalker" stands as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, an existential masterpiece that transcends genre.
As we reflect on these cinematic gems, it's clear that the 1970s was a decade of immense creativity and innovation in film. These movies continue to inspire and entertain, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
