Classic Films That Every Millennial Should See

By Mack Ferrell

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            SMYRNA  -- Classic movies are little glimpses into a different time and place. They open a window into history that we have never seen before with our own eyes. Movies allow us to see what was popular or what was the social norm back in that time.

I think it's very important to see the history of this country through film. A lot of references that we see or hear daily come from these classic films. I interviewed my Survey of American Film professor, John Hart, to ask him about this topic.

            “Millennials should definitely watch some of the classic films,” Hart said. Early films inspired the movies that we watch today.

Hart added that movies made a dramatic shift in the mid-1970s with the release of “Jaws” and “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” These films started the special effects driven media that has continued with today’s films including “The Avengers,” “Transformers,” and other superhero/sci-fi films.

            I asked him to suggest three classic movies that he would recommend and why. Here is his list of favorites.

"All About Eve: 1950": This film stars Betty Davis, who was one of the first female actors in a female-centric plot. It is the only film in Oscar history to receive four female acting nominations.

"City Lights: 1931": This is an old black and white, Charlie Chaplain film. It was one of the first romantic comedies and is unique because it released towards the end of the silent film era and shows the universal understanding of love that stretches across all languages and backgrounds.

"Rear Window: 1954": Alfred Hitchcock is a very renowned director and this was one of his more challenging yet spectacular films. Hitchcock demonstrated how it is possible to build suspense without much on-screen action.

            My personal favorites would be “The Godfather,” “Citizen Kane,” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” These films are very well written and are littered with great actors which make these so memorable to me.

These films are just some of the many great movies that are hidden in time to the 21^st century. Cinema has changed a lot over the years and today we find ourselves in a more money-driven world than ever. Many studio heads are focused on making a profit from their films, which is understandable, but some of the expectation for creativity has been swept aside because of that.

We pointed out that so many sequels and repeats on television and in the theaters that we have become accustomed to that. Many of us are too timid to jump outside of our comfort zone, including myself, and watch a film that’s different than what we normally see.

I challenge you to go on Netflix or Hulu or any other streaming site and select a classic film that interests you. Be sure to check out these films and others that might interest you and dive deep into some great classics! 
Here’s a link to a list of great classic movies:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_classics_movies/

(About the writer: Mack Ferrell is a Mass Communications major at Motlow State Community College.)