For some of us, the term “classic film” conjures up the idea of a black-and-white movie with dapperly dressed actors, overly passionate romantic scenes, and a slowly inching plot. However, if you think all classics are just old films to put you to sleep, you’re wrong. Here are a few reasons why you should think about adding some classic films to your movie list:
Casablanca
1. They are the basis of today’s movie culture.
Ever wondered where the idea of a rom-com came from? Check out Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night. What about your favorite slasher films to watch around Halloween? Yep, you can thank Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho for that. You can trace just about any modern masterpiece of cinema back to classic origins, and so it’s pretty useful to know the inspiration for your favorite film – you may even discover a new one!
It Happened One Night
2. They are highly quotable.
Whether it’s on TV, in the theater, or even in everyday life, chances are you’ve come across many classic movie quotes. This is no coincidence – classical film spawned a ton of memorable, witty lines that not only add something extra to a conversation, but also help you understand some of those subtle references in shows and films today.
Psycho
3. They are basically time capsules.
While some people hate sitting through a history lecture, most don’t mind sitting through a movie. Classic films are a great way to get a sneak peek into another era, and you can see how not only cinema changed with acting methods, sound, and effects, but also how society changed in terms of style, themes, entertainment, and even overall cultural values.
Rebecca
4. They are just as enjoyable.
In today’s HD, Technicolor world, we have formed a stigma against old films for their lack of intense color and flashy effects. However, if you take time to actually watch a classic film, you’ll find that they can be just as funny and fresh as any other movie made today, with just as many emotional highs and lows, plot twists, and depth of acting.
The Best Years of Our Lives
Now that you’re intrigued, here is a list of some classics to start from. Watch, discuss, and fall in love with a classic film!
Casablanca (1942)
It Happened One Night (1934)
The Searchers (1956)
The Third Man (1949)
Psycho (1960) ‘
Rebecca (1940)
On the Waterfront (1954)
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)