by Sam Juliano
Ingmar Bergman’s ravishingly beautiful turn-of-the-century epic Fanny and Alexander bested Martin Scorsese’s boxing classic Raging Bull in the nearly three-month old voting at Wonders in the Dark for 80’s cinema. The results of the 30 top finishers were announced today by Voting tabulator Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr., who provided the exact numbers here in the weighted ballot method. 42 ballots were submitted, with the Bergman film gaining four #1 placements, and three #2 designations. The Top 30 are listed below…
1. Fanny and Alexander (Ingmar Bergman, Sweden 1982) 622
2. Raging Bull (Martin Scorsese, USA 1980) 541
3. Blue Velvet (David Lynch, USA 1986) 479
4. The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, USA 1980) 375
5. Amadeus (the director’s cut) (Milos Forman, USA 1984/2001) 363
6. Ran (Akira Kurosawa, Japan 1985) 311
7. Cinema Paradiso (Special Edition) (Giuseppe Tornatore, Italy 1988/1994) 307
8. Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee, USA 1989) 273
9. Once Upon a Time in America (Sergio Leone, USA 1984) 270
10. Henry V (Kenneth Branagh, UK 1989) 244
11. The Elephant Man (David Lynch, US/UK 1980) 239
12. Crimes and Misdemeanors (Woody Allen, USA 1989) 233
13. Hannah and Her Sisters (Woody Allen, USA 1986) 226
14. Atlantic City (Louis Malle, Canada/USA 1980) 221
15. Blade Runner (the director’s/final cut) (Ridley Scott, USA 1982/1991/2007)
16. The Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition) (Irvin Kershner, USA 1980) 204
17. Field of Dreams (Phil Alden Robinson, USA 1989) 180
18. Wings of Desire (Wim Wenders, West Germany 1987) 179
19. Raiders of the Lost Ark (Steven Spielberg, USA 1981) 168
20. Berlin Alexanderplatz (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, West Germany 1980) 165
21. Brazil (Terry Gilliam, US/UK 1985) 163
22. Das Boot (TV version) (Wolfgang Petersen, West Germany 1981) 159
23. Fitzcarraldo (Werner Herzog, West Germany 1982) 145
24. Dekalog (Krzysztof Kieslowski, Poland 1988) 139
25=. Full Metal Jacket (Stanley Kubrick, US 1987) 137
25=. Jean de Florette (Claude Berri, France 1986) 137
27=. Au Revoir les Enfants (Louis Malle, France 1987) 134
27=. The King of Comedy (Martin Scorsese, USA 1983) 134
29. Back to the Future (Robert Zemeckis, USA 1985) 132
30. Dead Ringers (David Cronenberg, Canada 1988) 128
Well, aside from some shocking finishes for films that I never dreamed would make the top 50 (nevermind top 20), this was a real nail-biter. BLUE VELVET and RAGING BULL were fully expected and I’m glad to see a masterful and cerebral film like FANNY AND ALEXANDER take the top position. THE SHINING in 4th place is a cause for rejoicing. So often has Kubrick’s shocker been tossed together with so many pedestrian “hack and slash” fare that people forget what a visual and intellectually stunning film it is. I think I’m correct in say that Kubrick seems to finish higher than any director in these decade polls? Sam? Is this true? In any case, I have been singing the praises of that Kubrick masterpiece since 1980 and I’m glad to see my enthusiasm was not singular. Surprising but great choice with AMADEUS as well.
You may be right Dennis. Kubrick has done extremely well with the polls here.
Post -“Dr. Strangelove” Kubrick continues to be ludicrously overrated. For my money the titanic “Berlin Alexanderplatz” is the greatest film of the 80’s, with “The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith,” “Stranger Than Paradise,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” “Vagabond” and “Intervista” following behind. Loved seeing Woody Allen’s best film, “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” high on the list. The lovely, fragile “Roxanne” may have deserved a place on the list, too.
Regards.
We need to sort out your chronology, Mark, Jimmie Blacksmith was 1978! 🙂
Yes Kubrick was overrated, only making two of the three greatest sci-fi films ever, one of the two or three best horror film ever, one of the two or three most wonderful war films ever, one of the two or three most perfect period pieces ever and actually making Tom Cruise act semi decent for a change. His last accomplishment is perhaps his most difficult and monumental ……
Maurizio — I guess one man’s pudding is another man’s poison. I almost fell for the tableau style of “Barry Lyndon,” but the non-performances of Ryan O’Neal and poor Marisa Berenson were ruinous. The first 20 minutes or so of “A Clockwork Orange” sizzled, but then the movie bogged down in the prison sequences and Alex’s fantasies of sadism were straight out of “Dark Shadows.”
Not the easiest Anthony Burgess to adapt to the screen.
“2001” was all longeurs, Stephen King writes juvenilia and “Hamburger Hill” is still the best Vietnam movie.
Keep giving me hell, though, because I’m often wrong.
Well you seem pretty opinionated so you’ll fit right in on this site lol. Hamburger Hill….. have not seen that one in awhile.
Applause should go out to everyone here and who visits WONDERS IN THE DARK. This was an exciting count-down and poll from the out-set. Lots of heated discussions and passionate debates on this one (I’ll turn everyones attention to the massive blog-roll for Allan’s #50 essay AKIRA) and some very educational banter as well. This decade brought forth a lot of voices making themselves stronger with each day (most notably BOB CLARK) and I looked forward to each discussion and every turn of events with great anticipation. Of course, we should all thank Allan for his day after day reviews (the back-bone and fuel for these wonderful debates), and Sammy for peppering the whole thing with his passion and steady hands in (sometimes) choppy battlefields (although I think you could have written a little more for the results announcement Schmulee. Burning the midnight oil?). Anyway, get those pens and DVD players ready, we’re revving up for the 90’s and, personally, I see even bigger sparks getting ready to fly!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, I’m surprised by “Fanny” and “Amadeus” too. I’ve never been crazy about either of them– “F&A” is sort of unquestionable, but it’s probably one of the the least impressive of Bergman’s works for me. Good, yes, but a bit of a grab-bag kitchen-sink movie. “Amadeus”, on the other hand, would be almost perfect for me, if it weren’t for Tom Hulce’s performance, which nearly ruins my enjoyment of the picture. Yes, I understand that his Mozart is supposed to be a childish, spoiled boor, but he gets so annoying that I find myself rooting for Salieri whenever I get the feeling I’m supposed to feel sorry for ol’ Wolfgang.
I agree Hulce is the one thing that makes it less than perfect, but of course I dreamt of Ian McKellen and Gary Oldman in the leads.
I’m not sure why you’re “surprised” – these are two fairly popular films; the placement of Fanny is mildly surprising but I would fully expect it in the top 5. Amadeus at #5 is not very surprising, I think.
F&A – I wouldn’t call it “kitchen-sink” but something about it has never quite worked as well for me as Bergman’s “simpler” movies so I can at least see where you’re coming from. With Amadeus, we’re supposed to root for Salieri – the whole film is structured around a sympathy for his position, as so many can sympathize with erudite envy – the simultaneous jealousy and admiration of someone who has achieved something we wish we could.
As for Heaven’s Gate, count your blessings. That Wonders highlighted two glowing reviews of the film is the best you can hope for; it certainly got me to see the film sooner than I would have, and perhaps to appreciate it with a more open mind as well. But the film has many strikes against it, its length and reputation (unfairly – particularly as, on the former count, F&A among others has it beat), its genuine flaws (fairly) and even if a critical reappraisal comes about eventually I doubt it will ever be a popular hit.
I’d also like to say that I’m overwhelmed by the groups placement of FANNY AND ALEXANDER in the top position. So often you hear or see film critics talk about each decades best films (Siskel and Ebert seemed to do one every other day) and so often the same films get mentioned again and again. I’m totally impressed by the WITD group for seeing past the obvious “popular” choices most others site and celebrate. Yes, RAGING BULL is a master-work, but time and again its always hailed like the second coming. Its nice to see a group think and see beyond what has been nominally hailed as “obvious” and brush off certain films that often get over-looked. I think a choice like FANNY shows and proves the people here and who visit WITD are really some of the very brightest and stimulatingly diverse people watching, inhaling and bleeding film. Again, terrific job! I can’t think of a group of people I’d rather go toe-to-toe with. You people ARE THE GREAT THINKERS!!!!!!
I’ll admit, my heart is a little broken that “Heaven’s Gate” found no spot on the popular vote. But at least Lucas is up there, which is some consolation. Still, I’d rather see Cimino get some more attention. He needs it.
He’s supposed to be annoying Bob, that’s the point. If he annoyed you and irritated you then his job is done well. EVERY actor that has played Mozart in EVERY production has played it that annoyingly. The laugh is essential to pulling off the character and fueling Salieri’s malicious schemings. Tom Hulce is LETTER PERFECT in his portrayal. I’ve seen a video of Simon Callows original performance and have also seen Mark Hammill play it in its origunal run here on Broadway. They ALL play it that way. Matter of fact, the character is played even more over the top for theatre audiences. Hulce is dead on. Next topic.
I’d love to find the Simon Callow performance, and I’ve heard good things about Hammill’s as well. At the end of the day, however, Hulce just annoys the hell out of me, no matter how intentional that annoyance is. I wouldn’t be able to vouch for it, but for some reason I feel that Callow would probably be able to pull it off better.
Dennis, is the video version of Callow avilable and did he play opposite Scofield?
HEAVENS GATE got no attention, for the most part, because of several reasons: 1. The films original reputation is still hovering over it-many people are not willing to re-investigate a film that was originally regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. 2. No matter what the small group that do embrace it say, its still problematic and, to some, still tedious in its story-telling devices and length. 3. This is a decade of so many heavy hitters coming in from every vantage point that it is to be expected that a film with such a reputation be lost in the shuffle. 4. You and Allan seem to be the only two people on the face of the earth that think its a better film than FANNY AND ALRXANDER, BLUE VELVET, RAN, BERLIN ALEXANDERPLATZ, RAGING BULL and BLADE RUNNER (among other monumental films of this decade). LOL!!! Going to bed now. We’ll fight tomorrow BOB-O!!!!
I understand what you mean with Hulce’s performance Bob. But, that means he’s nailing it if its putting you off. Its like our relationship here at WitD. I know you’re intentionally trying to annoy me. But, and you see-this is where I’m the finer critic, I know that its just a performance and accept it as that. If your performance weren’t as daily annoying as it is you and I would never be able to get revved up and as juiced for the wonderful debates we’ve had in the past and are destined to have in the future. Its like the relationship between the Joker and Batman. One cannot exist with the other. I’ll quote Heath Ledger in THE DARK KNIGHT: “Madness, as you know, is like gravity, all it needs IS A LITTLE PUSH!!!” You’re really pushing my buttons tonight BOB! Anyway, this is fun but I gotta get to sleep. Hold your thoughts for tomorrow. I’LL BE BACK!!!! LOLOLOL!!!!!!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan Fish, Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr., and Wonders in the Dark readers,
Sam Juliano, congratulation on the 80s poll results…I ‘am quite sure that your readers, will look forward to the 90s countdown with great…anticipation.
I also want to take this time to sent out a special acknowledgement to Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr. for being the… voting tabulator extraordinaire and Allan Fish, for sharing his top choices in the countdown with the readers and ” lurkers” here at Wonders in the Dark…as usual.
Once again, congratulation! on a terrific turn out by Wonders in the Dark readers and ” lurkers” who took part in the 1980s poll. By the way, Sam, nice screenshots too!
Thanks, and as usual… Take care!
DeeDee 😉
In behalf of Angelo and everyone here Dee Dee, I again that you for being a huge part of teh polling, and for your eternal enthusiasm and graciousness. We will now be moving forward to the 90’s.
Thank you DeeDee.
Personally, my big surprise is that E.T. is nowhere to be found in the top 25. This is the most popular movie of the 80s, a genuine popular (and critical, by the way) hit – not just a get-rich-quick box office killer. Its inclusion would have been consistent with the choice of Wizard of Oz in the 30s and the high placement of other popular successes in past polls (didn’t Sound of Music show up on the 60s list?). Heck, even Allen, no sentimentalist he, included it rather high up on his nearlies.
I think it shows that Wonders readership is skewing more towards the heavy cinephile now, at least among those who avidly read, follow, and participate in the blog, rather than the more casual moviegoer or informal fan who perhaps dominated at first. That said, I find it disappointing that many a cinephile seems to overlook Spielberg – it seems peculiar to call the most famous and most celebrated director of all time underrated, but among serious cinephiles, he is. On purely formal terms, he has few peers, and he is one of the great storytellers of his generation. These are facts one must acknowledge before going on to criticize him for whatever reason. Approached with fresh eyes, E.T. is a very offbeat, strange little film – a buddy film featuring an alien who looks like a little turd, with the filmmaker emphasizing on the details and asides of suburbia over extraterrestrial paraphernalia. An extremely personal “blockbuster” and like most of the great entries in that dubious “genre” from the past 30 years, a deeply idiosyncratic one. I think it fully deserved a place in the top 5, let alone the top 30. Nice to see Raiders up there, but over E.T.?
I saw ET recently and it had the same effect it did when I saw it originally, it impressed with it’s craft, the camera placement is superb throughout, but there is an annoying element. I found it too cloying and manipulative, with John Williams’ generally superb score trying to elicit emotion at times when it would have been wiser to allow the audience to draw it out of themselves, this is especially evident in the hospital scenes towards the end. It the same fault that I found ‘Schindler’s List’ when he gets all emotional near the end (‘I could ahve done more’ or words to that effect).
I much prefer the unadulterated fun of ‘Raiders’ and ‘Empire of the Sun’.
Besides, I think the ’70s were more interesting years for Spielberg.
Fair enough – though I don’t recall “Empire of the Sun” as being unadulterated fun! I mostly agree with your last sentiment, except that I’d extend it to “the period from ’75 to ’82” as his golden age. The breakdown in Schindler’s List is unnecessary and dramatically uncomfortable, but I think the “documentary” conclusion in which the survivors pass by the grave is extraordinarily moving, and necessary.
Your right about ‘Empire of the Sun’, I meant to refer to it as more in terms of his best efforts of the decade. I think it’s criminally under-rated.
A great job to all at WitD with the 80’s poll and the all the contributors who made the ride an exciting and a educational one, at least for me. Some thoughts follow.
– I think the final selection here reflects the sophisticated taste of the contributors and to paraphrase MOVIEMAN, the readership here is one of serious filmgoers and great conversation.
– I am personally glad to see two of Woody Allen’s greatest film so high on the list.
– No surprise about Raging Bull’s high placement but I was pleasantly surprised to see King of Comedy on the list, a film that practically no one saw when the film was first released.
– Surprised about the non-show of ET, yet happy to see entertainment type films like The Empire Strikes Back and Back to the Future making the list.
– Thanks to Allan, I have a whole slew of International cinema to track down. An area I am admittedly not up to speed on.
A great job by all. I just started working on my 90‘s list and looking forward to doing it all over again.
TYhanks very much again John for a thoroughly comprehensive response. I can’t say I disagree with a single point you make here, and like you I enthusiastically welcome the 90’s poll.
Excellent work as usual on another exciting poll. I would say that the discussions and selections that took place throughout showed that what many have labeled the “weakest decade” still has plenty of great movies to offer. I always like seeing how many of the list I included in my countdown and I believe I had exactly half of them.
I too would have assumed that Raging Bull would end up #1… and not just because of people going with the general consensus. It’s that great of a film, regardless of how often praised it is. But I have no problem with it at #2 because there are a lot of great films in that top 10.
I also love seeing Back to the Future make the Top 30! 🙂
Dave: Many expected RAGING BULL to place #1, but #2 is certainly an excellent showing. I agree that a choice like BACK TO THE FUTURE gives the list a good strain of the popular, though that a terrific film by any barometer of measurement.
I’m not a big “Back to the Future” fan myself, but I’ll say this– it’s one of the few films about time-travel that actually manages to make sense most of the time, without falling into the narrative-trap of temporal paradoxes. “12 Monkeys” is the only other one that comes to mind that manages to sidestep such anomalies (no, not even “La Jetee” does it– marvelous film, but rather clueless as science-fiction).
It just has one fatal flaw. If the McFlys were got together by Marty, surely they would take pause when they saw their son not only be named afte rhim but grow up to be his double.
True, but it’s hardly the same kind of universe-ending mistake that writers and directors usually commit when engaging in time-travel enterprises. The whole familial connection can also just as easily be justified thanks to the hazy recollections of high-school memories (remember, he’s not Marty McFly, but “Calvin Klein”) or simple deja vu, so it works. It’s not the same kind of egregious error that Zemeckis & Gale would make in the sequel, where Doc Brown takes Marty & Girlfriend into the future so they can save their children and accidentally bump into themselves. One is unlikely, but the other is scientifically impossible– if you travel into the future, you’re effectively removing yourself from the timeline, and creating a future in which you’ve been missing for a long period of time, like Rip van Winkle. Therefore, you can’t travel twenty years hence and meet your kids, or run into your future self, because in that future the only place you’d exist is on the side of a carton of milk. It simply doesn’t work.
The original has some rather convenient logic at times, but it never indulges in any major mistakes like its sequels do. Still, they’re all enjoyable, if somewhat disposable fare.
Bob, you do make some logical points there. But as you also intimate, logic with the BACK TO THE FUTURE films is not the end all. One grows to love these characters, and it’s humor, and gleeful trip down memory lane make for as unpretentious an entertainment as we’ve had. I always believed that when you can have this much fun in a movie theatre, well Mr. Zemekis and co. have etched a success story. I applaud the film’s placement in the 30.
You mean 29– “Dead Ringers” is 30 (and surprisingly low, when you get right down to it).
Bob, I said “in the 30” meaning it made the Top 30. But I agree with you that DEAD RINGERS should have been higher, at least to my eyes.
Another great poll completed. Not at all surprised to see Fanny and Alexander win. Always figured it would be either this or Raging Bull.
When does the 90s one begin?
Kaleem: Thanks for both responses here! The 90’s voting thread will be up in the morning (Friday.)
this is the most interesting sequence:
16. The Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition) (Irvin Kershner, USA 1980) 204
17. Field of Dreams (Phil Alden Robinson, USA 1989) 180
18. Wings of Desire (Wim Wenders, West Germany 1987) 179
19. Raiders of the Lost Ark (Steven Spielberg, USA 1981) 168
20. Berlin Alexanderplatz (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, West Germany 1980) 165
Shows the range of pollers and visitors to this site. It also makes me a little sad.
I’m always glad to see a greater range in the popular countdowns, Jamie. As Joel said previously, the site is swaying more towards the heavy cinephile now, and while that’s all well and good, it sometimes leads to people leaving off old favorites and mainstream hits thanks to their lack of obscurity. Personal opinion on genuine quality should be the only real barameter by which anyone composes their ballot, and as long as voters are being honest with everyone (especially themselves) there’s no reason that blockbusters can’t sit side-by-side with the art-house. Though I will admit, I’m a wee bit perturbed by the presence of “Field of Dreams”…
I also notice that Lucas’ name has been taken off from “The Empire Strikes Back”, which strikes me as rather amusing. It’s like leaving Alexander Korda’s name off of “The Thief of Baghdad”.
This is one of the greatest statements Bob Clark has ever made at this site, and he’s made many. Diversity is always the best barometer of cinematic (and any artistic)assessment, and yes we absolutely do often lose sight of the fact that popular can be wonderful too. While Wonders in the Dark has decisively moved to the electic and teh art house (which is a great thing) it still does honor the great popular and/or crossover films like the ones that made this list and titles like THE GODFATHER and THE WIZARD OF OZ. Too many times we are seduced by the stuff we feel few have seen, and give the proven classic short shrift.
Ah, not so fast. Rather then paint me as a person who is only naming obscure films, please refer to my original 80’s list. I had much commercial work I just think the Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and (especially) Raiders, are not top twenty material (and definately not to be ahead of Berlin or Wings). Just because I feel this way doesn’t make me the other polar extreme. A commercial picture I did put top 20? How about Trading Places?
Back to the Future made my top 50 and I made several posts lamenting the Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and Batman’s of the 80’s universe.
I’ll let Bob speak for himself, but I don’t see where he pointed at you specifically as someone listing obscure films.
But as someone who ranked Back to the Future _very_ high, I’ll just echo the point hat I’m much more interested in seeing highly personalized lists like that than the usual artistic subjects. I have no idea what your list was, Jamie, so I’m not saying this is at all the case with you or anyone else for that matter. I just don’t see anything wrong with a mix of the artistic and popular… and I don’t see anything wrong with you disagreeing with. That’s just the nature of list-making. At some point, personal taste, and not artistic merit, becomes the key factor.
I’m not accusing, Jamie, just responding. There’s been plenty of spectators disappointed by the lack of things like “E.T.” on the final tally, so it’s not as though anyone here is entirely against seeing mainstream fare (even Fish included the likes of “Spinal Tap” and “Scarface” on his list). I just find that the often those mainstream pictures are sometimes downplayed in a manner that suggests a criteria other than subjective opinions or objective quality. I myself put “Heaven’s Gate” up high on my list because I feel it’s a deserving classic that has gone undernourished in terms of critical attention and audience appreciation. But in these personal lists, and especially in the voting tally, we can’t really question how high certain films reach– after all, this is quite literally a popularity contest. It’s better that people are honest with their preferences.
As for what does or doesn’t belong in the top 20– my Lucas bias is well-known, but I do think that 16 is a fair position for any of his episodes. Seeing it higher than “Wings of Desire” looked odd to me too, but hey– vox populi. I do agree with you completely on “Field of Dreams”– enjoyable fluff, but I’m bug-eyed surprised to see it here. “Raiders” is fun and all, but I’m not a part of its cult.
“Trading Places” is a fine picture– I think Landis did better with “The Blues Brothers” or even his “Thriller” video that year, but still good. “Three Amigos” has turned out to be a surprisingly influential picture, more or less remade twice as “Galaxy Quest” and “Tropic Thunder”.
Here’s my complete posting for the 1980’s, I wonder if you guys will think this isn’t ‘personal’ enough.
“1. Wings of Desire (West Germany…Wim Wenders)
2. Crimes and Misdemeanors (US…Woody Allen)
3. Dekalog (Poland…Krzysztof Kieslowski)
4. Life Lessons (from ‘New York Stories’; US…Martin Scorsese)
5. Blue Velvet (US…David Lynch)
6. My Dinner with Andre (US…Louis Malle)
7. Franny and Alexander: TV version (Sweden…Ingmar Bergman)
8. Veronika Voss (West Germany…Rainer Werner Fassbinder)
9. Dead Ringers (Canada…David Cronenberg)
10. Sex, Lies and Videotape (US…Steven Soderbergh)
11. Hannah and Her Sisters (US…Woody Allen)
12. Down by Law (US…Jim Jarmusch)
13. Paris, Texas (West Germany/US…Wim Wenders)
14. Berlin Alexanderplatz (West Germany…Rainer Werner Fassbinder
15. Talk Radio (US…Oliver Stone)
16. Come and See (USSR…Elem Klimov)
17. Blade Runner: the director’s cut (US (1991)…Ridley Scott)
18. Raging Bull (US…Martin Scorsese)
19. My Life as a Dog (Sweden…Lasse Hallström)
20. Once Upon a Time in America (US…Sergio Leone)
21. Trading Places (US…John Landis)
22. Rumble Fish (US…Francis Ford Coppolla)
23. Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (US…Paul Schrader)
24. Passion (France…Jean-Luc Godard)
25. Christine (US…John Carpenter)
26. Mephisto (Hungary…Istvan Szabo)
27. The Angelic Conversion (UK…Derek Jarman)
28. The Long Good Friday (UK…John McKenzie)
29. Blow Out (US…Brian de Palma)
30. Stranger Than Paradise (US…Jim Jarmusch)
31. The Purple Rose of Cairo (US…Woody Allen)
32. The Shining (US/UK…Stanley Kubrick)
33. Grave of the Fireflies (Japan…Isao Takahata)
34. Caravaggio (UK…Derek Jarman)
35. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (US…John Naughton)
36. The Draughtsman’s Contract (UK…Peter Greenaway)
37. The Vanishing (Netherlands/France…George Sluizer)
38. Videodrome (Canada…David Cronenberg)
39. Secret Honor (US…Robert Altman)
40. The Element of Crime (US…Lars Von Trier)
41. Do the Right Thing (US…Spike Lee)
42. Back to the Future (US… Robert Zemekis)
43. My Beautiful Laundrette (UK…Stephen Frears)
44. Jesus of Montreal (Canada…Denys Arcand)
45. The Killer (Hong Kong…John Woo)
46. Passion (France…Jean-Luc Godard)
47. Swimming to Cambodia (US…Jonathan Demme)
48. Das Boot: TV version (West Germany…Wolfgang Petersen)
49. Betty Blue: Version Integrale (France (1991)…Jean-Jacques Beineix)
50. Au Revoir les Enfants (France…Louis Malle)
51. Sweetie (Australia…Jane Campion)
Honorable Mentions:
52. Body Heat (US…Lawrence Kasdan)
53. Gallipoli (Australia…Peter Weir
54. Bad Timing (US/UK…Nicolas Roeg)
55. The Last Emperor: the director’s cut (UK/Italy/China (1998)…Bernardo Bertolucci)
56. War Requiem (UK…Derek Jarman)
57. Hail Mary (France…Jean-Luc Godard)
58. Antonio Gaudi (Japan…Hiroshi Teshigahara)
59. Drugstore Cowboy (US…Gus van Sant)
60. Under the Volcano (US…John Huston)
61. Ran (Japan…Akira Kurosawa)
62. White Dog (US…Samuel Fuller)
I also really like the short by Godard’s ‘Meetin’ WA’. I don’t consider that a feature as it’s only about 30 minutes.
Also, perhaps my favorite two films of the 80’s that I refused to list due to an inability to view them anything other then extremely subjectively are Stuart Gordon’s gore classic ‘From Beyond’ and Woody Allen’s ‘Stardust Memories’. I did want to mention my love of those.
Just as in the ’60’s I did my favorite sub genre’s (British Angry Young Man Films, and European Postmodern/Neo-Noir, then in the 70’s I did Italian Giallo horror, I’ll also submit a list of my favorite sub-genre the American Slasher Film/Last Woman film. My youth was very influenced by these on VHS, I’d kick myself if I didn’t pay them there due (even if by and large they aren’t everyone’s bag):
Slasher films List:
1. My Bloody Valentine (1981…George Mihalka)
2. The Burning (1981…Tony Maylam)
3. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984…Wes Craven)
4. Curtains (1983…Richard Ciupka)
5. Friday the 13th: Part 4: The Final Chapter (1984…Joseph Zito)
6. Motel Hell (1980…Kevin Connor)
7. Happy Birthday to Me (1981…J. Lee Thompson)
8. Friday the 13th: Part 7: The New Blood (1988…John Carl Buechler)
9. Intruder (1989… Scott Spiegel)
10. Child’s Play (1988…Tom Holland)
11. Bloody Birthday (1981…Ed Hunt)
12. Mother’s Day (1980…Charles Kaufman)
13. Maniac (1980…William Lustig)
14. The Prowler (1981… Joseph Zito)
15. Sleepaway Camp (1983…Robert Hiltzik)
16. Hell Night (1981…Tom DeSimone)
17. Chopping Mall (1986…Jim Wynorski)”
For the record it IS possible to personally like arthouse fare, just as it is possible to personally like populist commercial fare.
“Three Amigos” hmmm. The only other comedy I thought about including for the 1980’s was “Fletch”, I adore that picture, or maybe “vacation”. “Revenge of the Nerds” is a riot too, just seems odd to place it along the other already named titans.
I’m not saying it’s not “personal” enough. I don’t understand why you’re taking this discussion “personal” though… nobody ever said that anyone listing arthouse films did not like them and was doing so just to look smart.
This is a great choice here for Number 1. I don’t agree with the few who seem to have quibbles with the film, which may well be Bergman’s masterpiece. It is a tribute to the quality and taste of the voters that such a film was able to overtake ‘Raging Bull’ to finish on top. You all have done a terrific job again, and the top 30 is quite impressive, even that short stretch there that Jamie is ‘sad’ with. There is nothing wrong with ‘Field of Dreams,’ ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Raiders.’ They are entertainment classics.
Exquisite results Sam and Allan. You won’t find a more accomplished listing anywhere on the net! Looking forward to the 90’s and am beginning to compile my list.
MOVIEMAN-I too am surprized by the omission of ET on the list. Have we all forgotten what it was like to feel? Fact is, I feel, the stuffed shirt attitude many tend to lean towards when they consider themselve’s “cinephiles” rules out the admissions of admiring or emotionally succumbing to what they stodgily refer to as “manipulative” film-making. I will admit that since I first saw this Spielberg film I have, over the years, found other movies that I like more or am not able to pass up in lieu of an “entertainment”. However, ET is annually screened by myself and, year after year, I am mesmerized by its craft and its emotion. Its one of those movies that you throw logic out the door for. Its a hauntingly beautiful film that reminds us of our own childhood feelings and dreams. Its not FANNY AND ALEXANDER or RAN. But, it was never meant to be them anyway. I love ET.
From what I understand, E.T. barely missed the Top 30, so in effect it wasn’t completely ignored. But all the arguments here do make sense including the “blurred” proposition by Movie Man at the thread’s present end. With EMPIRE OF THE SUN also a major Spielberg of this decade, it’s also obvious there was some vote-splitting here, with some only wanting to go with a single Spielberg, with only 25 choices to make for tabulation.
I like E.T. too, but I am not so sure it belongs on this list with the likes of some of these. Congratulations to the crew here for another revelatory project. I can’t honestly contest a single choice in the top 25.
And for those that think ET is just an “entertainment” with no deep meaning then I say see it again. For anyone who has lost a parent to death or divorce when they were a young child they know full well why ET is such a great film. The movie, first and foremost, is interested in recalling the hopes and dreams children rely on to get through tumultuous times they barely understand. As a child of divorce knows, they cling to ideas and dreams of heros and perfect friends that can rescue them from their despair and partner with them to brace for more. Spielberg fashions ET as a fantasy, but its a fantasy that wraps itself around truths and envelopes them. Like his fascination with film-making when his own parents divorced, a child will often look for a life affirming crutch to guide them around the undertow. To see this film again is to realize that it, like its director, is a lot deeper than what shows on the surface. ET is no “MERE” entertainment. Not by a long shot. It one of Spielbergs PERFECT masterpieces.
I think that’s the problem many have with E.T.: not that it’s “just entertainment” but that it combines the sentimentality/crowd-pleasing aspect with real emotional weight. Raiders can make the cut because it IS just pure entertainment but something like E.T. which blurs the line between something one takes “seriously” and something that’s just “fun” (and blurs the line not in a comic/ironic way, but in an emotionally sincere way) makes a lot of people uneasy.
Also, this decade has seen a marked tilt towards the cerebral in aesthetics, privileging intellect (with puzzle movies, sophisticated postmodern narrative structures, and a termitic attention to detail which tends to invite appreciation rather than passion) over emotion. And this isn’t just in the art houses (or, even more pertinently, on the cable stations): starting around ’99 with films like Fight Club and The Matrix, the blockbuster mentality has shifted from childlike innocence to adolescent-like cynicism. Which could be a good thing if it means an eventual maturity, but I’m not so sure it does.
As for the larger culture, the shift is both good and bad. Sophistication and inventiveness are good things, but it seems like we may be losing something in the process: a certain mythic quality of the movies, sustained even through the subversive cinema of the 70s but largely depleted today (due to a number of factors, not just the shift in zeitgeist).
By “this decade” I obviously mean the 00s not the 80s.
Oh its so great to see Dead Ringers on the list (even at number 30). Not surprised by the top two, though I thought Raging Bull was destined to get that top spot. Happy to see Blue Velvet, The Shinning, Amadeus and Ran all occupying the top ten slots, but a little perplexed that Blade Runner got only as high as 15. I still believe its the most influential film of the decade and thought it would be a staple on more people’s lists. Also surprised to see Crimes and Misdemeanors this high, but not complaining. The film is fabulous and was a standout film released in maybe one of the greatest years for film, 1989 (the year did give us Drugstore Cowboy, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Do The Right Thing, Sex, Lies and Videotape, Mystery Train, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover). And also happy to see Das Boot here (thought I think its really low) and Brazil, which I still think is Gilliam’s masterpiece (but man 12 Monkeys is great too) and one of my all-time favorite science fiction films. All in all, this a great compilation of films and already have my 90s list going.
Ah Anu, another great comment from you. I agree that 1989 is one of the greatest years for film, a point I have argued with a dissenting Allan for a long time. I would add HENRY V, FIELD OF DREAMS (I must strongly disagree with Bob Clark here as this moving, metaphysical baseball film is one of the greatest of all sports-themed films of all-time) DEAD POETS SOCIETY, CAMILLE CLAUDEL, DRIVING MISS DAISY and GLORY to the ones you rightly note.
Like you I mourn the absence of THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE AND HER LOVER, but i recognize that (sadly) Greenaway is not to everyone’s taste. I personally feel that the #15 for BLADE RUNNER was fair enough, but I understand you do love teh film and feel it’s very influential.
I look forward to your 90’s list. The thread will be up tomorrow.
Jamie, Dave, Bob, Dennis, Kaleem et al…….
I am expecting that tab for the 90’s to be up over the site header very soon……….anyone with lists can dive right in……….I will NOt as usual try and get mine in first. Yes I’ll have mine tonight, but I’m expecting others to beat me to the punch.
I have not even started my 90’s list. As usual, I like to let the dust settle for a few days before I post mine anyways. That being said I cannot wait to get into the 90’s!
Look forward to your list Jamie!
So I couldn’t wait ‘a few days’. A few hours and it’s done.
I don’t think there were any real shockers here…and all around great and expansive list when it comes to taste and artistic quality. The only thing I’m shocked by is that there were only 40 ballots????
With regards to ET — I am surprised there are still so many who love it. I think it is possibly Spielberg’s worst film (and I generally will argue for Spielberg and think it is criminal to dismiss him). I can vividly remember being four years-old and sitting in the theater with my older brother and my mother and two grandmothers. The ladies, of course, were in tears throughout. I was bored out of mind and even at that age saw through the overbearing sentimental garbage that was on screen. I just didn’t buy a single moment of it. I think this was my first moment as a “film critic” and I can recall rolling my eyes and throwing jellybeans at the screen. Of course, one can not judge a film on the reaction one had to it at the age of four….but having re-watched it numerous times over the years (alas, it is still a favorite of my mother’s) I still see an overly sentimental, completely inauthentic, unbearably cloying (albeit, of course, well made) piece of work. But I dunno, maybe I’m still that bratty little kid throwing jellybeans at the screen and not understanding why the ladies cry so much.
A’ight enough of that…I’m off to watch the Phillies/Dodgers game.
Great job again and kudos to all who participated and debated!
Hey David!
Actually there were 43 ballots cast, perhaps only six less than the 70’s poll, where we had about 48-49 I believe. Anything in and around 50 is a pretty solid gage and turnout, methinks.
You are not the only person who feels that way about E.T., though I’ll admit I’m a fan. Still, I appreciate that blast from the past in the movie theatre. It’s those early childhood memories that aren’t easily overturned and I respect that.
Good luck to the Phillies. I’d love to see a Yankees-Phillies match-up!
Sam….Yankees-Phillies would be most ideal…though I fear the Yankees would steamroll them! One thing I do not want to see is an all La-La Land matchup.
Yes David, you’re still the bratty little kid.
…make that “the cynical unsentimental bratty little kid” and we’ll call it a day, dennis!
I never did like jellybeans…I guess that is why I was always so eager to throw them.
Um. Mr. Juliano? I’ve tried calling you several times to discuss possible essays for the 90’s line up. Once again, and with no less than 7 people living in that house, nobody hears the phone ringing. Unbelievable!
I’m sorry I missed this poll
Speaking of the sentimentality / popularity of E.T, I’m sad to see no place for what is, in my mind, the greatest emotional and non-sentimental children’s film: My Neighbour Totoro.
My list would be:
1 Dekalog
2 Empire Strikes Back
3 My Neighbour Totoro
4 Le Pont du Nord
5 Fanny and Alexander
6 Poltergeist (Tobe Hooper made the greatest Spielberg film)
7 Die Hard
8 Aliens
9 The Naked Gun
10 Labyrinth