10 MOVIES THAT MARKED THE DECADE

2001: A Space Odyssey

A seminal science-fiction film, one of the first to aspire to scientific realism instead of the common theme of bug-eyed aliens and unbelievable space battles, “2001: A Space Odyssey” pioneered the use of special effects not seen on film until then. Based on the classic sci-fi novel by Arthur C. Clark and directed by Stanley Kubrick the film dealt with themes of human evolution and technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life. Remebered not only for its provocative imagery but also for its use of music (Strauss) the film has endured the years and grew in popularity ever since its premiere in 1968.

The Alamo

Depicting one of the most famous moments of United States history, this movie, directed by John Wayne was a full-budget epic. Although it pruported to be realistic, it was in fact a highly romanticized version of the events that portrayed it’s leading characters as larger-than-life heroes. The real merit of the movie was its climactic battle scene, even though that was also inaccurate in most parts.

Barbarella

In the days when sexuality on the silver screen was something that had to be introduced carefully and subtly, Barbarella came as a hit on the head. The outfits (or the lack thereof) of its female lead brought the movie much popularity, as did its frequent (but non-explicit) sex scenes. Billed as a science-fiction erotic film, Barbarella was first and foremost a tongue-in-cheek comedy, completely non-pretentious. It greatly influenced popular culture, with many musicians finding inspiration for their songs either in the movie or the titular character and the group Duran Duran named themselves after one of the characters.

Bonnie&Clyde

This film, considered one of the landmarks in cinema history, broke many taboos. While it considerably simplified the lives of its two characters (both of whom were real-life personas) it also presented graphic violence and gore in amounts that were unseen in films at that time. It was also accused of glorifying violence, but noone could deny the splendid performances of Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway and the film’s directing and photography.

In the end, however  the film’s notoriety brought it acclaim and earnings more than it’s quality.

Cleopatra

Chronicling the struggles of the young Egyptian queen to resist the ambitions of Rome, this film almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox by being the most expensive film to produce in America.

With Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra the film became one of the most expected films of its time, but production went on for so long that when the film finally premiered it also marked the end of the “sword and sandal epic”.

Doctor Zhivago

A spectacular historic film depicting life and romance in Russia during the time of the World War I and the Russian Civil War, it is today most remebered for its’ music, the instantly recognizeable “Lara’s theme”.

Doctor No

The film that marked the beginning of a franchise that would continue into the 21st century and also the start of a phenomena that would deeply influence the film industry. This one has it all, exotic locations, villainous masterminds bent on conquering the world, beautiful women in need of rescue and the first appearance of the dashing and unbeatable hero, James Bond, played by Sean Connery, who would become most famous for this part.

Easy Rider

60s were a time when drugs were widespread and an integral  part of the counter-culture. But this film is not about drug-dealing although its two lead characters are drug-dealers. It is about rebellion and the search for freedom and independence. A classic example of a road movie, the motorcycles that the characters rode represented their independence and mobility, something the young in the 60s strived for.

Mary Poppins

A tale about a magical nanny in London, Mary Poppins was the best combination of cartoon and live action film. From Mary Poppins slowly descending from the clouds with her umbrella open to  the dance of the chimney sweeps to its charming atmosphere, this film is a fantasy, a true fairy-tale and one of Disney’s best films.

Psycho

Both his biggest risk and his biggest success, this film is usually the first one associated with Alfred Hitchcock. A tale of split personality and murders, it was one of the scariest films of its time, a reputation that it still bears and an effect that it still has. Most famous for the “shower scene”, the film is a masterpiece of direction and editing, presenting extreme violence without being explicit.

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