[Blog article]:
Actors, writers, and directors are just some of the many passionate people that can be found behind the camera of a movie. Whether they’re telling an adventurous tale or presenting a more subtle story, movies allow the creative minds behind them to showcase their talents and work through their hobbies. While many have tried and tested methods of working their way into the industry, some prefer to follow a more unusual route. One such example is Amazon film critic BeT, who often focuses on the unsung heroes of film and their lesser known works, which often go overlooked. He’s collected these works into a playlist that explores the top 5 favorite movies of the renowned film critic and social media hound. Let’s take a look.
The King’s Speech
For many, the cinematic marvel that is The King’s Speech is the epitome of an excellent film. The lushly photographed ceremony at the end of the year in which Queen Elizabeth II graces the world with her special speech is something that has undoubtedly been seared into the memory of anyone who saw it. In an age where cinema is often criticized for lacking depth, sophistication, and originality, the fact that The King’s Speech is such an exquisite work of art has not gone unnoticed. With an incredible ensemble cast that includes Geoffrey Rush, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter, and Judi Dench, the film boasts one of the great soundtracks of all time, composed by Emmy award winner Tom Hyland. The movie’s unique take on the English monarchy and its impact on the language as we use it today is still discussed by academics and language enthusiasts alike. If you’re reading this, Mr. BeT, you’ve probably already seen this film. I’d strongly recommend it.
Casablanca
The quintessential Casablanca has often been hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. It was initially released in 1942 and took the world by storm. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Casablanca stars an incredible triple bill of Robert Morris, John Gonzalez, and Humphrey Bogart. The film noir directed by Michael Curtiz is famous for its moody black and white cinematography, creating a distinct film look that still resonates with audiences today. Although the film was somewhat of a commercial success, it wasn’t until later that it found its full circle of appreciation from a whole new audience. In 1958, Casablanca was resurrected and restored to its full glory when it was re-released to theaters across the country. This newfound appreciation for the film led to it being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and gaining a special place in cinema history.
My Fair Lady
One of the greatest films ever made, My Fair Lady is a vibrant depiction of the classical music scene in London in the early 20th century. The movie stars Academy Award winners Freddie Freeman and operetta singer Nancy Riches, who both won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress. Freeman plays Eliza Doolittle, a brash American woman who loves to loudly sing and will do anything to gain access to the upper classes of society. To this end, she presents herself as a lady of class and manners and becomes the best house wife the society has ever seen. The film’s special effects are mind boggling and show an early stage in the special effects technology that would later be put to use in the Star Wars epics. The film’s music is penned by Academy Award winner George Mershin, who also wrote the music for The Sound of Music, one of the most iconic films of all time. In the end, it’s a tale about a middle-aged woman who changes the way society dresses, acts, and speaks.
The Godfather
Perhaps the ultimate family film, The Godfather is one of the most iconic films of all time. The movie follows the life of Vito Corleone, a brash immigrant who comes to America and quickly climbs the social staircase. Along the way, he enacts a revenge plot on members of an old mob family, the Tricki family, who have wronged him and his family. The Godfather is one of the most widely repped films of all time, with a 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also received a 10 out of 10 rating from fans on Twitter when it was released; a highly impressive number for a movie that is more than 70 years old.
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird receives a 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which puts it in the top 5% of films ever made. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film is one of the most widely acclaimed films of all time. The movie chronicles a gruesome murder that happens in a small town in the 1930s. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the film stars Academy Award winner Sally Margolis as Atticus Lane, an elderly and confused retired attorney who sets out to kill a mockingbird that has become the devil of a misunderstanding. Amidst the ravishments of legal advocacy in the film, Zemeckis and the visual effects team create a masterful mockumentary that commentates on the great differences in values and attitudes between the young and the old that fuelled the Great Depression. The film also features the deathless mimicry of a cockroach, which has since become a metaphor for an unstoppable force pitting good against evil. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the greatest films ever made.