Do you recall when a film winning an Oscar meant it was deemed a classic?
Think back to Ben Hur, Lawrence Of Arabia, On The Waterfront, Some Like It Hot, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest… and let’s not forget… Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, The Godfather, and The Deer Hunter.
Can you identify the Best Picture Oscar winners from the last ten years? How do they stand up against the classic films of the past?
What about the Best Actor category? How do they measure up?
While Jack Nicholson is an exceptional actor, Anthony Hopkins is also a tough competitor. Many contemporary stars excel at turning their roles into massive box office hits.
Tom Cruise may not be the finest actor, but he is undeniably a top draw in every film he appears in. Clint Eastwood has shown himself to be a noteworthy success as both a director and an actor. Brad Pitt brings style and demonstrates skill as both an actor and director.
These may represent choices from the past, but today’s actors are undoubtedly talented. The issue isn’t with the actors or stars themselves; rather, it lies in the sheer volume of films being produced. They are released in droves without the same quality seen in films from previous eras.
As we approach next month’s Oscars, can you choose a winner from the films released in the past year? Is there a Mad Mad World lurking in the mix… or perhaps another Deer Hunter, Around The World in 80 Days, or The Great Escape?
I think not, but perhaps your opinion differs.
by Helena Bryanlith
