If you are trying to get into classic cinema, these 5 are your gateway
As someone born in the 90’s; movies from the 50’s and 60’s were the worst possible choice for a movie night and with a mother who lived by the alter of Hitchcock and Tennessee Williams I was often forced to watch these movies and I hated them.
It was only much later in my teenage years where I started to understand the ironic and important role that many of the main women in these movies actually had on the pop culture I was growing up around and I hate to admit but when one day have kids I also very much plan to strap them in and force at least some of these movies down their throat. Because in the infinite wisdom of a teenage boy or girl it is easy to believe that their generation is revolutionising if not inventing feminism and the idea of a strong female character.
But strong female characters have existed and fought for long time now, even in old Hollywood.
So these are movies that I believe still holds up in today’s society, whilst also being entertaining and iconic.
(Sorry about the missing pictures, I am terrified of being sued for copyright infringement and I don’t yet understand the rules).
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The story about a fabulous sex worker who tries to find a rich man to settle down with so her and her brother can be taken care off. A writer, financially taken care of by a rich married woman, moves into her building and they start to enjoy each others company. But will it involve into more and can you love without owning? This movie is iconic for many reasons but mostly for the grace and glamour of Audrey Hepburn, a timeless icon. If there is one star who is worth a hyper obsession, it is Audrey Hepburn, and this is the movie to start with.
Cat on a hot tin roof
A heartbreaking story about a woman fighting a lonesome battle for marriage her husband has grown tired of. She doesn’t understand the weight her husband Brick is carrying around and the movie will only hint at it, because it is a movie from 1958, so IYKYK. Also it is one of the most iconic parts Elisabeth Taylor have ever had.
Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf
Another classic Elisabeth Taylor movie, in this one she is older and if possible even more iconic. A story about a bitter old married couple who are hosting a young couple as the night proceeds and the drunker they get the more intense and deranged their fight becomes. It is also a movie where Elisabeth Taylor is played opposite Richard Burton, the man she married twice, so their dynamic and lore makes the movie even better.
Streetcar named desire
If I could watch a show or movie a million times it would be Streetcar named desire with Vivian Leigh or the stage production at the Old Vic with Gillian Anderson (can be streamed on the National at Home). A story about two sisters on very different paths, one married with a baby on the way and the other one older, disgraced and forced to move in with the other sister and her husband (Marlon Brando, in case you weren’t already convinced).
The story tackles the idea of women who have gotten by in life because of their looks and what happens when looks starts to fade and men starts becoming meaner. It is very honest, sad and empowering when you see the sisters doing their best to lift each other up in their own ways. The movie is especially honest because it is played by Vivien Leigh who was one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood and who, as people do, also got older.
Rear Window
A mystery thriller for the ages. This movie has so much tension it can make everyone sit up in their chair. And not just tension from what is happening outside with the neighbours but also the will they wont they between the two main characters. Mind you the female character Lisa Fremont, played by Grace Kelly might not be the most in-depth character seen on film. She will throw herself at the broken feet of L. B. Jefferies, played by James Stewart, and he will only consider her a serious part of his life when she lets go of the glitz and glamour and stoops down to his level. She tries to leave him but comes back every evening. Not a great trade but also not completely unfamiliar if I am being honest. The relationship between them is entertaining and a good balance to the very serious and tense goings-on of outside the window.
Do you agree with my picks? Feel free to comment what you believe to be the best Old Hollywood movies.
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