how influential is 70s cinema?
 

I'm wondering because IFC is showing this documentary called A Decade Under the Influence, which is examining films of the 1970s, how they changed movies then and how they are continuing to do so. The documentary sounds awesome and I'm definitely tuning in. But I'm curious what some of you film buff Greek Chatters think of the premise? Will you watch the documentary? Do you think the70s were all that and a bag of chips?

Wasn't Bullitt and the French Connection made in the 70s? They stil have both the best action chase scenes ever.

Forget 2003 CGI; those were as bad ass and realistic as they get.

Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese achieved their initial successes in the 1970's. They changed the way movies were made. Jaws, the Godfather, Godfather II, Star Wars, Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Manhattan, and Annie Hall are some of the most influential and important movies ever. Maybe I will tune into the documentary if I get a chance. I am a film buff so I would probably enjoy this documentary.

Well....I for one don't like to swim in the ocean!:eek:
Ba-BUm....BA BA BABA BABABABA BA-BUM! http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/fish.gif

lol! SHARK!

I definitely think that this is one case where the influence of films isn't exaggerated. The films from the 60's are largely dated, and the 80's is when movies completely became corporate...everyone Cream mentioned hit the perfect balance and made movies that are still as fresh today as they were on their initial release. Deer Hunter, Badlands...and lesser-known classics like American Hot Wax. I'm looking at my movie collection and practically everything is from the 70's.

nice! Now I"m even more interested in this documentary. Cream - you know your stuff. Were you a film major?

It's funny - I was comparing your list of influential movies with the ones the documentary is concentrating on and you're pretty on the ball. Are you sure you don't work for this movie? ;)

Here's the synopsis for anyone who's interested. I'm so pscyhed for this one!

Thanks for the link. No, I was not a film major, just a fan. I have a good memory, too. I forgot to mention Chinatown, MASH, and Network. Those are great movies.

Do you know when they are airing this documentary? I don't see a schedule.

basically

IFC is breaking it into (I think) 3 parts, starting on August 20th. So it'll air like a miniseries for three nights in a row up to the 23rd. I read that Robert Altman (the MASH director) is on the list of interviews for the doc. I'm definetely interested in what he has to say.

Also saw that Pam Grier (Foxxy Brown!) is on the list. I wonder how much they'll concentrate on blaxploitations of that era? Do you think that was an influential genre in the 70s?

quick update -- The Independent Film Channel is breaking this into 4 parts to play August 20th - 23rd. After each segment they're going to play a 70s movie.

I'm all about this one. I'll let you guys know if I hear anything new.

Bullit was made in '68. Just like that Mustang!:cool:

nice call.

here is a partial interview list from IMDB. I can't believe how many big names they got on board for this. Definitley counting down to see the film.

Thanks for the update, Jaggergirl. :)

I'm a huge Coppola and Scorsese fan ... I can't wait to see this.. SO MANY good movies made in the 70s! What films is the documentary going to focus on?

This movie sounds dope. I don't know much about it (I am definitely going to check out the links posted here though) but I am real excited. There were some classic movies that came out of the 70s and its good to see they are finally getting their due.

A friend of mine collects these movies, so I have seen a lot of them. I enjoy watching them. Pam Grier is great. She has class, and ability. Kevin Williamson is also terrific in many of these films.

yeah. For me its crazy to see all these actors who are so young in the movies. I barely recognize some of them! Its cool to see who started out in the 70s and is still going strong.

I just saw Easy Rider for the first time so now I'm all pumped to see the doc. I hope they talk about that movie!

Rocky was gangbuster! I would say it had an effect on physical fitness and running.

They also had all those disaster movies- Poseidon Adventure, Airport, Towering Inferno... I think Hollywood repeats cycles and draw from past movies.

I just watched Taxi Driver the other night with some friends. Robert DeNiro is such a badass in that movie. Jodi Foster looks so young too, its crazy. Anyway, that movie got me all pumped for that doc coming up on IFC.

The Last Picture Show
 

I caught the end of "Decade" last night and really liked what I saw. I saw the part about The Last Picture Show, it looks like a really good movie. I am definitely going to watch Decade again tonight.

The French Connection was the Best. I'm a Gene Hackman Fan. also, "The Taking of Pellem One, Two, Three" with Walter Mattheu. Good Movie.

Oh my gosh, they used to show that movie on television at least once a year. They need to start showing great movies like that again. :(

Saw another 70s movie last night, called Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. It was pretty good. It was on IFC after A Decade Under the Influence. I am getting a real in depth education in the 70s this week. I really like the movies from that time period.