American Graffiti (George Lucas, 1973)
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Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4
Coming of Age, 1960s, Romance, Complex Relationships
Why is it a Favorite?
Early rock 'n' roll? High school? Radio? What's not to love about this? I truly fell in love with American Graffiti as a new graduate student teaching a History of Rock 'n' Roll course. One day I asked the professor if he'd let me teach a unit on music in film, specifically watching clips from American Graffiti to illustrate the concepts. It was also a perfect way to talk about how music and technology changes our culture and is still constantly changing and shaping it. He, of course, said "yes" and I had a blast sharing this great film three years in a row.
It's a thoughtful, nostalgic look at growing up in a very specific time (in this case, 1962). The music on the radio is, arguably, the best character.
Radio Days (Woody Allen, 1987)
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Rating: Q=7, P=8 / Obsession
Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4
Coming of Age, Family, Autobiographical/Memoir, 1940s, Comedy
Why is it a Favorite?
Woody Allen is one of my favorite directors, mostly because of his silliness and fearlessness in writing what he wants. While I don't love all of his films, I do really gravitate toward the stories that are about the past. Radio Days is Woody Allen's memoir, so to speak--a glorious collection of stories from his childhood. They are funny and thoughtful stories that run parallel to another story about a society revolved around the radio. Much like in American Graffiti, the radio is a character and certain songs bring to mind very specific moments.
Plus Radio Days just has so hilarious scenes and great acting. A warm, fuzzy movie.
Rio Bravo (Howard Hawkes, 1959)
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Rating: Q=7, P=8 / Obsession
Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4
Neo-Western, Witty, Comedy
Why is it a Favorite?
Another favorite writer, Howard Hawkes, was introduced to me as a film student. One of my courses was completely devoted to the director and was also comparative. We watching Rio Bravo and I fell in love. It's my favorite Western, though it's quite different from most other films of that genre. I love that the main characters feel like a family and somehow seem more real than usual good guys and bad guys. There is depth in the witty dialogue, a completeness to the plot, and surprises in the acting. Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson? And Walter Brennan? :)
Another favorite writer, Howard Hawkes, was introduced to me as a film student. One of my courses was completely devoted to the director and was also comparative. We watching Rio Bravo and I fell in love. It's my favorite Western, though it's quite different from most other films of that genre. I love that the main characters feel like a family and somehow seem more real than usual good guys and bad guys. There is depth in the witty dialogue, a completeness to the plot, and surprises in the acting. Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson? And Walter Brennan? :)
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