Hurray for Hollywood 555.2
Despite my cynicism about Hollywood and my disdain for its continual flow of dumb and degrading films, the Academy Awards reminded me how much I love good movies and how many good movies have been produced over the years.
I’m talking about great dramas, hilarious comedies, and heart-lifting musicals that divert us from the burdens or boredom of our daily lives; make us cry from laugher or sadness; evoke shame or pride; and inform, inspire, and enrich us.
Sure, there’s too much junk, but why expect the movie industry to be different? Great restaurants with really fine food, worthy books with wonderful writing, and shops providing superb service are the exception rather than the rule.
The Academy Awards also made me realize the unfairness of thinking of the people in the industry only in terms of stereotypes: glamorous or self-important movie stars, promiscuous starlets, and ruthless, heartless, conscienceless moguls willing to sacrifice any and every moral principle in the pursuit of wealth, fame, and glory.
How could you watch the faces and hear the words of the winners without realizing that most of them are serious, dedicated professionals who love their families and their work and strive for recognition and appreciation?
We can only imagine how deeply disappointed the runners-up must have felt seeing someone else take home the Oscar. Doubtless some of them were hiding their distress and displeasure, but the fact remains that the overall tone was marked more by gratitude and graciousness than bitterness and backbiting. Wouldn’t you like to see more of that in politics and sports?
So before we return to using Hollywood as a negative political and social epithet, I’d like to say, “Hurray for Hollywood!”
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
* Writing this commentary caused me to think about my all-time favorite movies. I was surprised at the diversity and that quite a few weren’t considered anything special by the experts. The common element was that each film left a lasting impression on me. Here’s my list (not in any particular order). Why don’t you share yours?
1. A Man for All Seasons
2. The Princess Bride
3. Dr. Strangelove
4. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
5. Mr. Holland’s Opus
6. Braveheart
7. When Harry Met Sally
8. Rocky
9. A Few Good Men
10. To Kill a Mockingbird
11. The Wizard of Oz
12. The Godfather
13. The Graduate
14. Schindler’s List
15. Shane
Comments
Michael:
Like you, I also have a disdain for Hollywood and actually, was very glad to see Marion Cotillard receive the Oscar for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose. Didn't see it? Get the DVD and look at the make-up work, it is fabulous. The picture also won for make-up. Her portrayal was astounding and well worth the Oscar. Thank you, Oscar. I can believe again.
Posted by: Rick Redfern | February 28, 2008 8:31 PM
If I can be so bold as to suggest that you consider another great movie to your list. Get a copy of The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn. The theme is serving. The message is very clear. It WILL be on your favorite list. It is available on DVD. You will cheer, again for Sidney Poitier and Dianne Wiest. Two Academy award winners who really deserve more praise.
Posted by: Rick Redfern | February 28, 2008 8:59 PM
Favorites:
The Lion in Winter
Breaker Morant
Beckett
Posted by: Ronald H Reimann | February 29, 2008 5:39 AM
1. It's a Wonderful Life
2. Casablanca
3. Sound of Music
4. Singing in the Rain
5. The Great Escape
Though I was born in 1956, 4 of the 5 dealt directly with or were set in the World War II period.
Posted by: Robert E. | February 29, 2008 8:39 AM
-Forrest Gump
-Pan's Labyrinth
-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
-Shawshank Redemption
-No Country for Old Men
-American Beauty
-Band of Brothers (technically a mini-series)
-Juno
Posted by: Kristin | February 29, 2008 2:00 PM
K-Pax
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Cool Hand Luke
The Pale Rider
Look Who's Coming to Dinner
Clockwork Orange
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Lawrence of Arabia
The Deer Hunter
2001-Space Odyssey
Blazing Saddles
Easy Rider
The Color Purple
Serpico
Deliverance
just to name a few.
Posted by: Michael Freeman | February 29, 2008 2:21 PM
I was very disappointed with the movies chosen for best picture. They were all dark, scary and each of them had an unfinished ending. I did however, like the best actress choice and supporting actor choices. The two of them were excellent in their movies.
Other great movies for your list are, E.T., Funny Girl and of course Its a Wonderful Life, one of the best movies ever made. Every family should watch this movie at least once a year to remind them and especially their kids, how valuable each of us is and how we all touch others lives, sometimes without even knowing we do.
Posted by: Brenda Geilim | February 29, 2008 2:37 PM
I agree with all the movies on Michael's list, but at the top of my list is "It's a Wonderful Life."
Posted by: Mike Cortrite | March 2, 2008 8:12 AM
Second Hand Lions - great film!
Posted by: Dee Leuthe | March 4, 2008 12:49 PM
AI
Secondhand Lions
Intolerance
Josh and S.A.M.
Rear Window
The Blair Witch Project
Help
Posted by: Tony | March 14, 2008 9:37 AM
A new favorite-- 'Bella'. I had a chance to meet Eduardo Verastegui and hear how the movie evolved from a true story! Truly inspiring!
Posted by: Sharon Hedegard | March 28, 2008 7:10 AM