Joe Wolf
I have loved movies since I was a child. It started with the classic horror films, Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and The Wolfman. Boris Karloff, Lugosi and Lon Chaney portraying these creatures, gave me insight into believable acting. They managed to immortalize these villains for us. I later got an appreciation for all films, as time went on.
I think that acting plays a major part in film. The actors who bring a presence to the screen are always going to get people to see their films. There are many but a few stand alone. They are Clark Gable, John Wayne, Charlton Heston, Harrison Ford, and James Stewart. I mention them because they have stand alone performances. Clark Gable has Gone With the Wind, John Wayne has She Wore a Yellow Ribbbon, Charlton Heston;Ben-Hur Harrison Ford; Raiders of the Lost Ark and James Stewart; The Naked Spur.
Another reason to appreciate films is directing. It is a challenge to work with actors and also to keep the cameras at the proper angles and give a screenplay the treatment it deserves. It also requires good judgement by the director to decide what stays in the movie. Directors who have shown this talent are John Ford, Steven Spielberg, Michael Curtiz and Alfred Hitchcock.
John Ford knew his way around the camera. He also made a star of John Wayne. Steven Spielberg gave moviegoers Indiana Jones. Michael Curtiz gave us The Adventures of Robin Hood. He also needed a special talent, for handling Errol Flynn. Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense. He transformed Cary Grant and James Stewart, from romantic leads; to dramatic actors.
A big reason to love movies is that it can allow us to escape into adventure, with films like Star Wars. We can laugh with comedies like Bringing Up Baby, Horse Feathers and Vacation. Stage plays like Inherit the Wind, are brought to the screen for everyone to see. We are also treated to singing and dancing with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
There are so many reasons to appreciate film. I’ve given a few, to get people to watch movies. Films have been around for over a hundred years. Their impact and appreciation will endure.