How many times have you stayed up late, watching The Academy Awards? You wait with baited breath, for the best picture award. It is announced and you shake your head, and wonder why. Okay, this probably isn’t you. The awards are very long, and most people probably see the announcement on the morning news. There are some films that deserved The Academy Award. Here are ten that deserved the best picture award.
10. The King’s Speech 2010 Director-Tom Hooper Colin Firth Geoffrey Rush Helena Bonham Carter
This inspiring movie tells the tale of King George VI, (Colin Firth). He has inherited the throne of England, after his brother, Edward VIII, has abdicated. He suffered from a stammer, that made him self conscious. He had worked on his speech impediment, with Lionel Logue, (Geoffrey Rush). He dismissed Logue, when it was found out that he, [Logue}, wasn’t a speech therapist. He realizes to be a good king, he needs to be a good speaker. He swallows his pride, and goes to Logue’s house, along with the queen, (Helena Bonham Carter). He begins the therapy sessions again, and becomes a confidant monarch. It is because of these sessions that George can give one of the most important speeches any English monarch has given. It is a morale booster, that George gives shortly after England’s entry into World War 2. He gives the speech in a tiny studio, with Logue present, as his coach. After the speech, George VI, goes out to the balcony, where a crowd of thousands cheer him.
Colin Firth’s masterful performance as George VI, won him an award for best actor. It is mainly because of the superb acting, but also the uplifting story that rightfully makes this movie an exceptional film.
9. Gandi (1982) Director-Richard Attenborough Ben Kingsley Candice Bergen
This film is Richard Attenborough’s tribute to Mahatma Gandi. This revered man of peace, is portrayed by Ben Kingsley. It would seem like an overwhelming task, to portray this towering figure of the 20th century. Ben Kingsley has given an inspiring performance, of a man determined to break away from the British empire, and give self rule to India. His cause is helped by Life magazine photographer, Margaret Bourke-White, (Candice Bergen).
Richard Attenborough directed this movie. He did a wonderful job bringing this biography to the screen. Gandi’s march to the sea to protest British salt rations, is a scene that typifies this epic biographical film.
Gandhi was competing with E.T. For best picture. There was shock when this movie won over E.T. Gandi is clearly the better picture. It also shows that sometimes the academy gets it right.
8. A Man For All Seasons (1966) Director-Fred Zinnemann Paul Scofield Wendy Hiller Leo McKern Robert Shaw
This movie is a filmed version of the Robert Bolt play. Bolt also wrote the screenplay. It is the story of Sir Thomas More. More was Henry VIII’s chief counselor, which made him the second most powerful man in England. His downfall comes when he sides with the church, over the king. Henry, played by Robert Shaw, wants a divorce, from his wife, Katherine of Aragon. He wishes to marry Anne Boleyn. The church will not grant the divorce, so the king breaks from it, and forms a new church, with Henry VIII, as its head. He not only breaks with the church, but demands a loyalty oath.
Everyone signs the oath, except Sir Thomas. He remains steadfast, and because of this, he is thrown in jail. Not even the pleading of his wife, Alice, (Wendy Hiller), or his friend Cromwell, (Leo McKern), can convince him to give up his convictions. Eventually Sir Thomas More is tried for treason and executed. He states his convictions firmly on the scaffold, “I am the king’s good servant, but I am God’s first.”
Paul Scofield’s performance as Sir Thomas More is one of the best biographical performances on film. He shows a man who gives up everything, his family, his position and his life, for his religious beliefs. Sir Thomas More was canonized by The Catholic Church, four hundred years after his martyrdom. This film was not only the best choice for best picture, but it is a deeply moving portrait of a spiritual figure.
7. The Sound of Music (1965) Director-Robert Wise Julie Andrews Christopher Plummer Eleanor Parker
The Sound of Music raised the bar for any broadway musical, that gets the big screen treatment. It is the best filmed stage musical in Hollywood history. It helps that it was filmed on location in Austria. It is a wonderful story of Maria, (Julie Andrews), who isn’t working out in the convent. The Mother Abbess has found a position for her as a governess. Maria finds her true path in life. She breaks the children from the stern discipline of their father, Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). He eventually goes along with her method of handling children. Her charms spread and Maria captures the captain’s heart. The only problem is Captain Von Trapp is engaged to the Baroness, (Eleanor Parker). Eventually they both realize that the love is gone. Captain Von Trapp and Maria marry, which delights the children, who love her.
Unfortunately for the Von Trapp family, their happiness is in jeopardy. The Nazis control Austria, and want the captain to serve in the navy. The captain and his family are appalled at this. They decide to leave for Switzerland after the singing contest, the family has entered. They win the contest, but don’t stay for the prize. They get into a car, and head for the border. They cross into Switzerland leaving their homeland behind to start a new life.
The Sound of Music is a film that succeeds mainly due to Julie Andrews. She is completely charming and engaging as Maria. She handles all the songs very well. Her singing My Favorite Things to the children, is as good as anyone who has performed a song from a musical. Musicals have songs cut from the stage version. This one has, but it doesn’t suffer for it, like many do. It still retains its charm. Robert Wise’s direction helps this movie. He had previous success with another filmed musical, West Side Story. This was even more successful. The Sound of Music is something that will lift your spirits.
6. The Godfather Part II (1974) Director-Francis Ford Coppola Al Pacino Robert Duvall Diane Keaton Robert DeNiro John Cazale Talia Shire
Al Pacino plays Michael Corleone in this sequel to the original. It is a disturbing portrait of a man who will stop at nothing to keep the family business going. For anyone who didn’t see the first film; the business is a crime empire. Pacino is complimented by Robert Duvall, who plays Tommy Hagen; Michael’s attorney with a conscience. Michael Corleone also is distracted and betrayed by his family members. They are respectively, Connie, (Talia Shire) and Fredo, (John Cazale). Michael also has marital problems. His wife, Kaye, is upset that her husband hasn’t become a legitimate businessman, like he promised.
Michael Corleone’s family problems would be enough for any criminal mastermind. His problems become worse when he’s investigated by the government. He lies to a senate committee, about his involvement in organized crime. The committee knowing this, gets a family associate, Frank Pentangeli, (Michael V. Gazzo), to testify against Michael. Pentangeli when questioned, denies any direct involvement with the Corleone family. This destroys the case against Michael Corleone.
Corleone’s troubles aren’t over. His wife leaves him, disgusted by his criminal activities. The final slap is his brother Fredo’s betrayal. Fredo has given information to Johnny Ola, (Dominic Chianese), who tried to kill Michael. It is this action that forces Michael Corleone, to have his brother killed. This final action, leaves him alone and looking back on the happier day of his father Vito’s birthday party.
The Godfather Part II also shows Vito Corleone’s rise to power. It starts with a young Vito, (Robert DeNiro) coming to Ellis Island, after his parents have been murdered. Vito grows into a man, with a wife and family. Vito is laid off from his job, and gets into petty theft, to support his family. Vito and his partners, Clemenza, (Bruno Kirby) and Tessio, (John Apria), are doing well fencing stolen goods. The crime boss, Fanucci, (Gaston Moschin), wants a piece of their action. Vito Corleone comes up with a better plan. He kills Fanucci and takes over his territory. He establishes his import business, fronting his criminal activities, and becomes The Godfather of crime.
As a film The Godfather Part II works well. The Deniro segments are hard to follow, because it interrupts the flow of the film. It probably could have been a separate film. The movie is a great character study. Al Pacino is at his best in this movie. The movie despite some flaws is still exceptional.
5. Patton (1970) Director-Franklin J. Shaffner George C. Scott Karl Malden
The title says it all. This is the story of General George S. Patton’s role in North Africa and Europe. It shows his tank corps saving the day, in campaign after campaign. He is a hard man respected by his troops; the army brass, not so much. The movie opens with Patton standing in front of an American flag, giving a motivational speech to his troops. The main part of the speech states that these troops, won‘t have to tell their grandchildren, that they were stateside during the war.
After this, General Omar Bradley, the foil to Patton’s massive ego, and well portrayed by Karl Malden, assesses a major American defeat. Bradley’s view of the battlefield, is grim. It shows dead American soldiers everywhere. It also shows artillery destroyed. It is a shot that shows the horror of war, one of many by director, Franklin J. Shaffner. The truly disturbing scene comes before General Bradley’s arrival. The villagers have come to take the clothing and anything else from the dead. Their morbid gathering, is broken up, when Bradley’s aide fires his rifle in the air. After assessing the defeat, Bradley decides he needs Patton. It is with reservations, because Patton dances to the beat of a different drummer.
Patton immediately turns around the North African campaign. Once it is won, his tank corps moves into Sicily. His taking Sicily, and particularly Palermo offends the brass. The U.S. Commanders wanted the British to take it. When told of this, Patton asks if the commanders would like him to give Palermo back. This scene is one of many displaying Patton’s sarcasm and acerbic personality, due to the great screenplay, written in part by Francis Ford Coppola.
Patton, given his lack of respect for the brass, and his foot and mouth disease, can’t get out of his own way. While he is in Sicily, he slaps a soldier in a hospital.The soldier is suffering from battle fatigue. Patton is sickened and walks out, calling the soldier a coward. This news reaches General Eisenhower, who removes him from active duty. He also makes him apologize to his troops, for the incident. He is denied leading the Normandy invasion, instead having a small diversionary force in Calais. It isn’t long after this, that he is put back in the field, on probation. He leads his tank corps across France, and then Germany, racking up Nazi casualties. He saves the day at The Battle of the Bulge, getting his tank corps there in record time, and praying to God for good weather. After this last major engagement, peace is declared, several months later. The general gives a farewell speech to the press, after being relieved of his command; in Patton style, on horseback. He then walks out, speaking about ancient Roman generals draped in glory after a victory, and having advice whispered in their ear, that glory is fleeting.
Patton deservedly won best picture. It won George C. Scott an Oscar. He, like Patton created controversy, by not accepting the award. He felt he was snubbed by not receiving it for better roles. It seemed appropriate from an actor, who played one of the most controversial figures in military history.
4. Gone With the Wind (1939) Director-Victor Fleming Clark Gable Vivien Leigh
Gone With the Wind is one of the best films ever made. There are people who dispute that. These people should watch more films. This movie is everything a movie should be. It has great acting, great directing, and a gripping story.
Scarlett O’Hara, (Vivien Leigh) is a spoiled rich woman, who has her sights set on Ashley Wilkes, (Leslie Howard). He is in love with Melanie Hamilton, (Olivia de Havilland). Just when Scarlett is devastated, by this, in comes Rhett Butler, (Clark Gable) from Charleston. Rhett despite his looks and charm, is considered second best to Ashley, by Scarlett. She eventually marries him, but because of her unrequited love for Ashley and the unfortunate death of their daughter Bonnie Blue Butler, Rhett leaves her. When Scarlett asks Rhett what will happen to her; Rhett responds with the most famous line in movie history, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. Scarlett is devastated, but says, “after all, tomorrow is another day.”
Rhett and Scarlett’s tumultuous romance is the central part of the story. The other part is how Scarlett’s life is destroyed by The American Civil War. She does manage to do something that many people have a difficult time doing. She recovers from financial and personal ruin. She doe this by any means necessary. Vivien Leigh won the academy award for her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara. It was deserved.
Gone With the Wind had a few obstacles to overcome. Clark Gable had a serious disagreement with George Cukor, the first director of the film. Cukor was fired and replaced by Victor Fleming. This situation has caused production to cease on many films. It didn’t on this one. Another incident was the set caught fire, during the filming of the burning of Atlanta. There also was no actress cast for the lead when filming began. Vivien Leigh was chosen over movie stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It is a testament to the film’s producer, David O. Selznick, that these obstacles were overcome.
It has been said that 1939 was the greatest year in film history. Gone With the Wind, was the best of the films released that year. It gave film audiences movies like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Stagecoach among others.. Gone With the Wind has earned its rightful place of honor among films.
3. The Godfather (1972) Director- Francis Ford Coppola Marlon Brando Al Pacino James Caan John Cazale Diane Keaton Talia Shire
Hollywood has produced many crime dramas, many good, some bad. The best of them all is The Godfather. This is director Francis Ford Coppola’s filmed version of Mario Puzo’s novel. It is an epic tale of the Corleone crime family. It is headed by Vito Corleone, (Marlon Brando).
Brando’s character is a man who is loved by his family and respected by most of his business partners. He has alienated some of his business partners by not getting involved in certain criminal enterprises, mainly drugs. Greed has overtaken some of them, and they attempt to kill him. This attempt fails, and retaliation begins.
Sonny, Vito’s oldest son, played with much anger, by James Caan, begins to plot revenge. He first has Paulie, Vito’s driver killed. This is because he called in sick, the day of the attempted hit, which he never did. It is found out that Captain McCluskey, (Sterling Hayden), is working with Sollozzo, (Al Lettieri) who engineered the hit. Sollozo wants a meeting with the Corleone family. Michael Corleone, Vito’s youngest son, goes to the meeting. He has decided beforehand, that he will kill the men responsible for injuring his father. Everyone agrees since Michael is a war hero, and not involved in the business, he’s the best choice. Michael meets with the men in a restaurant and during the meeting, excuses himself to go to the bathroom. He finds a hidden gun, walks back to the table, and kills both men. He walks out and a car is waiting to take him to the airport, to catch a flight to Sicily.
Vito Corleone is heartbroken that his son has chosen a violent path in life. Michael’s act of revenge, has ignited a full scale crime war. There are casualties on both sides, but the worst is Sonny. He stops at a tollbooth and notices several armed men, and his way blocked. He gets out of the car, and is shot to pieces. This hit is later found to be planned by Sonny’s estranged brother-in-law, Carlo, (Gianni Russo). Carlo was motivated to do this, by the brutal beating administered to him, by Sonny. Sonny did this because Carlo beat his pregnant sister, Connie. When Vito Corleone sees his son’s body, he calls in the mortician, who owes him a favor. Vito Corleone say to him to use all his skills. He says, “don’t let his mama see him like this.” Sonny’s death isn’t the only casualty of the war. Michael Corleone has married Apollonia, The Don’s daughter, while in Sicily. Michael is teaching her to drive. One day, she starts the car, before Michael gets in.The car explodes killing her. Michael is devastated and goes back to New York.
Don Corleone, grieving the loss of his son, comes to an agreement with the families. They will split the territory. Vito Corleone retires, and gives the business to Michael. Michael marries his old girlfriend, Kay. Time passes and Vito Corleone suffers a fatal heart attack, playing in the garden, with his grandson. Michael officially takes over, and decides to move his base of operations to Las Vegas.
Michael Corleone becomes a crimelord, like his father. The difference is he doesn’t negotiate with rivals or enemies. He just kills everyone who stands in his way. He even kills his brother-in-law Carlo for killing Sonny. These killings are done while Michael is The Godfather for his sister, Connie’s son. Even family friend, and enforcer, Tessio, is killed, because he betrayed Michael. Connie later confronts Michael and accuses him of killing Carlo, which he denies. Kay asks Michael if this is true. He lies, and tells her to never ask him about business. Michael then goes into a room, where his loyal soldiers greet him, calling him Don Corleone and the door closes.
The Godfather also has a good performance by Robert Duvall as the family consigliere. He was taken in by Sonny, when they were kids, and Vito Corleone, put him through law school. Duvall’s character does all the hard negotiating and dirty work.
This film was helmed by Francis Ford Coppola. He did an exceptional job with this movie. He has managed to put together a drama that is top notch all the way through. The movie stands the test of time, and will continue to do so.
2. Ben-Hur (1959) Director-William Wyler Charlton Heston Jack Hawkins Stephen Boyd
The signature moment in Ben-Hur is the chariot race. It is the climax of the film. The story is much deeper. Judah Ben-Hur, (Charlton Heston), is a man who has everything. It is taken away from him by Rome, specifically a garrison commander named Messala, (Stephen Boyd). Judah, a Jewish prince, won’t turn over those who resist Roman rule. He is framed by his boyhood friend and sent to the galleys. He survives a naval battle, and saves a Roman consul, Quintas Arrias, (Jack Hawkins).
Quintas Arrias is so grateful, that he adopts him as his son. While in Rome, Ben-Hur, becomes an expert charioteer. He meets Messala and they enter a chariot race. Messala being the bad guy cheats, and it cost him his life. He does manage to mentally torture Ben-Hur before he, [Messala], dies. He tells Ben-Hur that his mother and sister are lepers. Judah does find them and takes them home to Judea. Upon returning, he learns that a young rabbi, named Jesus, has been condemned to death. He is the man who offered Judah water, on his way to the galleys. He witnesses Christ’s death, and is healed of his pain and anger.This powerful story was written by General Lew Wallace. It is given the epic treatment by William Wyler, and is made great by Charlton Heston’s marvelous acting performance. Its story of forgiveness and giving up material things, does make this a Tale of the Christ.
- Casablanca (1942) Director-Michael Curtiz Humphrey Bogart Ingrid Bergman. Paul Heinreid Claude Rains
Casablanca is a propaganda film. There were countless made. The main difference is that the story transcends pure propaganda. It puts its main character, Rick Blaine, (Humphrey Bogart), in the middle of things. He simply wants to get away from it all, and operates a restaurant called Rick’s Cafe American. The problem is that the Nazis frequent his establishment. This is compounded by the fact that French resistance is also there. Letters of transit are also being given out for a price.
Rick is questioned by Captain Renault, (Claude Rains), the police chief. He believes Rick isn’t doing anything wrong. Major Strasser, a Nazi officer, doesn’t think that. He knows that Rick supplied arms to the loyalists, during The Spanish Civil War. He asks why Rick came to Casablanca. He says he came for the waters. He is told that Casablanca is in the desert. Rick replies, “I was misinformed.”
Rick has problems staying neutral, but his real problem is when his ex-lover, Ilsa Lund, (Ingrid Bergman) shows up. She has also come with her husband, Victor Lazlo, (Paul Heinreid) a resistance fighter who escaped a Nazi concentration camp Ilsa had already broken Rick’s heart, when she left him in Paris, at the train station; when the Nazis came. She found out that Lazlo was alive.
Ilsa has come looking for letters of transit that Rick can get. He does secure them, but for himself and Ilsa. He is prepared to go with her to America, leaving Lazlo behind for the Nazis. He gets to the airport, but then realizes that Lazlo must continue his work. He gets them both on the plane, but not before the most famous goodbye in film history. Ilsa still loves Rick and he loves her. He explains to her that some things are bigger than the problems of two people. He tells her, “We’ll always have Paris.” There is a problem for Ilsa and her husband. Major Strasser on a tip, from Captain Renault, has gone to the airport, to stop Victor Lazlo from escaping. He is spotted by Rick, who tells him to drop the phone. He pulls a gun on Rick, and Rick shoots him first. After this Captain Renault, tells the police to round up the usual suspects. The captain and Rick walk off into the distance, with Rick saying to Renault, that this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Casablanca was released, shortly after American troops landed in North Africa. Its setting and timeframe made it a very relevant film, because it shows in Rick Blaine, an American before and during the war. This movie remains relative today because it shows that doing the right thing, isn’t always pleasant or painless. It does give the movie goer an understanding of virtue. It also begs the question, if you were in Rick’s position, what would you do?
It is easier to agree with ten of the academy’s selections. A book, or maybe several could be written about their questionable choices. Many of the academy’s selections tend to be long and not much else to recommend them. These ten were good choices for best picture. A few of them are films that make the list of the best movies ever made. Here’s hoping that The 92nd Academy Awards make a good choice.