Movies that have changed socio-political stances of movies to come - Page 2

richlevy · 11-24-2003, 11:03 PM

Actually, the best socio-political movies were made in the 30's and 40's, before being a liberal in the movie business was a quick ticket to appear in front of a committee.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
Grapes of Wrath, The (1940)
Of Mice and Men (1939)

Aw heck, why not just list every movie based on a Steinbeck novel. There was also the "Dead End Kids", who played a gang of street kids to America's conscience before they took up slapstick as "The Bowery Boys". Their original movie was from a play by Lillian Hellman, who was a radical liberal.

I think the years after the Depression left a lot of people wondering what went wrong and how it could be fixed. Beside the pure entertainment were a lot of movies with a social conscience. I don't think any movie decade after WWII had these kinds of soul-searching movies about money, ambition, and social justice.

That might be the reason McCarthy was so afraid of them.

Elspode · 11-24-2003, 11:18 PM

Anything by Sam Peckenpah is the direct progenitor of any of Quentin Tarantino's works, and I would even deem Sam the grandpapa of the graphic slasher films of today. Once people like Wes Craven saw Sam's early splatter jobs, the door was opened for more and more of it. On the other hand, "Psycho" probably opened the door as well. Even though its horror was implied (although in an obvious way), it was still a step up from previous efforts of horror and suspense.

For my money, this wasn't a good thing at all, because I prefer my suspense to be, well, suspenseful.

wolf · 11-25-2003, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whit
      How 'bout "Blade Runner"? First dark future movie I remember being, well, filthy. Till then the future was always a clean place. Also, how many movies have had those jets of flame shooting up into the sky since?

Pretty much every movie made by Ridley Scott, actually. Watch Bladerunner. Then watch Black Rain. VERY similar cinematography.

And the gritty future thing kinda started, IMHO, with Soylent Green.

Beestie · 11-25-2003, 07:29 AM

I would add Clockwork Orange to the list.

A villain who's only motivation is the joy of being a villain.

Chewbaccus · 11-25-2003, 09:50 AM

American History X.

HOW this thread went two pages without AHX being mentioned frightens and confuses me. For shame.

HaywardNelson · 11-25-2003, 12:35 PM

I think Romper Stomper came before AHX though. I really enjoyed both.

HaywardNelson · 11-25-2003, 12:36 PM

Did Deliverance pave the way for male-on-male rape scenes a la Pulp Fiction?
Either way, both made me feel ill.

11-25-2003, 01:06 PM

Now let's you just drop them pants.

SouthOfNoNorth · 11-25-2003, 02:05 PM

Forbidden Planet.

from what i understand, that had a big impact on science fiction. a great movie, as well.

Elspode · 11-25-2003, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beestie
I would add Clockwork Orange to the list.

A villain who's only motivation is the joy of being a villain.

If you read the book, you tend to get more of the idea that Alex is actually the victim, rather than the villain.

11-25-2003, 06:05 PM

But that's really just making excuses for him.

11-24-2003, 11:03 PM	#16
richlevy King Of Wishful Thinking Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 6,669	Actually, the best socio-political movies were made in the 30's and 40's, before being a liberal in the movie business was a quick ticket to appear in front of a committee. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) Grapes of Wrath, The (1940) Of Mice and Men (1939) Aw heck, why not just list every movie based on a Steinbeck novel. There was also the "Dead End Kids", who played a gang of street kids to America's conscience before they took up slapstick as "The Bowery Boys". Their original movie was from a play by Lillian Hellman, who was a radical liberal. I think the years after the Depression left a lot of people wondering what went wrong and how it could be fixed. Beside the pure entertainment were a lot of movies with a social conscience. I don't think any movie decade after WWII had these kinds of soul-searching movies about money, ambition, and social justice. That might be the reason McCarthy was so afraid of them. __________________ Exercise your rights and remember your obligations - VOTE! I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. -- Barack Hussein Obama

11-24-2003, 11:18 PM	#17
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Anything by Sam Peckenpah is the direct progenitor of any of Quentin Tarantino's works, and I would even deem Sam the grandpapa of the graphic slasher films of today. Once people like Wes Craven saw Sam's early splatter jobs, the door was opened for more and more of it. On the other hand, "Psycho" probably opened the door as well. Even though its horror was implied (although in an obvious way), it was still a step up from previous efforts of horror and suspense. For my money, this wasn't a good thing at all, because I prefer my suspense to be, well, suspenseful. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog Last edited by Elspode; 11-24-2003 at 11:26 PM.

11-25-2003, 07:29 AM	#19
Beestie -◊\|≡·∙■·∙≡\|◊- Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Parts unknown. Posts: 4,081	I would add Clockwork Orange to the list. A villain who's only motivation is the joy of being a villain. __________________ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦

11-25-2003, 09:50 AM	#20
Chewbaccus Freethinker/booter Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 523	American History X. HOW this thread went two pages without AHX being mentioned frightens and confuses me. For shame. __________________ Like the wise man said: Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

11-25-2003, 12:35 PM	#21
HaywardNelson Belt Conveyor Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: You secret agents don't need me to tell you. Posts: 66	I think Romper Stomper came before AHX though. I really enjoyed both. __________________ This opinion is for you and that's a fact.

11-25-2003, 12:36 PM	#22
HaywardNelson Belt Conveyor Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: You secret agents don't need me to tell you. Posts: 66	Did Deliverance pave the way for male-on-male rape scenes a la Pulp Fiction? Either way, both made me feel ill. __________________ This opinion is for you and that's a fact.

11-25-2003, 01:06 PM	#23
dave Guest Posts: n/a	Now let's you just drop them pants.

11-25-2003, 02:05 PM	#24
SouthOfNoNorth Colloquialist Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 77	Forbidden Planet. from what i understand, that had a big impact on science fiction. a great movie, as well. __________________ Don't you worry about the day-glo orange life preserver, it won't save you. Swim for the shores just as fast as you're able.....

11-25-2003, 06:05 PM	#26
dave Guest Posts: n/a	But that's really just making excuses for him.

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