ClassyMovieLady Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 What are the most defining moments in movie history, in your opinion? I personally think of "defining moments" as those that are culturally significant, hugely influential, those that are bold and daring, or those moments that seem to "break down walls" between people and society. There a million more ways to define "Defining moments in movies", and I would love to hear what some of your favorites are Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzcutter Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 The Great Train Robbery Birth of a Nation The Iron Horse The Jazz Singer the birth of the talking picture Broadway Melody of 1929 the birth of the musical 42nd Street the evolution of the musical Scarface and The Public Enemy ripped from the headlines story-telling Becky Sharp Glorious 3-Stripe Technicolor Gone With the Wind epic filmmaking from a best seller Stagecoach the western evolves Stranger on the Third Floor the introduction of film noir Sunset Blvd the return of Gloria Swanson The Robe Cinemascope Rebel Without a Cause Teenagers in trouble The Wild One Brando Streetcar Named Desire Sexual themes explored Winchester '73 Jimmy Stewart's deal transforms deal-making in Hollywood Spartacus Kirk Douglas breaks the Blacklist by listing Dalton Trumbo in the credits Dr Strangelove The Cold War played for laughs Easy Rider The counter-culture arrives Star Wars and Jaws The blockbuster arrives There's more but I have to give it more thought. Message was edited by: lzcutter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CineMaven Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 Hey, maybe someone else can get a shot here. Whew! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casablancalover Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 I've thought about this and have called it a "Magic Moment" in cinema because of the influence on the viewer to remember the scene. Hopefully I have this right: Remember the scene in Citizen Kane where Mr Bernstein (Everett Sloan) recalls a moment where he notices his image of feminine perfection 50 years ago, and he stills thinks about her everyday(!) Okay, EVERY WOMAN would like to be thought of in that image anyhow, but the way he relates that small snippet to another is beautiful. For me, it's a 2-fer; it's a magic moment for Mr Bernstein, and a magic moment for me. We can discuss movie firsts and Technology influences, but I'm feeling more emotional and intuitive right now. I have plenty others, but I need to get to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bargar Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (obvious) Philadelphia (Homosexual/Aids) Sophie's Choice (inhuman/impossible choice) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (filibuster) Norma Rae (unions) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenwick Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 Guess Who's Coming To Dinner Johnny Belinda Patch Of Blue The Children Hour All great movies with good messages in them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visualfeast Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 The day they decided 3-D was a mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzcutter Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Hey, maybe someone else can get a shot here. Whew!>> CineMaven, I have a hard time believing you don't have a list of defining moments that is different from mine. I went for the historical view. But there are other points of view to take as well! Sorry for barging in. There are so few threads these days that are engaging, I was just enjoying the moment! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dominick Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 CLUE was the first and so far last to be filmed with 3 different endings. Each theater had one to show. The DVD has all 3, Of course Madeline Kahn once again stole the show. TCM needs to show this. Once again I have to ask for you programmers come on Septmeber 29th please give us a Madeline Kahn day in honor of her would be 66th birthday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CineMaven Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 "Sorry for barging in. There are so few threads these days that are engaging, I was just enjoying the moment!" I apologize for my piqued moment. Perhaps I was just sore I didn't think of those films first. You're so right about the threads these days. I'll just add one defining moment of my own: Monty & Elizabeth's kiss in "A Place in the Sun." That close-up kiss of theirs has never been equalled in the history of motion pictures. Go on LZ...name some more. You're very knowledgeable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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