Modern viewers who shun classic films may be surprised at what they are missing. Classic movies survived the sands of time for good reason. Sans effects, classic movies relied on cinematic basics to produce a compelling film. Witty dialogue, charismatic performances and intriguing plots are a strong pull. Glamour bathes these movies in wonderfully special magic. Classic movies made the silver screen a darling with the masses. Hence: The Golden Age of Hollywood.
One can begin watching classics with something easy. Comedies or thrillers are a good bet. Alfred Hitchcock movies or film noir thrillers spin deceit around elegant figures; comedies brim with farce and rapid dialogue. Screwball comedy is a delightful sub-genre guaranteed to entertain, with examples like It Happened One Night and Bringing up Baby.
Retro genres like Westerns, musicals and war movies require stronger interest, and probably only experienced classic fans should try watching art house classics like Citizen Kane or Wild Strawberries.
Succumb to Slower Pace of Classics
Firstly, viewers need to adapt so as to enjoy the slower pace. A classic movie is not something to catch between tasks, or for working out aggression. Classic movies, especially film noir, inhabit a very different world from modern day life. The best way to enjoy it is to succumb to its pleasures slowly. Akin to relaxing in the bath, sipping wine or having a lollipop, viewers who give a classic their full attention will be rewarded. Time taken to adjust to its pace is necessary, as earlier film audiences were not used to technology, quick cuts and omitted scenes.
Glamour Is their Middle Name
Viewers would be quickly rewarded by plenty of eye (and ear) candy. The Golden Age of Hollywood featured stars in their glamorous best, inspiring millions of fans. In Now, Voyager, Bette Davis starts in a geeky costume then dazzles viewers with her stunning transformation. Ditto for Sabrina, the awkward girl who becomes the belle of Paris. Men like Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart displayed an impressive air of self-control, dishing out witty comments while strutting in suits. But these actors were not shallow pin-ups. Their silky voices, dripping wit and graceful gestures radiated depth, confidence and intelligence - traits actors in modern Hollywood sometimes lack.
Witty Dialogue Saves the Day
Beautiful quotes were invented by classic movies, so it pays to listen carefully. Familiar phrases that ring a bell include: “Tomorrow is another day”, "…the stuff that dreams are made of" and "the beginning of a beautiful friendship". Movies like To Catch A Thief, The Big Sleep and Charade burst with clever repartée. What classic films lacked in technology, they made up for with richness, depth and searing humour.
Hollywood Romance
Casablanca and Gone with the Wind epitomised romance magic in Classical Hollywood films. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire showed love through dance, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart teased each other endlessly, and Grace Kelly with Cary Grant made elegant lovers in dangerous circumstances (Hitchcock thrillers). Like a good romance, a classic film unfolds slowly and deliberately, creating a long-lasting spell. So one should relax and enjoy the love story.
Pick a Movie Icon
Laurie Boeder of About.com suggests following a director or a movie star. Studios employed movie stars and tailored films around their persona. By ignoring the hype surrounding famous icons, viewers can make a sounder judgment on classic films. It may come as a revelation that Marilyn Monroe’s movies like Bus Stop and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were actually witty. Once a viewer is hooked on Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn or Jimmy Stewart, classic movies become a joy to watch, not a pain.
Sources:
Tips for Enjoying Classic Films. Laurie Boeder, About.com, 2 November, 2009.
Classy Lessons from Classic Movies. Rebbekah, Heal Yourself Magazine, 15 April, 2009.
Lynette S.K. Webster - Copywriter turned Freelance Writer Copywriter for 4 years in Singapore, writing radio, print, TV and recruitment ads for national radio ...
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