100 Years at the Movies – review
A century flies by with iconic clips of screams, slaps and smooches in 100 Years at the Movies, a nine-minute film montage that includes clips from 225 movies. Spanning the introduction of silent movies through the present, this film highlights the best of the best, beginning with black and white images of early stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow and re-introducing us to the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Barbra Streisand and a myriad of other greats. Their dialog and actions sometimes seem over-acted by today’s standards, with their dramatic pauses and emphasized dialog, but the clichés still resonate. The smoke swirling from a well-placed exhale is still intoxicating and the passion of on-screen kisses still evoke a sigh. The film tells us that it all started on Broadway in New York, when the first commercially available film could be viewed through a thin slot in what used to be a shoe store. We can picture New Yorkers squinting to experience the very first movie. This film intends to remind us that great things grew from such humble beginnings.
The movie notes the year as it steps through the century, beginning with 1915 for example, and “Birth of a Nation,” helps the audience place the movie in history. This assistance, and the massive scope of the movie, illustrates how films reflect the story of the time and the heart of the generation. Watching “100 Year a the Movies” not only invites the audience to re-examine history, but it is just plain fun to revisit the classic lines that have become part of the American culture (cue “Here’s looking at you, kid”) and the signature moves that have become part of us (Elvis and John Travolta, “Staying Alive,” both make an appearance).
One group that doesn’t fare well in this movie is the furry, fake actor. Now playing to an audience raised on computer-aided film creation, King Kong looks amateur at best and Frankenstein is less scary than most Halloween costumes. By contrast, fans of musicals will be reunited with the sweeping displays of spinning dancers and the impressive vocals that we rarely see in today’s films. We are reminded of Gene Kelly’s amazing dance steps and Judy Garland’s classic voice, and it feels familiar and uplifting.
The music that accompanies this short film beautifully coordinates, allowing the audience to feel the emotion of the clip and often using the musical score from the highlighted movie. In all, 17 movies are noted by name, reflecting not just the greatest but the most representative of the century.
This short film whets your appetite. Intended to be a brief tribute at the 1994 Oscars, it serves its purpose but leaves the audience hoping for more. It may inspire movie watchers to rent a beloved favorite, like “Gone with the Wind” or “The Godfather,” or take a chance on a never-seen classic. Those who have an opportunity to see “100 Years at the Movies” will leave with a grin, noting that the best of the best is worth the watch.
Gail
Tags: Broadway, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, movie, Movies, Oscars
