It Happened One Night (1934)

As of today, It Happened One Night is the earliest Best Picture winner I have seen. The movie follows a rich, young woman (Claudette Colbert) who marries a man and her father is extremely opposed to the marriage. Before the marriage is consummated, her father intervenes and she manages to run away. She boards a bus and there meets an out-of-work reporter (Clark Gable). He recognizes who she is and gives her the option to give him the "inside scoop" and he will return her to her new husband or he will call her father and collect the award he is offering for his daughter.

The title really has nothing to do with the story. It takes place over several days (and nights). The most famous scene of the film is when the two must resort to hitch-hiking. He has little luck in getting a car to stop and give them a ride so she hikes up her skirt, flashes a bit of leg, and the next car to pass by stops to give them a ride. This scene was recreated in the newest Sex and the City movie and makes me want to slap the writers.

It Happened One Night was the first film to win all of the Big Five Awards at the Oscars: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Only two other films have been able to say the same in the 82 years of the Academy Awards - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Silence of the Lambs.

This movie is a real gem. It has a simple plot and is an enjoyment to watch. There is no over-thinking needed to watch It Happened One Night. It is a fun treasure from the early days of motion pictures.

All About Eve (1950)

"They smile in your face, all the time they wanna take your place...the back stabbers." That lyric pretty much sums up this movie. All About Eve follows a woman who wants desperately to become a star so she does what seems like the best option. She becomes friends with a top actress and uses her and her connections to get ahead. Like this NEVER happens in Hollywood. I would venture to guess Miss Eve knew her way around a casting couch as well.

If nothing else ladies, let this film be a lesson to you if any younger, less fortunate woman tries to get on your good graces through flatery. She is probably just using you and will cut your throat the minute she knows she can. The only beauty in this film is that at the end, we get a glimpse that Eve is going to have the same thing happen to her as she did to the other woman on her way to the top.

Ordinary People (1980)

Ordinary People seems to have rated high and fared well with audiences. The story focuses around a wealthy family whose older son was killed in a boating accident and their younger son who feels unloved by his mother, not connected to his father, and blames himself for his brother's death. The younger son attempts suicide and ends up spending a little time with the men in white jackets.

Mary Tyler Moore plays the mother who really does not love her younger son and is completely embarrassed by the fact he spent time under lock and key. Her character is the "poster child" for those WASP mothers who believe a solid layer of denial and a happy face mask all the personal problems she has.

From what I remember about this film, the younger son makes a friend in a girl from school. He takes her bowling, then to McDonald's, and then tries to reveal his attempted suicide to her. Yep, a Best Picture winner featured a bowling alley.

In the end, the mother admits to loving only the older son and she ends up leaving her husband and younger son behind. The father and son then rejoice and realize they do have something in common, the frigid bitch they called wife/mom. Mary Tyler Moore came a long way from playing Laura Petrie.

To me, this was just another family-based drama and little else. Here's the thing - every family has issues. It is not a big secret. There are even a few frigid bitches in my extended family. They know who they are. I am not a huge fan of movies centering around family life. In the instances I do like a family-centered film, it is their dysfunctions that make them appealing.

Timothy Hutton won Best Supporting Actor for his role. To date, he is the youngest man to win that award; he was 20 years old when he won.

The Deer Hunter (1978)

I grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania, not far from the steel mill towns, but among those deer hunting-crazied people. Maybe that has something to do with the fact this movie hit home with me. It takes place in Clairton, PA and was filmed in various dying steel towns on the outskirts of Pittsburgh.

While I was not a young woman during the Vietnam War, I was when the Iraq conflict began in the early part of the 21st century. I watched as some of my male friends joined the armed forces and even had a boyfriend or two do the same. Robert De Niro's character is an amalgamation of those former boyfriends. It is because of his work in this movie that I have become quite a De Niro fan and will admit to even having a bit of a crush on him. I watched the first half of the movie and thought, "Wow, Robert Duvall is really attractive in this!" I then re-read the sleeve from Netflix and realized I had the wrong Robert D. Whoops!

The story centers around three friends as they prepare to leave their blue collar jobs to join the military and head to Vietnam. One is marrying his girlfriend while the other two are in love with the same woman. The three men often deer hunt together and De Niro's character is by far the most superior hunter.

They all meet in Vietnam while under fire and after having been there for some time. All three are captured and their captors use a torture method that doubles as entertainment for the men imprisioning them. These men force the American prisoners of war to play Russian Roulette. The game changes the lives and mental state of the three men.

I do not want to give anything more away for those who have not seen the film but it boils down to when De Niro's character returns, he is no longer able to shoot a deer. The movie shows what is unforunately the pattern in the United States - the poor boys go off to war because the rich boys either can get out of going, do not care, or do not need the money. When the young men returned from Vietnam, there was no celebration like after the victory of WWII. These guys were basically forgotten except by those close to them. They came home from a "war" that really was won by nobody. The mental suffering of these veterans is also showcased in the film but to say any more would be to give away parts of the story.

Christoper Walken won a Best Supporting Actor award for his role in The Deer Hunter. Rounding out the great cast were Meryl Streep and John Savage.

Titanic (1997)

Recently I wondered if there was any year that I could say I have seen all the Best Picture Nominees. There are several years that I have seen all but one. However, for the 1997 nominees, I have seen them all. I know I have mentioned before that the Oscars stand as is so there is little reason to gripe about those that did not win. I would just like to say that I believe this is a year the Academy got it wrong.

I was 14 when Titanic became a worldwide phenomenon. It is the Best Picture winner that I have seen more times in the theater than any other (5). I mean no disrespect to the movie because let's face it, it was and still is a big deal. While it is a work of fiction, it is encompassed by a real event.

Titanic is a three-hour film and the only one I have ever seen in the theater that gave you an intermission. The budget was some ridiculous number, $200 million I believe, but it made well over $1 billion worldwide. Adjusting for inflation, the only movie to gross more than Titanic is Gone with the Wind. Titanic had very impressive sets, amazing costumes, and was the grandest film to come along in ages. The screenplay was mediocre and the acting was alright. It pains me to say that because my absolute favorite actress, Kate Winslet, was nominated for a Best Actress award but did not win for Titanic. She was the strongest actor in the film but she went on to win an Oscar for a better role.

I am even okay with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" winning Best Song, although I have not heard that song in years and I would be okay with never hearing it again. *SOAPBOX SPEECH* To all of you that used this as a wedding song, you do realize it is about someone who is no longer with you? The same goes for those who used "I Will Always Love You" as your first dance. It is about ending a relationship. Please research your first song because when you do not, you look like an ass. *END SOAPBOX*

I can admit I was one of those people swept up in the Titanic craze that followed the film's release. I even went to the Titanic exhibit when it came to Pittsburgh a few years ago. The real story, and even the film, suck you in because it was a tragedy caused by complete ignorance on the part of the people in charge. I also thought Leo was just so cute in 1997. I was a 14 year old girl and liked guys who looked like 14 year old girls. I much prefer Cal (Billy Zane) now. He is tall, dark, and handsome. Cal's money is just an added bonus. *Spoiler Alert* The character kills himself in 1929 so Rose would have gotten all his money and still been able to be a free spirit. That money would have bought her quite a few roller coasters and horses. There is nothing saying she had to stay in "society" after his death.

Yes, Titanic is a grand film that is not going to fade any time soon. However, just because something is monstrous, does not mean it was a best picture of any year. The Harry Potter and Twilight films are usually the top box office movies in the year which they are released but none of them should ever win Best Picture. Because I have seen all 5 nominated films from 1997, I feel I can voice my opinion. If I got to vote for the Best Picture of 1997, my vote would go to L.A. Confidential. What it did not have in grandeur, it made up for with a superb cast. Billy Crystal hosted the 70th Academy Awards and during his opening song, he said L.A. Confidential could have been the iceberg that night. However, Titanic, the film, was unsinkable at the Academy Awards. It took home 11 of the 14 awards for which it was nominated. Titanic is currently in a 3-way tie with Ben-Hur and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King for the most Oscar wins for a film.

The Sound of Music (1965)

On my short list of cities I want to see before I die, I have included the Austrian city of Salzburg. It was the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music.

The Sound of Music celebrated its 45th anniversary this year. Oprah was able to reunited the entire main cast of Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and all 7 children.

There are sing-a-longs done in almost any major city. According solely on an episode of "Will and Grace" as my source, people even dress up in costumes inspired by the movie to attend these sing-a-longs.

The story is based on the real-life family, the Von-Trapps. The story centers around a retired Austrian Naval Captain, his seven children, and the uncertain young woman considering becoming a nun. As Germany got a little power hungry in the late 1930s, bordering countries were on the front-lines and resisting could mean your life. So it is a love story set in a time leading up to World War II.

Julie Andrews has the purest voice. She is just one classy lady. She has been knighted by the Queen of England and carries the title of Dame. *sigh* I love the British. Christopher Plummer is extremely handsome as Captain Von Trapp. The scenes at the ball where he is in his formal military attire are proof that men look best in uniform.

Salzburg offers tours for Mozart and The Sound of Music. I was amazed to hear on a "Passport to Europe" DVD that most Austrians have never seen the film. According to the tour guide, the songs are not as pretty in German and it is not Julie Andrews's voice. It still does not stop tourists from wanting to see the filming sites.

Every five years, a new DVD is released with more special features and it gives the cast a chance to reunite, even if just a few of the cast gather together. The real family moved to the United States and settled in Vermont. You can also tour this location but there is something about the backdrop of the Alps that makes me want to see Salzburg more.

Julie Andrews was nominated for Best Actress but she lost to Julie Christie that year. Julie Andrews has just won the previous year for Mary Poppins so I imagine she was not too disappointed.

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Random observation: I have only done a few posts and already I have 2 Best Picture winners that feature women using curtains to make clothing.

Chicago (2002)

There are less than 10 movies I have seen multiple times in the theater. I can recall seeing Chicago three times on the big screen. It is one of those films that loses a little something when viewed at home without the large screen or the surround-sound.

The 1920s have never been a time I think of with fondness. It was all about excess, greed, scandal, and debauchery. All of this occurred while the United States was under Prohibition. If nothing else, at least the American government learned that banning something just leads to an abundance of illegal activities.

Chicago is loosely based on true stories of ladies of jazz committing murders. It is a story where you really do not feel compassion for any of the characters because none of them really have any redeemable qualities.

My favorite scene is "Cell Block Tango." In the scene, six of the women in prison for murder explain the circumstances surrounding their crimes. The song is extremely dark, seductive and, catchy. Any woman who has ever been wronged can relate to what these women say in the song.

I am not a fan of Richard Gere but I must say he did not do a bad job as the sleazy lawyer, Billy Flynn. Richard sang, danced, and acted and that is three more things than I can say of some out there. Renee Zellweger brought a lot of herself into the role of Roxie. She was not the greatest singer or the greastest dancer but she tried and worked to be the best she could be. Her hardwork and devotion paid off but she was never quite as good as "Velma" but that fits the story perfectly. Most roles of Catherine Zeta-Jones portray her as a beautiful woman and little else. She was a diva, a bitch, a user, and a killer in Chicago. She took home a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal as the notorious Velma Kelly. I also have to mention John C. Reilly as Amos. His "Mr. Cellophane" is amazing! Queen Latifa also did a pretty decent rendition of Mama.

Chicago is one of the very few musicals I have seen on stage and in the film version. I like them both for different reasons. I did get to see my favorite, and former Backstreet Boy (Kevin Richardson) in the role of Billy Flynn when the tour stopped in Pittsburgh in 2003. The show is definitely a crowd pleaser for a live audience and I will try to get tickets any time it is within driving distance. I equally like the film. The film version is in my top 10 Best Picture winners.

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"No, I'm no one's wife but oh, I love my life...and all that jazz!"

Forrest Gump (1994)

Now I would like to take the time and write about my favorite Oscar winning Best Picture. I have read some reviews saying this is a movie that did not deserve to win Best Picture. I too have my own list of movies I feel should have not been nominated, let alone win the award, but the winning pictures stand. - That's all I have to say about that.

My major in college was history. I love movies that take characters through the passage of American History. Especially those occurring in the 20th century. It is a recent phenomenon that younger generations can glimpse into the lives of those who came before them through the medium of film. While this story is fiction, many important and even a few mundane pieces of Americana, are represented throughout.

Tom Hanks took home his second Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the slightly-slower-than-average title character. After back to back wins in 1993 and 1994, I think it is safe to say, "Tom, it's been over 15 years. You need to step up your game."

I am not sure how well this movie was received outside of the United States. Many of the events transpiring in the film are staples of American popular culture from the 1950s through the 1980s so it is understandable that the average non-American would not "get" some of these references.

While the movie and history held within are masterful, it is accompanied by what I would argue is one of the best soundtracks of any film. The score is wonderful yet understated but it is the music of the individual eras that truly sets it apart. According to sites using Billboard and Entertainment Weekly as sources, Forrest Gump is currently the 4th bestselling soundtrack in the United States. The top three are #1 The Bodyguard (mostly Whitney performing), #2 Saturday Night Fever (majority is the Bee Gees), and #3 Purple Rain (mostly Prince). The Forrest Gump soundtrack is a compilation and the highest ranking that does not depend on one artist more than others. **Honorable mention: The Dirty Dancing soundtrack is #5!!! It even beat Titanic which falls at #6.**

Forrest Gump is now itself a staple in Americana. You can eat at any of several locations of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. I was lucky enough to eat at the Charleston, SC location in 2006. The restaurant has televisions playing, you guessed it, Forrest Gump and if you are lucky, your server will join you at your table and ask trivia about the movie while you wait for your food.

Forrest had a hand in the Vietnam War, got to meet three US Presidents, alerted the authorities at Watergate, claimed 'Shit Happens,' and inspired John Lennon's Imagine. Those are some impressive accomplishments! Maybe this movie is a little silly but it was done well, had a great cast, provided a superb soundtrack, and it gets my vote for favorite Best Picture winner.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

As this is my best friend's favorite movie, I am going to make my first post about Gone with the Wind. There are those who proclaim 1939 was the best year for motion pictures. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences the best film from the best year of film is Gone with the Wind.

I think it is fair to say that as Americans, we tend to romanticize and have a nagging interest in our Civil War. It is the only time in American history, thus far, that two (or more) opinions were so different that it led to years of heartache, bloodshed, and massive death tolls on our own soil.

Gone with the Wind opens in what I like to call, the glorious and naive Antebellum period. Young men delight in the thought of war and the chance of putting some Yankees in their place. The two biggest concerns facing women were what to wear and landing a husband. - Unfortunately for some, these are still the only two things women find to occupy their time.

As time and the film progress we witness the characters go through four years of war, part of the Reconstruction Era, and Scarlett's three husbands. I wonder if Liz Taylor liked this movie as a child?

While Miss O'Hara (followed by 3 additional marriage surnames but why give them away?) goes through the majority of the movie in love with a man who married his cousin, Rhett Butler is the far more dashing man. Mr. Butler has a presence. He has an attitude. He can stand up to the controlling Scarlett! Rhett and Scarlett have to be in the top ten of movie couples of all time, if not in the top spot.

I saw this movie for the first time when I was in college. Maybe women in 1939 never thought this, though some of the more progressive ones might have, but the message I took away from the film was one of a woman coming into her own strength. Yes, Scarlett used and hurt a lot of people but in the end, she was left alone. One scene in the movie shows Scarlett, in full Southern Belle glory, enveloped by her father and overlooking Tara. The final scene shows Scarlett standing in the same spot overlooking Tara. She is without all the frills and minus her hoop skirt. She has learned to stand on her own. If that is not a true and wonderful symbol of feminism, I am not sure what is.

I can only imagine what a huge deal this movie was when it was released. It was the first film in color to win Best Picture. Movies have the ability to overwhelm us on the big screen. A certain friend of mine chokes up when she sees it on the big screen and I can understand why. I have gotten that way over some movies at the theater. Looking back from 70+ years in the future, the movie may seem a bit campy. That being said, this movie continues to have a huge following. There are Gone with the Wind tours, conventions, sequels, and perhaps most importantly, it has become a staple in American pop-culture.

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Gone with the Wind won 10 Academy Awards, the most of any movie for years to come. It held the record held for 20 years. The first African-American to win an acting Oscar was for this film. The next time an African-American took home an acting statue was in 1963, twenty-four years later.

The Best Films Each Year?

Early each year, there is an event that takes place in early winter, is watched by millions, and causes people to take sides. Some walk away winners while others may be clearly robbed of the coveted trophy. People at home throw parties, they settle in front of the television hours before it begins to watch the pre-events, then within a matter of a few hours, it is all over. It is all the culmination of a magical year, millions of dollars, and devoted fans across the globe. Never realized the Academy Awards had anything in common with the Super Bowl until now, did you?

My goal is to create a post for each Best Picture winner I have seen based on my opinion of each of those films. The posts will be in no particular order.

The current count of Best Picture winners I have seen is: 51 of 82