For Independence Day, Ten Movies That Scream America
As we head into Independence Day weekend, for those who'd like to move beyond the evergreen "Yankee Doodle Dandy", I want to suggest some classic titles scattered over the decades that each in their way evoke our country's unique character -- to paraphrase a favorite movie title, encompassing the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...
If you haven't seen any of these for a while, well now's the time.
Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (1936)- Simple country boy Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) inherits an immense fortune from a distant relative he doesn't even know, and must then navigate a sea of handlers and hand-out requests to make sense of his new life as multi-millionaire. But those who think they can manipulate this tuba-playing rube are soon in for a rude awakening. This charming slice of Americana from director Frank Capra is one of Cooper's most appealing comic forays, as his plain-talking homespun reflection of rural America-foxes all those smug and greedy city-slickers. Thus the movie reinforces the recurring Capra theme of solid individual integrity over the mob of established, monied interests. The husky voiced Jean Arthur delivers a note-perfect turn as Babe Bennett, a hard-nosed lady journalist who first ridicules, then falls for Longfellow, much to her surprise. One of the screen's authentic classics, this is pixilated comedy at its very best.
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)- Charting the early life experiences of Abraham Lincoln (Henry Fonda) in Springfield, Illinois, this fictionalized biopic follows the future Civil War president from his first political speech in 1832 and the tragic death of girlfriend Ann Rutledge (Pauline Moore) to his first trial case as a lawyer. Throughout, we glimpse moments of anguish and triumph in the making of a moral leader, as well as his courtship of society belle Mary Todd (Marjorie Weaver). The film culminates with Lincoln summoning uncommon ingenuity in defending two young men accused of murder. Fonda, who originally declined the role because of his awed reverence for Lincoln's legacy, embodies Abe with plainspoken assurance and gutsy idealism. Weaver, as the future Mrs. Lincoln, and Alice Brady, as the mother of two sons presumed guilty of murder, round out a luminous studio cast. Don't miss this stunning, mythic portrait of American greatness personified, by the legendary director of Stagecoach.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)- The great Sam Goldwyn produced this first, most ambitious movie about the plight of returning servicemen at the end of the Second World War. The film follows the unique readjustments to civilian life faced by three veterans: Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), a young officer coming back to a dead-end job, Al Stephenson (Fredric March), an older soldier returning to a loving family and stable career, and Homer Parrish (Harold Russell), a sailor who has lost both his hands in combat. Each character is subtly drawn under William Wyler's expert direction, evoking the complex challenges that confront veterans of all ranks -- making sense of their own war experiences while readjusting to a changed America. Even with the requisite dose of sentimentality and romance, the film never strays far from its central premise that no matter what you return to in a time of peace, war changes you forever. Oscar-winner for Best Picture, Best Actor (March) and Best Supporting Actor (Russell, an amputee veteran, and non-actor!).
Picnic (1955)- Hal Carter (William Holden), a down-and-out former college football jock, hops a freight to Kansas to ask his wealthy former roommate Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson) for a job. Alan's thrilled to see him (at first), but others distrust the rugged stranger, including Flo Owens (Betty Field), the socially ambitious mother of the girl Alan's been dating, town beauty Madge (Kim Novak, in her film debut). She senses the potential chemistry between Hal and Madge, an attraction that might hurt Hal's job search, and ruin Flo's carefully laid plans for her daughter's future. Matters come to a head at the town picnic. Joshua Logan's adaptation of the hit William Inge play captures the feeling of mid-twentieth century small town America as few other pictures have. Location shooting (in Technicolor) helps, with the crowd shots of real Kansans enjoying themselves during the picnic sequence particularly evocative. The two romantic leads do indeed heat up the screen, particularly during their memorable dance to the fifties standard, "Moonglow". Robertson, Field, Rosalind Russell and Arthur O'Connell round out a first-rate cast. Attend this Picnic.
Medium Cool (1969)- TV cameraman John Cassellis (an unrecognizable, pre- Jackie Brown Robert Forster) meets and falls for struggling single mom, Eileen (Verna Bloom), against the least opportune of back-drops: the turbulent 1968 Democratic Convention, when brutal police reaction to student demonstrations put the city of Chicago in chaos. John and sound-man Gus (Peter Bonerz) must capture the unfolding crisis for posterity, and in this volatile situation, it appears nothing is safe, including any future for John and Eileen. Haskell Wexler's one-of-a-kind film seamlessly blends narrative and documentary forms, as the actors actually played their scenes as the Chicago riots were exploding all around them. The heightened sense of immediacy and danger is palpable. Extremely well-played by Forster and Bloom, this is a fascinating, irreplaceable American time-capsule for the ages. Look for Peter Boyle as an impassioned right-winger.
Breaking Away (1979)- This strikingly buoyant coming-of-age picture set in Indiana tells of four local boys (and recent high-school grads) who must face their futures, but not before enjoying one last carefree summer. Protagonist Dave (Dennis Christopher) is obsessed with cycling, and on learning how many cycling champions come from Italy, cultivates an appreciation for all things Italian, much to the consternation of his conventional parents (Paul Dooley and Barbara Barrie). Dave's cycling skills will eventually be tested against the snobby college guys in Bloomington's annual bike race. Director Peter Yates's heartfelt, life-affirming movie will prove a winner for older kids and adults. Christopher is appealingly quirky in the central role and the film also showcases the budding talents of future stars Dennis Quaid and Daniel Stern as two of Dave's buddies. Dooley is outstanding as Dave's bewildered father, a solid Middle American you might actually buy a used car from.
Tender Mercies (1983)- Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall), once a successful country music balladeer, has a severe drinking problem and has finally hit bottom. It's no surprise that when alcoholics reach this sad crossroads in life, they either wither away entirely or climb back up into the world. With the help of patient widow Rosa Lee (Tess Harper) and her young son, Mac gradually finds the strength to reclaim his life. This quiet, unadorned gem, beautifully realized by Australian director Bruce Beresford from a brilliant Horton Foote screenplay, is an actor's showcase, and Duvall makes the most of it, turning in a bravura performance that won him a well-deserved Oscar. (Trivia note: screenwriter Foote had also done the script for Duvall's first film twenty years earlier: To Kill A Mockingbird, where the actor played the mysterious Boo Radley).
Born On The Fourth Of July (1989)- This riveting biopic of Vietnam protester Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) opens with his all-American upbringing in Massapequa, NY, and entry into the war as a deeply patriotic enlisted man. Later, Kovic returns home disillusioned and psychologically scarred from a bullet wound that's left him paralyzed from the waist down. Alienated and adrift in Mexico, the hard-drinking vet eventually begins to pull his life together, devoting his energies to anti-war activism. Helmed by Vietnam vet Oliver Stone, Born is a profoundly moving portrait of a macho athlete whose horrific battle experience causes him to reassess his politics and reorient his give-'em-hell attitude. Cruise, in an ambitious turn away from heartthrob roles, plays Kovic with precision and conviction, especially at his darkest moments, delivering the finest work of his career. Co-written by Stone and Kovic, Born reflects the pain and anger felt by an entire generation of returning US soldiers, and will leave a lasting impression.
American Beauty (1999)- Leading an empty suburban life with his uptight, real-estate-agent wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), and depressed teenage daughter, Jane (Thora Birch), sardonic forty-something Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) decides to overhaul his body -- and his life -- when he falls madly in lust with gorgeous nubile Angela (Mena Suvari), Jane's flirtatious best friend. This superlative drama by theater director Sam Mendes peers at the dark side of American middle-class life with ripe, risqué humor and aching poignancy. Both screenwriter Alan Ball and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall were honored along with Mendes at the 1999 Academy Awards for their evocation of suburban alienation, but Kevin Spacey, whose cool, cynical narration constitutes the film's central nervous system, deserved all the acclaim he received for bringing Lester to life (including a Best Actor Oscar). Working in a subplot involving Lester's new neighbors, an unhinged Marine (Chris Cooper) and his artsy, drug-dealing son (Wes Bentley), Mendes gives this Beauty a gut-wrenching finale that completes Lester's transformation.
Transamerica (2005)- Just a week before pre-operative transsexual Bree Osbourne (Felicity Huffman), formerly Stanley, is about go under the knife to complete her male-to-female transformation, she learns that she has a 17-year-old son named Toby (Kevin Zegers), who's in trouble with the law. Encouraged by her therapist, Margaret (Elizabeth Peña), to come to grips with her past, Bree bails Toby out of jail and takes him on a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles. Expertly handled by first-time director Duncan Tucker, this funny, touching film belongs to a tradition of beautifully observed movies about nontraditional American families. Huffman is riveting to watch, especially in the scenes with her disapproving mother, Elizabeth (Fionnula Flanagan). But it is her rapport with Zegers, perfect as the troubled Toby, that gives the film its heart and soul, especially as he believes Bree is a goody-goody church type-not his father. Their trip-so often the arc of growth in great road films-is mutually nourishing and eye-opening. Settle in with Transamerica for a frank, heartfelt outing.
For close to 2,000 more outstanding titles, visit www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com.
Also check out John's video blog profiling great films at www.reel13.org.
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Frankly, "Midnight Cowboy" was a pivotal "American" film, at least of its time. Incredible humanity in that film, and a great score and music supervision to boot.
An excellent list!
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thanks ed...
god bless america!
An eclectic and thougthful list.
I'd choose:
Independence Day (1996) sure it's eye candy but it's fun. Bill Pullman's speech, inspired by "Henry V" is still inspiring.
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939) Capra's classic political drama gets better with age. A peerless cast headed by the superb Jimmy Stewart. What better way to celebrate freedom?
Superman II (1981) the original or Richard Donner's cut has Superman fighting for freedom against a trifecta (and a delightful Gene Hackman) of baddies.
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) holds a mirror up to racism in Depression era America, shows our best and worst.
Patton (1970) for George C. Scott and one of the finest examinations of war ever committed to film.
The Longest Day (1962) an impressive portrayal of D-Day with a cast that should not click, but does.
Jaws (1975) the ultimate summer movie reminds us why Mr. Spielberg got our attention and never let go.
1776 (1972) Boasts a top notch cast, uneven musically but an overall well done presentation of freedom's birth. William Daniels is superb as the underappreciated John Adams.
Abe Lincoln In Illinois (1940) with Raymond Massey ias Lincoln. Tortured, uncertain and self-mocking, the quintessential American.
Schindler's List (1993) Spielberg's masterpiece should be required viewing. A stark reminder of what happens when a small determined minority holds sway with unbridled hate and ambition. What better way to pause and recall that which we take for granted?
I apologize for babbling, it's a slow day at work...
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good additions.
love abe in illinois.
Tender Mercies is one of my favorite films!
nother one I watched again this week which I think screams America is Robert Altman's Prairie Home Companion. In fact, any one of Altman's films could be included in a list of movies that offer a particular slice of American life.
Mr. Farr, I have just discovered your columns here on HuffPo, and I also recommend your website.
Thank you!
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if you liked that, you should search out the new doc on Keillor,
the man in the red tennis shoes.
and thanks!
Nashville!
'Transamerica '(2005) IS brilliant. I hope your mention drives folks to rent it. I almost overlooked it.
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it's an original piece of work which is saying a lot these days.
Indeed, John. I know we see eye to eye on the awful state of retread, hi-concept, and nostalgia.
America in the 30's with dance marathons the rage during the times of The Depression---"They Shoot Horse Don't They" with Jane Fonda, Susannah York and Red Buttons. Very intense performances by all and especially Gig Young who I'm sure won an Academy Award for this. ??? It's a time when America's desperation breeds desperate acts with dance marathons and people having to stay on the dance floor hours and hours and hours for prize money resulting in Fonda's character comparing herself to an animal and asking to be shot because after all, "They shoot horses don't they?" There was a play similar to this--"Marathon '33"--written by June Havoc, stripper Gypsy Rose Lee's sister, that received critical raves when it appeared on Broadway. I saw it when very young and although it was beautifully written and performed, it was indeed a marathon LOL.
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yes, great flick and gig did win an Oscar.
"Young Tom Edison" with Mickey Rooney. I don't know how historically accurate it is but it shows the will of a young boy considered to be "addled" or an outsider to make a go of it. It's very funny too with some good heartfelt scenes and also shows America's ingenuity as in the scene when Tom tries to save his mother's life using mirrors so light can be intensified when she's operated on. This ones a good one. A pure slice of Americana.
"Picnic" is a beautiful film and the the theme music of course is lovely, however certain scenes always had me thinking it was too stagey, especially those scenes with Rosalind Russell even if she was terrific in the scene as when her creeping lust for William Holden slowly builds to a crescendo that's a breakdown.
Another film not to be missed this July 4th should also be "The Best Man" with Henry Fonda. It's a good slice of presidential campaign Americana and shows all the sleeze and manipulations involved with wonderful perfomnces by all.
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wish "the best man" was out on dvd...
born on the fourth of july ruined my weekend the first time i saw it. i watched it on a friday and couldn't stop thinking about it the whole damn weekend.
it was heavy stuff. i still don't know how tom cruise didn't win an oscar for that performance.
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this was his finest role, along with "Magnolia" and Jerry Maguire".
Even though they don't take place in America, Flying Tigers and Only Angels Have Wings do a great job capturing the great adventurous spirit that we like to associate with our country.
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agree, particularly with "Angels".
One I've seen several times is "Drums Along The Mohawk" about a couple in upstate 18th century New York surviving the war against the British and their Indian allies. It's another fine one with Henry Fonda and a very young Claudette Colbert full of action with Edna May Oliver stealing the show e.g., "Barneeeee....oh Barneeeee!" Just terrific, full of action and the color os beautiful. Of course, it was shot in California and anyone whos been in upstate NY can see that but still, it holds up very well.
Then there's very good Indie film shot in B&W--"Hester Street" with Carol Kane (sp?) She's the actress with the slight speech impediment who starred in the old TV show "Taxi" . The film takes place in and around turn of the century New York on the lower east side where Jewsish immigrants were crowded into tenements and tells of young woman who's brought to America to marry a man (Eliott Gould) and the trivails they have. While at the start she's shy and submissive, when she finds out her husband has cheated on her she begins to grow and take charge of her life, and him for that matter. Spoken in part yiddish with subtitles and also english, her transformation into an independant woman is the story of America itself. Sad and very funny and not to be missed.
I think we should add 25th Hour or He Got Game to this list. The former is probably the most subtle post-9/11 examination of redemption and owining up to wrongs committed. American mythology has no shortage of organized crime, drug dealers, friends across the socioeconomic spectrum -- all at the libidinal front of that picture.
He Got Game, on the other hand, is about the only original American sport and, unlike Hoosiers and others, places just as much romance around the sport as it does the stark realities and pitfalls that have emerged in it's presence: it's effect on high school and higher education, how it can feed off of the less fortunate, and its position as a percieved method of escape from poverty. Bonus points for the Aaron Copland saturated soundtrack.
I know they're both Spike Lee, but that's just coincidence. I swear.
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I believe you- good picks.
Breaking Away is my favorite movie of all time! Thank you for the mention. Another great movie for the July 4th holiday is of course 1776.
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with william daniels and howard da silva.
but-of course!
1939 strikes again with 3 great John Ford films in the same year. The 2 mentioned, "Stagecoach" and "Young Mr. Lincoln" and the unmentioned "Drums Along the Mohawk"; all classics made during the studio system using the same mass produced philosophy that builds cars. Imagine any director today rolling out 3 great films in the same year.
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how about victor fleming getting credit for GWTW and "Wizard of Oz" in the same year?
Farr, did you REALLY include American Beauty as one of the movies that "scream(s) America"?????? Seriously???? It would have been better had you put American PIE in that slot!! That's without a doubt one of the WORST movies of all time, and it almost cost Kevin Spacey a fan!!!
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LeftRight- I respect your opinion, but you sound like most of the world knows this about "American Beauty", when last time i checked many others agree it was an extremely fine film....
Perhaps..... I couldn't STAND it however!
American Beauty is, for me, one of those darlings of critics that I just didn't get. Everybody overacted and annoyed me. And just so I can make a whole lot of enemies, I also include The Departed, Silence Of The Lambs and The English Patient. They all just left me cold.
Oh no, Leftright. I couldn't disagree with you more.
"American Beauty" is a very good movie, and "Transamerica" is good, too. But neither one screams America to me...
Birth of a Nation, Grapes of Wrath, Glory, 1776, John Adams -- history
Bells of St. Mary's, Moscow on the Hudson, Coming To America,--immigration
Gentlemen's Agreement, Raisin in the Sun, Color Purple, Philadelphia,-- discrimination
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Dave,The American President, -- presidency
Friendly Persuasion, Little Big Man, National Treasure --just because
The Deer Hunter, Saving Private Ryan, Sargeant York, Patton--a view of war
Wall Street,--greed and the American Dream
It's A Wonderful Life, Meet Me in St. Louis, Music Man, Born Yesterday, The Music Man --American Innocence
To Kill a Mockingbird,-- what we stand for
All the President's Men,--a free press
Opps! put The Music Man in twice and forgot "The Contender" about the first female vice presidential candidate...
Birth of a Nation for history, really?
Have you seen it?
The Dunning school is a little antiquated don't you think?
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a film that's still astonishes from a technique perspective, but enlightened history it certainly does not offer.
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I love nearly all these movies and feature them on my site.
thanks for this!
Thank You! I love movies-- I could have included anyteen movies by John Hughes, Ordinary People, Animal House, Ferris Buehller's Day Off and yes--even American Pie...
so many movies hold a mirror up to life...
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