Good 70s Movies

[UZER]

Thread get in here and give me some good recs.

What about Marathon Man?

[SpursforSix]

I think he calls that one, "tedious". For the real folk, it's a good movie.

[DeadlyDynasty]

<--see avatar

[DeadlyDynasty]

Phantom of the Paradise
<em>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRw1Oc3HmVg

[JoeTait75]

The original Taking of the Pelham 123 (1974) starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw and Martin Balsam. Got that gritty '70s New York City flavor.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep518FVHKIU

The '70s were such a great time for American movies.

[baseline bum]

The Opening of Misty Beethoven

[tlongII]

Dirty Harry

[Chris]

Dawn of the Dead

[Thread]

Dirty Harry

Yep. And it's aged so well. There is a part early on where they have the meeting in the mayor's office after the extortion note is found by Harry. The guy wants $100,000, or, he'll kill others. This is brilliant= The mayor, played by John Vernon (an Eastwood stalwart) is genuinely lost to this craziness. He has enough problems running a metropolis as complex as San Francisco as the '60's have mercifully come to an end, but the '70's have lessons to be learned as well. "Where am I going to get $100,000?" Not some smart ass comedic comment like we see "now." But, a civilian, a mayor acting accordingly. He's at his wit's end. Also in the meeting is the Chief of Police (John Larch)(another Eastwood man) in full star studded uniform. The camera catches him once, twice as the meeting is conducted. He's worn out, bags under his eyes. He too is at his wit's end. It as strong a scene/sequence as you'll find in this film. The weak link? Yep, it's Harry/Eastwood. He's the clown, he's the odd man, the unreality. His immediate superior (Harry Guardino) tries to reel him in as actor/character, but, he won't come in. Eastwood is insistent here and it's a shame. We didn't need it. We needed it on the street where he dry docks the .44 Magnum on the prone bank robber. Not in that Mayor's Office.

The reality of this classic pure American horror tale is the long scope shot as dawn breaks over SF-the young girl's body is drawn from her burial while still alive. She's barely a teenager, & she's naked. It's total loss.

[Thread]

Dawn of the Dead

They kept trying to open this in Omaha, but, they kept cancelling it. Finally they let it show, one threatre, up North. I drove up the first afternoon. I was afraid they'd take it out before it screened. I walked in and sat there alone. Nobody else came.

That movie has an affect on you. You feel like you've been thru something afterward. It has a wide stance as it starts in the housing project and ends in the mall. The men bring their A game to it. All of them. And the girl (Galen Ross) handles her responsibility to the production with nothing short of perfection.

There is a scene after "Roger" is bitten, they're waiting for him to turn and have him in a room in their barricaded hide-a-way. Galen Ross (Francine) has taken the nursing chores and is constantly injecting him with heavy doses of morphine. It's a fine scene as she is frustrated, rank hopelessness has found her. She injects him and just tosses the used syringe and compress aside. She is superb in this film.

[SpursforSix]

Body Snatchers

[Thread]

Body Snatchers

Yep. It's a strong film. A sturdy one. Makes the transition from normal, everyday life to catastrophe and they do it quickly without hurrying and without mistake. That's difficult. Sutherland is in love with this girl (Brooke Adams), hopelessly, totally in love with her before the attack is known. She knows it, but, she is in love with her guy. And we're settled instantly into their (American) life. She comes home to find him at turns amorous & inattentive as he finds they'll be a Warriors game on the tube for the evening. "You're in a good mood."---"I have something to look forward to."

It all changes, but, we've already been set up---the ruination is made that more tragic as it all goes away before our very eyes. We're stunned. It's gone and it ain't coming back. And it's going to get worse until there is nothing left, just one of the Cartwright girls.

In the '56 version they tacked on a happy ending because "we" demanded it. They were not interested this time.

[Chris]

They kept trying to open this in Omaha, but, they kept cancelling it. Finally they let it show, one threatre, up North. I drove up the first afternoon. I was afraid they'd take it out before it screened. I walked in and sat there alone. Nobody else came.

That movie has an affect on you. You feel like you've been thru something afterward. It has a wide stance as it starts in the housing project and ends in the mall. The men bring their A game to it. All of them. And the girl (Galen Ross) handles her responsibility to the production with nothing short of perfection.


There is a scene after "Roger" is bitten, they're waiting for him to turn and have him in a room in their barricaded hide-a-way. Galen Ross (Francine) has taken the nursing chores and is constantly injecting him with heavy doses of morphine. It's a fine scene as she is frustrated, rank hopelessness has found her. She injects him and just tosses the used syringe and compress aside. She is superb in this film.

Well said. Romero at his finest for sure.

[SpursforSix]

Yep. It's a strong film. A sturdy one. Makes the transition from normal, everyday life to catastrophe and they do it quickly without hurrying and without mistake. That's difficult. Sutherland is in love with this girl (Brooke Adams), hopelessly, totally in love with her before the attack is known. She knows it, but, she is in love with her guy. And we're settled instantly into their (American) life. She comes home to find him at turns amorous & inattentive as he finds they'll be a Warriors game on the tube for the evening. "You're in a good mood."---"I have something to look forward to."

It all changes, but, we've already been set up---the ruination is made that more tragic as it all goes away before our very eyes. We're stunned. It's gone and it ain't coming back. And it's going to get worse until there is nothing left, just one of the Cartwright girls.

In the '56 version they tacked on a happy ending because "we" demanded it. They were not interested this time.

Plus the dog with the human face

[Thread]

"Thieves Like Us." Off beat film by Robert Altman in '74. Has a bit of a humorous frame to it, but, make no mistake it is a brutal and violent tale. John Schuck/"McMillian and Wife" especially is lethal here. Keith Carradine does fine work as a bank robber in the Depression era.

---

"The Conversation" from '74 by Coppola with some of his people from the [Godfather] strain. This film is very complex and repeated viewings are required. It's been on lately so I've been watching it again. Highly enjoyable and very sensible even though it is detailed. Quite violent at the end and very cold hearted.

---

"Straight Time" '78 with Hoffman as a parolee who tries to go straight, but, cannot, and will not. Gary Busey has a nice part as does Harry Dean Stanton. The girl is played by Teresa Russell and she does good work here. M. Emmet Walsh plays the parole officer and he is dynamite here, keeps the film intact and directed. Has a great robbery scene of a jewelry store by Hoffman/Stanton.

[Thread]

Plus the dog with the human face

Yeah, because the bum got kicked and it like ruined the transformation.

[Chucho]

Saturday Night Fever.

[Xevious]

The Outlaw Josey Wales

[timtonymanu]

Well said. Romero at his finest for sure.


That's my favorite zombie movie ever. The acting, the characters, and the soundtrack make that movie for me.

[timtonymanu]

Saturday Night Fever.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Never saw this movie until recently and considering Travolta was in it and its movie cover, I expected a corny dance movie like Grease but it was darker and much more relatable.

[140]

So I finally got around to watching Taxi Driver. It was incredibly underwhelming.

[Chris]

That's my favorite zombie movie ever. The acting, the characters, and the soundtrack make that movie for me.

The remake in 2004 was actual terrific as well. Might be my favorite zombie movie ever because I can watch it anytime.

[UZER]

Ok, so I'll watch the Taking of Pelham.

I did watch Marathon Man and I agree with the tedious assessment. Good flick but pacing, editing kills any momentum. It just feels bogged down.

[Thread]

So I finally got around to watching Taxi Driver. It was incredibly underwhelming.

It has not aged well and is substantial due to the DeNiro/Scorsese rep. It's considerably choppy & extremely episodic.

I do so enjoy the relationship between Travis and Betsy, but, that's my own "hang up." I wonder about their relationship, how it would have advanced and worked. She's not as high falutin' as she portends to be. She's spreads her legs wide (he can't see, but, we can) as they're having their pie & coffee. She's more in Travis class then is supposed. And I think that is why she agrees to go out with this fellow to start with. And she goes into the porn movie knowing full well it's porn. It's there under the garish marquee where she should have spoken up and "protected" the night, the date. Why does she go in there? I can't reason it out. She's the boss to start with, but, yet she follows him in there.

[SpursforSix]

DeNiro is grossly overratedz. I love him but he's just fortunate to have that charisma that makes him fun to watch. Nothing special as an actor.

[Thread]

The remake in 2004 was actual terrific as well. Might be my favorite zombie movie ever because I can watch it anytime.

Yep, the remake serves well. The cast is superb across the spectrum. It hurries though half way thru because they loitered early on. The opening sequence is especially effective---Polley crashes her car and Cash's "Man Comes Around." lays it out. Great file footage to fit the bill.

The birth of the zombie baby is wasteful, but, I imagine you couldn't have stopped them from it with a gun.
The evolution of CJ is fine, but, it's not sensible considering what has come before.
The deevolution of Steve is fine, but, it's not supported by what has come before.
I like the Jake Weber character. He's pretty well finished before the outbreak starts. He's tired, cowtowed and spiritually wounded.

[UZER]

DeNiro is grossly overratedz. I love him but he's just fortunate to have that charisma that makes him fun to watch. Nothing special as an actor.

Although he was great in the first Meet the Parents.

[140]

It has not aged well and is substantial due to the DeNiro/Scorsese rep. It's considerably choppy & extremely episodic.

I do so enjoy the relationship between Travis and Betsy, but, that's my own "hang up." I wonder about their relationship, how it would have advanced and worked. She's not as high falutin' as she portends to be. She's spreads her legs wide (he can't see, but, we can) as they're having their pie & coffee. She's more in Travis class then is supposed. And I think that is why she agrees to go out with this fellow to start with. And she goes into the porn movie knowing full well it's porn. It's there under the garish marquee where she should have spoken up and "protected" the night, the date. Why does she go in there? I can't reason it out. She's the boss to start with, but, yet she follows him in there.

I also thought the dynamic between Travis and Betsy worked really well, which only made me more disappointed and confused to see it end in such a stupid way. I can't say the same for Travis and Iris' relationship though. It just never felt natural to me. The only scene that saved that story arc was the interaction between Travis and "Sport". Keitel was absolutely fantastic there.

And yeah, it hasn't aged well at all. I was literally loling thru that whole shooting scene at the end.

[Thread]

Saturday Night Fever.

The best part(s) for me is the interaction of Tony's family. It's fabulous. Painted in all manner of bright colors and gray to black moments. The father is out of work, yet is cocky and assured throughout, until the very moment his wife hits him. Then he breaks and is human, his composure gone with the wind. It's incredible to behold, but, it's also such fine production and acting execution. The daughter's interaction with her father and her brother is touching. Then as quick as it's shown she and Tony are at each other's throats as in real life. The mother's pride & joy is their eldest son, the Priest. It's everything to this woman. It's her source of pride in the neighborhood and in the moments of her life. That he is leaving the Priesthood is so difficult to imagine that I cringe whenever I watch this film. She cannot get her mind wrapped around it. Tony acts amused, but, verbally assaults his mother when he is provokes over his mother's loss of her son the Priest. This is a real family. This is not situation comedy. And we're better for it.

And it's the Priest's interaction with Tony's young friend at the dance hall where the movie augers in. The dance floor is on our right on the screen. The two hoods (they're no good) sit across from Father at the table and Tony's friend slides in next to Father calling to him and his attention away from his brother (Tony) on the dance floor. Father has heard all of this at his own Parish. It's one reason why he is running. The demand is too much. Too much calamity, too much heart break, too much sadness. He tries to ignore the boy, to stall the boy as the youngster tells the tale of his gf's pregnancy. It's a great part. Finally, he surrenders, turns his body away from his brother's vocation of dance and assumes the Priesthood once again, his eyes are bright with tears. "No, Bobby, God cannot grant an abortion."

The early part in the hardware store where Tony works is another terrific part. Tony is a fine employee and is rewarded with a raise, but, his boss cannot teach this youngster, he can only berate him because even with the raise he is shortchanging Tony. Then Tony's father shortchanges him again when finds the raise is more or less minuscule. Tony is no angel, not by a long shot. He uses Annette then throws her away.

[Thread]

I also thought the dynamic between Travis and Betsy worked really well, which only made me more disappointed and confused to see it end in such a stupid way. I can't say the same for Travis and Iris' relationship though. It just never felt natural to me. The only scene that saved that story arc was the interaction between Travis and "Sport". Keitel was absolutely fantastic there.

And yeah, it hasn't aged well at all. I was literally loling thru that whole shooting scene at the end.

Yep, everything after Travis shoots Sport is over cooked minutiae. Everybody knows exactly what's going on, because of one fucking reason,,,they read the script. But, we bought it hook, line and sinker 40 years ago.

[timtonymanu]

The remake in 2004 was actual terrific as well. Might be my favorite zombie movie ever because I can watch it anytime.

Yeah 2004 was good too. The only Zach Snyder film I've enjoyed.

[leemajors]

The best part(s) for me is the interaction of Tony's family. It's fabulous. Painted in all manner of bright colors and gray to black moments. The father is out of work, yet is cocky and assured throughout, until the very moment his wife hits him. Then he breaks and is human, his composure gone with the wind. It's incredible to behold, but, it's also such fine production and acting execution. The daughter's interaction with her father and her brother is touching. Then as quick as it's shown she and Tony are at each other's throats as in real life. The mother's pride & joy is their eldest son, the Priest. It's everything to this woman. It's her source of pride in the neighborhood and in the moments of her life. That he is leaving the Priesthood is so difficult to imagine that I cringe whenever I watch this film. She cannot get her mind wrapped around it. Tony acts amused, but, verbally assaults his mother when he is provokes over his mother's loss of her son the Priest. This is a real family. This is not situation comedy. And we're better for it.

And it's the Priest's interaction with Tony's young friend at the dance hall where the movie augers in. The dance floor is on our right on the screen. The two hoods (they're no good) sit across from Father at the table and Tony's friend slides in next to Father calling to him and his attention away from his brother (Tony) on the dance floor. Father has heard all of this at his own Parish. It's one reason why he is running. The demand is too much. Too much calamity, too much heart break, too much sadness. He tries to ignore the boy, to stall the boy as the youngster tells the tale of his gf's pregnancy. It's a great part. Finally, he surrenders, turns his body away from his brother's vocation of dance and assumes the Priesthood once again, his eyes are bright with tears. "No, Bobby, God cannot grant an abortion."

The early part in the hardware store where Tony works is another terrific part. Tony is a fine employee and is rewarded with a raise, but, his boss cannot teach this youngster, he can only berate him because even with the raise he is shortchanging Tony. Then Tony's father shortchanges him again when finds the raise is more or less minuscule. Tony is no angel, not by a long shot. He uses Annette then throws her away.

unrelated, but are you a fan of Seconds?

[DarrinS]

Jaws, Star Wars, The Sting, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Rocky, Alien, ...

[mrsmaalox]

The 70's is probably my least favorite movie decade. Off the top of my head I can only think of comedies I like: Animal House and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There was Blazing Saddles too, but I have never seen it. And I almost forgot my favorite 70's sci-fi---Soylent Green!

[mrsmaalox]

Saturday Night Fever.

It shocks me to watch because I don't remember everyone back then being so unattractive :lol

[quentin_compson]

A couple more great US-movies from the 70s that haven't been mentioned so far (I think):

The Parallax View, All the President's Men, Welcome to L.A., The Conversation, Carrie, Deliverance, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The French Connection, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Annie Hall, Love and Death, Manhattan, The Deer Hunter, Harold and Maude, Nashville, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia

[gameFACE]

The Last Picture Show, American Graffitti, A Clockwork Orange, MASH, Godfather/Godfather II, Eraserhead, Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie to name a few. Have a soft spot for Logan's Run.

[JoeTait75]

It shocks me to watch because I don't remember everyone back then being so unattractive :lol

I thought Fran Drescher was kind of hot, tbh.

[Thread]

A couple more great US-movies from the 70s that haven't been mentioned so far (I think):

The Parallax View, All the President's Men, Welcome to L.A., The Conversation, Carrie, Deliverance, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The French Connection, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Annie Hall, Love and Death, Manhattan, The Deer Hunter, Harold and Maude, Nashville, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia

I did the The Conversation on Page 1.

---

"Carrie" has moments, but, it doesn't sustain itself. The broad comedy as the boy's try on their tux materiel is misplaced, even abhorrent there. GD them.

The mothers, Sue's & especially Carrie's are strong. Sue's mother is a drinker and it's shown as an important aside. The quick shot of Carrie's mother swooping up Sue's driveway is impressive. The shot is quick, but, has a [Wizard of Oz] tinge to it, a witch moving smartly, her black cape a swish in full blush.

Sue's bf/actor/Katt is a weak choice. Damn them again.

Travolta (Billy) lights the movie early and the Allen girl is with him step-for-step. She never gives up.

The slaughtering of the hog scene is gruesome upon gross examination. We find out in that pen about these children, who is up to the task before them, and who is not. And where evil dwells without a check.

The gym teacher's (Betty Buckley, mother on "Eight is Enough.") handling of Carrie's gym class is expansive and impressive. She's treading in choppy waters and almost goes too far, then not far enough. It's fascinating. Reminds one of the gym teacher in "Some Kind Of Wonderful."

The back story is pure + intractable.

[Thread]

Jaws, Star Wars, The Sting, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Rocky, Alien, ...

Not a lot of story there. It's thin and easily dismissed as you look in there.

Robert Shaw tries, but, even he is handicapped by a stupid premise. He's/his character as smart as a whip, that's how he came out of the Five Points and stayed out. This shit wouldn't happen. No f'in' way. But, then we were deluged by Newman/Redford and the music from the movie. Christ, I was so sick of it.

A couple parts are neat:::Charles Durning is eating in the diner when the fake Fed guys come in to get him. Before he gets up he dips his fingers in his water glass to clean them.

Shaw's persistent use of the term: "Ya follow?" to get his point across to his stooges.

[leemajors]

Not a lot of story there. It's thin and easily dismissed as you look in there.

Robert Shaw tries, but, even he is handicapped by a stupid premise. He's/his character as smart as a whip, that's how he came out of the Five Points and stayed out. This shit wouldn't happen. No f'in' way. But, then we were deluged by Newman/Redford and the music from the movie. Christ, I was so sick of it.

A couple parts are neat:::Charles Durning is eating in the diner when the fake Fed guys come in to get him. Before he gets up he dips his fingers in his water glass to clean them.

Shaw's persistent use of the term: "Ya follow?" to get his point across to his stooges.

The Sting works way better than American Hustle.

[Thread]

"Walking Tall" from '73. The original with Joe Don Baker. This film had a hard start. Judith Crist in NYC made it her business to black ball this film...because of the vigilantism inherent. It finally got thru and became a sleeper type hit.

It's a great story that has been told and retold decade-by-decade. Two sequels in the '70's, both with Bo Svenson. Baker did not want to get type cast. The sequels have aged well, surprisingly. Especially the second sequel which includes a harrowing scene in a movie theatre there in McNary County of the original "Walking Tall." Buford attends the local premiere with his family (he was an adviser on this film.) They use the soundtrack of the original death scene (wife was shotgunned to death as the two drove to a false police call)(he was severely wounded and needed extensive plastic surgery to his face), but, not the visual. It's effective. Pusser was killed not long after the movie's release in an automobile crash (he was alone.)

Brian Dennehy starred in a television series in the '80's. "A Great American Hero" --- it didn't last long.

And of course the make over with Dwayne Johnson, in 2004.

The original remains a very intense film. The struggle between good & bad turns very, very personal for both sides. Neither will give an inch. Pusser suffers the death of a thousand cuts, but, does not die. He carves a stick/club and exacts his vengeance.

Elizabeth Hartman, very handy in the era plays his wife and she does a fine job of prefacing the fear and dread that cloaks the telling. It's Baker's movie though and he's at prime here, at the zenith and it's a blessing.

[HI-FI]

Superman (1978)
-Lefty

actually Superman is one of my favorites from that decade, probably my favorite John Williams soundtrack and that's saying a lot.
Star Wars was the most important film of the decade imho. Overall the 70s was a golden age of cinema.

lot of great ones already mentioned, but some I own and haven't seen on here.

-THX 1138
-Badlands
-Days of Heaven
-High Plains Drifter
-The Last Waltz
-The Duellists
-Barry Lyndon (very slow but underrated)
-French Connection (part 2 is much better than I expected)
-Sorcerer
-Bad News Bears
-Escape from Alcatraz
-Close Encounters of the Third Kind
-Airplane
-Mean Streets


The Opening of Misty Beethoven
never saw it but I think your boy Jamie Gillis is in it. same director did Barbara Broadcast iirc, and that film is so raunchy :lol

[Thread]

Superman (1978)
-Lefty

actually Superman is one of my favorites from that decade, probably my favorite John Williams soundtrack

Absolutely. The opening on a superior sound system is something else again. I've rattled the house here until I had to trade my Cox DVR in for another one and lost the recording. Putting in the DVD is like cheating.

The movie itself? Has a foreign feel to it. Though there are points along the way.

[Thread]

-The Last Waltz

"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." That's it & that's all. But, it's more than enough. Raises the hair on your arms.

[Avante]

The Godfather, Rocky, The Sting and Serpico, the best of the 70's.

[Thread]

The Godfather, Rocky, The Sting and Serpico, the best of the 70's.

His character and the way he plays him is irritating to the max. That slouchy way that he had back early there just does not appeal. It's the same way he did
"Dog Day Afternoon" - "And Justice For All." Same character, different sides of the badge.

[Nbadan]

Apocalypse now was my favorite movie for decade...watched it a least 40 times.....when Redux came out it filled in a lot of gaps

http://images.mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/insert_main_wide_image/public/apocalypse.png

[Thread]

^^^I found the Redux well excised materiel. It makes "Col. Kilgore" a fool.

The cut version is serviceable with the village attack, the strip scene and scenes on the boat filling in well.

Once they get there it turns into Brando BS.

[140]

I just can't do Apocalypse Now. And by god, I tried.