4 Reasons Why You Should Watch Classic Films

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca (1942)

This article was originally published on August 20th, 2019 and reposted following my blog update.

My typical movie pick is a French New Wave film or a 90’s rom com, but there are a variety of genres and decades of film that I have never explored. So this summer I set a goal for myself to watch more classic films. I was inspired by a book I discovered this past year called The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter. It is based on The Essentials series by Turner Classic Movies, which features the top must-see films ranging from the silent era to the 1980s. The book not only presents a list of essential films, but also expands on important scenes and offers insightful commentary.  

Some modern movie-goers might not appreciate these seemingly outdated films - especially those from the early days of Hollywood. However, there are many reasons why classic film is important to watch and study, and I will share with you some of the reasons it is important to me. 

History

Film serves as a piece of recorded history and offers a unique context for learning about different cultures, beliefs and ideas. While most movies present social and cultural history, some more straightforwardly address prevalent subjects of the time or have a historical setting. One history film is the Civil War drama Gone with the Wind (1939). The film is set during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era and tells the story of the collapse of the Old South infusing historical events with the romance between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler.

You can gain a better understanding of the historical context just by watching these films, however, it is also great to pair your movie watching with additional discussions of the films. I  always search for film analysis on YouTube or through a google search. It really shapes my perspectives of the film as well as its historical setting.

Hollywood itself also has a unique history. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Hollywood, I would recommend the You Must Remember This podcast. There are some fascinating episodes about the forgotten or unknown stories of film.

Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Art

If film is an art form, then classic films are the masterpieces. Just like an Impressionist painting possesses qualities that are distinct from a High Renaissance work, movies possess different qualities to explore and admire across genres, styles and decades. The 1927 German science-fiction film Metropolis is different in many ways from the 1959 romantic comedy Some Like It Hot, yet both movies have unique attributes that make them a classic work of cinema. Older movies of the Golden Age of Hollywood seem to possess a sort of purity. When you think about modern movies, the plot seems to move quickly and the screen is livened with numerous special effects. Although there are qualities to admire in modern movies, there is something artful about telling stories in a more simple way. I think this explains why people often perceive old movies as slow and boring, just as certain styles of paintings might not capture our attention if we’ve become accustomed to others. However, as you learn more about the differences in genres, styles and decades of film, you begin to enjoy them in different ways and appreciate them more.

Metropolis (1927)

Inspiration

These films can also provide us with moving stories that teach valuable lessons. I think this is one reason that a film is deemed “classic” - the morals they present to the viewers often transcend time.

My all-time favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). I watch it a few times a year, and I admittedly cry every time I watch it. One of the reasons it is my favorite is because it depicts a valuable lessons about the importance of friends, family and gratitude. Through witnessing the transformation of the main character, George Bailey, we are reminded of the beauty of everyday life even in the midst of seemingly dark times. 

Classic movies can also inspire us with character deportment and unique aesthetics. If you read my blog you might be inspired by the elegance of women like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Bette Davis. I too have been inspired by the grace embodied by these women. To me, their style and mannerisms partially define the art of being a woman. Other films have a certain look and feel or indescribable quality that are moving. I adore the cinematic style of films by the Italian film director, Michelangelo Antonioni. L’Eclisse (1962) is my favorite films, which - similar to many of Antonioni’s films -captures viewers with enigmatic characters and slow narrative. 

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Pleasure

Lastly, classic films can also be enjoyable for all audiences. Through the incredible qualities these films possess as I mentioned above, they can provide us with a pleasurable experience. Watching movies should not be something we detest, but leave us with a positive take-away before the closing credits send us from a cinematic world.

If you are interested in a guide for watching essential films, I would recommend checking out The Essentials book. 

Happy watching!