Great thread. I've been doing exactly this for the past four months now. I used to ignore old films like those made before the 80's but watched Taxi Driver in May and it sort of opened a new world to me - I've since finished watching the complete filmography of Martin Scorsese's (except a few documentaries) and many classics from the 70's to the 90's by other famous directors. Here are some of the ones worth mentioning as I enjoyed them very much and wish I'd seen them earlier:
Each and every Scorsese film The Godfather 1-3 (these were rewatches but I just have to list them here as they are simply the best of the best) Dog Day Afternoon A Bronx Tale - this one was so good I couldn't believe it was Robert De Niro's directorial debut. Apocalypse Now - I always assumed Marlon Brando was the main character so I was surprised that he only appeared for the last 30 minutes or so of the film but nevertheless this was a masterpiece. JFK, Platoon - probably the best works by Oliver Stone In the Name of the Father - I was shocked to find that Daniel Day Lewis had won three Oscars for Best Leading Actor but having watched this one, My Left Foot, and before those two, The Age of Innocence, Gangs of New York (which I'd watched many years ago) I finally realised why he was regarded so highly as an actor by so many people. Carlito's Way ...And Justice for All
A few slight disappointments/not as great as I thought they'd be: Reservoir Dogs 1900/Novecento Once Upon a Time in America The Deer Hunter Scarface
But of course those above are still much better than the majority films being made these days. I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather spend 2 hours watching an old classic than waste time on some mediocre new film.
By the way, if you like The Godfather trilogy, I'd like to recommend this sublime performance of the soundtrack. It's one of the best things I've seen on YouTube. https://youtu.be/X-jdl9hcCeg?si=B5x15wKPU6bm-rT9
I went to see the Godfather with the orchestra sat behind the screen playing the live while you watch the film
That must have been an amazing experience.
It was brilliant, a completely different experience
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