Ok so I’ve completed my first Blind Spot series! Well ok I might’ve missed a couple for one reason or another – Time Bandits and How The West Was Won – but I’d still watch them at some point. The Blind Spot series was originally spearheaded by Ryan at The Matinee, and I was also inspired by Dan’s list at Public Transportation Snob.
It’s been great catching up on classic films that’ve somehow eluded me all these years. Most of them have ranged from good to excellent. Now, I try to cover a variety of genres here, and include at least one that I don’t normally go for. In this case, I include a silent film, Wings, which happens to be the first silent film to win Best Picture Oscar back in 1927. I ended up including two Hitchcock films. I had picked Rear Window initially, but upon reading Cindy’s review of Marnie, I just had to include that, too. And thanks to Michael for helping me decide which film noir to include, The Big Sleep.
Anyhoo, here’s my 12 picks in alphabetical order:
- 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968)
- A Place in the Sun (1951)
- A Star Is Born (1954)
- The Big Sleep (1946)
- Breathless (1960)
- Giant (1956)
- Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? (1967)
- Marnie (1964)
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
- Rear Window (1954)
- Sunset Blvd. (1950)
- Wings (1927)
…
Boy, it’s a lot tougher than I thought to put this together, but I’m excited to finally getting around to watching them! Like I did this year, I will just pick at random which film I want to see in a given month.
Well, have you seen any of these? Which one(s) are your favorite?
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FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Nice list! Looking forward to your thoughts on them! I’ve only seen Rear Window and like it a lot. Big fan of Jimmy Stewart here, and Grace Kelly looks amazing in it.
Just a small thing I noticed: your post title says 2005 instead of 2015 🙂 Don’t wanna be that person pointing those tiny mistakes out but didn’t want you to think I wasn’t paying attention, either, haha.
Ooops, that’s what happens when you’re posting stuff too fast 😀 THANKS for correcting me Fernando. And yeah, looking forward to Rear Window, I love Jimmy Stewart, too.
I’ve seen 4 of these as I think 2001 is my favorite of the 4 w/ A bout de souffle in 2nd, Sunset Boulevard in third, and Marnie in 4th. I’m going to watch my final Blind Spot film this weekend as I just want to get it over with as it’s the most extreme of the 12 films I chose to see this year which is…. Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom.
Boy your last Blindspot sounds extreme indeed, I guess my choices are pretty *safe* ahah. I’m most excited to see Sunset Blvd and Marnie out of my list here.
That is cool as I have some more Wilder and Hitchcock films that I plan to watch for next year in my nearly-finished watchlist for 2015.
Really awesome list, Ruth. So looking forward to your series in 2015. Thank you for generous namedrop, too.
Thanks Michael for helping me decide and I actually already *penciled* in The Big Sleep so I’m glad you recommended that too 😉
Of those films Rear Window would top my list of favorites. Breathless and The Big sleep are right behind it.
I have a feeling you love The Big Sleep Keith 😉 So are you a big fan of Godard? I’d imagine so since you like French Cinema. I have lots of catching up to do as I haven’t seen any from him.
I like Godard. But there are several other French New Wave filmmakers who are just as good namely Truffaut, Varda, and Chabrol. You should give them a look as well.
I’ll definitely consult w/ you next time I’m tackling French New Wave Keith! 😀
I’ve only seen Rear Window, which displays fantastic use of a single setting. Looking forward to reading your thoughts about it!
Oh now I’m even more intrigued to see this!
Great list! 2001 and A Place in The Sun are in my top 100. Look forward to the reviews!
I look forward to seeing all of this! Glad to hear you love A Place in the Sun. I just realized I have two Liz Taylor movies on my list but hey, she was the Classic Screen Queen 😉
Pretty exciting…I am guessing you will enjoy most if not all of these! And what a selection of screen legends. There are quite a lot there that I haven’t seen (in fact I’ve only seen 1, 8, 9 and 10 before) and I’m feeling inspired to check a few out myself. Rear Window is brilliant but I think Marnie is a very, very interesting Hitchcock film, even if it has its flaws, so I’ll be interested to read what you make of that next year. I won’t spoil anything but it contains one of my favourite tense Hitchcock set pieces!
Yeah I think I will enjoy them all. I guess my choices aren’t as *brave* as some others but I really don’t want to waste my time watching something that I know I most likely wouldn’t enjoy. I’m excited to see those two Hitchcock films, esp. Marnie as it’s not as popular.
A fine list, Ruth. Sunset Boulevard I’m reviewing soon as part of a William Holden tribute–I’ll be anxious to hear your thoughts and try not to spoil the plot. 😉 From your list I’ve not seen A bout de souffle, so will look forward to that.
Oooh cool! No spoilers right? I want to be as fresh as possible going into it, though I already know the famous line “I’m ready for my close-up” 😀
A bout de souffle is Breathless from Godard, I couldn’t find an English poster of that.
I’ve seen all but 2. I know that everyone LOVES Rear Window…but I found it dull and uninspired. I know, I know…it’s sacrilegious to say, but whatever. Breathless spurned my absolute love of all things Godard, so I can’t wait to hear your thoughts…and Sunset Blvd. is outstanding! You have a lot of goodness in store (and some great actressing!).
Hey Drew! I have a feeling you’ve seen most of them. Well I don’t always like everything from Hitchcock so I’m going in w/ neutral expectation. I’ve been wanting to check out Godard for ages, just to see what the fuss is about, ahah. As for Sunset Blvd, I usually like Wilder’s work so I have a feeling I’d love that one.
Marnie and Giant are both great!
Glad to hear it Abbi!
Nice list! I can’t wait to hear what you think about all of them!
I can’t wait to finally see them all too!
I’m secretly participating in the Blind Spot as well but since I’ve failed twice already, I’m not going to put up my list but reveal each film each month in case I do succeed.
We share a movie though, in our list, so I mean.. that’s all I’m gonna tell you! 😀
Nice list!
Hi Mettel, hey glad I’m not the only one who couldn’t complete the Blindspot. I still have two more I couldn’t finish by year’s end. But I’m optimistic I’ll get thru all 12 next year, well finger’s crossed 😉 Curious to see which movie we share.
Fingers crossed indeed!
I’ve only seen three from the list, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Rear Window and The Poseidon Adventure. Of course I’ve mentioned many times how much I love 2001 so that’s my favorite. Please avoid The Poseidon Adventure remake, the original was decent, way too outdated but still fun. But the remake was just an awful film. I haven’t seen Rear Window in a long time but I think I enjoyed it.
Hi Ted! Oh I think I know which one is the Poseidon remake. I have no interest in seeing that, but this original one has Gene Hackman so I figure it’d be decent.
Wow – you are in for a great year! Looking forward to keeping up with your entries yet again!
I’m super stoked to check out all the movies too, Ryan! Glad I decided to participate in your Blindspot series.
Nice choice of films, Ruth!
‘Giant’ may not be the best casting of Rock Hudson. Though it is a sprawling tale that plays into James Dean’s character, Jett Rink extremely well. Especially as he and Rock Hudson age and their real anger comes out.
‘Breathless’ is a cool choice. As is ‘Wings’ for all its tricks in later films. While ‘Rear Window’ lets Hitchcock do what he does best. By not giving away the “McGuffin” until the audience is well primed for it!
Can’t go wrong with ‘The Big Sleep’ or ‘Sunset Boulevard’ Save ‘2001’ and ‘A Place In The Sun’ and/or ‘Marnie’ for a damp Saturday afternoon.
Hey, glad to hear I made some good choices Kevin! 😀 I have never seen anything w/ Hudson so I’m curious to see anything w/ him in it. Plus I want to see more James Dean movies so I’d hit two birds w/ one stone. Nice to see you approve many of these, too!
Great list! I’ve only seen Rear Window and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner didn’t really excite me, aside from the wonderful cast, but it was brave for its time.
Hi Irene! Yeah I figure Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was brave for its time, that’s kind of why I’m curious to see it. Plus I want to see something w/ Mr. Poitier.
Great list, Flixy. I’ve seen all but Marnie and The Poseidon Adventure. My favorites are Wings and Sunset Boulevard.
Thanks Becky! I knew you love Wings and that’s partly why I want to check it out.
I’ve seen a majority of the films you’ve mentioned and I’d recommend 2001, Breathless, and Rear Window the most.
Glad to hear! Can’t wait to finally see them all.
Nice list. A bunch of those I haven’t seen either. Getting to watch blind spots has not been as successful this year as in previous ones, but I’m committed to really get cranking next year. You’re in for a treat with 2001, one of my all-time favorites, and by far the most interesting piece of sci-fi I have probably ever seen. Rear Window is also excellent, especially if you are fond of James Stewart’s work and are trying to get into Hitchcock a bit more. Easily one of his best pieces.
Hi Niels! Yeah I missed two movies this year too, just too much going on back in the Summer and also in October, but I’m hoping I would be able to complete them all next year. I’ve been hearing kind of opposite reviews of 2001 so I’m curious which camp I’d fall into. I do like Jimmy Stewart and been wanting to check out more of his work.
Nice list, I’ve seen 3 of them: 2001, Rear Window, and Sunset Boulevard. The latter two are both excellent. Sunset blvd was my 2nd episode of Filmwhys and it is such a great film. Enjoy!
Hi Nathan! I’m super excited to check out Sunset Blvd, I’ve always been fascinated by films about Hollywood, too.
Looks like you have a great list here, Ruth! For sure as Judy Garland fanatic, A Star Is Born is my favorite movies of her film career. I hope you enjoy it, as I think it’s the best version of the Star Is Born collection of remakes. Also, hope you enjoy Rear Window; such a great Alfred Hitchcock classic. 😀
Hi Katy! I didn’t know you’re a Judy Garland fanatic. I’ve only heard her sing and she has a beautiful voice. Can’t wait to check out A Star is Born!
Nice list. I’ve seen 5 of the 12. Rear Window is my fave of those. Sunset Blvd probably has the single best acting performance of any of these. I’ll save the rest of my two cents for whenever you post the reviews.
Thanks Dell! Now I’m even more excited to check out Sunset Blvd. So far I’ve liked all of Billy Wilder’s films.
Only been watched one of them 😦 great list! All of them were classic and I wanna watch sone of them too, those Hitchcocks and stuffs 😦
Which one have you seen Paskalis?
From your list, Breathless is my blind spot. I think it’s going to be a great year for you. I look forward to each one. Maybe I’ll jump the Goddard Shark when you do in simpatico.
Hey Richard! I think so too. So you’re saying you haven’t seen anything by Godard either? Well glad I’m not the only one then 🙂
Nice list. Haven’t seen them all myself, but there are some good ones in there. Interested to read what you think of Breathless as I didn’t understand why it got so much praise.
Might have to make a blind spot post myself, because there are a couple of movies I’ve been meaning to see for years, but just keep postponing. The first that jumps to mind is the Three Colors trilogy….
Hi Nostra! Part of the reason I picked these movies is to find out if it’s worth all the hype, y’know. Yeah you should do the Blindspot series too, curious to see which films you’d pick.
Hi Ruth! Awesome list! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts next year on films like Rear Window (my favorite), Sunset Blvd., 2001 and The Big Sleep. 🙂
Hi Josh! I take it you’ve seen all of these? I might do Sunset Blvd first as that’s the one I’m most excited to see.
Yeah, I’ve seen all of these. Sunset Blvd. would be a great starting point!
Sunset Blvd is the best out of those, it’s such a masterpiece! Great choices all around
Oh glad to hear! I REALLY want to see that one, can’t believe it took me so long to finally get to it.
I’ve only seen #1 and #10, both are some of my fave films, looking forward to your reviews on all of these blindspots. 🙂
I’m quite ashamed I haven’t seen #1 and #10 as those are so popular. Well I look forward to seeing them and glad to hear they’re your faves 😀
I just finished making up my list for 2015! Will post it next week. It’s tough to narrow it down but you picked some good ones. Breathless is on mine too! I also haven’t seen A Place in the Sun, The Poseidon Adventure, or Wings.
2001 is weird but good, obviously a classic. I saw A Star is Born over the summer and liked it a lot. The Big Sleep started out good but put me to sleep by the end (twice!). Also not a big fan of Giant or Marnie. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is pretty good, but Sunset Boulevard and Rear Window are both GREAT! I’m jealous you’re getting to see those for the first time!
Hi Melissa! I’m curious to see your list, so let me know when you have that up. Bummer about The Big Sleep, I sure hope I’d like it more than you did.
Good to see 2001 on top of your list. Sort it out Ruth!
Ahah well, it’s because of your recent review that I had to include it here. Otherwise you might scold me 😉
Good!
Cool picks, Ruth! I have seen half of them, and three of them rank among my all-time favorites (2001: A Space Odyssey, Sunset Blvd, Rear Window). Enjoy!
Hi Eric! Glad to hear, can’t wait to watch ’em, esp. Sunset Blvd!
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Very cool, Ruth! The only one I’ve seen of these is 2001: A Space Odyssey. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of that! I’m also thinking I may have to start my own Blindspot List for the year, especially since I still have time to do that!
I feel ashamed I haven’t seen 2001: A Space Odyssey since it’s such an iconic film, but at the same time I hope it lives up to the hype, y’know. Yes you should start your Blindspot series, too!
There’s quite a few I haven ‘to seen here either, Ruth but I do know that you’re in for an absolute treat with The Big Sleep and Rear Window. Two of my favourite films.
Hi Mark! Nice to see two of your faves are on my Blindspot. The Big Sleep and Rear Window seem to be highly rated by a lot of people so I’m keen on finally checking ’em out.
You are in for a couple of absolute treats, Ruth. Treats, I say!! 😉
I still need to see Sunset Boulevard and The Big Sleep, I should check those one out this year too. You will love Rear Window!
Hey Mel! I actually saw a remake (or reimagining) of Rear Window, I think it’s called Disturbia w/ Shia LaBeaouf? I quite like that one but I’d think the original would be eons better!
Yes I have seen it, okay if you like that, then you will love this one it is 1 thousand, I mean 1 million times better. 🙂 And I know you love Jimmy Stewart and this is really one of his best performances hands down. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
Great list – Wings and The Big Sleep are on my Blind Spot list for this year too. I look forward to seeing what you make of them!
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An interesting selection. Out of these I’ve seen five of your twelve (The Big Sleep, Sunset Blvd, Rear Window, Breathless, and 2001: A Space Odyssey). I don’t suppose it would do any good to try and warn you about Breathless? Out of all the awful Jean-Luc Godard films I’ve been forced to watch in my various classes, it’s probably the most tolerable (the fact that it actually has a coherent story makes it slightly less painful than Alphaville or Tout Va Bien) but it’s not very well written. The main character is basically an idiot and the whole ending where he dies and delivers a speech about the injustices of society loses its punch when you realize there was absolutely nothing unjust about what happened to him. I mean, he had shot already a cop, then approached the police officers with a loaded gun, they told him to put it down, and he didn’t, so they shot him; if you have a gun and don’t put it down when the cops ask you to and you’ve already shot one of them they have the right to shoot you, that’s basic police proceedure. That, and the jump buts are rather annoying and kinda ridiculous. Godard basically completed the movie and realized it was too long, so rather than doing what any sane filmmaker would do and try to figure out what could be cut without affecting the overall film, he just cut stuff completely at random. I guess it shows his general laziness, the same kind he displayed when he made quite possibly the most pathetic vision of the future ever put on film in Alphaville (and by that I mean he didn’t even bother to create a vision of the future, he literally just dropped the viewer into 1960’s Paris and injected the word “galaxy” into random lines of dialogue in a desperate attempt to cover up the fact that he was too lazy to actually come up with an interesting dystopian future).
I haven’t seen The Poseidon Adventure, but based on my experiences with its director I can’t say I have particularly optimistic feelings about it. This was after all the same genius behind Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (you can see my review of that WONDERFUL film: http://hitchcocksworld.blogspot.ca/search/label/Irwin%20Allen) and The Towering Inferno (a boring film that completely fails to deliver on the towering inferno it promises, instead opting to focus on random bureaucracy for at least an hour). Also, if Runaway Train was anything to go on (http://hitchcocksworld.blogspot.ca/2015/02/going-off-rails-on-crazy-train.html) I can’t say I’m too confident about 1970’s-80’s big-budget disaster films in general.
Now 2001, there is a classic. Actually, I’ve cited it multiple times as my all-time favorite movie, and I think I may have to ask how someone as passionate about film as you are hasn’t already seen it. It’s an incredible movie, one that you might have to see to believe. It’s also one you may have to watch multiple times to fully appreciate (it’s hardly a conventional science fiction film), but it’s worth it. I’d say it’s probably one of the greatest cinematic achievements of its day.
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