Define Classic?

[carpaltonnel]

What in your mind makes a movie a classic? Are there actual rules or standards? Or is it just preference? List some of your favorite classics of all time!

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by carpaltonnel

What in your mind makes a movie a classic? Are there actual rules or standards? Or is it just preference?

A classic is a film: that does a certain thing to a point of lasting brilliance.

A classic re-shapes permanently the genre or type of filmmaking that the film embodies. A classic leaves a lasting imprint (of itself) on every film: that follows in it's footsteps.

A classic burns itself immediately into your mind, as a film you will never forget. In terms of story, personality, structure, cast, and effect.

A classic is a film that becomes its own adjective. Like Die Hard on a ship. Or Die Hard on a plane.

A classic creates a world distinctly it's own. While being entertaining, true to itself, and self-contained; all in the same breath.

A classic is a film: that when you watch it. You pick up something new, everytime.

A classic makes you forget that you're watching anything. Something that absorbs you totally and completely.

A classic is a quintessential tale told indelibly.

I hope that helps you.

Carpaltunnel, you never told me. If you got my list.

[carpaltonnel]

Bruce seemed to "define" a Classic film spot on. I'd love to hear about everyones personal take also, plus it would be cool if you could list the first Classic film that comes to your mind too. Maybe explain why it's a classic in your eyes.

[McKellars]

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Because of its awesomeness.

[mikejet]

Any film a particular individual can watch over and over to their hearts content. Like I think Hunt for Red October is a classic.

Everything is always through the viewer perspective.

[carpaltonnel]

Originally Posted by mikejet

Any film a particular individual can watch over and over to their hearts content. Like I think Hunt for Red October is a classic.

Everything is always through the viewer perspective.

True indeed, but what about what is called "Classic Film?" What i'm saying is when you think of a "Classic Film" do you think old?

[Tadji Malik]

Originally Posted by peter008

a movie does'nt have to be old to be a classic, it just have to leave you with a great lasting memory that will be with you forever.

+1
That steals my definition. To paraphrase I'd say it's a film that has been or will be remembered for a long time, either by an individual or by a group.

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

A classic is a film that becomes its own adjective. Like Die Hard on a ship. Or Die Hard on a plane.

I like this one too.


I tend to let the test of time define classic. 'Casablana', 'Citizen Kane', and 'Lawrence of Arabia' make my list. 'Star Wars' counts as a modern classic. An ultra modern classic would be 'The Dark Knight'. Like it or hate it, it'll be remembered for a long time, and that's what makes the difference.

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by Tadji Malik

+1
That steals my definition. To paraphrase I'd say it's a film that has been or will be remembered for a long time, either by an individual or by a group.



I like this one too.


I tend to let the test of time define classic. 'Casablana', 'Citizen Kane', and 'Lawrence of Arabia' make my list. 'Star Wars' counts as a modern classic. An ultra modern classic would be 'The Dark Knight'. Like it or hate it, it'll be remembered for a long time, and that's what makes the difference.

So, in your mind, a "classic" doesn't actually mean the piece has to be good but that it is remembered or cited more often than others...?

[andyman1970]

I think everyone has their own ideas as to what classic means. To me it is something that stands out from the rest and has stood the test of time. Something that has made an impact on individuals, groups and culture.

Some movies that I consider classics are

Casablanca
The Pink Panther (1964)
The Wizard of Oz
Halloween
Gone with the Wind
Star Wars (Original Trilogy)
Psycho
North by Northwest
so many early Disney works

And a few modern classics would include
Rain Man
Big Fish
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Pleasantville
Toy Story
Brokeback Mountain
Million Dollar Baby
Forrest Gump

[Tadji Malik]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

So, in your mind, a "classic" doesn't actually mean the piece has to be good but that it is remembered or cited more often than others...?

Yep.

I think we need to make two types of classic definitions. How about:

Personnal Classic -a film loved by an individual
Industry Classic -a film remembered by historians, critics, and fans.

As an example, 'Gone with the Wind' is an industry classic but not a personnal classic. I don't need to sit through that one again!

[TenEightyP]

Originally Posted by Tadji Malik

I tend to let the test of time define classic. 'Casablana', 'Citizen Kane', and 'Lawrence of Arabia' make my list. 'Star Wars' counts as a modern classic. An ultra modern classic would be 'The Dark Knight'. Like it or hate it, it'll be remembered for a long time, and that's what makes the difference.

I was wondering how long before TDK got a mention, I was surprised it took that many posts !!

Like all posts on this forum, it's all about personal opinion. One person's classic will be another person's turkey.

For me there seems to be two kinds of classic:

The films defined as classics by film journalists, academics, critics and industry notables (see any TV programme with a "top 100 all times films" theme).

And secondly the films you personally love and define as classics, not necessarily from an academic standpoint, but just because you watch it over and over again. Or just enjoy it on any number of levels.

I have always wondered why Citizen Cane is defined as a classic, I must watch it again, but I would like someone, be it a discussion or a book to point out what I am missing.

I am going to name one film that I never get tired of watching (it's a good job optical media don't wear out). To me this is a classic.

Alien.


.

[tilapiah6]

I think a classic is defined by its originality and re-watchability to the viewer.

[witheygull]

Originally Posted by TenEightyP

I have always wondered why Citizen Cane is defined as a classic, I must watch it again, but I would like someone, be it a discussion or a book to point out what I am missing.

How many times have you seen Citizen Kane? I was underwhelmed the first time I saw it, but my enjoyment of it has substantially increased with multiple viewings. For me the problem was I heard for years before I saw it that it was the greatest film of all time and was disappointed when I wasn't rendered comatose by awesomeness on first viewing it.

Once I got past the hype and watched the movie a second time (and a third, and a fourth, and however many times I've seen it now), I was able to see its merits more clearly.

I believe that most people would call Citizen Kane a classic due to the incredible technique displayed in the film. Orson Welles and his cinematographer Gregg Toland accomplished a lot of extremely difficult and creative shots that had never been attempted in film before. For some of the innovations they achieved, check out this wikipedia entry.

Another thing that has greatly enhanced my appreciation of the movie is just watching a lot more movies that came out prior to Citizen Kane. The more pre-1941 films you see, the more you will understand how much Citizen Kane advanced the art of film.