http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090712/ENTERTAINMENT0702/307129963/-1/NEWS
by Kevin Cuneo
Published: July 12. 2009
To provide some insight into the mood of the country in the late
1960s, cable networks and movie channels plan to show many films from
that era in the coming weeks.
Some, such as "The Graduate," which came out in 1967, echo themes of
the time through Simon and Garfunkel's haunting melodies.
Others, such as "Hair," based on the popular Broadway show and
released in 1979, seem dated. The music is great, but the film
doesn't hold up as well as the stage show.
To get a feel for what was percolating in the U.S. during that time,
here are 10 films to consider:
"Alice's Restaurant" 1969 -- Arlo Guthrie's popular song inspired
this quirky movie. Critic Leonard Maltin calls it an "odd blend of
satire, whimsy, melodrama and social commentary." But it's generally
good fun and well worth another look.
"Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" 1969 -- Paul Mazursky's glossy study of
modern lifestyles and sexual freedom also seems like a period piece,
but strong performances by Natalie Wood, Robert Culp, Dyan Cannon and
Elliott Gould will keep you entertained.
"Easy Rider" 1969 -- Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper wrote and star in
this film about two motorcyclists who chuck it all and try to find
the "real America." Jack Nicholson, playing a boozy lawyer, became a
star in this movie. A strong cast helps offset the dated material.
"Five Easy Pieces" 1970 -- Jack Nicholson is back as a talented
musician who gives up that career to work on an oil rig. Performances
are outstanding in this excellent film which captures the mood of
discontent of the era.
"Forrest Gump" 1994 -- This really isn't a '60s film, but rather a
survey of those years. Tom Hanks is so engaging as Gump, however,
that children might get a glimpse of what made the '60s such a vital
time. Robin Wright and Gary Sinise are at the top of their games.
"The Graduate" 1967 -- Mike Nichols' bitingly poignant film about a
naive college graduate (Dustin Hoffman) who is seduced by an older
woman (Anne Bancroft) reveals much about the rift between
generations. That was a recurring theme of the late '60s.
"Hair" 1979 -- The great theatrical musical doesn't translate too
effectively to the screen, but the passion of the songs is still
there. "Hair" is enjoying another revival on Broadway, and if you can
make it to New York, that's the place to see this show.
"Love Story" 1970 -- The backdrop of this rich-boy-meets-poor-girl
love story touches upon the powerful rifts between generations of
that era. A huge best-seller and hit movie at the time, it seems
schmaltzy and corny today. But if it pops up on the late show, you
might think twice before turning it off.
"Midnight Cowboy" 1969 -- The friendship between characters played by
Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman is an old story. But, set in seamy New
York City at the time, it captures the mood and feel of the era.
Rated X when it came out, it seems tame by today's standards.
"Woodstock" 1970 -- The young Martin Scorcese helped edit this
riveting documentary of the famous rock festival. Not only do you see
terrific performances by some of the top singers and bands of the
time, you also get a feel for what it must have been like to be at
Woodstock. Look for the 1994 release of the film, which offers 40
additional minutes of performances.
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