H O O K E D - Reel Classics

Reel Classics

Written by Rachel Xu

Movies are being churned out like hotcakes nowadays. Despite the sheer number of films that hit the screen each year, there are only a handful that would continue to enchant their audience even after their box office run has long come to an end.

HOOKED presents you with a list of some of these rare finds.

Pretty Woman (1990)

        What is there not to love about this movie? With a stellar cast that includes Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman is popular culture at its finest.

        Roberts stars as a prostitute who gets her big financial break when she meets Gere, a wealthy yet lonely businessman.

        The two indulge in a night of unforgettable passion between the sheets. After disentangling, the pair comes to a mutual agreement for Roberts to be Gere's social escort for several business functions.

        Their initial business-like relationship blossoms into something deeper when the two characters begin to trade deep emotional insights with each other.

        Despite the chemistry of their characters, the disparity of their social status manifests itself in many (hilarious) situations along the film, and questions the plausibility of two individuals from entirely different worlds being together.

        The two leads absolutely sizzle in this movie collaboration. They are possibly one of the key reasons for the immense success of the film.

        Pretty Woman is a classic feel-good film, which offers a fantastic new take on ever-after. Coupled with a smashing soundtrack and a distinctive, aesthetically pleasing 1980s style, this film is definitely a gem for years to come.

Grease (1978)

        Grease has all the essential ingredients for a successful motion picture musical: popular stars, a simple plot and A LOT of enjoyable music.

        The plot opens during the summer holidays to the tune of ‘Love is a Many Splendored Thing', and the scene highlights the blossoming relationship between Sandy (Olivia Newton John) and Danny (John Travolta).

        After pledging their undying affection towards each other, reality interferes and the two part ways to return to high school.

        By a twist of fate, Sandy is transferred to Rydell High, which (obviously) is Danny's high school. Ecstatic to cross paths with the love of her life once again, Sandy is bewildered by Danny's seeming lack of enthusiasm.

        The story unfolds and the audience will soon realize Danny's cool front is actually just a disguise to win acceptance from his group of tough friends, who would castigate him if he showed any overt signs of happiness.

        The two spend the rest of the show dancing (literally) around each other before getting together in the end.

        Grease is wonderful as a musical, comedy, romance and a subtle satire of teenage life during the 50's. Its uplifting beat makes it an absolute classic that still induces sing-along sessions despite its 30 years of age.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

        What's a list of classic movies without this one?

        Breakfast at Tiffany's is based on a novella by Truman Capote, and centers on one man's love for and fascination of his neighbor in his New York apartment building.

        Though it is lamentable that the script was tweaked such that it would appeal more to the general masses, the film is saved by its stars and cinematography.

        Holly Golighty (Audrey Hepburn) is an iconic character for good reasons. Initially perceived to be an airy character with little depth, the viewer later realizes that Golighty has evolved to become the person she is due to past circumstances.

        Paul (George Pappered), Holly's love interest, is an equally flawed character as it becomes apparent to the audience that he is a kept man.

        Instinctively, viewers will root for the two flawed individuals or "black sheep" falling in love.

        What is really fantastic about the movie is its solidly written dialogue that is an absolute joy to listen to. This is a definitive aspect of any great romantic comedy.

        There is also laudable cinematography from Franz F. Palner. Who would ever forget the dream-like establishing shots of New York City at the start of the film, with 'Moon River' being played in the background?

        Breakfast at Tiffany's is a timeless piece that will never fail to elicit a sigh from her audience time and again.

Psycho (1960)

      Psycho is definitely one of Hitchcock's finest works and is an absolute must-watch.

        With Psycho, Hitchcock pushed the boundaries of cinema taboos and censorship at that point in time.

        It was the first film to show a toilet flushing and Janet Leigh was seen in her underwear several times. The first release of the film was after all, close to four decades ago.

        The plot begins with Marion Crane (Leigh) embezzling money from her boss in a desperate attempt to be with her lover Sam Loomis (John Gavin).

        Crane is, to put it kindly, not very talented at being a criminal and thus leaves a wide trail behind her. After running into an ominous policeman who shadows her, and a used car salesman who notes her jittery mood, Crane ends up at the Bates Motel where she meets Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).

        Bates ends up confiding in Crane over a meal and shares his view of life being a trap that everyone is placed in. The night then veers towards one of bloodshed due to violence and supposed jealousy.

        Crane's disappearance arouses suspicions and thus her lover, sister and a private investigator join forces to get to the bottom of the mystery.

        The storyline, although very engaging, is not the main reason why Psycho is a classic. Rather, the construction of the movie reigns supreme in the spotlight. Audience who watch it for the first time would definitely be in for two major shocks.

        The first is the infamous shower scene where the brutal stabbing of Crane takes place to the unsettling music of Bernard Herrman. The second major shock would be that of the revelation of Mother, which even after watching the film several times would still induce goose bumps.

        Hitchcock evidently put in much thought to each of his composed scene, and the quality of the final product will always be apparent to every viewer. hooked

Reckon there are more classic films than what we have? Comment and share with us!

Pictures courtesy of:
http://www.dreamagic.com/roger/psycho2.gif
http://images.art.com/images/PRODUCTS/large/10044000/10044918.jpg
http://www.rochestergoesout.com/mov/g/grease1.jpg http://www.impawards.com/1990/posters/pretty_woman.jpg

Comments
Written by Guest on 2008-03-12 09:24:35
:grin
Written by Guest on 2008-03-14 12:17:11
Sound of Music and those Walt Disney classics like Cinderella, etc. :grin

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