Saturday, May 28, 2011

2011 National Film Registry Inductees

If I had my way, these would be the next movies inducted. I give explanations for the irregulars. I'm amazed some aren't already included.

Appalachian Spring – documentary, 1959. Why?: Recreates the influential 1944 premier performance choreographed by Martha Graham.
Apollo 11 Moon Landing Footage – documentary, 1969. Why?: Is the first film shot on another celestial body.
The Big Lebowski – narrative feature, 1998.
Camille – narrative feature, 1936.
Clerks – narrative feature, 1994.
Der Fuehrer's Face – animated short subject, 1942. Why?: Exemplifies WWII anti-Nazi propaganda.
Fiddler on the Roof – narrative feature, 1971.
A Fish Called Wanda – narrative feature, 1988.
Hearts and Minds – documentary, 1974. Why?: One of the most influential American documentaries of the 1970s, with extensive footage of the Vietnam War.
I Like America and America Likes Me - experimental film/short subject, 1974. Why?: One of the defining moments of performance art by Joseph Beuys.
Jason and the Argonauts – narrative feature, 1963.
Jurassic Park – narrative feature, 1993.
The Minds Eye: A Computer Animation Odyssey – animated short subject, 1990. Why?: Was a pioneer in computer animation technology.
Monterey Pop – documentary, 1968. Why?: Documents the first great American rock festival, before Woodstock.
The Old Mill – animated short subject, 1937. Why?: First use of the multiplane camera.
Plan Nine from Outer Space – narrative feature, 1959.
President Nixon's Resignation Speech – newsreel, 1974. Why?: Documents a critical moment in American politics.
The Princess Bride – narrative feature, 1987.
Pulp Fiction – narrative feature, 1994.
The Purple Rose of Cairo – narrative feature, 1985.
Superman – animated short subject, 1941. Why?: Was the first film adaptation of the comic book icon, heavily influencing future depictions.
The Times of Harvey Milk – documentary, 1984. Why?: Preserves documentary footage of the early gay rights movement in America, and its leader Harvey Milk.
Treasure Island – narrative feature, 1950.
The Truman Show – narrative film, 1998.
Twice Upon a Time – animated feature film, 1983. Why?: Only example of a feature-length animation to use lumage.

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