1970s

  • Elio Petri – Buone notizie AKA Good News (1979)

    1971-1980ComedyDramaElio PetriItaly

    “Only for those abnormal” (an IMDB review by RodrigAndrisani)

    The music for this film is composed by the greatest composer of film music of all time, Ennio Morricone. But it’s almost nonexistent and as little as it is, it’s not great. Deliberately maybe, because the subject itself, with capital M, is Madness, The Madness of Humanity. Place of the action: the crazy world we live in, a world where those who do not kill, do not use drugs, etc., are abnormal. Here’s what the director Elio Petri himself says, in his book “The adventurous history of Italian cinema”: “It’s a film about the société du spectacle. In the society of the spectacle it’s not the spectacle of life, there is only the show that gives you the impression that you live, while you don’t live from long time ago.Read More »

  • Franco Zeffirelli – Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

    Drama1971-1980EpicFranco ZeffirelliItaly

    From awarded director Franco Zefirelli has been brought to screen this wonderful depiction of the greatest story ever to be told: the life of Jesus Of Nazareth, God became man. The One who came to earth to feed our faith; from the annunciation of archangel Gabriel to holy Mary, until the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, this narration reminds us of the greatness of a men who changed the world and granted light to mankind, light that presently lights up all of its pathways.Read More »

  • Robert Day – Ritual of Evil [+ commentary] (1970)

    USA1961-1970Robert DayThrillerTV

    Dr. David Sorell (Jourdan) investigates the death of one of his patients, a young heiress, and uncovers a cult of wealthy people who practice black magic, witchcraft and devil worship. Hyde-White returns as Harry Snowden, one of David’s associates.Read More »

  • Alan Rudolph – Welcome to L.A. (1976)

    1971-1980Alan RudolphDramaRomanceUSA

    The lives and romantic entanglements of a group of young adults who have achieved “overnight” success in Los Angeles.Read More »

  • Jean Rouch – Mya – la mère (1970)

    1961-1970DocumentaryFranceJean RouchShort Film

    About an African mother suckling her two year old child.Read More »

  • Mark Rydell – Cinderella Liberty (1973)

    1971-1980DramaMark RydellRomanceUSA

    Quote:
    This charming tough-love romance is yet more evidence why the early 1970s is considered one of the most creative times in Hollywood. Basically a story about a link-up between a sailor and a pool hall tramp, Cinderella Liberty overcomes traditional problems with such material. The “R” rating for once allows such characters to talk as they might, although our nice-guy hero has a thing against profanity. Darryl Ponicsan’s story acknowledges the desperation of sailors to find female companionship, especially when on ‘Cinderella Liberty,’ a shore pass that expires at midnight. Also breaking with Hollywood tradition, the film allows Marsha Mason’s hooker to be credibly profane and self destructive, and yet still be worthy of our concern. The movie has its share of emotional compromises but by the last act we’re only hoping that things turn out well for our deserving main characters.Read More »

  • Jacques Manlay – Directed by Jacques Tourneur (1978)

    1971-1980DocumentaryFranceJacques Manlay

    Interview with Jacques Tourneur in his french country house in 1977. This is the only existing television interview of Jacques Tourneur. It has been directed for the french tv channel “FR3”.
    Very interresting stories about Hollywood system and cinema industry hierarchy and codes.Read More »

  • Don Schain – Too Hot to Handle (1977)

    1971-1980ActionDon SchainEroticaUSA

    Plot:
    Gorgeous blonde assassin Samantha Fox accepts a contract to liquidate a quintet of gangsters in the Philippines. Problems ensue when she falls in love with the Manila detective investigating the killings. Plenty of sleaze, sex and action in this actioner filmed on location.Read More »

  • Bahram Beizai – Ragbar AKA Downpour (1972)

    1971-1980ArthouseBahram BeizaiClassicsIran

    A major figure in both pre- and post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, Bahram Beyza’i burst onto the scene with Downpour, his remarkable debut feature that won a Special Jury Prize at the First Tehran International Film Festival. Mr. Hekmati (Parviz Fanizadeh) arrives in the poor southern part of Tehran to take up a teaching post. When his students misbehave, he expels one of them. The next day, the boy’s older sister Atefeh comes to the school to plead her brother’s case. Smitten by her beauty, Mr. Hekmati is nevertheless reluctant to approach her, especially after he learns that her hand has already been promised to the local butcher. Beyza’i creates a powerful sense of a closed community still ruled by tradition, where custom always trumps individual desire. Thanks to its restoration by Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation, this key Iranian classic can now be discovered by new generations of filmgoers.
    — Film at Lincoln CentreRead More »

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