Tuesday, August 10, 2010

#4. American Graffiti (1973)

DVD Synopsis: This Academy-Award nominated classic, voted one of the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Films of All Time, features the coming of age of four teenagers on their last summer night before college. Rediscover drag racing, Inspiration Point and drive-ins all over again in this nostalgic look back at the early 60’s. The incredible soundtrack brings you the most memorable Rock ‘n’ Roll hits of the era. Directed by George Lucas and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, this classic stars Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Suzanne Somers, Cindy Williams, Wolfman Jack and Mackenzie Phillips. Capture the heart of America’s last age of innocence with American Graffiti.





Director George Lucas went to great lengths to bring the era of the early 60’s to life in this film, from vintage cars and sock hops right down to the leather jackets and slicked-back hair. Yet all this attention to detail would have amounted to nothing without the music. There are 42 classic songs from Rock’s earliest years blasting on the soundtrack (“Little Darlin” by the Diamonds is a personal favorite), adding life and vibrancy to the intricate, and impressive, details on display. 

The year 1962 is now almost 50 years in the past, but watching American Graffiti makes it all seem much more recent. The film resonates as a sort of time capsule, capturing the sights and sounds of an era long gone, and thanks to both George Lucas and some great music, it is a time, a place, and an experience that will live forever.






 
 

4 comments:

Matt Dowling said...

Yeah, you really nailed that one. Great film, amazing music and cast. I'm glad you included this in your 2500 list.

DVD Infatuation said...

@Matt: Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.

This is a movie I grew up on, and I really enjoy watching it. I know there's been talk of a Blu-Ray release somewhere down the line (there's even an Amazon link to one, i believe), but as of today no official announcement on a date.

Thanks again, and have a great day.

Unknown said...

A nostalgic look back at the long lost era of the early 1960's car cruising teenager culture. Richard Dreyfuss, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips, and Paul Le Mat shine among the ensemble cast. Thoroughly enjoyable coming of age film, and a great addition to the 2,500 movie challenge.

DVD Infatuation said...

Jill: Couldn't agree with you more...this is a fun, touching film and a great time capsule of a movie.

And I have to say I really like how you're going back to the earliest days of this "project" of mine! It seems like forever since I've seen these movies, and I'm happy to be discussing them with you.

Thanks for all the support, and have a great day!