Classic Movies vs Modern Movies

United States
October 12, 2009 9:16pm CST
Why generally speaking most of the classic movies are considered to me masterpieces and most of the modern movies are considered to be mediocre? Why aren't they reviewed as a total movie entity? What kind of mentality is being used especially from the critics,I honestly don't know! Yes I have to admit that respect must be given to such movies that dealt with something new back then, but it's like saying that the airplane that the Wright brothers made is better than a modern F-16! Why for example Space Odyssey or Blade Runner might be considered 'classic masterpieces' and not the most recent Star Wars or Star Trek? I seen Blade Runner recently and it was just ridiculous with all that special effects that they had back in the 80's (In terms of adaptations I'd rather prefer Minority Report..) And in terms of scenario Chaplin's movies were just ridiculous compared for example with 'As good as it gets' Any opinions on the issue?
1 response
@Bionicman (3958)
• Czech Republic
13 Oct 09
You can't really compare two movies if time gap between them is too big. But this classic vs modern movies separation is a little confusing to me. I'd say that "classic movie" is a movie that is considered excellent by majority. Sometimes it takes time to be recognized but saying all classic movies are old is wrong. I'm pretty sure Dark Knight is already considered as classic. If not, it sure will in a year or two. what about The Matrix, Fight Club, Titanic, LOTR, Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction etc? All classics. Classics are movies that will be remembered. You'll see the new Star Trek, you think it's cool and a few days later you forget about it. You have to admit that old Star Wars episodes are at least 2x better than the new. Special effects aren't everything. I saw one real classic today for the first time. Spaghetti western "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964). It was filmed without sound (it was added later), there were no special effects. Not even blood when someone gets shot. But hell, it was way better than any movie made in 2009. Acting was great and Clint Eastwood was brilliant. You're just watching the movie and thinking I want to be like that guy.
@UmiNoor (4523)
• Malaysia
14 Oct 09
I agree. Movies are considered classics when they've been considered excellent by the majority and when they leave an indelible mark on you and the society as a whole. It's not the special effects but the emotional and personal effects that the movies have on the viewers that make it a classic. You'll know it when after watching a movie you feel enriched by the experience of watching the movie. Now that will a classic.