Despite World War II and the destruction it caused, the American movie industry had the power to keep on going during the 1940s, and launched several important movies, but also several masterpieces that have stood the test of time. And are bound to remain that way for many decades to come. Aside from the propaganda elements, these were astounding productions, many of them of huge artistic and cinematography value, and are worth a rememberance. Cele mai bune filme ale anilor 40
Citizen Kane (1941) : this movie directed by Orson Welles would prove to be one of the best, both in critical and box office terms, of the decade. This time the director, who was already famous for his previous works, chose to present the story as a puzzle, made out of scenes, flashbacks and memories, showcasing the growth and fall of a media icon. Who wanted to be the best, to have the power to tell the truth, but ultimatelly gave in to greed and temptations.
Casablanca (1942) : this might be the best remember Bogart movie and one of the most popular in movie history. Ever. Even if a critical eye could find a lot of errors, a lot of sentimental filling, not much of an art film. Yet, despite all of that, Casablanca was a bomb and became a cult movie not long after it's release. With a Humphrey Bogart that gave his best, together with Ingrid Bergman and a Peter Lorre who was convincing and very good, Casablanca became a myth in the cinematogrphy of the 40s. And to think that the producers originally wanted just a summer movie, with a love story and some action.
The Great Dictator (1940) : for many movie critics and movie lovers this was the greatest movie made during this decade, the greatest Chaplin creation and the film that thoroughly trashed Hitler and Nazi Germany. For it was next to impossible to believe or even accept Hitler after seeing him portrayed as the dictator Adenoid Hynkel, by the brilliant Chaplin. In a double role, playing both a powerful and ridiculous dictator and a poor Jewish barber the artist was more than just an actor. He was a genius. Who left us an amazing movie, still as good and alive as it was.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940) : Steinbeck's novel was hard to put on the big screen, that much was known by any director. Yet, with the help of Henry Fonda, who made one of his best roles, the movie version released in 1940 was a success. The crisis that had literally shook the US was retold, and in a great way, a convincing, dramatic and intense manner.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) : no history of American cinema would be complete without at least a small mention of this classic directed by Franz Capra. The touching story of a businessman who wonders if the world would have been better if he was never born, and finds the answer with the help of a guardian angel, it's a must be seen movie. And was a critical and box office succes, still part of the X-Mass programs of TV stations all over the globe. Not too bad for a movie that wasn't really cinema art.
The Maltese Falcon (1941) : Humphrey Bogart was one of the actors who strongly left their mark on the 1940s, and the film-noir was maybe the definitive genre of the decade. Playing Sam Spade, the famous imaginary detective who could crack any case in his own manner, with the help of Peter Lorre, Bogart turned a crime story into more, much more. Into a movie that would be considered a landmark of the genre. A great movie, fun to watch and easy to love.
Bambi (1942) : Bambi must be the favourite cartoon four many generations, and it still is one of the best Walt Disney productions, a heartbreaking and beautiful animal story. The story of the courageus deer, which grows up in the forest as the rightful prince, was a smashing hit, both for the emotion and the technical achievement. And it was just one of the many Disney productions.
September 2008
