Film #25: The Best Years of Our Lives

The Best Years of Our Lives tells the story of three World War II veterans who have a lot to get used to when they come home after the war. Each of the three men faces challenges with their love lives, families, and finding employment after they have returned. This film shows the authentic struggles of men returning from war and the trials and tribulations they go through with others who just don’t understand what they have been through. The message is positive and the movie ends happily, with each of the three main characters pursuing what (and who) they love. 

The production elements are incredible and even create some themes of their own. The cinematography is what stands out to me the most and adds the most to the story. In many of the scenes, the camera films a mirror or mirrors in the room that reflect the characters in the scene. For example, when Peggy and Marie are in the Ladies’ room freshening up, the camera films their reflections instead of their bodies as they have a conversation. Another instance of this is when Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson are in their bedroom and Peggy enters. The audience sees Peggy enter the bedroom through the reflection in the mirror. The cinematography in these particular scenes helps form a certain theme throughout the film – the three veterans only see what’s on the surface of their lives and fail see what is really going on in their friends’ and families’ lives. The mirror(s) represents the “surface” or “reflection” of what they see. Fred fails to see how his wife treats others. Mr. Stephenson fails to see Peggy’s struggles. 

Another great part of the cinematography that I noticed is whenever there is a scene in the Stephenson’s house that involves Mr. Stephenson, there is usually a long shot used somewhere within the scene. This is used to show that he is distanced from his family and all that they’re dealing with. He is more concerned with himself and his affairs than theirs. 

Overall, The Best Years of Our Lives is a wonderful, classic film. It has a good story, great character development, and amazing cinematography. If any filmmakers out there are doubting whether they should watch it, I definitely recommend watching it! 

 

Film #24: Double Indemnity

This was a very Bonny-and-Clyde-esque film about two lovers who plan to kill the woman’s husband because she no longer loves him. Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson are the dynamic duo in this film. There is a saying that they repeat throughout the film. This saying being murderers are stuck together “to the end of the line.” The production element that stood out the most and brought this metaphor to life was the lighting. In most of the interior scenes, the blinds cast their shadows on the walls, showing lines of sunlight seeping in from outside. They create “lines” on the walls and carry this theme throughout the film. Overall, the film had a good story and good acting. Double Indemnity builds up a story for so long and in the end, it all comes crashing down. The two main characters who the audience has gotten to know are no longer the “rotten” pair that they have been all along. 

Film #23: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an endearing film about a young man being a newly-elected Senator and his journey to finding the truth. Even though the story didn’t interest me very much, the film had some good production elements. The lighting and locations were the parts of this film that had the most effect on the story. 

The lighting always shone brightest on the most important person or thing in each scene. For example, when Mr. Smith points to the Capital building, the dome is lit up beautifully. It reflects Mr. Smith’s thoughts about America and his ideals. He wants every American boy to be able to see that dome one day and know that their freedom is something worth cherishing. When Mr. Smith is working through his filibuster, the lighting remains bright on his face. It shows how invigorated he is to have the chance to be heard by the Senate and his home state. 

The locations in this film were impressive, mostly because the film takes place in Washington D.C. Mr. Smith enjoys going to the Lincoln Memorial and if you have ever been there, you know why. The statue of President Lincoln sitting in a chair is overpowering and the words engraved on the walls are powerful. The scene in which he talks to Saunders at the Memorial brings to life the metaphorical tunnel that he told her about earlier in the film. He says, “Always try to see life around you as if you’d just come out of a tunnel.” The area at the Memorial where Mr. Smith and Saunders converse looks like a “tunnel” and as they walk away, they are coming out of it. 

Overall, this was a well-done film with many great qualities to it. I can see why it’s on the Top 100 list. It’s a good old American film that reminds us why we love our “land of the free.”