Another day and another list. On June 17, in a televised special, the American Film Institute (AFI) paraded out a roster of stars to unveil “America’s 10 greatest films in 10 classic film genres.”

 

These lists are usually fodder for endless debate by film buffs on what was included and what was omitted. What jumped out at me is that “Musicals” and “Comedies” didn’t rate categories. Comedies were listed under “Romantic Comedies,” which discounted any classic from the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, W.C. Fields, etc.

 

And where were the musicals? Westerns and musicals are arguably America’s most original contribution to the film arts. Westerns made the list, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgersbut not a sign of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers or Gene Kelly.

 

In fairness, in prior AFI lists, they did tackle “greatest movie musicals” and “100 years and 100 laughs,” but I still thought a few of the latest list of categories a bit odd.  

 

As for some of the actual winners, I have no real gripe with the selections. I only hope younger audiences take the time to drill down and rent the DVDs of some of the vintage classics such as “White Heat,” “The Public Enemy,” “City Lights” and “All Quiet on the Western Front."

 

Check out American Film Institute for more information.

 

What are your thoughts on this latest list? Are there any lists yet to be explored?

 

--Dave Fantle

Message Edited by Dave_Fantle on 06-27-2008 11:03 AM
Message Edited by TVLTheLink on 07-19-2008 11:33 AM