By Danielle Pucillo
Have you ever heard the phrase “old but gold”? It doesn’t just apply to Betty White or the treasures of King Tut’s tomb. It also applies to many films throughout the 20th century that have stood the test of time. These older films have been paramount in the development of pop culture and have influenced many current movies. Here are some older films you should add to your DVD collection.
“Jacob’s Ladder” (1990)
The lesser-known horror film, “Jacob’s Ladder” is a story about a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from hallucinations after returning home from war. This film, like many others between the years 1989 and 1992, was produced during an interesting era in the industry. This was the time when many characteristics of films in the 80s were dwindling and the 90s style of film began to emerge. While the graphics are fairly subtle compared to the blood and guts body horror of “Hellraiser,” “Jacob’s Ladder” can be just as surreal and horrifying. While completely fictional, it veers into territory that may hit home for some: themes about PTSD, drugs and the atrocities of war.
“The Man Who Laughs” (1928)
Based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, “The Man Who Laughs” tells the story of Gwynplaine, a traveling performer who thrills audiences with his unnerving appearance. He was disfigured as a child by the comprachicos, or child traffickers, so that he can be sold as a court jester. He is abandoned but discovered by a hustler with a heart of gold, and travels in a sideshow with his blind love interest, Dea. Conrad Veidt’s perpetually grinning character is supposedly the basis for the Joker from the Batman series. A great example of German expressionism and a haunting, melodramatic romance, this silent film speaks volumes about true love.
“Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill!” (1965)
This film was far ahead of its time. It opens with three exotic dancers who have a need for speed and enjoy racing their cars in the California desert. When they encounter a naïve young couple, this offsets a bloody chain of events that include grand theft auto and murder. Considered an exploitation film, the sexual overtones and provocatively bold behavior of the women was shocking to many during the era that it was released. However, this film had a significant influence on the work of directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. And as with their films, you’re sure to have a bloody good time.
“Eraserhead” (1977)
“Eraserhead” was the debut film of master surrealism director David Lynch. The film’s bizarre visuals and composition can be unsettling, but once you look past the initial discomfort you can relate to the everyman figure portrayed by Jack Nance. One day he returns home from work to find that his girlfriend is pregnant and he is forced to marry her. However, the child does not appear to be human. This leads to bizarre sequences that leave viewers hooked on the plot. While not mainstream in any capacity, this film does highlight themes that many can relate to, such as infidelity and the stress of becoming a parent.
“Mommie Dearest” (1981)
This cult classic box office bomb has been a subject of controversy in the past. There has been a question of the validity of Joan Crawford’s character as the sadistic, psychologically abusive mother of her adopted children. This film examines the behind-the-scenes reality of the glamour of Hollywood and exposing the pressure and despair experienced by many actresses who struggle to maintain their looks in order to keep job security. Faye Dunaway’s performance is completely unhinged, illustrating a character who in the pursuit of vanity devolves as the film progresses, losing grip on her sanity as she tries to construct a camera-ready family.
“Lake Placid” (1999)
If “Jaws” had a rival in the creature feature arena, this would be it. Starring Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt and Betty White, “Lake Placid” is an action/adventure film that also qualifies as a dark comedy. When a diver dies in a brutal and mysterious death in the lake, experts are sent in to identify the animal that killed him. The script is quite clever, and the combination of CGI and practical effects strike a perfect balance. The cinematography is fantastic, showcasing the eerie beauty of the lake. An example being the haunting shots of like the mist settling over Lake Placid’s deep, dark waters. This alone will stir up your most primal fears of the unknown and send chills down your spine.
