During this global pandemic, I am finding some solace in nostalgia. This social isolation has given me some quality time to introspect about so many things and one of those things is Hollywood movies, especially the older ones. They seemed to have great heart and grit, many offered social messages in a professional manner on a screen and with with superb acting. Think about this…
Inspired by the social revolution of the 60’s, balladeer Bob Dylan crooned it so succinctly in his prophetic song, “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Indeed, one thing we can count on as human beings is change, it is part of our condition. These days, it seems like anger and hatred are being worn like badges of honor. The negative vitriol and lack of decorum displayed by some people who have great social influence, has risen to astronomical levels; simple etiquette does not seem to exist.
Never has this ever been more evident than by what we are witnessing in Hollywood these days. Not long ago, I remember a different kind of Hollywood. A culture that exuded both elegance and ruggedness, one that offered moviegoers casts of professional actors who were admirable and inspiring, made you feel hopeful and alive.
Certainly, we had political unrest and social challenges back then, too. The differences between the old Hollywood and the new one is how they approached our social turmoil, political issues, and our differences of opinion. It seemed like the old Hollywood actors approached these social ills with their craft. The messaging to address our controversial issues were found in the movies they produced, not in hateful diatribe.
Now, new Hollywood is stuck in endless hateful banter and vehement soundbites, offering nothing of value to improve our current situation. It is sad for me and many others to watch the bitter spectacle they present, unsteady rhetoric in an age when people need stability.
Yes Mr. Dylan, the times are still a-changin’; however, I long for the days of old Hollywood to return, to watch our movie heroes, villains, and underdogs give us hope and inspiration, to help all of us get through this daily strife we call life.
Some Memorable Movies:
El Cid (1961)
Forrest Gump (1991)
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
Grease (1978)
Thank You for Your Service (2017)
Wizard of Oz (1939)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Seems Like Old Times (1980)
Billy Jack (1971)
Platoon (1986)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Star Wars (1977)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
The Dirty dozen (1967)
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Meet Me in St. Louis (1945)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Casablanca (1943)
On the Waterfront (1954)
Gone with the Wind (1940)
The Graduate (1967)
Catch-22 (1961)
Rear Window (1954)
High Plains Drifter (1973)
Dances with Wolves (1990)
The Exorcist (1973)
Shenandoah (1965)
North by Northwest (1959)
An American in Paris (1951)
Rocky (1976)