The 1970s are often cited as the best decade for cinema.
As a result, the ’70s produced more classics than any other time period, across practically every genre.
1974 was no exception.
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This was the year ofBlazing SaddlesandThe Godfather Part II,The Texas Chainsaw MassacreandA Woman Under the Influence.
These movies have aged well; a few of them have become cultural touchstones.
With this in mind, this list looks at some of the must-see movies from thatannus mirabilis.
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(A fictionalized version of the character also appeared in the showThe Marvelous Mrs.
Many comedians today complain about being bullied or rejected for their jokes; Bruce’s landed him in jail.
Hoffman rises to the occasion with a predictably layered, transformative performance, earning him an Oscar nomination.
Its not chaos for its own sake; its Bunuels razor-sharp critique of human absurdity.
The common clay of the new West.
One of the funniest movies of the ’70s,Blazing Saddlesis an envelope-pushing Western comedy with a satirical edge.
Not every scene has aged well but, overall, Blazing Saddles is fun and punchy.
Its DNA lives on in everything fromA Million Ways to Die in the WesttoDjango Unchained.
There’s a big difference.
In contrast to the grandeur ofThe Godfather,The Conversationis restrained, ambiguous, and moody.
Otherwise, life’s not worth living."
Their unconventional relationship faces prejudice and discrimination from those around them, including Emmi’s family members.
It’s a sensitive and subtle movie; not just a romance but a study of social change.
This is complemented by Cassavetes' cinema verite style which makes everything feel uncomfortably real.
4’Young Frankenstein' (1974)
“My grandfathers work was doomed!”
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In this regard, she’s the prototypical final girl, andTexas Chainsaw Massacrethe ultimate power tool-driven slasher.
It crams so much dark creativity into a mere 83 minutes.
2’Chinatown' (1974)
Directed by Roman Polanski
“Forget it, Jake.
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It’s Chinatown.”
Chinatownis a bleak, intricate mystery,as well as an emblem of the cynicism of 1970s America.
It’s often ranked among the best ever written.
1’The Godfather Part II' (1974)
“I know it was you, Fredo.
You broke my heart.”
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The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.
