80. Jackie Brown (1997) Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction changed the rules for Hollywood pictures, but this is one is deeper and more textured, while retaining the flashy wit. Even better, the two central performances, by Pam Grier and Robert Forster, are powerfully moving.
79. They All Laughed (1981) A small masterpiece of seemingly incongruous parts, Peter Boganovich’s film has terrific, lived-in performances from a game cast, and a sense of lovely melancholy from first frame to last. Overpowered at the time of release by the shocking death of his then-girlfriend Dorothy Stratten, the film tanked at the box office. Loose, informal, and entertaining in an old-fashioned way, with Ben Gazzara, Colleen Camp, John Ritter, and Audrey Hepburn at their most likable.
78. Miller’s Crossing (1990) I’ve often thought this was the best script I’ve ever read. The film, somehow, isn’t as good as the script – never been able to put my finger on why. Still a great picture, however, with brilliant dialogue equal to the noir films that it consciously echoes. Incredible cast, photography, and ending.
79. They All Laughed (1981) A small masterpiece of seemingly incongruous parts, Peter Boganovich’s film has terrific, lived-in performances from a game cast, and a sense of lovely melancholy from first frame to last. Overpowered at the time of release by the shocking death of his then-girlfriend Dorothy Stratten, the film tanked at the box office. Loose, informal, and entertaining in an old-fashioned way, with Ben Gazzara, Colleen Camp, John Ritter, and Audrey Hepburn at their most likable.
78. Miller’s Crossing (1990) I’ve often thought this was the best script I’ve ever read. The film, somehow, isn’t as good as the script – never been able to put my finger on why. Still a great picture, however, with brilliant dialogue equal to the noir films that it consciously echoes. Incredible cast, photography, and ending.
 | 77. Rushmore (1997) "Yeah, well I wrote a hit play and directed it, so I'm not sweating it either." Put me in the camp of Wes Anderson admirers. This film steals scenes from The Graduate, but does them better, and – in my opinion – scores emotionally more than that film did. Hilarious and endlessly quotable. Also provided a renaissance and the beginning of a great third act to Bill Murray's career. 76. Hard Boiled (1992) Completely nonsensical, dazzlingly stylish, and stunningly violent, this exists on a level of pure sensation, but it works. Sure, The Killer is even more ridiculous and operatic, but I prefer this one. And Chow Yun-Fat owns the screen. |
| 75. Before Sunrise (1996) Talky, like Roemer, but even more romantic – a meet cute that lasts all night and perfectly captures the fluttery moments when we’re not quite sure when to make our first move. 74. Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) In The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway observes that there are certain novels that it is dangerous to read too young, and one could say the same about Edmund Rostand’s play. This film squeezes every drop of the high romanticism of this story, and Jose Ferrer is – one might offer – larger than life. A dazzling film. The Gerard Depardieu version is grittier, but doesn’t match the theatrical elegance of this one. |  |
73. The Big Red One (1980) There are lots of Samuel Fuller pictures that could have made this list, including the great Shock Corridor, but this one always stays with me. Fuller put himself in the film – the cigar-chomping Robert Carradine in a scene-stealing role – and Lee Marvin lends his gravitas of having actually served in WWII. Uneven and episodic, but haunting and real.
72. Medium Cool (1969) A brilliant, fractured, film with a documentary quality, Medium Cool lacks a traditional narrative but contains an amazing slice of reality. Famously shot during the riots at the 1968 Democratic convention, this is as striking a historical document as it is a movie. An amazing film featuring a terrific Robert Forster in the lead, nearly thirty years before his "comeback" role in Jackie Brown.
71. The Ninth Configuration (1980) Hilariously profane, unrelentingly bizarre, and ultimately Catholic, William Peter Blatty’s picture is one of the most unique film experiences ever made. Stacy Keach is the best effing psychiatrist since Jung, and he is tasked with helping discern whether a group of loonies are faking or barking. Includes an unforgettable sequence on the Moon and an insane bar fight. Seriously, check this thing out.
72. Medium Cool (1969) A brilliant, fractured, film with a documentary quality, Medium Cool lacks a traditional narrative but contains an amazing slice of reality. Famously shot during the riots at the 1968 Democratic convention, this is as striking a historical document as it is a movie. An amazing film featuring a terrific Robert Forster in the lead, nearly thirty years before his "comeback" role in Jackie Brown.
71. The Ninth Configuration (1980) Hilariously profane, unrelentingly bizarre, and ultimately Catholic, William Peter Blatty’s picture is one of the most unique film experiences ever made. Stacy Keach is the best effing psychiatrist since Jung, and he is tasked with helping discern whether a group of loonies are faking or barking. Includes an unforgettable sequence on the Moon and an insane bar fight. Seriously, check this thing out.
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