The power of storytelling is changing over the years as the medium of Cinema is expanding throughout the different countries of the world. As time is changing, various films from various parts of the world are leaving an everlasting impact on the cinema lovers across the globe. Some movies are made in such a unique way that they have reshaped the way movies are made, marketed and consumed. These landmark films have not remained the means of entertainment but have changed the audience and market of movie-making forever. Some movies with their unique approach introduce new techniques, genres and cultural conversations among the audiences. Here are 10 movies that transformed cinema in unique ways.
The Birth of a Nation, 1915
This is a really controversial silent movie made by D.W. Griffith. This silent film is contentious because of its racist undertones, which were not good, but this movie is a propaganda movie. But at the same time, the impact this movie has on the audience and the movie maker is impactful and long-lasting. This movie did various experiments with camera work and brought now-looked-up-to changes in the movie-making community. Camera techniques like close-ups, cross-cutting, and big-scale battle scenes were first introduced. The film tells how the medium of movies can be used to tell stories on a grand scale. Its technical developments formed the basis of contemporary filmmaking despite the fact that its social message was hurtful.
Citizen Kane 1941
The pioneer of moviemaking and considered one of the best movies ever made in human history, the movie Citizen Kane was directed by Orson Welles. This movie, directed by a young director at the time, introduced various not commonly used camera techniques such as deep focus and low-angle shots. This movie, in the world of cinema, first introduced the non-linear form of storytelling that was a step ahead, which created a way for generations of filmmakers to experiment and make things according to their wishes. The film also demonstrated how individual tales could be narrated with cinematic opulence. Now it is still the blueprint for ambitious storytelling.
Psycho 1960
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho changed the horror genre. Psycho defied conventions by murdering the main character in the first half of the movie, surprising audiences in its day. The now legendary shower scene has become one of the most analyzed scenes in the history of cinema. Psycho also altered film marketing with regulations regarding late entrance into theatres. Psycho set the stage for contemporary horror and psychological thrillers.
2001 A Space Odyssey 1968
With this sci-fi movie made by the legendary director Stanley Kubrick’s turn it has become a classic and has set the new standard across the world of telling sci-fi stories. Through this movie, the director is showing a realistic view of space travel, and with this, he has shown the cutting-edge visual effects in this movie, but the effects he achieved at that time were impossible to achieve according to that time. The narrative of this movie has a combined philosophy and futuristic narrative in a way that builds a new form of cinematic experience. It proved that science fiction could be thought-provoking and visually stunning. Most contemporary space movies draw inspiration from this classic.
Star Wars 1977
George Lucas’s Star Wars revolutionized blockbuster movies. It established an international franchise culture with spin-off merchandise and sequels. The movie also revolutionized visual effects with the establishment of Industrial Light and Magic. Star Wars demonstrated the viability of science fiction and fantasy in mainstream cinema. It also illustrated the role of marketing and fan culture in making a movie successful.
Jaws 1975
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws has been called the first summer blockbuster. It married suspense with spectacle and became a cultural touchstone. It also revolutionized distribution with the concept of a wide release strategy over slow regional rollouts. Jaws taught Hollywood how to make a movie into an event and opened the door to contemporary blockbuster filmmaking.
Pulp Fiction 1994
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction revolutionized independent film. Its non-linear story, offbeat dialogue and pop culture allusions made it unique. It proved that alternative storytelling could still appeal to the mainstream. The movie paved the way for more independent filmmakers to dare break Hollywood conventions. Its legacy can be traced today in films that play around with structure and style.
The Matrix 1999
The Wachowskis’ Matrix changed visual effects with their bullet time concept. It also blended philosophy, cyberpunk style and martial arts to create a new type of sci-fi action movie. The film affected fashion technology as well as pop culture. Its success motivated Hollywood to play around more with digital effects. The Matrix became the symbol of how innovative storytelling, as well as visuals, were able to redefine genres.
Avatar 2009
James Cameron’s Avatar redefined film through its use of 3D technology and motion capture. It became the top-grossing film of its time and proved how immersive media could engage its viewers. It further boosted environmentalist ideals into mainstream discourse. Avatar proved it could redefine film experiences through investment in tech. It set a precedent for further films to play with 3D and virtual reality potential.
Parasite 2019
This Korean movie, made by a great director, Bong Joon-ho, is considered one of the greatest movies made in the 21st century. The movie Parasite achieved enormous success on the international stage, breaking the century-old belief that movies made in the English language can create the greatest impact on the world. This movie also won the Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Parasite shows that through movies, world citizens were prepared to accept diverse narratives. This movie has given a great approach that balanced dark comedy, social commentary and tension in a manner that appealed to a global audience.
A Lasting Legacy from These Films
Each of these movies redefined cinema to some degree. Some introduced technical innovation and others transformed methods of storytelling. A pair redefined business methods and viewership assumptions. All of them show how much of a difference a single movie can make in defining an industry as a whole.
Final Considerations
There are various movies across different times that have changed the perspective of the audience and, at the same time, had a great effect on the movie-making techniques. The time and the cultural references of the movies at that current time also matter, but to gain the title of timeless classic movie, it needs to address a universal theme and stand the hardship of time. Some movies are able to do that and leave a long-lasting impact on the world.
