1977 was a great year. Apple was
founded, Kanye West was born, and gas was only 65 cents. Also, a small film
named Star Wars came out.
Now let me first explain, I am not
the type of person who goes to Star Wars conventions or dresses up as Obi Wan
for Halloween. But I do believe credit is due to this film. When Star Wars came
out, it shattered box office records, the cinematography was excellent, the
story was something new and fresh, and the technology used in creating the film
was revolutionary.
Star Wars was nothing short of a
phenomenon, it spawned sequels, television shows, books, video games, and an
entire culture.
In 1977 it was nominated for the
Academy Award for best picture. Star Wars made over 300 million dollars in its
original theatrical release. Adjusted for inflation, today, that is around 2.8 billion
dollars. Everyone saw, and loved the movie. But Star Wars did not win best
picture that year. A movie named Annie Hall won that year.
A movie directed by Woody
Allen that was seen by 15 people.
Woody Allen directed, wrote, and
starred in this film which also starred Dianne Keaton. The movie is a romantic
comedy and is actually quite good as it is seen as a textbook example of the
rom-com genre.
Annie Hall won the best picture
award because even though Star Wars was miraculous and earth-shattering when it
came out, nobody knew the type of effect and culture shock that it would produce.
Annie Hall was a “now” movie
when it came out. It represented the culture of the 70’s better than any film
that came before it. It was quirky, funny, and thought provoking. The film even
influenced the style of dress during the late 70’s.
Even still, Annie Hall
represented a time period, whereas Star Wars shook cultural foundations and
stunned audiences with glimpses of the future.
To fully appreciate Annie Hall, you
have to understand American culture, and a good understanding of the 70’s is
also necessary. Star Wars on the other hand is a giant. Anyone, from anywhere
can view this film and be engrossed by the story. It gave glimpses of the
future and its story had the ability to be easily understood by everyone.
Annie Hall was a good film. But
Star Wars is a culture. It is magnificent and a giant of cinema. The academy shouldn’t have just looked at the “now”. Annie Hall represented a time period, whereas Star Wars shook cultural foundations and stunned audiences with glimpses of the future.
That is why Star Wars should have won this race. That is why Star Wars is a better film which endures to this day.
Sources
History channel
Box Office Mojo
Star Wars poster
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Star_Wars_Schriftzug.jpg
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