Most powerful films

[Jess]

Which films have you seen that you felt were the most powerful, shocking (in a good or bad sense), or had the strongest messages overall?

My choice is probably Freaks (1932), because it has a very honest approach to showing its characters. Of course, Tod Browning was a fantastic director, but I think it was also the way the story was presented. The "freaks" of the sideshow are shown in a sympathetic light, but not overtly so that you feel like the film is preachy or trying to carefully conceal its prejudice of these people. It's got the sort of ending that will amaze you

[scottlord]

(Jess, sorry I haven't written, sick or something)

Tod Browning I like alot and have a copy of London After Midnight, but I haven't seen the film. and don't know how strong of a film it may be.
Chaney is on TCM tonight and I'm sure I have a copy on video.
Oddly enough, I can only think of a Mary Picford film right now, which doesn't seem powerful, but its the one I watch when I need to. City Lights with Chaplin has a powerful ending when I watch it. Nosferatu really isn't that scary...you like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, don't you?
If you haven't seen tonight's TCM film, I hope you like it.

scott

[Jess]

Hi Scott, thanks for giving your opinions! I haven't seen London After Midnight; unfortunately, it's a lost film, so what they're showing is a restoration they've made with still pictures. The Unknown, which is one at midnight, is also a really powerful film. I have that one on tape, but I'm going to watch it, because it's a great one

[scottlord]

Sorry, I haven't written. In a way I saw Caligari before I was your age and now really won't go back to it, but I don't think its powerful. Ben Hur directed by Fred Niblo may be what your thinking of; I like the film alot and its ment to be dramatic. Flesh and the Devil is ment to be powerful and maybe some of the films of D. W. Griffith.

thanks and write with anything,

L*ve, Scott