The team at Born to Watch went to a dark corner and compiled their own list of 10 best movies of all time. Now this isn't there list of the 10 "BEST" films but the movies they love the most. This was a fun exercise.
Compiling a list of the greatest movies of all time is an arduous task. It is an undertaking that is sure to leave someone disappointed, if not many. The difficulty lies not only in determining what qualifies as a great movie but also in determining the criteria that are to be used to make the final selection. The art of cinema is subjective, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula to create a definitive list of the best movies.
The first challenge in compiling a list of the greatest movies of all time is to define what constitutes greatness. A movie can be great for several reasons, including its artistic merit, cultural significance, impact on the industry, or entertainment value. Some people prefer movies that have received critical acclaim and awards, while others prefer movies that are commercially successful. There are also those who value personal connection and emotional resonance with a movie over its objective qualities.
The second challenge in compiling a list is deciding on the criteria to be used. Should a movie be included on the list because of its artistic quality, cultural significance, or commercial success? Should only movies from a particular era or country be included, or should the list be diverse and inclusive of different genres and styles? Should the list reflect the personal preferences of the compiler or be based on a collective opinion?
Even after defining the criteria, the subjective nature of the art of cinema makes it impossible to please everyone. There will always be movies that are excluded from the list, and there will always be people who disagree with the chosen selection. Moreover, tastes change over time, and what may have been considered great in the past may not hold the same value today.
For example, the American Film Institute (AFI) created a list of the 100 greatest American movies of all time in 1998. The list included movies such as "Citizen Kane," "Gone with the Wind," and "The Godfather." However, the list was met with criticism for its lack of diversity and representation of films made by women and people of colour. The AFI updated the list in 2007, and while it was more diverse, it still faced criticism for the inclusion of some movies and the exclusion of others.
Similarly, other lists of the greatest movies of all time have been created, such as Sight & Sound's poll of critics and filmmakers or IMDb's top 250 movies. However, even these lists face criticism for their subjectivity and lack of diversity.
In conclusion, compiling a list of the greatest movies of all time is a daunting task that is sure to disappoint someone. While there are criteria that can be used to determine greatness, the subjective nature of the art of cinema makes it impossible to create a definitive list that satisfies everyone. Nevertheless, the exercise of creating such a list can be valuable in sparking discussion and promoting appreciation for the art of cinema.
