Five Movie Gems
WHICH 1968 MOVIES CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE US TODAY?
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
Director Stanley Kubrick’s monumental production was inspired by a number of short stories by Arthur C. Clarke, the film’s screenplay was cowritten by Director Stanley Kubrick and Clarke. Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood top the cast that embarks on a complex cinematic journey. At its core, the tale is about a space voyage to Jupiter, but the film explores much more than that. It is layered with a number of themes and bolstered by a memorable soundtrack. It also features a computer (HAL 9000) whose power and influence seem stunningly relevant today.
THE GRADUATE
It actually hit theaters on Dec. 22, 1967, but Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols’ romantic comedy/drama deserves to be part of this 1968 mix.the saga of young college graduate Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) getting seduced by the mesmerizing Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) ended up grossing $104.9 million at the box office.the film’s storyline has a number of awkward twists, fueled by Benjamin being encouraged by his parents (and Robinson’s husband) to date Robinson’s daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross).
ROSEMARY’S BABY
Written and directed by Roman Polanski, this thriller based on Ira Levin’s novel is
still widely regarded as a horror classic. The production teams Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes as Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, a young couple that moves into an apartment building filled with rather weird tenants. After Rosemary becomes pregnant, she goes through a hellish journey that involves sinister twists and satanic influences.
PLANET OFTHE APES
This is unquestionably one of the longestlasting influences in film and popular culture. Charlton Heston and Roddy Mcdowall top the cast of a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. It features Heston as an astronaut who crash-lands on a planet
populated by apes that have evolved into intelligent beings and are the planet’s dominant force.the film’s success spawned four movie sequels in rapid succession.
BULLITT
Directed by Peteryates, this thriller was one of Steve Mcqueen’s biggest screen gems. Mcqueen dons the title role of Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco cop who is in pursuit of an organized-crime boss after a special witness is gunned down. Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bisset highlight an impressive cast.the film’s biggest star, though, is Bullitt’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback.