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When Movies Mattered: A Journey Through the Transformative Decade of Cinema

Matthew Ward

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Published in When Movies Mattered: Reviews From A Transformative Decade

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In the 1970s, cinema underwent a seismic shift. The old guard of Hollywood gave way to a new generation of filmmakers who were unafraid to challenge conventions and explore new territory. The result was a decade of groundbreaking films that changed the face of cinema forever.

When Movies Mattered: Reviews from a Transformative Decade

by Dave Kehr

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In his new book, When Movies Mattered, film critic Leonard Maltin takes a fresh look at the transformative decade of the 1970s. Maltin examines the films that defined the era, from The Godfather to Star Wars, and explores the cultural and social forces that shaped them.

A New Era of Filmmaking

The 1970s was a time of great change in the world. The Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the rise of the feminist movement all had a profound impact on society. These events were reflected in the films of the era, which were often more political and socially conscious than their predecessors.

At the same time, the 1970s saw the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers who were willing to experiment with different styles and genres. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg created films that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

The Films That Defined the Decade

When Movies Mattered examines some of the most iconic films of the 1970s, including:

The Godfather
The Godfather Part II
Taxi Driver
Jaws
Star Wars
The Deer Hunter
Apocalypse Now
The Exorcist
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Rocky

These films are all classics for a reason. They are well-crafted, emotionally resonant, and thought-provoking. They also reflect the social and cultural changes that were taking place in the world at the time.

A Cultural and Social History

In addition to examining the films of the 1970s, When Movies Mattered also explores the cultural and social forces that shaped them. Maltin looks at the impact of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the rise of the feminist movement on cinema. He also discusses the changing role of women in film and the emergence of new genres like the blaxploitation film and the horror film.

When Movies Mattered is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most important decades in the history of cinema. It is a must-read for anyone who loves movies or is interested in the cultural and social history of the United States.