The Canon List Part I
The Canon List is my ongoing drafting of a list that broadly outlines the development of techniques/aesthetic ideas and narrative devices through cinematic milestones.
The list is intended to be concise and engaging rather than utterly comprehensive being arranged in 5 distinct eras or 'Parts' comprising between 350 and 400 films.
Part I - Birth of film, The Silent Era, The Beginning of Talkies. Beginning with "Sallie Gardner at a Gallop" (1880) and ending with "The Great Dictator" (1940)
Part II - The Golden Era of Hollywood and the Classic Narrative Structure, Noir, The rise of Colour in Cinema. (Beginning with "It Happened One Night" (1934) and finishing with "Chinatown" (1974)
Part III - Breakdown and Breakout, the rise of Popular Culture and Cultural Revolution and New Ideas in cinema. Beginning with "Dr Strangelove" (1964) and going through to "Scarface" (1983)
Part IV - The Birth of the Blockbuster, The New Belle Epoche, The Energising Eighties. Beginning with "Jaws" (1975) and ending with "Life is Beautiful" (1997).
Part V - Our Modern World and Modern Anxiety, The Rise of CGI, Indie Movies and Gritty Reinventions. Beginning with "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) through to the present day. My most recent inclusion is "Inglorious Basterds" (2009)
I have found it useful to allow for overlapping of these eras and so they are not strictly 'back to back' lists.
It is a leisurely work/draft in progress. Most of it is based on my opinions of the modest amount of films I have viewed over the years and some of it is made up of films yet to be seen but seemingly of merit. It's only a little hobby of mine which perhaps will grow in usefulness/insightfulness over time.
The list is intended to be concise and engaging rather than utterly comprehensive being arranged in 5 distinct eras or 'Parts' comprising between 350 and 400 films.
Part I - Birth of film, The Silent Era, The Beginning of Talkies. Beginning with "Sallie Gardner at a Gallop" (1880) and ending with "The Great Dictator" (1940)
Part II - The Golden Era of Hollywood and the Classic Narrative Structure, Noir, The rise of Colour in Cinema. (Beginning with "It Happened One Night" (1934) and finishing with "Chinatown" (1974)
Part III - Breakdown and Breakout, the rise of Popular Culture and Cultural Revolution and New Ideas in cinema. Beginning with "Dr Strangelove" (1964) and going through to "Scarface" (1983)
Part IV - The Birth of the Blockbuster, The New Belle Epoche, The Energising Eighties. Beginning with "Jaws" (1975) and ending with "Life is Beautiful" (1997).
Part V - Our Modern World and Modern Anxiety, The Rise of CGI, Indie Movies and Gritty Reinventions. Beginning with "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) through to the present day. My most recent inclusion is "Inglorious Basterds" (2009)
I have found it useful to allow for overlapping of these eras and so they are not strictly 'back to back' lists.
It is a leisurely work/draft in progress. Most of it is based on my opinions of the modest amount of films I have viewed over the years and some of it is made up of films yet to be seen but seemingly of merit. It's only a little hobby of mine which perhaps will grow in usefulness/insightfulness over time.
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- DirectorEadweard MuybridgeStarsGilbert DommSallie GardnerThe clip shows a jockey, Gilbert Domm, riding a horse, Sallie Gardner. The clip is not filmed; instead, it consists of 24 individual photographs shot in rapid succession, making a moving picture when using a zoopraxiscope.
- DirectorGeorges MélièsStarsGeorges MélièsVictor AndréBleuette BernonA group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon.
- D'Artagnan and his musketeer comrades must thwart the plans of Cardinal Richelieu to usurp King Louis XIII's power.
- DirectorGeorges MélièsStarsGeorges MélièsFernande AlbanyJehanne d'AlcyUsing every known means of transportation, several savants from the Geographic Society undertake a journey through the Alps to the Sun which finishes under the sea.
- DirectorOskar MessterStarsMartin KettnerRobert Steidl
- DirectorCharles TaitStarsElizabeth TaitJohn TaitNicholas BrierleyOriginally 70 minutes in running time, only 17 minutes of the world's first full-length narrative feature film survived in stills and other fragments and tell the story of Ned Kelly, an infamous 19th-century Australian outlaw.
- DirectorGeorges MélièsStarsGeorges MélièsHamlet suspects his uncle has murdered his father to claim the throne of Denmark and the hand of Hamlet's mother, but the prince cannot decide whether or not he should take vengeance.
- DirectorFranz PortenStarsHenny Porten
- DirectorAlbert CapellaniStarsAlexandre ArquillièreJacques GrétillatJacques VarennesPart One: The opening scene shows the interior of the squalid little home, where Gervaise has waited all night for Lantier's return, but when the latter enters the place, he casts the tearful woman aside with a gesture of ill-humor, begging her to leave him in peace. Gervaise takes her bundle of clothes and starts for the public wash house, where, after being assigned to a place, she begins her toil. A young woman named Virginie enters, and taking her place at a tub next to Gervaise, taunts the latter about the loss of her lover, for it is Virginie who has supplanted Gervaise in the affections of Lantier. Soon a little boy arrives at the laundry with a note which he hands to Gervaise, and the latter on opening it reads the following soul-crushing words: "I have had enough of your jealous outbursts, and have decided to leave you. Don't worry about me: I have found consolation. Lantier." The disconsolate woman's rival stands by with a triumphant sneer on her face and under her breath makes slurring remarks, whereupon Gervaise turns on Virginie, giving her a terrible heating. Gervaise has still another shock in store for her, for on leaving the place she is horrified to see her rival Virginie enter a cab with Lantier and drive away. The next scene takes place a few months later, when we see Coupeau, who has been Gervaise's staunch friend all through her sorrow, meet the latter in the park and propose marriage to her. The happy Gervaise accepts the generous hearted fellow, and on their way home they stop to inform their friends of the coming event. Gervaise, who has a strong aversion to drink, makes Coupeau swear that he will never touch a drop of intoxicating liquor. The couple are married and live happily together for five years, for Coupeau, who is a tinsmith, works steadily and is devoted to his wife and proud of their little home. Virginie, however, has never forgotten the humiliation she endured that eventful day In the laundry, when Gervaise attacked her, and she is ever on the alert to have revenge. One day when Gervaise and her little daughter carry Coupeau his lunch, we see the latter come down from the housetop where he is working, and going with his little family to a secluded spot, he enjoys a hearty repast. Virginie, who has been haunting the neighborhood, climbs upon the scaffolding and loosens some of the boards. As Coupeau climbs the ladder to return to work he stops for a moment to wave good-bye to his dear ones, when suddenly the planks give way under his feet and he is precipitated to the ground below. The other workmen who hurry to the scene tenderly raise the injured man and carry him to his home. Part Two: During Coupeau's convalescence, Gervaise has a birthday, and in honor of the event the happy couple give a little party to their few good friends. It is at this function that Gervaise sees her husband take his first drink. From that day, Coupeau loses all ambition and self-respect, and refuses to return to work. His poor wife is made to shoulder the responsibilities of the household while he spends his time in the tavern. One day Coupeau happens to meet Lantier in the saloon and in the course of conversation bets the latter than be can drink eight brandies while the clock strikes eight. The wager is placed, but Coupeau loses, for he is only able to finish six before he is helplessly intoxicated. At this juncture Gervaise enters the place and, seeing the condition of her husband, begs him to go home with her, but the drunken man positively refuses to move. Finally Conpeau is attacked with delirium tremens and after a difficult struggle with his companions, is carried a raving maniac to the hospital, where he remains for two years. On leaving the hospital, Coupeau is warned against the use of strong liquors; the smallest glass, he is told, will cause immediate death; he may, however, partake of a very little red wine. He is accompanied home by a friend, who stops on the way and purchases a bottle of wine. Great indeed is the joy in the little home when Coupeau arrives, and after an effusive greeting, Gervaise takes her basket and hastens off to purchase some food for the poor invalid. While Gervaise is absent the heartless Virginie slips into the room and substitutes a bottle of whiskey for the wine. Soon the sick man feels the need of a drink, so going to the closet he picks up the bottle and raises it to his mouth, but scarcely has it touched his lips when he realizes that he is doomed. Burning with the desire for liquor, the unfortunate man drains the bottle of its contents and is immediately seized with delirium tremens. After much suffering the victim of drink falls prostrate upon the floor, where his lifeless form is found by his unhappy wife upon her return.
- DirectorAxel StrømStarsValdemar PsilanderClara PontoppidanAdam PoulsenA corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.
- DirectorOtis TurnerStarsMarcia MooreLost adaption of the of the 1908 book "Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz" in which Dorothy and the Scarecrow reach the Emerald City and meet, among others, the Woodman and the Cowardly Lion and journey to Oz to get their wishes fulfilled.
- DirectorTheodore MarstonStarsMarie ElineGloria GallopFrank Hall CraneLeft a penniless orphan at 14, Jane Eyre is adopted by her uncle, who has ample means to provide for her and also loves her dearly. Her uncle's family considers her an intruder and do all in their power to prevent her from becoming a full member of their family, but during his lifetime she receives some degree of kindness and consideration. Unfortunately, he dies and leaves her without a friend in the world and his unfeeling widow sends her to a badly-run orphan asylum. Five years later she leaves the asylum to accept the position of governess to Lord Rochester's little niece, daughter of his late brother. Her mother has become insane and is living in Lord Rochester's home under his protection. Jane is engaged by Lord Rochester's housekeeper during his absence from home, and her first meeting with her employer is both exciting and romantic. She is sitting by the edge of the road reading when Lord Rochester rides up to his ancestral home. The sight of his huge dog, coming upon her suddenly, so startles Jane that she jumps to her feet, causing Lord Rochester's horse to shy and throw it rider. He injures his ankle, and has to be assisted to remount "the little witch," as he calls her, who is the cause of his accident. That same evening in his home, he is surprised to find that "the little witch" of his adventure is living in his house as his niece's governess. Jane's rich relations, the Reeds, visit Lord Rochester, and persistently insult and humiliate her by treating her like a servant. Lord Rochester, however, is not blind to her sweetness, nor to the cruelty of her cousin, who is trying to win Lord Rochester's hand and fortune. One evening the maniac escapes from her nurse and sets fire to the room in which Lord Rochester has fallen asleep. He is saved from a horrible death by Jane. When next Jane's haughty aunt and cousins call on Lord Rochester, they are just in time to be introduced to his bride, who is none other than the despised Jane Eyre.
- DirectorFrancesco BertoliniAdolfo PadovanGiuseppe de LiguoroStarsSalvatore PapaArturo PirovanoGiuseppe de LiguoroLoosely adapted from Dante's Divine Comedy and inspired by the illustrations of Gustav Doré the original silent film has been restored and has a new score by Tangerine Dream.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsRené NavarreEdmund BreonGeorges MelchiorInspector Juve is tasked to investigate and capture an infamous criminal Fantomas.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsBlanche SweetHenry B. WalthallMae MarshA religious woman seeks to save her people from destruction by seducing and murdering the enemy leader, but her plans get complicated once she falls for him.
- DirectorPaul WegenerHenrik GaleenStarsPaul WegenerHenrik GaleenLyda SalmonovaAn antiques dealer finds a golem, a clay statue that had been brought to life four centuries earlier by a Kabbalist rabbi to protect his people from persecution. The dealer resurrects the golem as a servant but it goes on a rampage.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsMusidoraÉdouard MathéMarcel LévesqueAn intrepid reporter and his loyal friend battle a bizarre secret society of criminals known as The Vampires.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsLillian GishRobert HarronMae MarshThe story of a poor young woman separated by prejudice from her husband and baby is interwoven with tales of intolerance from throughout history.
- DirectorJ. Searle DawleyStarsDorothy CummingCreighton HaleLionel BrahamSnow White, a beautiful girl, is despised by a wicked queen who tries to destroy her. With the aid of dwarves in the woods, Snow White overcomes the queen.
- DirectorMarshall NeilanStarsMary PickfordIda WatermanHerbert StandingTwo young women - a paraplegic girl sheltered by her wealthy guardians and a more experienced orphan - fall in love with a man separated from his violent wife.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsLillian GishRichard BarthelmessDonald CrispA frail waif, abused by her brutal boxer father in London's seedy Limehouse District, is befriended by a sensitive Chinese immigrant with tragic consequences.
- DirectorFred NibloStarsLouise GlaumIrving CummingsPeggy PearceA broadway actress uses her sex appeal to ruin a marriage only to dump her lover for a richer prospect.
- DirectorRobert WieneStarsWerner KraussConrad VeidtFriedrich FeherHypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.
- DirectorPaul WegenerCarl BoeseStarsPaul WegenerAlbert SteinrückErnst DeutschIn 16th-century Prague, a rabbi creates the Golem - a giant creature made of clay. Using sorcery, he brings the creature to life in order to protect the Jews of Prague from persecution.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBernhard GoetzkeLil DagoverWalter JanssenWhen a woman's fiancé disappears, Death gives her three chances to save him from his fate.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinEdna PurvianceJackie CooganThe Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put their relationship in jeopardy.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeAud Egede-NissenGertrude WelckerArch-criminal Dr. Mabuse sets out to make a fortune and run Berlin. Detective Wenk sets out to stop him.
- DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsMax SchreckAlexander GranachGustav von WangenheimVampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter's wife.
- DirectorFred C. NewmeyerSam TaylorStarsHarold LloydMildred DavisBill StrotherA boy leaves his small country town and heads to the big city to get a job. As soon as he makes it big his sweetheart will join him and marry him. His enthusiasm to get ahead leads to some interesting adventures.
- DirectorErich von StroheimStarsGibson GowlandZasu PittsJean HersholtThe sudden fortune won from a lottery fans such destructive greed that it ruins the lives of the three people involved.
- DirectorSergei EisensteinStarsAleksandr AntonovVladimir BarskiyGrigoriy AleksandrovIn the midst of the Russian Revolution of 1905, the crew of the battleship Potemkin mutiny against the brutal, tyrannical regime of the vessel's officers. The resulting street demonstration in Odessa brings on a police massacre.
- DirectorLarry SemonStarsDorothy DwanCharles MurrayOliver HardyDorothy, heir to the Oz throne, must take it back from the wicked Prime Minister Kruel with the help of three farmhands.
- DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsGösta EkmanEmil JanningsCamilla HornThe demon Mephisto wagers with God that he can corrupt a mortal man's soul.
- DirectorClyde BruckmanBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonMarion MackGlen CavenderAfter being rejected by the Confederate military, not realizing it was due to his crucial civilian role, an engineer must single-handedly recapture his beloved locomotive after it is seized by Union spies and return it through enemy lines.
- DirectorClarence G. BadgerJosef von SternbergStarsClara BowAntonio MorenoWilliam AustinA salesgirl pursues a handsome playboy.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.
- DirectorAlan CroslandStarsAl JolsonMay McAvoyWarner OlandThe son of a Jewish Cantor must defy the traditions of his religious father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsPeter LorreEllen WidmannInge LandgutWhen the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt.
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsColin CliveMae ClarkeBoris KarloffDr Henry Frankenstein is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses.
- DirectorHoward HawksRichard RossonStarsPaul MuniAnn DvorakKaren MorleyAn ambitious and nearly insane violent gangster climbs the ladder of success in the mob, but his weaknesses prove to be his downfall.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsGroucho MarxHarpo MarxChico MarxRufus T. Firefly is named the dictator of bankrupt Freedonia and declares war on neighboring Sylvania over the love of his wealthy backer Mrs. Teasdale, contending with two inept spies who can't seem to keep straight which side they're on.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeOtto WernickeThomy BourdelleA criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.
- DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffElsa LanchesterColin CliveMary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Baron Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.
- DirectorSam WoodEdmund GouldingStarsGroucho MarxChico MarxHarpo MarxA sly business manager and the wacky friends of two opera singers in Italy help them achieve success in America while humiliating their stuffy and snobbish enemies.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinPaulette GoddardHenry BergmanThe Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinPaulette GoddardJack OakieDictator Adenoid Hynkel tries to expand his empire while a poor Jewish barber tries to avoid persecution from Hynkel's regime.
- DirectorBryan FoyStarsHelene CostelloCullen LandisMary CarrA gangster frames two bootleggers for the shooting of a police officer in New York during the prohibition.