Everyone
acknowledges the importance of the motion picture industry, and that
it has developed into a true art form.
These "classic"
films opened new ground, not only in their techniques of expression,
but in the discoveries they made.
They were of such originality and
significance, while combined with cinema technique that it resulted
in films that were forceful and whose content was stimulating and
meaningful. These films provide the viewer diversion and "escape,"
while at the same time educating or arousing the viewer to criticize
a particular aspect of human society.
According to
the American
Film Institute
the top 10 Classic Films are:
Citizen Kane
Casablanca
The
Godfather
Gone With the Wind
Lawrence of Arabia
Wizard of Oz
The Graduate
On the Waterfront
Shindler's List
Singing in the Rain
The
American Film Industry is dedicated to the preservation of the heritage
of film, and to increasing recognition and understanding of the
moving image as an art form.