Ten Classic Films Explained in Tweet Format
Ever feel as if there are a lot of classic flicks that you just don't have time for? At this stage in your life how likely is it that you'll sit down and watch Citizen Kane? Well, now you don't have to! Presented here are some classic films -- the kind that appear on numerous…
By Dan Hoffman
Citizen Kane
Orson Welles play Kane (real-life W. Randolph Hearst). Key features: deep-focus, subjective flashbacks, and nice crane shots.
Citizen Kane continued…
Also, “rosebud” is the name of Kane’s sled and in real life what Hearst called his lover’s clitoris.
Lawrence of Arabia
Peter O’Toole does some stuff in Arabia and dies in a motorcycle accident. Good if you want to take a nap. See also: Dr. Zhivago.
8 1/2 & La Dolce Vita
Nice black and white photography. Some people, artist types, go to decadent parties and sleep around.
Blow Up
First mainstream movie to feature full-frontal nudity.
The Searchers
For the first time in a western the white dude is evil and the Native Americans are OK.
Breathless
Jean-Paul Belmondo kills a cop and tries to get his girl to run away with him. Key words: jump cuts, French New Wave, auteur theory.
Rashomon
Four different takes on the same story. Key idea: subjective flashbacks (just like C. Kane). Lots of Japanese people yelling.
Do the Right Thing
Racial tension in late ’80s Brooklyn handled in complex, sensitive way by Spike Lee. Awesome colors.
The Seventh Seal
A knight plays Death in chess. Yawn. 
