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Jaws (1975)
Often remembered for its cheaper, more schlocky scares, Spielberg's breakthrough is most remarkable because of its genuine sense of adventure. This is one of the movies that changed the movies, a step in industry evolution for better or worse, and its easy to see why it did so well that summer in 1975; it was a film designed to tickle everyone's fancy, and it dutifully fulfills every need from the blood 'n' guts to the analytical subtexts. It can also be enjoyed now in a unique way, as a bridge between an old style of filmmaking and a more modern one. Spielberg's influences- most obviously Hitchcock- can be seen on his screen most vividly here, but there is also something audacious about his method, and whether he knew he'd have a hit on his hands or not, there is confidence to his bold images. Fun, important, and blissfully timeless.
Cleo From 5 to 7 (1962)
Artfully realized if not a little too fluffy, Agnes Varda's pacey story about a woman waiting to hear if she has cancer is one which is ultimately admirable. There isn't much to latch onto during the first two-thirds of the film, but the last act really pulls the piece together nicely; when Cleo meets the only real person in her world, her joy is shared with us, and moments of peaceful quiet shared between her and her new friend's eyes are beautifully genuine. Concieved in near-real time and shot somewhere between neo-realism, documentary and new wave, the film is visually exquisite and casted tremendously.
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