A Decade Under the Influence (2003)

Directors: Ted Demme, Richard LaGravenese

“Decade Under the Influence” is a wistful documentary and scrutinizing the decade of American films in 1960’s to 1970’s the time when film makers were having difficulties in attracting new generation of filmgoers. They opened the door for new young directors from film schools. The film was directed by Richard LaGravenese and Ted Demme.
The film is a discussion about the American cinema during 70’s by some of the most influential directors of that time. Sydney Pollack talked about 60’s heroism, drugs sexuality, civil rights, and political movement. Pam Grier about art and music, Polly Plat about different approached in film making, William Friedkin talked about protest, arrogance, racism about American blacks and sexuality. Kurosawa talked about the actors and actresses during the time they do guerilla type filming like no license and no permit because of low budget. During this time, bad language and swearing were substitute for action. The talking heads diversifying with other footages in between, showing different old films, protests, war films, nudity, sex and drugs. The opening sequence was a very nice grungy 70’s style graphic. The film was very interesting and informative now we know where all the movie styles came from.

References:

Nytime (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/25/movies/25DECA.html [Accessed 05 May 2011]

SFgate (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/05/30/DD247338.DTL [Accessed 05 May 2011]

eFilm Critic (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=6908 [Accessed 05 May 2011]

Film Critic (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/2003/a-decade-under-the-influence/?OpenDocument [Accessed 05 May 2011]

Flickhead (2004) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://home.comcast.net/~flickhead/Decade-Under-the-Influence.html [Accessed 05 May 2011]