The 1970s were a period when experimentation became the norm for the most popular films and filmmakers. The decade demonstrated that one could explore even mainstream films and that directors should be the sole judge of what the film look or sound like. The turbulent 1960s came to an end with the deaths of four rock stars, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison, the flower power time of love and peace was shattered into a quagmire.
The 70s would be a decade of exuberance. Cocaine was flooding the markets in the USA and rock ‘n ‘ roll was upgraded to punk, hard rock disco and heavy metal. It was during this period that the young generation would be major celebrities. Led Zeppelin was taking the world by storm as they Movie Brats, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Brian de Palma became America’s top filmmakers. Their films were loved by the younger generation of America and this was one of the very first times that had ever happened in American film history that directors were the main characters of their films.
Scorsese began the period with his second feature, ‘Boxcar Bertha’ (1972), and later made his debut film with his favorite co-worker Robert De Niro — “Mean Streets” (1973). After the modest success of 1974’s “Alice Doesn’t Stay Here Anymore Then Scorsese gained international attention when he released ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976). The film won him the most prestigious award during the Cannes Film Festival — the Palme d’Or. The Scorsese friend, Steven Spielberg, became the person who changed the market for films forever when he released his next theatrical release “Jaws” (1975). The film became the then-highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time and introduced the concept of the summer blockbuster which is in effect to this very day.
Steven Spielberg’s beloved buddy George Lucas was not someone to be forgotten in the next couple months, the actor had smashed the record set by “Jaws” with his film “Star Wars” (1977). The man who had the most successful run of films during the decade of 1970 is Francis Ford Coppola. The decade began with “Godfather” (1972) and later was awarded the Palme d’Or with ‘The Conversation (1974). The same year,’ Godfather II’ was released, and received with a similar as, if not better, reception from critics and fans alike. Coppola ended the decade by releasing another of his best films film, ‘Apocalypse Now’ and was again awarded the Palme d’Or. Coppola was awarded seven Academy Awards in the 1970s.
The 1970s also marked an era post-Watergate. Naturally, the feeling of fear that swept across America after the scandal over surveillance was evident in other significant films from the decade, including “All The President’s Boys,” which directly addresses the subject. “The Parallax View’ (1974) is also a film that follows similarly. Horror films hit a high point of their own in the 1970s with the release of The Exorcist (1973) and produced by William Friedkin. Friedkin has also directed two significant films during the decade. “The Boys In The Group’ (1970), a drama that dealt with LGBTQ issues as well as “The French Connection” (1971).
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With just these handful of directors, we can see how the 1970s were a significant decade in film history, visually and in terms of market. The decade must be studied in depth to understand the inner workings of Hollywood in all its aspects. If you are a fan of the 1970s and would want to see some movies of the decade then you’ve come to the right spot. This is a list of great 70s films available on Netflix that you can stream now. The list contains a variety from Bollywood and Hollywood films.
9. Salaakhen (1975)
Written by A. Salaam, ‘Salaakhen is the story of two lost childhood friends who reconnect and find love in their late years, albeit under extremely different circumstances. The story’s protagonists are Chander (Shashi Kapoor) and Seema (Sulakshana Pandit). In the same way, Chander is a con artist and a thief Seema is a professional musician. They don’t realize of their past and how they met when they were young children. However, things get worse when they both are unaware of the other, travel to their hometown for completely different motives. While Seema visits for a religious celebration, Chander is headed to the village to be detained. Chander has been promised a huge amount of money from an infamous gangster if he can be arrested. The situation gets more complicated after Seema and Chander meet in the village and begin to realize their shared history.
8. Manoranjan (1974)
“Manoranjan” was a 1974 romantic comedy written by Indian star Shammi Kapoor. The film is an adaptation of Billy Wilder’s film ‘Irma La Douce’ (1963). A genuine police officer rookie Constable Ratan “Sheru” (Sanjeev Kapoor) is the principal persona of the movie. Ratan has patrolled Manoranjan Street in a neighborhood famous for its brothels. While out on duty, Ratan notices a group people he believes to be traffickers and requests for backup to take them into custody. It turns out that Ratan’s boss is one of those he wants to detain and this irks his boss to such an extent that he has Ratan removed from his duties. On the same night, while working, Ratan meets a prostitute known as Nisha who likes. Nisha accepts to let Ratan stay with her until she loses her job and they gradually become lovers. However, things quickly get out of control when Ratan is arrested for murder. When the film was first released, it was heavily criticized in India because of its unflinching portrayal of sexuality and prostitution.
7. Benji (1974)
The very first film in the well-known ‘Benji’ Series This is an account of the life of a dog’s journey and his adoration to those who love him. Benji is a dog that has been snatched away and is loved by most of the residents in the town where he is. Benji usually takes shelter in an abandoned and decaying home in the evening. The closest friends he has include Paul as well as Cindy Chapman, who are the children of a local physician. They cherish and care for Benji even though their dad’s strong against anything that has to do with dogs. The Chapmans”maid” Mary enjoys Benji and feeds him frequently even when the doctor isn’t in the house. Benji even finds an old friend in a gorgeous white dog that is named Tiffany by the Chapmans call Tiffany.
Benji One day, Benji finds out that the home he grew up in was used by a group of criminals to hide in. They are attempting to frighten the Chapmans for cash. However, they later end up abducting Cindy as well as Paul. No one but Benji is aware of their location and it’s now up to Benji to rescue the two. This film became a massive commercial and critical hit and was followed by five sequels. Benji’s role Benji is played by the pet Higgins who was one of the more loved pets to appear on the silver screen.
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6. Jaws (1975)
A single of the influential films in the 1970s, ‘Jaws was one of the films that revolutionized the film industry in a way that was unlike any previous film before it. The film is a re-creation from a book with the same title written by Peter Benchley, who also wrote the screenplay along with Carl Gottlieb. The story revolves around Amity Island, a popular vacation spot in summer. Richard Dreyfuss plays the lead character, Police chief Martin Brody. After a woman is brutally assaulted and drowned by a shark Brody decides to shut down the beach. However, the town’s mayor the town Larry Vaughn disagrees with Brody and allows the beach to be opened so that the shark can strike again and take additional lives. The mayor denies it was the fault of sharks to protect the lucrative business on the island in summer.
An ocean ologistnamed Matt Hopper, examines the body of a dead victim of the attack and concludes that a shark of different size was the culprit behind the attack. In search of a method for the shark to be stopped, Brody, Hopper, as well as an experienced shark hunter named Quint to take off on his boat to attempt to kill the shark. ‘Jaws’ was a tremendous critical and commercial success and became the then-highest-grossing Hollywood film. It was the first film to introduce the concept of summer blockbusters. Spielberg employed a technique in the film that Hitchcock was able to perfect. This technique is the art of creating tension by implying. The shark doesn’t appear within the movie, however, its presence is implied with precise sound as well as camera movement that instills terror in the viewers. The film was the first to have several sequels. However, none have achieved the brilliance that Spielberg achieved in the film.
5. “Monty Python’s” Life of Brian (1979)
The third feature from Monty Python. British comedy troupe Monty Python is considered by many to be their finest film and among the best comedy films ever created. This film chronicles the story of a character known as Brian Cohen, who is born on the same day in Nazareth as Jesus Christ. Both families are neighbors. This confuses those who call themselves the Three Kings from the East who cannot comprehend the person they believe to be their Messiah. Brian is an active political person who joins an independent movement to protest against the Roman rule over Judea.
On a particular day Brian finds himself with a crowd of spiritualists in a square, and, to establish him among them, Brian shares a few phrases of wisdom were spoken by Jesus in the course of one sermon. The incident immediately attracts Brian the attention of his people who believe that he’s the real Messiah. What Brian does now becomes an act of miracle to them, and each word he speaks is noted as a sermon. Naturally, the attention Brian receives draws him to the attention of the guards of the King. In his attempt to escape the king’s supporters, Brian is caught by guards and sentenced to crucifixion.
“Life of Brian” was a massive success at the time of its debut, with numerous reviewers describing it as a fantastic mockumentary of Biblical films and an incredibly humorous look at Jesus”s daily life. However, a parody of religious themes naturally creates controversy, and the ending of the film was no any different. The film was banned in several European countries, including Ireland and Norway. Monty Python used this ban to further promote the film by promoting its film on Sweden with the words, “So funny, it was banned in Norway!”
4. Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)
Another masterpiece from Monty Python, this film is a satire of King Arthur’s quest for to find the Holy Grail. The film is about King Arthur in his preparations for an army of men known as”Knights of the Round Table” to take on a trip with King Arthur. The knights have funny names like Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot, Sir Not-Appearing-in-this-Film, and others. When they travel, they come across some funny scenarios that eventually become the theme on the screen. They meet an incredibly strong knight that he fights even after losing the use of all four legs. Then, the mysterious components from Castle Anthrax trouble them further. The knights can come to a cave, where they discover that the Holy Grail is rumored to be kept, however, this cave has been guarded powerful Rabbit of Caerbannog, making it impossible for them to gain entry. Although initial reactions were positive and moderate The film ‘Monty Python’s Holy Grail’ became an iconic film over the course of. It’s considered one of the greatest comedy films of all time.
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3. Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen’s exceptional screenwriting abilities and unique ability to make jokes are in full force in this classic 1974. The film is centered around the friendship between Alvy Singer (Allen himself) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Alvy is a neurotic comic whose relationship with Annie is rife with issues. The relationship ends, and we watch Alvy trying to discover the reason for this debacle. This film can be described as might call a slice-of-life film with no definitive plot, but certain moments show the bond between the two main characters as they struggle with their personal issues and fears. Allen’s protagonist Alvy is an egocentric nerd who is knowledgeable about art but isn’t able to comprehend the art of being a good boyfriend. While Annie is attracted to him, Alvy notices that she is walking close to a coworker, which makes him furious. This leads to a dispute between them that eventually causes a separation.
There are some postmodern elements within the movie. For instance, in one sequence, we witness Annie and Alvy waiting in line for an upcoming film. They overhear an individual ranting about Federico’s work. He says that it didn’t “hit him in the guts”. Disappointed, Alvy says he would love to punch him “in the guts”. Furthermore, when the person expresses displeasure over his work by Marshall McLuhan, Alvy suddenly brings McLuhan himself into the fray to critique the individual in question. The famous writer Truman Capote made a guest appearance in the film. Capote is seen walking by in a scene the actor while pointing to his face, Alvy remarks, “There’s the winner of the Truman Capote look-alike contest”.
2. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The film is a testimony to its creator’s statement, “If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed”. The time that ‘ The Clockwork Orange when it was published as an ebook and was praised as a novel piece of literature with very unique aesthetics. However, when the book ended up in the care by Stanley Kubrick and he turned into a feature The material went beyond its source text and took to life entirely of its own. Kubrick’s inventive direction, which can create a whole universe, is a compelling story set in the future of London. The art of this time is distinctive, which is why Kubrick makes us feel the future. The fashion, architecture, art, sculptures, and paintings of the time are defiant as is their morality. Alex DeLarge and his three companions. They are high school kids and extremely violent. They sing along as they enter homes and then raping women before her husband. They enjoy beating women to death.
Alex’s journey to the end of the tunnel isn’t all smooth. He is eventually nabbed by the police on suspicion of murder and sent to prison. The authorities in jail say they’re conducting an experiment and ask to find a willing volunteer from the prisoner population. Alex accepts the request to participate but then undergoes an experience where he’ll be trained in that he will develop a phobia of violence. Actually, it would make it impossible for him to experience any kind of pleasure. Even his favorite music triggers the same response in Alex. Alex’s total absolution from free will prompts inquiries from various areas. The film raises a variety of crucial questions for the viewers. For one, whether morality and ethics will be eroded as we progress in time. Furthermore, to what extent will we be able to surrender our free will and live peacefully? It was a controversial film in its period, ‘A Clockwork Orange is now seen as a masterpiece. When it first came out, it was denounced by critics due to its graphic depiction of sexual assault and violence.
1. Apocalypse Now (1979)
The 70s ended with a film that sums the evolution of humanity into a more sinister race flawlessly The movie was titled ‘Apocalypse Now. Francis Ford Coppola took upon the daunting task of creating the film, which is the subject of another documentary, ‘Heart Of Darkness The Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. The film is one of the most touching war films ever made and depicts the terrible effects of war in all its detail. The film follows a top officer of the army named Benjamin Willard, who has been given by his superiors the task of locating and kill the rogue senior officer of the army who has created his own cult within the Vietnamese jungle. Willard is accompanied by a small number of men on a journey to the location deep within the heart of a nation that has been ravaged and pillaged by the war.
Willard’s journey is the primary theme on the screenplay. As Willard as well as his men overcome multiple obstacles on their way to their final destination, their journey is into symbolic. It reveals the futility of life in a conflict in which America has nothing except pride. Many of the soldiers in Vietnam were drafted into the army and are looking for a way out. This psychological trauma leads many of them to over usage of drugs. While traveling, they come across the fleet of American helicopters and their commander Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore.
