Review of American Graffiti (1973) by Curtis M — 04 Jul 2009
American Graffiti is filmmaking at its best. The film is about a group of friends at the precipice of change, at the eve of great change in the country they inhabit. American Graffiti is a love song to pre-British invasion rock and roll, and a love song to the teens of that era and the fast automobiles they drove.
What I love most about the film, is how real it feels, and how much went into getting it to feel that way. The perfectly flawed characters, their dialogue, the way the music is edited to sound like it's coming from old radios or being blasted outdoors.
The way the film was shot, with natural lighting, on grainy almost 16mm-looking film (apparently it was shot on 35mm, but didn't use the entire frame area.) The film is so fun and moving, and perfect in its imperfections (which were done on purpose) that it makes me nostalgic for a time I never even lived in.
It's also worth mentioning that the film has one of the most unique and rockin' soundtracks in film history, with Chuck Berry or Buddy Holly blasting out of car speakers in-between Wolf Man Jack's crazy radio broadcasts.
I really can't say enough good things about this film, but it's one of my favorites, and just so genius in all aspects.
This review of American Graffiti (1973) was written by Curtis M on 04 Jul 2009.
American Graffiti has generally received very positive reviews.
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