Ghostbusters: Officially a Culturally Important Film
We’ve all known it for years, but now we’ve got official recognition of the fact; Ghostbusters is an important film. A culturally important piece of media, which deserves to be preserved for future generations.
The 1984 film which begins with a ghost in a library now has its own place in a very important library – the Library of Congress, where it has recently been enshrined in the National Film Registry.
Each year, 25 films which are at least ten years old are selected to join the registry, based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance. The library chose to include Ghostbusters this year, citing it as “One of the most popular, quotable films from the past three decades and a touchstone of cultural reference.”
Other films added to the registry this year include Top Gun, The Shawshank Redemption and L.A. Confidential, as well as the oldest surviving copyrighted motion picture, a recording made by Edison of a man sneezing.
These films join a list of 675 other titles added to the list since it was established in 1988, so let’s look at some of those other important movies…
Airplane!
Airplane! is a very silly movie, but also a culturally important one. Surely we can’t be serious? Yes we are, and don’t call us Shirley. Described by the Registry as a “sharply perceptive parody”, it’s also recognised for the achievement of taking melodrama stars like Leslie Nielsen and giving them the opportunity to showcase their comedic talents. Yes, that’s right – Nielsen started out as a very serious actor.
Blade Runner
Released in 1982 and added to the Registry in 1993, this sci-fi classic was obviously a shoe-in, being added to the list almost as soon as it was eligible. Whilst it’s often thought to be very futuristic, it’s actually set in just a few years time – and according to data shown on screen, replicant Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) is supposed to be created in less than three weeks’ time.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Well, since it’s nearly Christmas, we figure it’s worth pointing this one out – it’s a holiday favourite and, as the Registry points out, “synonymous with Christmas spirit”. It wasn’t, however, the instant success some might assume – in fact its box office performance was nothing short of disappointing, and it didn’t even break even. However, when a clerical error in the 1970s allowed its copyright to lapse, it became staple holiday fare for TV channels – and this allowed it to swell in popularity.
And just before we leave the subject – yes, Star Wars is on the list (added in 1989) and so is The Empire Strikes Back (added in 2010) – but not Return of the Jedi or any of the prequels.
If all this has given you a hankering to get out your DVDs and re-watch one of these culturally significant movies, we’ve got the perfect companion in the form of our cheap LED TVs – ideal for giving you the perfect view. For more information, call us on 0121 327 3273 to speak to a member of our team!
