MovieChat Forums > 1941 (1979) Discussion > Spielberg's best film by a mile...

Spielberg's best film by a mile...

posted 10 years ago by litcity
4 replies | jump to latest

Of all the movies you have to "get" in order to appreciate, this one takes the cake. You either get it, or you don't. For those who don't get it, don't fret. I can't see those 3d pictures that were popular back in the 90s. Everybody has their own opinion, to steal from Jane's Addiction, and my opinion is that 1941 is Sielberg's best movie. Mostly it's a nostalgia thing. I don't understand why my parents' generation loves It's a Mad, Mad, World, and frankly, that's pretty much the exact same movie as 1941.

[–] Mickyfinn 10 years ago

I was very young, but I remember my parents being very into Mad, Mad, World. It was like I got a kick out of hearing my parents laugh out loud.

When it came out on DVD (it seems like it took a long time-maybe it was a while before I bought it) it didin't seem to age well. I found it very long - and in some stretched very boring. But I can see the comparision to 1941.

Another kind of recent one I see in the same way was Rat Race. I found it really funny the first time, but maybe not so much after. But definitely funnier than Mad, Mad, World.

I really like 1941. I don't think its right to say is bad, and if you like it you are dumb. Nor that some people just "Don't get it".

It is simply not everyones 'cup of tea'.

I like 1941 alot. I like that it's disjointed, I like the screaming. And I like the idea of post December 7, 1941 driving California somewhat insane.

The effort in all that chaos is staggering - and I appreciate that too.

You just have to be resigned-
You're crashing by design

[–] litcity 10 years ago

Right. Some of my comments are hyperbole. Spielberg's done some other good films (Sugarland Express is probably my favorite). And there's certainly nothing to "get" about 1941. I just don't understand how people can get so hostile about a movie.

[–] indiekid76 8 years ago

It's a comedy that's not funny, and that's the most important aspect of a comedy film surely? The set pieces are all nicely done but it's tiresomely unfunny.

It's better than Hook, but it's one of the weakest of Spielberg's popcorn movies. At least it was a good practice run for Raiders.

[–] rascal67 8 years ago

Is there anything funny about war though? I find the film amusingly over-the-top and zany, and it also panders to a nostalgic mindset, in spite of the underlying darkness of the era. It showcased Spielberg's talent as a visual stylist and the direction was typical Spielberg reverential. While slapstick and pandemonium ensued and the comedy wasn't exactly sharp or witty, it looks absolutely fantastic.

Now the extended cut brings out the films flaws even more, as it is way too long and lags the breakneck pace a bit. I find the film wonderfully staged and photographed, all working within the framework that it did. It was crazy and loud and brash and for the most part I think that was it's point. It wasn't pretentious or wanting to anything but entertaining.

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