1977 Movies

The Best Movies of 1977

Star Wars

No discourse on film history is complete without the mention of Star Wars. This seminal film debuted in 1977, setting the stage for an epic saga that would forever alter the landscape of pop culture. Star Wars introduced audiences to a captivating universe filled with dynamic characters, legendary battles, and mystical elements like the Force.

This original film is a standalone story that hints at the potential for future adventures. Its impact resonates even today, serving as the foundation for an ever-expanding narrative universe. Even if subsequent installments expanded the scope, the original Star Wars movie's success paved the way, making it a cornerstone of 20th-century cinema.

Suspiria

Sometimes, a film comes along that pushes the boundaries of visual and auditory engagement, and Suspiria is one such film. Focusing on aesthetics, the film immerses the audience in its unique atmosphere. In Suspiria, the narrative centers around a young woman who joins a prestigious dance school, only to find herself entangled in a sinister mystery that wraps around her like a fog.

As the mystery unravels, the audience is pulled along by the escalating intensity. A blend of dark and colorful visuals punctuates the narrative's climax, leaving viewers with a distinct impression. Suspiria stands out for its commitment to a unique stylistic vision that overrides a conventional plot focus. It takes the audience on an atmospheric journey, leveraging its technical mastery to generate unease.

The Ascent

Cinema that explores historical conflict can bring to life the harsh realities often overlooked in textbooks. One such film is The Ascent, an anti-war narrative set during the turmoil of World War Two. The film trails two Soviet soldiers tasked with the perilous mission of procuring food. This routine task spirals into chaos when they cross paths with German soldiers, leading to a sequence of tragic events.

The Ascent earns its reputation as one of the finest Russian-language films. Its stark portrayal of the hardships endured by its characters is palpably raw, sending a chill down the viewer's spine. Though grim in its representation of war's reality, it leaves an indelible impact on those who bear witness to its dark narrative.

3 Women

Robert Altman has left an indelible mark on the film industry with a plethora of noteworthy films, and 3 Women stands out among his significant works. This film, deeply rooted in psychological exploration, traces the evolving relationship between two women who become housemates through their work.

In the midst of their evolving relationship, a perplexing phenomenon begins to occur as their personalities seem to merge. The film doesn't rush to provide answers; instead, it bathes in its enigmatic nature, encouraging the audience to ponder the unfolding mystery. Its leisurely pace might test the patience of some viewers, yet the stellar performances and captivating visuals lend it a quality that lingers long after the end credits roll.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

1977 was also a year of commendable contributions to the science fiction genre, with Close Encounters of the Third Kind standing as a prime example. Unlike many of its sci-fi peers, this film does not anchor itself to a multi-installment narrative. Instead, it commits to a complete, standalone story, unfolding within its single runtime.

The story revolves around a man who, after an encounter with a UFO, develops a dangerous obsession with extraterrestrial life. This obsession strains his familial relationships, creating a tangible tension throughout the narrative. Despite being grounded in its approach to sci-fi storytelling, the film doesn't shy away from spectacle, offering impressive imagery and a slow-burning narrative expertly directed by the young Steven Spielberg.

Saturday Night Fever

The soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever, featuring the infectious beats of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive," is immediately recognizable. However, the film offers much more than a catchy soundtrack; it serves as a platform for one of John Travolta's most celebrated performances.

Travolta portrays a young man from a working-class background who finds solace and freedom in his weekend pursuits of dance and drink. Yet, his seemingly carefree life is constantly at odds with his weekdays, filled with family and work-related conflicts. Saturday Night Fever blends character study with a vivid representation of the music and aesthetics of the late 70s. Its narrative can be gritty and unsettling, but its authenticity and character focus make it a noteworthy addition to the cinematic landscape of 1977.

Sorcerer

William Friedkin, an artist with an exceptional talent for constructing suspenseful narratives, brought us "Sorcerer," a remake of the 1953 French film "The Wages of Fear." The plot follows a group of men navigating hazardous terrain to transport volatile materials, driven by their desperate need for money. With its intense scenes and a focused premise, "Sorcerer" shines as a testament to Friedkin's aptitude for suspense-filled cinema.

Annie Hall

Woody Allen has always been a controversial figure in the film industry, but his early work, particularly "Annie Hall," remains influential. Upon its release, the film was celebrated for its innovative approach to the romantic-comedy genre, receiving numerous accolades, including the Best Picture Oscar. Despite the contentious reputation of its creator, "Annie Hall" persists as a noteworthy film from the 1970s, demonstrating the power of storytelling to transcend time.

House

Moving into more peculiar cinematic territory, "House" combines elements of horror, absurdism, and slapstick comedy to create a unique viewing journey. The plot follows a group of young individuals trapped in an isolated house, where supernatural entities torment them. This description barely scratches the surface of the film's odd and bewildering content, which somehow remains charming amidst the chaos. "House" stands out for its uncanny ability to amalgamate diverse genres into an unforgettable film.

Eraserhead

David Lynch is synonymous with surreal and unconventional cinema, and "Eraserhead," his debut feature film, is no exception. It tells the story of a young man grappling with the demands of caring for his unusual and inhuman child. The film plays out like an unsettling dream, progressively intensifying until it reaches the pitch of a full-blown nightmare. "Eraserhead" may not appeal to everyone, but those seeking cinema at its most unusual will find it a captivating watch.

1977 Movies & Industry Highlights

1977 was a noteworthy year for the film industry. The power of the box office was reinforced with major releases that entertained audiences. An array of notable releases and impactful events contributed to the distinctiveness of 1977. Let's analyze the details that made 1977 a significant year in film history.

Key Films and Box Office Success

In 1977, an array of films caught the attention of audiences, leading to impressive box office returns. Star Wars, distributed by 20th Century Fox, came out on top, grossing $221.2M. Smokey and the Bandit, a Universal Pictures production, followed with a gross of $126.7M. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, another successful release, brought in $116.3M.

Other films that left a mark included Saturday Night Fever, The Goodbye Girl, A Bridge Too Far, The Deep, The Spy Who Loved Me, Oh, God!, and Annie Hall. These films, with their engaging narratives and performances, added value to the cinematic landscape of the year and beyond.

Significant Events

The year also had its share of noteworthy events, which played an integral role in shaping the future of the film industry. On February 23, it was announced that Christopher Reeve would don the iconic red cape to play the role of Superman. This decision proved significant, with Reeve becoming synonymous with the character.

• The 49th Academy Awards were held on March 28. Rocky won the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Network picking up multiple acting awards, including Best Actor for Peter Finch, Best Actress for Faye Dunaway, and Best Supporting Actress for Beatrice Straight. Jason Robards also bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in All the President's Men.
• On May 25, Star Wars opened in theatres and quickly became the highest-grossing film of the year. This film's release brought innovative changes, including a shift towards special effects in film and television production and a departure from the traditional opening credits sequence.
• June 22 saw the release of The Rescuers by Walt Disney Productions. This film reignited interest in animation, which had waned in the early 1970s. Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released on November 16, earning widespread acclaim and significant box office success. This success solidified Steven Spielberg's status as a highly profitable and talented film director.
• The year concluded with the release of The Solar System on December 5. Produced and directed by Thomas G. Smith for Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, the film's release marked a step towards a greater reliance on visual effects in films, leading to the hiring of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a company known for its visual effects for films such as Star Wars and the Indiana Jones series.

Legacy and Impact

1977 was a game-changer for the film industry. Its influence, and that of Star Wars, can still be felt in the present day. It was a year that saw the boundaries of film-making pushed and new techniques embraced, leading to innovative narratives, characters, and visual effects that continue to inspire filmmakers today.