100 Year, 100 Movies: No. 75


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Jordan 'Bick' Benedict: You want to know something, Leslie? If I live to be ninety, I will never figure you out.

Giant (1956)
Original List Position: 82
Starring: James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson
Director: George Stevens
About: Even decades after his death, Dean remains a larger-than-life figure in films. He only had the lead in three films. One, Rebel Without a Cause, we already saw on this list. This film earned him a second Academy Award nomination, though he died before it was released. This film is based on a novel and it's an epic, sweeping film. It earned nine nominations, including for Best Picture, earning a win for Stevens as director. I like this film better than the other Dean entry on the list. But this one didn't make the cut when the list was re-done a decade later. It's a commitment, but this is an interesting film to check out.

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