Best Films of 1966

Woody Allen's directorial debut already sees him in experimental mode in this clever, but never truly good, film.

An average comedy of errors. Classic mid-60's slapstick.

Director: Robert Mulligan
His 9th movie
My 3rd movie watched from the director

This may be one of Natalie Wood's best performances even if I didn't care for the movie too much. It's such a negative movie that it was tough to enjoy at any point. The ending was great and the other performances were solid, too.

Added to Lists:

Top Ten Performances - Natalie Wood
The Movie Industry Sucks

Now we finally know what veins and arteries look like from the the inside out.

McQueen pulls in another memorable performance but the story and the supporting cast is a little weak.

Hepburn's style and charm is as strong as in any of her films; but the story is just a bit weaker than some of her other efforts.

Director: Arthur Hiller
His 6th movie
My 10th movie watched from the director

This has potential to be my favorite Natalie Wood performance. She is perfectly cast in this role and handles each scene with humor and grace. There are plenty of things not great about the movie, but it's mostly ignored due to her performance.

Added to Lists:

Top Ten Films - Arthur Hiller
Top Ten Performances - Natalie Wood

Director: James Hill
His 7th Movie
My 1st movie watched from the director

The music and song is famous and I thought my youngest would enjoy a story about lions, so I finally gave in and watched. The settings are pretty impressive and the work with lions must be, too. I just couldn't help but worry about the stress they put on them during production. Anyway, the story was fine but most everything else was average, especially the acting - though Virginia McKenna certainly has some affable qualities.
I will give it a seven because of how tough it must have been to get made and it turned out fine.

Added to Lists:
Live-Action Movies Centering on Animals
Movies Where the Song is More Popular

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Location: Meru National Park, Kenya

A classic Christmas special that somehow never gets old, even after perennial viewings.

This strange fashion focused film starts off wonderfully strange but sort of drags on, into dull strange territory. It's a unique film for it's time and well worth checking out on Criterion's Collection.

One of the highest rated films of all time, with critics and real people. I found it very effective and an important film for humanity. I dig the realistic filmmaking technique and the use of non-actors; but then again they can only take me so far. Alas, I cannot consider it great, in my opinion. But I'm definitely willing to attempt another viewing to see where it lands after.

One of Caine's best roles. Too bad it's in an uneven, sometimes inept movie that still can't help itself from being entertaining, plus that song.

A lyrical journey in the life of a painter. Moody, challenging, metaphorical, spiritual and inspiring.

The epilogue's montage, in color, is a fresh surprise and moving tribute to the man and gives breadth to the many images presented prior.

One of the best pre-21st century documentaries. It's a very cool journey that is dated yet still relevant.

A dialogue-heavy manic teleplay supported by superb actors and a setting as menial as the disputes.

Director: Michelangelo Antonioni
His 10th Movie
My 4th movie watched from the director.

Still working on thoughts about this movie from the master filmmaker... but I know I love it.

Added to Lists:

Nomination for Favorite Movies of All Time list
Top Ten Films - Michael Antonioni
The Life of a Photographer
Free Love Movies
Fashion Shoots in Movies
The Inspirations for the Austin Powers trilogy