Every decade brings another cultural wave which is tirelessly explored in literature, music, movies and art overall.
Explore the hidden gems of 70s cinema, with films that capture unique storytelling and artistic expression, as well as the prevalent issues of the decade.
1. The Last Detail (1973)
Jack Nicholson shines as a rebellious sailor on a duty-bound journey across America.
The movie juxtaposes the carelessness of youth against the strict codes of military life. It explores a relationship between three young Navy sailors.
Through dark humor and adventures, it explores themes of friendship and duty.
2. Walkabout (1971)
The movie represents a poetic tale of survival and cultural encounters in the Australian outback. It’s based on the novel by James Vance Marshall.
Once more, we encounter strong contrasts, this time between cultures and well as the humanity and nature.
The movie contains minimalist dialogue and instead relays on powerful imagery for storytelling. It’s considered a classic.
3. The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
This one’s a gritty crime drama depicting the harsh realities of Boston’s criminal underworld.
It’s had strong influence on later representation of organized crime and law enforcement in film.
The movie follows Eddie Coyle, a small-time criminal who’s caught in between the law enforcements and the criminal underworld.
The movie’s scrip was based on the book written by George V. Higgins, a former attorney, who gave us an authentic glimpse into the Boston’s criminal underbelly.
4. Badlands (1973)
“Badlands” is loosely based on the real-life murder spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugat, in the 50s.
The movie is poetic and contemplative. It explores the themes of youth and rebellion, and unveils some dark aspects of American life.
5. Paper Moon (1973)
“Paper Moon” follows a charming con artist and a spunky child as they navigate the challenges of the Great Depression.
It’s a blend of comedy and drama, starring Ryan O’Neal and his actual daughter, Tatum O’Neal.
It’s a road movie in a way, which explores the evolving father-daughter dynamic between two strangers who seemingly have nothing in common.
The nostalgic portrayal of the 1930s America adds much to the movie’s charm.
6. Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
This is a minimalist road movie about a cross-country race, capturing the freedom of the open road.
“Two-Lane Blacktop” reflects the counterculture of the 70s, as it explores themes of identity, connection and the emptyness of modern life.
It had a huge influence on later road movies, and over the years it has gained a cult following.
7. Harold and Maude (1971)
“Harold and Maude” is dark comedy exploring an unconventional friendship that defies societal norms and expectations.
It explores the troubles of the young and old people at once, through Harold who’s obsessed with death, and Maude who enjoys life.
It explores mortality, love and life through powerful contrast.
8. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
This crime drama stars Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik, who desperately tries to rob a bank to be able to afford a gender confirmation surgery for his partner.
The movie has it all – desperation, charisma, and vulnerability as it shows us a bank heist gone wrong.
It explores unconventional themes, such as identity, sexuality, masculinty and the struggles of the working class.
9. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)
“Aguirre, the Wrath of God” is dubbed one of the defining movies of German cinema. It explores ambition, madness, and the clash between man and nature.
It follows Don Lope de Aguirre, who becomes incresingly obsessed with power and wealth on the expedition to find the fabled El Dorado.
Contrast is found in the representation of the Amazon forest, which is both beautiful and terrifying. At times, the movie dwells into existential despair.
10. Days of Heaven (1978)
Bill and Abby, played by Richard Gere and Brooke Adams, are a runaway couple who take refuge on a wheat farm in Texas.
They pose as a brother and sister, which leads into a complex love triangle between them and the farmer who took them in.
The movie explores love, deceit and betrayal, and all that in the farmland which shapes the movie’s ambiance and sounds.
11. The Parallax View (1974)
This political thriller has us follow a journalist named Joe Frady, who investigates the assassination of a presidential candidate.
The movie reflects the paranoia and distrust in government and institutions following the Watergate scandal.
Frady discovers the organization of trained assassins, leading into an unsettling examination of the nature of violence and power