The American Film Institute and DC Comics- A Mutual history.
On Reddit and Facebook I’ve shared statistics of DC films that were featured on best-of lists by North American critics, which includes the American Film Institute. I’m a massive supporter of the institute, and in addition to all they do and AFI Movie Club, since 2000 they conduct end-of the year ceremonies to honor 10 best movies and TV shows. Here’s how DC films have measured up. The following quotes are from the press releases for the awards.
Superman (1978): 2003: AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains: Superman/Clark Kent is listed at #26.
Batman (1989): AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes and Villains: Batman is #46 on Heroes and The Joker is #45 on Villains. It didn’t make it on any of these lists but it was nominated for Top 100 Movies, 100 Thrills, 100 quotes (“Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?”), 100 Film Scores and AFI’s Top 10 Fantasy films.
A History of Violence: 10 best films of 2005. “A History of Violence is a powerful insight into America’s obsession with violence and how it relates to the roles we play, the disguises we choose and the truth in those choices. With surprises at every turn, the film turns classic movie elements on their head and asks us to look at genre from a new perspective. Sexy and bloody, alluring and revolting, the film’s delicate balancing act is artfully captured in each suspense-filled shot by David Cronenberg and his gifted creative ensemble.”
The Dark Knight: 10 best films of 2008. “THE DARK KNIGHT leapt from the screen and into the zeitgeist of a nation desperate for a savior, but wary of the consequences of rushing to action. At once brave and bravura, this epic studio presentation succeeds as blockbuster entertainment and true artistic expression from Christopher Nolan, who devised the story with David S. Goyer and co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan. Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine and Maggie Gyllenhaal lead a stellar cast marked forever in time by Heath Ledger’s re-imagining of “The Joker.” THE DARK KNIGHT is a movie that leaves your heart and mind racing as it redefines heroism for a new generation. “
The Dark Knight Rises: 10 best films of 2012.“THE DARK KNIGHT RISES leaves the superhero genre forever changed — broken down and reborn with a maturity to match its heroic purpose. With this bruising conclusion to his Batman trilogy, writer/director Christopher Nolan elevates and enshrines one of pop culture’s most iconic modern mythologies and, in the process, lifts the blockbuster spectacle to the level of art. Complex and unrelenting, the result is a towering achievement — a testament to the ambition of the film’s creative ensemble, which not only delivers an adventure worthy of its hero, but also captures the Zeitgeist of a world that needs Batman now more than ever.”
Wonder Woman: 10 best films of 2017. “WONDER WOMAN smashes the stratosphere of status quo by giving the world what it needs most — a heroine whose heart beats with strength, hope and the power of love. Patty Jenkins’ masterful take on the iconic DC Comics character blasts beyond the walls of popcorn entertainment and lands firmly — and proudly — in the cultural zeitgeist. Gal Gadot’s embodiment of Diana Prince stands as an American icon for this moment in time — a superhero whose driving sentiment is, “Only love can save this world.”
Joker: 10 best films of 2019. “JOKER smiles while your heart is breaking. Todd Phillips’ intoxicating take on Gotham’s clown prince ignited a global following by inspiring audiences to consider the mask we wear to conceal the volcanic anxiety in the world today. Joaquin Phoenix’s bravura performance is one for the ages — on the outside, exploding beyond the screen in a metamorphosis of balletic contortions — and on the inside, begging empathy for a madman as he dances down the steps of darkness.”
Watchmen (HBO): 10 best shows of 2019. “WATCHMEN demonstrates the true superpower of modern mythologies — as masked heroes fight to expose ugly truths otherwise unrecognizable as American history. Damon Lindelof’s richly layered story tackles white supremacy with heroism that radically re-imagines right and wrong, while Regina King’s soaring presence as Sister Night is just the hero we’ve prayed for in a world gone mad.”
NOTE: A History of Violence was also honored by the AFI in 2005, but I wasn’t sure to include that since it’s based on a Vertigo graphic novel.
