A Reel Opinion: The Top 10 Best Vehicles of Cinema

Vehicles have been an important element in cinema since day one; the title of the first true motion picture, THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1903), speaks for itself. In every film, characters have to get from one place to another, and covering that distance can be done in many ways; cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, spaceships, rocketships, horseback, dragonback, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, outboards, motorcycles and lightcycles…to name a few. A truly great film manages to take a vehicle and give it such a presence that it becomes a character itself; a character that is remembered long after the credits roll.

This list of the Top 10 Best Cinematic Vehicles was put together from factors ranging from screen-presence, cultural impact, longevity, and a careful balance of this Blogger’s objectivity and personal favorites. With so many to choose from and only 10 spots available, this list was a challenge, and honorable mention needs to be paid to the V8 Interceptor from MAD MAX (1979), the Truckster from NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983), the Batmobile from BATMAN (1989), the X-Wing and TIE Fighters from STAR WARS, and the ballistic missile submarine Red October from THE HUNT FROM RED OCTOBER (1990).

Now let’s get this engine started, and please note; many of these vehicles appear in more than one film, so only their debut is referenced.

10.The Bandit’s Trans-Am from SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT (1977)

Hal Needham’s action-comedy of cross-country outlaw bootlegging demanded a cool character with a cool car. The Bandit’s black Trans-Am screamed outlaw with its T-tops and eagle on the hood, and the film would double Trans-Am sales for years. The car has such a presence in the film, it seems to appear more than the Bandit himself, played by Burt Reynolds.

9. Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang GT from BULLITT (1968)

When people purchase a Mustang today, most of them don’t realize they are doing so thanks to the legacy of this car. Perhaps the most iconic muscle car of all cinema, it is in the center of one of the best car-chases on film, and it would inspire decades of Mustang sales. It was a perfect matchup; the all-American movie star (McQueen) with the all-American vehicle. The only reason it doesn’t rank higher is because the car’s popularity has eclipsed the film, which has sadly faded over time.

8. RMS Titanic from TITANIC (1997)

Historians have written that even when considering the fate of the real-life doomed ship, ship-builders and designers of today still consider Titanic to be one of the finest achievements in ocean liners. With such a reputation, filmmaker James Cameron had a tall order to fill when he made his eventual Oscar-winner and historical money-maker. By using the original blueprints and suppliers from the actual ship, along with a combination of practical sets and CGI, Cameron’s re-creation of the ship was stunning with its attention to detail, and is the perfect example of a vehicle having a dominating presence on the screen.

7. Ecto-1 from GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)

The quirky and weird looking modified hearse that the one and only Ghostbusters got around NYC in may have been under-utilized in its two appearances, but to this day it is instantly recognized and replicas are a huge hit at conventions.

6. James Bond’s Aston Martin from GOLDFINGER (1964)

The best secret agent in the world needed a car that could get him around and fight off enemies. The tricked-out car with hidden guns, rocket launchers, and ejector seats are always a delight to see in action, and similar to its owner, it was elegant with hidden dangers.

5. The Orca from JAWS (1975)

The boat captained by Quint the shark-hunter was designed to reflect its owner’s larger-than-life personality. The Orca  beamed with character, and despite its eventual fate, was the right ship to hunt down a killer shark. It was a functional vehicle with a distinct outline on the horizon, and served as the set for the third and final act of the ultimate showdown between man and sea. 

4. The DeLorean Time Machine from BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)

When Doc Brown decided to travel through time, he wanted to do so in style. The DeLorean’s sleek lines gave it a futuristic quality that matched the film’s themes perfectly, and it maintained that characteristic despite all the upgrades (and downgrades) that it would see during Doc and Marty’s voyages through time. When replicas of the DeLorean appear at conventions, the lines to sit at the wheel go forever.

3. The Death Star from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977)

The ultimate power in the universe with the ability to destroy a planet is by far one of the most iconic images in cinema and pop-culture; everyone recognizes it right away. Its name induces fear, its look is most impressive, and its interiors are a maze of dangers reminiscent of an old haunted house film.

2. USS Enterprise from STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979)

No spaceship or vehicle has ever looked more beautiful on film than the refurbished Enterprise in 1979. When Admiral Kirk does his breathtaking fly-by tour of the ship, he acts as an audience surrogate and kicks in all our emotions as we see her in her glory, with gorgeous lighting and graceful lines. It was a powerful moment that means all the more when she meets her demise two sequels later.

1. The Millennium Falcon from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977)

The most popular character in the entire STAR WARS saga deserved to have the fastest, and coolest ship in the galaxy. Han Solo’s ship thrilled audiences in every appearance as it gunned down enemies, swerved through asteroids, and played a major part in the destruction of two Death Stars. Its popularity made it an instant, long-lasting entry into pop culture, and was easily marketed in toys, models, and massive Lego kits. From the early days it was a top seller, and this Blogger still has his Falcon from 1979:

Much like the two Death Stars that it rebelled against, the Falcon is recognized by everyone ranging from diehards to non-fans. It’s longevity, screen-impact, and emotional resonance makes it the best way to go someplace on the screen.

THE TOP 10 MOVIE VEHICLES

1.       The Millennium Falcon

2.       USS Enterprise

3.       The Death Star

4.       The DeLorean Time Machine

5.       Orca

6.       James Bond’s Aston Martin

7.       Ecto-1

8.       RMS Titanic

9.       Steve McQueen’s ’68 Mustang

10.   The Bandit’s Trans-Am

A Reel 20: THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU

“…I’m going to go on an overnight drunk, and in 10 days I’m going to set out and find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it.”

 

This week marks the 20^th anniversary of THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU. 

 

The fourth feature film from Wes Anderson, THE LIFE AQUATIC told the sea-story of washed-up oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), who sets out on a revenge mission against a rare shark with cameras rolling. Along the way he flirts with a journalist (Cate Blanchett), loses his wife (Anjelica Huston), and looks for a new relationship with his probably-maybe son (Owen Wilson). 

 

Written by Anderson and Noah Baumbach, THE LIFE AQUATIC was heavily inspired by one of Anderson’s childhood heroes, famed French filmmaker and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. This would be Anderson’s most ambitious adventure, with a script that called for exotic locations across the globe, including over and under the water, movie premieres, pirate raids, rescue missions, and a collection of fictional sea creatures. Filming locations would include Rome, Naples, Ponza, and the Italian Riviera. Zissou’s crew would need a ship, and a decommission minesweeper would be brought in. In one iconic scene, a nearly-full scale cutaway of the ship, the Belafonte, would be built. 

 

In addition to Murray, Huston, Blanchett, and Wilson, THE LIFE AQUATIC would crew up an impressive cast which included Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Michael Gambon, Bud Cort, Robyn Cohen, and Waris Ahluwalia. Brazilian actor and musician Seu Jorge would also star, and would provide cover versions of David Bowie songs in Portuguese. 

 

THE LIFE AQUATIC would open on Christmas Day in 2004. It would be met with mixed reviews and be a box office flop, although it did receive nominations from several Guilds and Blanchett took home some minor awards. In the last two decades the film has developed a cult following, and has been reevaluated as one of Anderson’s best. 

 

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There is an old rule (or guideline), in screenwriting: spend your first two acts putting your character up a tree, and the last act getting him down. This is a rule that has worked for 100 years in cinema, but in true Anderson style, THE LIFE AQUATIC begins with his character already up the tree. Zissou at the start, like many of Anderson’s characters, find themselves in some sort of mid-life crisis, and the following adventure that is about to unspool is about them finding their way out. For Zissou, this was about getting his career back on track while reconnecting with those that love or idolize him. Age is a factor here. We understood it on the surface in 2004, and two decades later, we understand its deeper meaning.  

 

THE LIFE AQUATIC wears it’s love for Cousteau on its sleeves, but it also takes classic cues from Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea. These guiding stars, along with the locations, stop-motion creatures, and stunning use of color, gives the film a timeless feel. And although the Belafonte doesn’t quite reach the heights of cinematic vehicles like the Enterprise or Titanic, it is still designed in such a way that makes us love her. This is one of this Blogger’s favorite all-time films, and its closing quote sails with me every day: 

 

“This is an adventure.” 

Shirley Temple: 1928-2014

Shirley Temple…film icon, movie pioneer, and former child star, has passed away at 85.

After taking singing and dancing lessons at the age of three, Shirley Temple made her debut in the short film BABY BURLESKS in 1933, in which she astounded the film world by accurately impersonating established stars such as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. One year later she stole the heart of the world in BRIGHT EYES, with her tap-dancing and singing performance of Good Ship Lollipop. The performance set an internal image of herself which would last for eight decades. She would earn a special Oscar in 1934 and then go on to star in tailor-made vehicles such as CURLY TOP (1935), THE LITTLE COLONEL (1935), DIMPLES (1936), and HEIDI (1937).

At the age of eight she was a number-one box office attraction, and one of the first, if not the youngest to ever be marketed via dolls, toys, and coloring books. Her popularity inspired rival studios to develop their own child stars. She would continue acting into her teens, with her most memorable role coming in John Ford’s FORT APACHE in 1947, alongside John Wayne and Henry Fonda. Her final film would be MR. BELVEDERE GOES TO COLLEGE (1949), before entering a short career in television. She would eventually move into politics; a move which would see her be appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.   

 

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As a wee-lad growing up in the 1970’s, Shirley Temple was this Blogger’s first cinematic crush. Not only because she was dazzling, but because for this Blogger she was the first indication that not all movie stars were adults. Such an impression was made, that this Blogger always had to drink a (non-alc) Shirley Temple beverage (complete with cherries and a plastic sword), at the family’s favorite restaurant. Shirley Temple danced her way into every heart in the world, and it is no bad thing that her innocent smile and tiny dance-steps will forever be our lasting memory of her.
 

 

 

 

 

 

A Reel 35

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."

This month marks the 35^th anniversary of STAR WARS.

The significance of STAR WARS has often been lost, or forgotten over the years.  Most Film Appreciation classes will begin their lessons by teaching the date of May 25, 1977 as a vital one in cinematic history; not only because of the multi-generational fanbase, but for the way STAR WARS altered the course of the movies forever.

Beginning with the story…STAR WARS is inspired heavily (and makes no attempt to hide it) by the revered works of Joseph Campbell, the early FLASH GORDON TV serials, and the classic film THE HIDDEN FORTRESS (1958). It is familiar ground which is given a fresh spin courtesy of a new universe presented in an opera-like style. The story is a coming of age tale, coupled with good vs. evil and a few reluctant heroes for good measure. The characters took on familiar personas that felt fresh; a farmer, a pirate, a wizard, and a bad guy who wore black. It was a throwback, and a reminder to future filmmakers of the power of classical stories.

Maybe not so difficult to conceive, it was a near-impossible task to craft. The vision for STAR WARS was a literal galaxy away from existing motion-picture technologies in the 1970’s. With nowhere to go, technologies were invented on the spot; tech that would evolve into the now infamous effects company, Industrial Light and Magic. ILM would become a juggernaut in visual effects; pioneering the way to digital creations backed by outstanding sound. Things we take for granted today in the media/tech world; Blu-ray, surround sound, CGI…can all trace their roots back to STAR WARS.

The film made household names out of virtual unknowns. Although Sir Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing and James Earl Jones had already been around the block for a few years, it would be their STAR WARS roles which would define them for the rest their lives. The same would be said for the younger cast, which involved a certain actor destined to wear a leather jacket and fedora hat. And there would be no STAR WARS without the magical score by John Williams.

And then there was the merchandising, which is one of the major reasons Film Appreciation classes tend to teach 5/25/77 every semester. STAR WARS was the first of its kind to be promoted through a toy line; action figures, vehicles, playsets, mugs, lunchboxes, pajamas, video games and anything else limited only by imagination. Today, toylines are an automatic thing to attach to a new movie. Prior to STAR WARS, it was not.

And the cultural impact was, and still is massive. It is arguably the most quoted and parodied film in history. Character names and costumes seem to be everywhere, and events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl can’t seem to get by without a few references.

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This Blogger has certainly written plenty about the influence STAR WARS has played in his life, so no more will be written about it here. Despite the many debates the film can spur, the impact it has made on cinema is clear, and that will never change.  

"This will be a day long remembered..."