Why You Need to Watch Classic Movies | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why You Need to Watch Classic Movies

“Film is the greatest educational medium the world has ever known” - John L. Sullivan

25
Why You Need to Watch Classic Movies
Gablescinema.com

This week for my Writing for Communication class we had to watch the movie "Sullivan's Travels." The movie follows a Hollywood film director, John L. Sullivan, on his quest to find out what poverty and suffering are really like. Sullivan only knows about poverty from what he has read in books and seen in movies. The movie starts out as a satire but slowly turns into a tragedy. When I was watching the movie I felt a sense of deja vu. It took me an hour to realize why I was feeling that way.

When I was no older than 10 years old, I watched the final 30 minutes of some classic movie with my grandfather. A group of prisoners were walking two by two down a church aisle with "Go Down Moses" being sung in the background. The prisoners sat and the congregation dimmed the lights. A Mickey Mouse cartoon played on the screen. The prisoners were laughing so hard that tears were forming in their eyes. The main character was confused by this at first but then joined in laughing. These were prisoners who had nothing in the world besides a little cartoon. Their one moment of joy in a life of sadness was a cartoon that we see everyday. I remember that night I decided that whatever I wanted to do, I made sure that it would make people's lives better in some way.
I never figured out what the movie was and always thought it was "Grapes of Wrath." But last week I realized that the movie was "Sullivan's Travels." Only 30 minutes of that movie has been motivating me for the last decade.

Everyone should watch classic movies such as “Sullivan's Travels” because they are masterpieces. While modern films are technologically superior, they often lack so much. Classic movie directors had so little to work with but they made the most of it. They emphasized emotions and creativity. Masterpieces do not just give you a sense of joy, they give you a purpose. Whether the purpose is to work hard so you can surpass your idols, or make the world a better place, that purpose drives you to find meaning.

I come from a world where I have been given so much and over the last 10 years I have strived to give back. Imagine what would happen if everyone watched “Sullivan's Travels” when they were 10. I imagine the world would be a better place.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179425
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6555
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452030
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23038
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments