Iconic Films Join National Film Registry in 2023: ‘Terminator 2’ and ‘Home Alone’ Included
‘Terminator 2’, ‘Home Alone’ Headline 25 Movies Added to National Film Registry in 2023
The Library of Congress has just unveiled its annual list of 25 American films that have been selected for preservation due to their immense cultural significance.
Among the films included in the 2023 list are two beloved 1990s classics: “Home Alone” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”
“Science fiction film sequels sometimes fail because the original reveals the stunning main secrets, thus reducing the awe and surprise factors in future installments,” it said. “Not so with ‘Terminator 2.’ Director James Cameron retained the many virtues of the original and added a deft script with more nuanced characters and plot twists, a large budget and cutting-edge special effects for an even more chilling story revealing the bleak future portended in the original.”
The National Film Registry, which aims to preserve films that have had a significant impact on American culture, welcomes 25 new additions each year. To be considered for preservation, a film must be at least a decade old.
This year, two films from 2013 made the cut: “12 Years a Slave” and “20 Feet from Stardom.” Additionally, the list includes films from as far back as 1921, such as “A Movie Trip Through Filmland” and 1933’s “Dinner at Eight.”
From the 1950s, films like “Bohulano Family Film Collection,” ”Helen Keller: In Her Story,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and “Edge of the City” were chosen for preservation.
The 1970s saw the selection of films like ”We’re Alive,” “Cruisin’ J-Town,” “¡Alambrista!,” and “Passing Through,” while the 1980s were represented by “Fame,” “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “The Lighted Field,” and “Matewan.”
The 1990s had a total of seven films selected, including “Terminator 2” and “Home Alone,” as well as ”Queen of Diamonds,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Wedding Banquet,” “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision,” and “Apollo 13.”
Two films from 2000, “Bamboozled” and “Love & Basketball,” also made the prestigious list.
It’s worth noting that “Terminator 2” joins its predecessor, 1984’s “The Terminator,” in the archive, both directed by James Cameron, who was celebrated by the Library of Congress for creating a sequel that lived up to its predecessor.
The selection process for the 25 films was no easy task, as they were chosen from a pool of 6,860 nominations made by 2,880 members of the public.
If you believe there’s a film worthy of preservation, you can nominate it for consideration by the National Film Registry. The deadline for nominations is August 15 of next year.
Established to safeguard America’s film heritage, the National Film Registry has now preserved a total of 875 films, with the oldest being a short clip from 1891 called “The Newark Athlete.”
The post ‘Terminator 2’, ‘Home Alone’ Headline 25 Movies Added to National Film Registry in 2023 appeared first on The Western Journal.
How do films like “Home Alone” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” contribute to the diverse history and cultural heritage of American cinema
1917, such as “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Cleopatra.”
These films, along with the others selected, will be preserved in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry. The registry was established in 1988 under the National Film Preservation Act to ensure the survival, conservation, and accessibility of America’s film heritage.
“Home Alone,” directed by Chris Columbus and released in 1990, quickly became a holiday classic. The film follows Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation and must defend his home from two burglars. With its slapstick comedy and heartwarming message, “Home Alone” has become a staple of holiday movie marathons and is beloved by audiences of all ages.
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” released in 1991, is the highly successful sequel to the 1984 film “The Terminator.” Directed by James Cameron, the film takes place in a dystopian future where machines have taken over the world. The story follows the iconic character, the Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, as he is sent back in time to protect the future leader of the human resistance from a more advanced and deadly Terminator. With its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling action sequences, ”Terminator 2″ revolutionized the science fiction genre and is considered one of the greatest sequels of all time.
Other notable films added to the National Film Registry this year include the 1978 musical “Grease,” the 1979 horror classic “Alien,” and the 2007 documentary “For All Mankind.” These films have left a lasting impact on American culture and continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences today.
Each film selected for the National Film Registry is considered to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” By preserving these films, the Library of Congress ensures that future generations will have access to these important works of art and entertainment.
The newly added films join a prestigious list of over 800 titles in the National Film Registry, including iconic films such as “Casablanca,” “Gone with the Wind,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” These films represent the diverse history and cultural heritage of American cinema and serve as a testament to the power of storytelling through the medium of film.
As we continue to celebrate and appreciate the art of filmmaking, the National Film Registry plays a crucial role in preserving our cinematic history. With the addition of ”Home Alone” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the registry recognizes the impact and cultural significance of these beloved 1990s classics, solidifying their place in American film history for generations to come.
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