1919

Quiet, nuanced, and compelling. I remember it from 1985 at an art cinema, and searched long and hard to find it again. It is irresistible -- makes me think how far movies have sunk, from its developmental years through its monumental ones -- where great writing, truly towering performances and substantial stories -- whether true or fictional -- were available across a range of genres -- to the action, comic-book and fantasy or horror that seem all people can take in today.

If you can get near this, and another underrated Scofield wonder, Utz, don't miss the chance. Whither now A Man for All Seasons? Scofield won a Best Actor Oscar for that. This year it will probably be Will Smith for playing a tennis player's father.