It’s January 2024, and time to rewind back to 1974 as I watch seven films from that year that I’ve never seen before. Plus, a revisit of my favourite film from that year, Céline and Julie Go Boating. Will one of my seven new discoveries bump it from the top spot?
The Seven Films:
Death Wish (1974, Michael Winner)
A New York architect (Charles Bronson) becomes a vigilante after his wife's death and daughter's brutalisation. Its gritty realism and Bronson's compelling performance are invigorating—it’s easy to see why this has become a touchstone in the revenge genre.
Foxy Brown (1974, Jack Hill) A sassy woman, Foxy Brown (Pam Grier), takes on the underworld after her government agent boyfriend is murdered. Bold storytelling, striking styling, and Grier's magnetic performance make this a standout in the revenge/blaxploitation genre.
And Then There Were None (1974, Peter Collinson)
Ten strangers are brought to a mysterious abandoned hotel in the Iranian desert (amazing location!) and start getting bumped off. Highlights include the starry cast—Oliver Reed, Richard Attenborough, Herbert Lom, and Charles Aznavour—and the tricksy plotting.
Phase IV (1974, Saul Bass)
With ants evolving into intelligent beings, scientists (Michael Murphy and Nigel Davenport) race to contain the escalating threat. The acting, while slightly stilted, fits with the otherworldly design and unsettling cinematography, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974, Martin Scorsese)
Alice (Ellen Burstyn) and her young son (Alfred Lutter) travel cross-country as she reignites her singing career, navigating love and life’s challenges (with Harvey Keitel and Kris Kristofferson). A warm and remarkable portrait—absolutely loved it.
Alice in the Cities (1974, Wim Wenders)Alice (Yella Rottländer), abandoned by her mother, is cared for by a stranger (Rüdiger Vogler). Their chemistry and nuanced performances bring authenticity and charm to what could have been an unsettling story. A heartfelt favourite.
A Woman Under the Influence (1974, John Cassavetes) A raw, intimate portrayal of a woman’s mental unraveling, with remarkable performances from Gena Rowlands as a wife and mother struggling with mental health and Peter Falk as her concerned yet bewildered husband.
Revisiting a Classic:
Céline and Julie Go Boating (1974, Jacques Rivette) Céline (Juliet Berto) and Julie (Dominique Labourier) are drawn into bizarre events centred on a mysterious house. Their adventures in time and space create an immersive experience that invites viewers to revel in its intricate complexities.
You can listen to Paul, James and me discuss this film on our podcast Excellent Adventures - The TimeTravel Movie Podcast.
The Verdict:
Did one of the new-to-me films bump Céline and Julie Go Boating from my favourite of 1974? Well, sort of. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore joins it in the top spot. Alice is a warm hug of a movie to enjoy in the moment, while Céline and Julie is one to puzzle over long after.
Additional 1974 Discoveries:
The Owl Who Married a Goose: An Eskimo Legend (1974, Caroline Leaf) A Canadian animated short film in Inuktitut. A delicate work of beauty that transcends language, offering a meditative and timeless experience.
Catch My Soul (1974, Patrick McGoohan)
John Good’s rock opera of Othello set in a hippie commune. Catchy tunes and striking visuals from this period create a distinctive experience that will either resonate as a bold reimagining or perplex you. For me, it was the former!
Shatter (1974, Michael Carreras and Monte Hellman)
A globe-trotting action film following a hitman on the run. Stylish action sequences and an international flair make this a fun, pulpy watch.
Claudine (1974, John Berry)
A single mother of six, Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is romanced by garbage collector Roop (James Earl Jones), which has repercussions for her children and the welfare system. A warm and poignant blend of romance and social commentary, with nuanced performances from the leads.
Jefferson Circus Songs (1974, Robert Nelson) A whimsical experimental short film that blends surreal visuals with absurd humour. A delightfully offbeat viewing experience that showcases the creativity of underground cinema.
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