As a part of our tribute to The Fly for the 30th anniversary of its premiere in 1986, we offer you today a list of 10 significant films that premiered the same year of David Cronenberg’s classic courtesy of Jaume Claver, member of the Festival and inveterate cinephile:
Cobra, by George Pan Cosmatos.
— Role made to suit an icon of action cinema of the 80s, Sylvester Stallone. The direction of Pan Cosmatos gives it a fast-paced, steady pace. Do not forget that the Greek-Italian director is the author of The Cassandra Crossing (1976), Escape to Athena (1979), Rambo II (1985) and Tombstone (1993).
Top Gun by Tony Scott.
— This film turned into a star Tom Cruise. It was a blockbuster. Oscar: Best Original Song, Take my Breath Away.
Peggy Sue Got Married by Francis Ford Coppola.
— Coppola, a lover of music in its various forms (One From the Heart, 1982 and Cotton Club, 1984), devotes his particular homage to first-rock in this romantic story. The title of the film is a statement of intent. It is the song Peggy Sue Got Married performed by Buddy Holly & The Crickets.
The Mission by Roland Joffé.
— Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons at the zenith of their careers. Ennio Morricone composed a lofty score and enhances the drama that underlies the film. Oscar for the cinematography by Chris Menges.
Hannah and her Sisters by Woody Allen.
— Great work of authorship, humorous and sharp dialogues. It draws its strength from a cast of actors in a state of grace. She won 3 Oscars: Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine), Supporting Actress (Dianne Wiest), and also an Oscar for the excellent script.
The Color of Money by Martin Scorsese.
— Paul Newman returns to one of his iconic characters, Eddie Felson (The Hustler of Robert Rossen, 1961) Twenty-five years after his first recreation. He won a deserved Oscar for Best Actor.
Platoon by Oliver Stone.
— Stone began his particular atonement of the Vietnam War with a much celebrated film trilogy, which began with Platoon. He won four Oscars: Best Picture, director, editing and sound. Georges Delerue, the master French composer, put his personal stamp on the raw and shocking images.
Highlander by Russell Mulcahy.
— Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown protagonists featured an epic and timeless epic, bathed with music by Michael Kamen and the magnificent songs of legendary rock band Queen.
Stand by Me by Rob Reiner.
— River Phoenix and Corey Feldman emerging stars. It is based on a short story written by Stephen King, The body. It is the most celebrated film by the director, author of later hits like “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) and Misery (1990). The song Stand by Me performed by Ben E. King makes the film an epic adventure of immortal teenage friendship.
Aliens by James Cameron.
— Great second parts of the masterpiece by Ridley Scott Alien. James Cameron directed an action movie filled with horror. James Horner creates a very tight score to suit the images and generates the appropriate voltage for each scene. Two Oscars: Visual Effects, Sound Effects.