Top Documentaries of 1957
Pioneering Films That Shaped the Genre
The year 1957 marked an important period for documentary filmmaking, with several groundbreaking works released that explored various aspects of society, culture, and the human experience. Documentaries from this era provided viewers with unique insights into real-world events and phenomena, capturing moments in time that continue to resonate with audiences today.
These non-fiction films of 1957 set new standards for the genre, influencing future generations of documentarians and contributing to the evolution of cinematic storytelling. From intimate character studies to broader examinations of social issues, the documentaries of this year showcased the power of the medium to inform, educate, and inspire viewers around the world.
1) 12 Angry Men (1957)
12 Angry Men is a gripping legal drama directed by Sidney Lumet in his directorial debut. The film focuses on a jury deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder.
Set almost entirely in a single jury room, the movie explores themes of justice, prejudice, and the American legal system. It features a stellar ensemble cast led by Henry Fonda as Juror 8, the lone dissenting voice.
The film's tight screenplay and claustrophobic setting create intense drama as the jurors debate the case. Through their discussions, each character's biases and backgrounds are revealed.
12 Angry Men received critical acclaim for its acting, direction, and examination of the jury system. It earned three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
The film has left a lasting impact on cinema and is often used in schools to teach about civic duty and critical thinking. Its exploration of reasonable doubt remains relevant decades after its release.
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2) Paths of Glory (1957)
Stanley Kubrick directed this powerful anti-war film starring Kirk Douglas. The movie is based on Humphrey Cobb's novel of the same name, inspired by true events during World War I.
The story follows Colonel Dax, portrayed by Douglas, as he defends three soldiers accused of cowardice. These men refused to continue a suicidal attack ordered by their superiors.
Kubrick's masterful direction and stark black-and-white cinematography create a haunting atmosphere. The film offers a scathing critique of military leadership and the futility of war.
"Paths of Glory" features intense performances and memorable scenes. It showcases Kubrick's emerging style and thematic interests early in his career.
The film's unflinching portrayal of wartime injustice resonated with audiences and critics alike. It remains a significant work in both Kubrick's filmography and the anti-war genre.
3) The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
The Cranes Are Flying is a Soviet war drama directed by Mikhail Kalatozov. It tells the story of Veronica and Boris, a young couple separated by World War II.
The film stands out for its innovative cinematography and emotional depth. Kalatozov employs striking visual techniques, including handheld camera work and unconventional angles.
Tatiana Samoilova delivers a powerful performance as Veronica, capturing her character's inner turmoil and resilience. The film explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice against the backdrop of war.
The Cranes Are Flying marked a departure from typical Soviet war films of the era. It offers a more nuanced and personal perspective on the conflict's impact on ordinary citizens.
This groundbreaking work won the Palme d'Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival. It remains a significant piece of Soviet cinema, praised for its artistic merit and honest portrayal of wartime experiences.
4) The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
"The Bridge on the River Kwai" is a critically acclaimed war film directed by David Lean. Set during World War II, it tells the story of British prisoners of war forced to build a railway bridge in Burma for their Japanese captors.
The film stars William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, and Sessue Hayakawa. Guinness delivers a memorable performance as Colonel Nicholson, the British officer who becomes obsessed with completing the bridge.
While based on Pierre Boulle's novel, the film's screenplay takes significant liberties with historical events. It uses the construction of the Burma Railway as a backdrop for its fictional narrative.
"The Bridge on the River Kwai" was a major success both critically and commercially. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Lean, and Best Actor for Guinness.
The film explores themes of duty, honor, and the futility of war. It's known for its stunning cinematography and the iconic whistling of the "Colonel Bogey March."
5) Wild Strawberries (1957)
Wild Strawberries is a Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows Professor Isak Borg, portrayed by Victor Sjöström, as he travels to receive an honorary degree.
During his journey, Borg confronts his past through a series of flashbacks, dreams, and encounters. The film explores themes of self-reflection, aging, and the meaning of life.
Bergman's masterful direction creates a poignant and introspective narrative. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the Swedish landscape and the emotional depth of the characters.
Victor Sjöström delivers a compelling performance as the aging professor. His nuanced portrayal brings authenticity to Borg's internal struggles and revelations.
Wild Strawberries received critical acclaim for its profound storytelling and philosophical insights. It won numerous awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The film's influence extends beyond its time, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike. Its examination of human nature and mortality continues to resonate with viewers today.
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6) Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
Sweet Smell of Success is a film noir drama directed by Alexander Mackendrick. It stars Burt Lancaster as J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful Broadway gossip columnist, and Tony Curtis as Sidney Falco, an unscrupulous press agent.
The film explores the dark underbelly of New York's entertainment industry. It follows Falco's attempts to break up a romance between Hunsecker's sister and a jazz musician, at the columnist's behest.
Renowned for its sharp dialogue and cinematography, Sweet Smell of Success paints a cynical portrait of ambition and corruption in 1950s New York. The film's script, penned by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman, is particularly praised for its biting wit.
Despite initial mixed reception, Sweet Smell of Success has since gained critical acclaim. It is now considered a classic of American cinema, noted for its unflinching look at the abuse of power and the moral compromises made in pursuit of success.
7) Nights of Cabiria (1957)
Nights of Cabiria is a captivating Italian drama directed by Federico Fellini. The film stars Giulietta Masina as Cabiria, a resilient prostitute in Rome searching for love and happiness.
Fellini's masterful direction brings the streets of Rome to life, showcasing both the city's glamour and gritty underbelly. Masina's expressive performance as Cabiria is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The film explores themes of hope, disillusionment, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience. Cabiria faces numerous setbacks and betrayals but maintains her optimism and faith in humanity.
Nights of Cabiria received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It is considered one of Fellini's finest works and a landmark of Italian cinema.
The film's influence extends beyond its time, inspiring later works and remakes. Its exploration of complex emotions and social issues remains relevant today.
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8) Throne of Blood
Throne of Blood (1957) is a Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It adapts Shakespeare's Macbeth, transposing the story to feudal Japan.
The film stars Toshiro Mifune as a warrior who rises to power through violence and treachery. Isuzu Yamada plays his ambitious wife, who pushes him toward his dark fate.
Kurosawa's adaptation is notable for its atmospheric visuals. The film is shrouded in fog, creating an eerie and ghostly landscape that reflects the characters' moral ambiguity.
While not strictly a documentary, Throne of Blood offers insight into Japanese feudal culture and Noh theater traditions. Kurosawa incorporates elements of Noh in the film's stylized performances and set design.
The film's climax features a famous scene where Mifune's character is besieged by arrows. This sequence demonstrates Kurosawa's skill in creating tension through innovative filmmaking techniques.
Throne of Blood received critical acclaim for its bold reimagining of Shakespeare's work. It is now considered one of the most successful film adaptations of Macbeth.
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9) Jailhouse Rock
Jailhouse Rock (1957) is a musical drama film starring Elvis Presley as Vince Everett, a young man who learns to play guitar in prison and becomes a rock star after his release. Directed by Richard Thorpe, the film showcases Presley's musical talents and charismatic screen presence.
The movie features memorable musical performances, including the iconic title song "Jailhouse Rock." Elvis's energetic dance routine during this number became one of the most recognizable scenes in his film career.
Judy Tyler co-stars as Peggy Van Alden, a music promoter who helps launch Vince's career. The film explores themes of fame, ambition, and the music industry, providing a glimpse into the rock and roll culture of the 1950s.
Jailhouse Rock was a commercial success and helped solidify Elvis Presley's status as a cultural icon. The film's blend of music, drama, and Presley's magnetic performance continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.
More information on Jailhouse Rock (1957)
10) Peyton Place (1957)
Peyton Place is a landmark American drama film directed by Mark Robson. Based on Grace Metalious's controversial novel, it portrays life in a small New England town.
The film stars Lana Turner, Lee Philips, Lloyd Nolan, and Arthur Kennedy. It delves into the hidden scandals and moral hypocrisy beneath the town's seemingly tranquil surface.
Peyton Place tackles taboo subjects for its time, including incest, suicide, and abortion. The movie's frank depiction of these topics caused a stir upon release.
Despite its controversial content, Peyton Place was a commercial and critical success. It received nine Academy Award nominations, though it didn't win any.
The film was primarily shot on location in Camden, Maine. Local residents participated as extras, adding authenticity to the small-town setting.
Peyton Place's exploration of small-town secrets influenced later works in both film and television. It remains a significant piece of 1950s American cinema.
Significance of 1957 in Documentary Filmmaking
1957 marked a pivotal year for documentary filmmaking, ushering in new techniques and themes that would shape the genre for decades to come. Filmmakers pushed boundaries in both storytelling approaches and technical innovations.
Historical Context and Influence
The post-World War II era brought renewed interest in documenting social issues and global cultures. Documentarians in 1957 tackled subjects like civil rights, decolonization, and the Cold War with fresh perspectives.
Films like "On the Bowery" by Lionel Rogosin exposed urban poverty in New York City, employing a raw, cinéma vérité style. This approach influenced future documentary makers to capture unvarnished reality.
In Europe, Alain Resnais' "Night and Fog" confronted the Holocaust, pioneering the use of archival footage mixed with contemporary scenes. This technique became a staple in historical documentaries.
Technological Advances
1957 saw significant improvements in portable film equipment, allowing documentarians greater mobility and spontaneity. Lighter 16mm cameras and synchronous sound recording devices enabled filmmakers to capture events as they unfolded.
These advancements paved the way for the direct cinema movement of the 1960s. Filmmakers could now follow subjects more closely, resulting in more intimate and immediate storytelling.
Color film also became more accessible, though many documentarians still preferred black and white for its perceived authenticity. The choice between color and monochrome became an artistic decision rather than a technical limitation.
Notable Filmmakers and Their Contributions
Several documentary filmmakers made significant contributions to the genre in 1957. Their work pushed boundaries and introduced innovative techniques that would influence future generations of documentarians.
Pioneering Directors
Charles and Ray Eames released "Toccata for Toy Trains" in 1957, showcasing their unique visual style and attention to detail. The husband-and-wife team's short film explored the world of toy trains through creative cinematography and editing.
Albert and David Maysles began their documentary careers in 1957, laying the groundwork for their future influential works. Their early collaborations demonstrated a commitment to observational filmmaking and capturing unscripted moments.
Innovative Techniques
Directors in 1957 experimented with new filming and editing methods to enhance their storytelling. Some filmmakers incorporated handheld camera techniques to create a more intimate and immersive viewing experience.
Others explored the use of synchronous sound recording, allowing for more authentic capture of real-life conversations and ambient noise. This technical advancement helped blur the line between fiction and non-fiction filmmaking.
Experimental animation techniques also emerged in documentary films of 1957, with some directors using stop-motion and mixed media approaches to illustrate complex concepts or historical events.
