Top Documentaries of 1959
Groundbreaking Films That Shaped Cinema
The year 1959 marked a significant period in cinema history, with notable releases across various genres. While fictional films like "Ben-Hur" and "Some Like It Hot" dominated box office charts, documentaries also made their mark. These non-fiction films captured real-life stories and events, providing viewers with insightful glimpses into different aspects of society, culture, and human experiences.
Documentaries from 1959 offer a unique window into the world as it was over six decades ago. These films explored diverse subjects, from social issues and historical events to artistic expressions and scientific advancements. Through interviews, archival footage, and observational techniques, documentary filmmakers of the time created compelling narratives that continue to resonate with audiences today.
1) "The World of Apu" directed by Satyajit Ray (1959)
"The World of Apu" is the final installment in Satyajit Ray's acclaimed Apu Trilogy. This Bengali-language drama film follows the life of Apu as an adult aspiring to be a writer.
The movie is based on the second half of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay's novel Aparajito. It continues the story of Apu from the previous films, "Pather Panchali" and "Aparajito".
Ray's direction showcases Apu's journey through adulthood, including his unexpected marriage and subsequent personal tragedies. The film stars Soumitra Chatterjee as Apu and Sharmila Tagore as his wife.
"The World of Apu" is known for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. It explores themes of love, loss, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
The film received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Indian life and universal human experiences. It solidified Ray's reputation as a master filmmaker on the international stage.
2) "Ben-Hur" directed by William Wyler (1959)
William Wyler's "Ben-Hur" stands as a monumental achievement in epic filmmaking. The movie captivated audiences with its grand scale and powerful storytelling.
Starring Charlton Heston as the titular character, "Ben-Hur" follows the journey of a Jewish prince seeking revenge against the Roman Empire. The film's narrative intertwines with the life of Jesus Christ, adding a spiritual dimension to the plot.
"Ben-Hur" showcased groundbreaking cinematography and set design. Its chariot race sequence remains one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history, featuring intense action and practical effects.
The film's production was massive, involving 350 speaking parts and over 50,000 extras. This scale contributed to its immersive historical atmosphere and visual grandeur.
"Ben-Hur" received critical acclaim and commercial success. It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, setting a record at the time. The film's impact on the epic genre and Hollywood filmmaking was significant.
Wyler's direction brought depth to the characters and emotional resonance to the story. The movie's themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption resonated with audiences worldwide.
More information on "Ben-Hur" (1959)
3) "Some Like It Hot" directed by Billy Wilder
"Some Like It Hot" (1959) is a landmark comedy film directed by Billy Wilder. The movie stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon in unforgettable performances.
Set in 1929, the plot follows two musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to escape. They join an all-female band headed to Miami, leading to hilarious complications.
Wilder's sharp direction and witty screenplay, co-written with I. A. L. Diamond, elevate the film beyond mere farce. The dialogue crackles with clever one-liners and double entendres.
The film's success lies in its perfect blend of humor, romance, and social commentary. It tackles themes of gender roles and identity with a light touch that remains relevant today.
"Some Like It Hot" received critical acclaim and six Academy Award nominations. It has since been recognized as one of the greatest comedies ever made.
The movie's enduring popularity stems from its timeless humor and stellar performances. Curtis and Lemmon's chemistry as the cross-dressing musicians is particularly noteworthy.
More information on "Some Like It Hot" (IMDB)
4) "North by Northwest" directed by Alfred Hitchcock
"North by Northwest" (1959) is a classic spy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill, an advertising executive mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies.
The film features stunning cinematography, including the iconic crop duster scene and the climactic chase across Mount Rushmore. Eva Marie Saint plays Eve Kendall, a mysterious woman Thornhill encounters on his journey.
James Mason portrays the suave villain Phillip Vandamm, who pursues Thornhill across the country. The screenplay, written by Ernest Lehman, is filled with witty dialogue and suspenseful plot twists.
"North by Northwest" was a commercial and critical success upon its release. It earned three Academy Award nominations and is now considered one of Hitchcock's finest works.
The film's blend of action, romance, and humor set a new standard for the spy thriller genre. Its influence can be seen in later works, including the James Bond franchise.
5) "Anatomy of a Murder" directed by Otto Preminger (1959)
"Anatomy of a Murder" is a gripping courtroom drama directed by Otto Preminger. The film stars James Stewart as Paul Biegler, a small-town lawyer defending an army lieutenant accused of murder.
Based on a novel by John D. Voelker, the movie explores complex themes of justice, morality, and the legal system. It features a stellar cast including Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, and George C. Scott.
The film's realistic portrayal of courtroom proceedings and frank discussion of controversial topics set it apart from other legal dramas of its time. Preminger's direction and the nuanced performances bring depth to the characters and their motivations.
"Anatomy of a Murder" received critical acclaim for its screenplay, acting, and direction. It earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for James Stewart.
The film's jazz score, composed by Duke Ellington, adds another layer of sophistication to this landmark production. Its influence on subsequent courtroom dramas is undeniable.
6) "The 400 Blows" directed by François Truffaut (1959)
François Truffaut's directorial debut "The 400 Blows" is a landmark of French New Wave cinema. The film stars Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel, a young boy navigating a troubled childhood in Paris.
Drawing from Truffaut's own experiences, the movie portrays Antoine's struggles with negligent parents and strict teachers. It follows his descent into petty crime and eventual confrontation with the juvenile justice system.
Shot in DyaliScope, "The 400 Blows" showcases many hallmarks of the French New Wave movement. These include location shooting, improvisational dialogue, and a focus on social and political commentary.
The film's raw, unsentimental depiction of youth resonated with audiences and critics alike. It earned Truffaut the Best Director award at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival and launched his illustrious career.
"The 400 Blows" remains a touchstone of coming-of-age stories in cinema. Its influence can be seen in numerous films exploring themes of adolescence and rebellion.
7) "Sleeping Beauty" produced by Walt Disney (1959)
"Sleeping Beauty" was Walt Disney's 16th animated feature film. It premiered on January 29, 1959, and was released to theaters by Buena Vista Distribution.
The film was based on Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale. It featured the voices of Mary Costa as Princess Aurora and Eleanor Audley as the evil fairy Maleficent.
"Sleeping Beauty" was notable for its lavish art style, inspired by medieval tapestries and stained glass. The film's production cost $6 million, making it the most expensive Disney animated feature at the time.
The movie showcased Disney's technological advancements in animation. It was the first animated film to be photographed in the Super Technirama 70 widescreen process.
While initial box office performance was disappointing, "Sleeping Beauty" has since become a beloved classic. It is recognized for its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and iconic musical score adapted from Tchaikovsky's ballet.
More information on "Sleeping Beauty" (1959)
8) "Diary of Anne Frank" directed by George Stevens (1959)
George Stevens brought Anne Frank's poignant story to the silver screen in this acclaimed biographical drama. The film adaptation was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which in turn drew from Anne's posthumously published diary.
Stevens assembled a talented cast, including Millie Perkins as Anne and Joseph Schildkraut as Otto Frank. The movie portrayed the Frank family's experiences hiding from Nazi persecution in Amsterdam during World War II.
Shot in black and white, the film captured the claustrophobic atmosphere of the secret annex where Anne and her family sought refuge. Stevens' direction emphasized the emotional depth of Anne's writings and the relationships between the characters.
"The Diary of Anne Frank" received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. It won three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters' performance as Mrs. Van Daan.
The film played a significant role in bringing Anne Frank's story to a wider audience, helping to ensure her legacy as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
9) "The Nun's Story" directed by Fred Zinnemann (1959)
"The Nun's Story" is a compelling drama that explores the inner struggles of a young Belgian woman who becomes a nun. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, the film stars Audrey Hepburn in one of her most critically acclaimed roles.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows Sister Luke as she grapples with her faith and vocation. The film delves into themes of devotion, sacrifice, and personal conviction.
Zinnemann's direction is noted for its restrained and thoughtful approach. He avoids melodrama, instead focusing on the nuanced emotional journey of the protagonist.
The film's authenticity is enhanced by its attention to detail in depicting convent life. It offers a rare glimpse into the daily rituals and challenges faced by nuns during this era.
"The Nun's Story" received widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. It stands as a testament to Zinnemann's skill in crafting complex, character-driven narratives.
10) "Rio Bravo" directed by Howard Hawks (1959)
Howard Hawks' "Rio Bravo" is a classic Western that stands out among 1959's films. John Wayne stars as Sheriff John T. Chance, who must defend his town from outlaws.
The film features a stellar cast including Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson. Their performances bring depth and charm to this tense standoff story.
Hawks' direction shines through in the film's pacing and character interactions. The dialogue crackles with wit and tension, a hallmark of Hawks' style.
"Rio Bravo" showcases the director's mastery of genre conventions while subverting expectations. It balances action, humor, and drama with skill.
The film's influence extends beyond its release, inspiring later Western classics. Its themes of friendship and duty resonate with audiences to this day.
Historical Context
1959 marked a pivotal year in American culture and filmmaking. Societal shifts and technological innovations converged to create a unique backdrop for documentary production.
Cultural Climate of 1959
The late 1950s saw America in a state of economic prosperity and social change. Cold War tensions remained high, with the Space Race intensifying between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Civil rights movements gained momentum, challenging racial segregation.
Television ownership skyrocketed, reshaping media consumption habits. Rock and roll music flourished, with artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry gaining popularity. Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac influenced youth culture.
The Clutter family murders in Kansas shocked the nation, later inspiring Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood". This event highlighted growing concerns about crime and safety in rural America.
Technological Advancements in Filmmaking
Documentary filmmaking experienced significant technological progress in 1959. Lightweight 16mm cameras became more accessible, allowing for increased mobility and on-location shooting.
Synchronous sound recording improved, enabling filmmakers to capture audio and visuals simultaneously with greater ease. This advancement led to more naturalistic and spontaneous footage.
Color film stock quality improved, though many documentaries still favored black and white for its perceived authenticity. Editing techniques evolved, with filmmakers experimenting with non-linear storytelling and creative montage.
These technological developments empowered documentarians to explore new subjects and styles, setting the stage for the cinema verité movement of the 1960s.
Impact on Future Documentaries
Documentaries from 1959 introduced innovative techniques and storytelling approaches that shaped the genre for decades to come. Their influence extended to both style and subject matter.
Influence on Documentary Style
1959 documentaries pioneered new filming and editing methods. They embraced handheld cameras and more intimate, observational styles. This allowed for greater spontaneity and realism in capturing subjects.
Some films experimented with non-linear narratives, challenging traditional chronological storytelling. The use of archival footage and reenactments became more sophisticated, enhancing historical documentaries.
Filmmakers began incorporating more personal perspectives, blurring the line between objective and subjective storytelling. This paved the way for more essay-like and reflexive documentaries in later decades.
Legacy in Modern Filmmaking
Many contemporary documentarians cite 1959 films as inspirations. The emphasis on visual storytelling and cinematic techniques from that year continues to influence modern documentary aesthetics.
The exploration of social issues in 1959 documentaries set a precedent for tackling complex topics. Today's filmmakers often reference these works when addressing similar themes.
Advancements in interview techniques and subject engagement from 1959 remain relevant. Modern documentarians still employ methods pioneered that year to build trust and elicit candid responses from participants.
The fusion of entertainment and education seen in some 1959 documentaries laid the groundwork for today's popular documentary formats on streaming platforms.
