Top Documentaries of 1987
Essential Viewing from a Groundbreaking Year in Film
The year 1987 marked a significant period for documentary filmmaking, with several groundbreaking works released that continue to influence the genre today. These films explored a wide range of subjects, from social issues to personal narratives, and employed innovative techniques to engage audiences. Some of the top documentaries from 1987 pushed boundaries in storytelling and visual style, setting new standards for non-fiction cinema.
Documentary enthusiasts and film historians often look back to 1987 as a pivotal year in the evolution of the genre. The films produced during this time captured important moments in history, shed light on overlooked stories, and challenged viewers' perspectives on various topics. Many of these documentaries went on to receive critical acclaim and awards, cementing their place in the canon of great non-fiction films.
1) The Untouchables (1987)
"The Untouchables" is a crime film directed by Brian De Palma. Set in Chicago during Prohibition, it follows Treasury agent Eliot Ness as he works to bring down notorious gangster Al Capone.
Kevin Costner stars as Ness, with Robert De Niro portraying Capone. Sean Connery plays Jim Malone, an Irish-American police officer who becomes Ness's mentor. The film received critical acclaim for its performances and visual style.
De Palma's direction creates tension and excitement throughout the movie. The famous staircase shootout scene in Chicago's Union Station is particularly memorable for its suspenseful execution.
"The Untouchables" blends historical elements with fictional dramatization. While based on real events, it takes creative liberties with the story of Ness and Capone for dramatic effect.
The film's score by Ennio Morricone enhances the mood and period atmosphere. Sean Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Malone.
More information on The Untouchables
2) The Hanoi Hilton (1987)
"The Hanoi Hilton" is a gripping documentary-style drama that sheds light on the experiences of American POWs held in North Vietnam's infamous Hoa Lo Prison during the Vietnam War. Directed by Lionel Chetwynd, the film stars Michael Moriarty as Williamson, who leads a group of American servicemen through their harrowing ordeal.
The movie portrays the brutal treatment and torture endured by the prisoners, offering a stark glimpse into their daily struggles for survival. It focuses on fictional characters, allowing the filmmakers to represent the collective experiences of many real-life POWs.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes, "The Hanoi Hilton" provides a powerful and affecting look at this dark chapter of the Vietnam War. The film's strength lies in its unflinching depiction of the prisoners' resilience in the face of extreme adversity.
While not a traditional documentary, the film's realistic approach and attention to detail offer valuable insights into the POW experience. It serves as both a tribute to those who endured captivity and a sobering reminder of the human cost of war.
3) Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam (1987)
Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam is a powerful documentary directed by Bill Couturié. The film uses real letters written by American soldiers during the Vietnam War as its narrative backbone.
These letters are read by prominent actors, including Robert De Niro and Martin Sheen. The film combines this narration with archival footage from TV news, the U.S. Department of Defense, and soldiers' home movies.
The documentary offers a deeply personal perspective on the Vietnam War. It showcases the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of those who served, providing insight into the human impact of the conflict.
Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam was inspired by a book anthology of the same name. The film was released to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the war's official end.
This documentary stands out for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of the Vietnam War through the words of those who lived it. It offers a unique and poignant look at a pivotal moment in American history.
4) Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
This documentary showcases Chuck Berry's 60th birthday concerts at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. Directed by Taylor Hackford, it captures Berry's electrifying performances and musical legacy.
Keith Richards assembled an all-star band for the event, featuring Robert Cray, Joey Spampinato, Eric Clapton, and longtime Berry pianist Johnnie Johnson. The film highlights Berry's classic rock songs and his dynamic stage presence.
Guest appearances by Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, and Julian Lennon add to the concert's star power. The documentary also delves into Berry's life and career, offering insights into the rock 'n' roll pioneer's influence on music.
Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll serves as a time capsule of musical genius, preserving Berry's performances for future generations. It combines concert footage with interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, providing a comprehensive look at the legendary musician.
The film stands as a testament to Chuck Berry's enduring impact on rock music and his status as one of its founding fathers.
5) Barfly (1987)
Barfly is a semi-autobiographical film based on the life of poet Charles Bukowski. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, it stars Mickey Rourke as Henry Chinaski, Bukowski's alter ego.
The movie follows Chinaski's life in Los Angeles, focusing on his twin passions of writing and heavy drinking. Rourke delivers a gritty performance as the alcoholic aspiring writer.
Faye Dunaway co-stars as Wanda, a fellow alcoholic who becomes Chinaski's love interest. Their turbulent relationship forms a central part of the narrative.
Barfly offers an unflinching look at life on the fringes of society. It portrays the dingy bars and rundown apartments that make up Chinaski's world with stark realism.
The film received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of alcoholism and the struggle of the aspiring artist. It remains a cult classic, appreciated for its uncompromising vision.
6) Empire of the Sun
"The China Odyssey: 'Empire of the Sun', a Film by Steven Spielberg" (1987) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Spielberg's epic war drama. This documentary provides valuable insights into the production process of "Empire of the Sun."
Directed by Les Mayfield, the film features interviews with key figures involved in the project. Steven Spielberg shares his vision for adapting J.G. Ballard's semi-autobiographical novel to the big screen.
The documentary explores the challenges of filming on location in China and working with a young Christian Bale in his breakout role. It also delves into the historical context of the story, set during World War II in Japanese-occupied Shanghai.
Viewers gain perspective on the film's themes of survival, loss of innocence, and the impact of war on civilians. The documentary showcases the meticulous attention to detail in recreating 1940s Shanghai and the internment camp setting.
"The China Odyssey" offers a comprehensive look at the filmmaking process behind one of Spielberg's lesser-known but critically acclaimed works.
7) Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Full Metal Jacket is a psychological war drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows a platoon of U.S. Marines through their boot camp training and deployment to Vietnam during the war.
The film stars Matthew Modine as Private Joker, alongside R. Lee Ermey as the drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. Vincent D'Onofrio portrays Private Pyle, a recruit who struggles with the harsh training.
Kubrick's meticulous direction and attention to detail are evident throughout the film. The boot camp scenes are particularly intense, showcasing the dehumanizing effects of military training.
The movie is divided into two distinct parts: the boot camp segment and the Vietnam War segment. This structure allows for a stark contrast between preparation for war and the reality of combat.
Full Metal Jacket received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War era. It continues to be regarded as one of Kubrick's masterpieces.
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8) Robocop
RoboCop, released in 1987, became a cultural phenomenon and spawned a franchise. The film follows a Detroit police officer transformed into a cyborg law enforcer after a fatal injury.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, RoboCop blends science fiction, action, and social commentary. It stars Peter Weller as the titular character and Nancy Allen as his partner.
The movie's success led to various spin-offs, including sequels, television series, and video games. Its themes of corporate power and the nature of humanity resonated with audiences.
RoboCop's impact on popular culture extends beyond film. The character's distinctive appearance and catchphrases became widely recognized. The movie's blend of violence and satire set it apart from typical action films of its era.
More information about RoboCop (1987)
9) Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom (1987) is a powerful biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough. The film focuses on the real-life events surrounding South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and journalist Donald Woods.
Set in late-1970s South Africa, the movie depicts the friendship between Biko and Woods. Initially skeptical of Biko's radical views, Woods eventually becomes an ally in the fight against apartheid.
The film stars Denzel Washington as Steve Biko and Kevin Kline as Donald Woods. Washington's portrayal of Biko earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Cry Freedom sheds light on the brutal realities of apartheid and the courage of those who opposed it. The film's narrative follows Woods' journey from skepticism to activism, culminating in his efforts to expose the truth about Biko's death in police custody.
While classified as a drama rather than a documentary, Cry Freedom's basis in true events and its portrayal of historical figures make it a significant film for understanding South Africa's apartheid era.
More information on Cry Freedom
10) The Last Emperor (1987)
The Last Emperor is a sweeping historical epic directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. It chronicles the life of Puyi, China's final emperor, from his ascension to the throne as a child to his later years.
The film offers a unique blend of documentary-style storytelling and dramatic reenactments. It provides viewers with a captivating glimpse into China's tumultuous transition from imperial rule to communism.
Bertolucci's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the film's stunning visuals and elaborate set designs. The production team gained unprecedented access to film inside Beijing's Forbidden City, lending authenticity to the narrative.
The Last Emperor features stellar performances, particularly from John Lone as the adult Puyi. Peter O'Toole also delivers a memorable turn as Puyi's Scottish tutor.
This cinematic masterpiece garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It swept the 60th Academy Awards, winning all nine categories for which it was nominated, including Best Picture and Best Director.
More information on The Last Emperor
Impact of Documentaries in 1987
Documentaries in 1987 left a significant mark on the film industry and society. They challenged conventional storytelling methods and shed light on important cultural and social issues.
Cultural Influence
Documentaries like "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam" brought the realities of war to the forefront of public consciousness. This film used soldiers' personal letters to create a powerful narrative, resonating deeply with audiences.
"The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On" sparked discussions about war crimes and personal vendettas. Its controversial approach to storytelling pushed boundaries in documentary filmmaking.
"Swimming to Cambodia" showcased the power of monologue-style documentaries. Spalding Gray's performance captivated viewers and inspired a new wave of personal narrative films.
Advancements in Filmmaking
1987 saw innovative techniques in documentary production. "Prince: Sign O' the Times" blended concert footage with scripted scenes, creating a hybrid form that influenced future music documentaries.
The use of archival footage became more sophisticated. Filmmakers integrated historical material seamlessly with contemporary interviews and reenactments.
Technological advancements allowed for improved sound and image quality. This enhanced the viewing experience and made documentaries more accessible to wider audiences.
Experimental approaches, like those seen in "Gap-Toothed Women," expanded the definition of documentary. These films challenged viewers' expectations and opened new avenues for creative expression in non-fiction storytelling.
Notable Filmmakers
1987 saw both emerging talents and established directors make significant contributions to documentary filmmaking. Their unique perspectives and innovative approaches helped shape the landscape of non-fiction cinema that year.
Emerging Voices
Bill Couturié made his mark with "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam." This powerful film utilized soldiers' letters and archival footage to create an intimate portrayal of the Vietnam War experience. Couturié's approach demonstrated how personal narratives could illuminate broader historical events.
Another rising filmmaker, Errol Morris, continued to develop his distinct style. Though not releasing a major work in 1987, Morris was likely in pre-production for his groundbreaking 1988 documentary "The Thin Blue Line." His innovative use of reenactments and stylized interviews was already generating buzz in documentary circles.
Industry Veterans
Werner Herzog, known for his unique blend of fiction and non-fiction filmmaking, remained active in 1987. While not releasing a documentary that year, Herzog's influence on the genre continued to be felt through his exploration of extreme human experiences and unconventional storytelling techniques.
Frederick Wiseman, a pioneer of observational documentary, released "Missile" in 1987. This film examined the training of U.S. Air Force officers responsible for nuclear-armed Minuteman missiles. Wiseman's signature style, characterized by long takes and minimal intervention, offered viewers an unfiltered look into this high-stakes environment.
Barbara Kopple, who had already won an Oscar for "Harlan County, USA," was likely developing new projects in 1987. Her commitment to social issues and labor rights continued to inspire emerging documentarians.
