The SO and I have been culling through “Top Rated Movies” lists recently. We watch all of the ones that we can get our hands on. Afterwards, I read the movie’s reviews posted on IMDb. There are some definite patterns:
* Some movies classified as Classics just need to be retired from the title. Typically, it’s an older generation who glorifies them for sentimental reasons. The script, acting, cinematography and/or accuracy are nothing to write home about. It would be difficult to debate with someone who said that “An American in Paris”, “Roman Holiday”, and even “The Bridge on the River Kwai” were not worthy of holding the title of Classic.
* There are movies that are classics for raising the bar in the film industry. They have high ratings, but few people will watch them today. What was new and clever at the time is now old hat or has been surpassed. Orson Wells Citizen Kane and Fritz Lang’s Metropolis come to mind.
* It may be because some are in B&W, but not all. It is more likely due to a slow pace. Others are not in English and there are people who don’t want to be bothered by subtitles.
@rockfan‘s suggestion of Bicycle Thieves is a prime example. It’s an Italian movie in B&W with English subtitles. While only 93 minutes long, it moves at a slow pace. Despite that, it paints a picture of full of emotion that most viewers can understand, even if not from personal experience.