What makes a movie timeless?

Movies. They’re a huge part of pop culture and the way we view our lives. Some are able to stand the test of time, becoming pop culture icons, while others fall by the wayside and are forgotten. 

Why is this? Why do some movies age like wine while others age like milk? What makes a movie timeless? 

Timeless is defined as, “not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion,” by Oxford languages. 

Being timeless is a hard task to achieve in the context of film. After all, it is a practical art form, which leaves the timelessness of a film largely up to one’s opinion.

Unpacking universal themes 

At the very core of a film is a story, a message, that is used to evoke emotion or resonate with an audience. Simply put, the most timeless films have messages that can span across generations.

Take for example “The Wizard of Oz.” A film that inspired the highly successful Broadway show “Wicked,” a film of the same name and numerous other spin off films. “The Wizard of Oz” is a true fantasy that portrays themes of friendship, self discovery and a desire for home at its center. These themes resonate with current audiences just as strongly as they did when the film was released in 1939. As long as audiences relate to strong themes and memorable characters, a film will continue to be timeless. 

On the other hand, there are movies that have not stood as well against the test of time. The film, “The Blind Side,” is an example of this. Starring Sandra Bullock, the story details the coming up of NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher. The film won many awards upon release, however it has been engulfed in controversy in recent years. 

This is largely due to the messages the film conveys about race. Oher, a black man, is taken in by a white family who helps him get to the top. The film was supposed to spread messages of determination and perseverance, however these themes are overshadowed by the notion that minorities need to be saved or helped by people in privilege. Movies like this one will forever be remembered for motifs that are not as timeless as the film they are captured on. 

Creating memorable characters

Part of a film’s timelessness lies in the characters of its story. The characters don’t need to be likable, but they absolutely need to be interesting. A well written character that has layers and depth will always leave audiences coming back for more. 

Anakin Skywalker, Hermione Granger, Hannibal Lecter; the heroes and heroines and even the villains end up being the longest lasting parts of most films. The most timeless movies have the most timeless characters. 

The Ability to Break Boundaries

With ever changing technology and cultural norms, determining which films are timeless becomes increasingly difficult. However, there have been films that changed the movie industry by pushing barriers and breaking rules. For example “The Matrix,” “Jaws” or “Titanic.” 

The films that dared to be different, and inspire change have been remembered and celebrated for their differences. This change could look like an innovation in storytelling like the use of flashbacks, or a technological leap like the introduction of color and CGI animation. 

Timelessness Takes Time

A timeless film is much more than the sum of its parts, and being able to remain relevant over decades is no small feat. More often than not a film falls by the wayside and is looked at as a product of its time. Only a few films have what it takes to be considered timeless. 

Some films are instant hits, while others don’t receive much attention until further down the road. All of this to say that for a film to be timeless it must be granted the time to do that. No film is timeless at the moment of its release, and it’s only after years of aging that the distinction of “timeless” can be made. 

Timeless Start with you 

Above all else, a movie is a story that is left up to interpretation. That interpretation will be different for every person as well. So what makes a film timeless? Well, all of these and none of these things. The timelessness of a movie can only be decided by you, the audience. Without an audience to connect with themes and characters there would be no timeless movies, or movies at all. So, in a way, you are what makes a movie timeless.

Let us know what you think makes a movie timeless @VALLEYmag on X.com and all other social media.

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