On Tuesday, the Library of Congress announced their annual list of twenty-five films selected for preservation within the National Film Registry. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring are among the collection of films chosen for the prestigious honor.
The selection does not represent what some could consider the "greatest" movies of all time, but what they shoulder is influence, embodying cinematic tradition's creativity and cultural history. Within the twenty-five selections for the National Film Registry are films helmed by directors such as Michael Schultz, Wes Craven, and master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. The National Film Preservation Board, initiated by The National Film Preservation Act of 1988, works to maintain the conservancy and availability of American film heritage.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring do not provide the same cultural insight that Selena and films such as Cooley High may provide, but what they do unearth within audiences is the thematic message of hope. Return of the Jedi places audiences firmly within the shoes of Luke Skywalker as he bravely combats a darkness plaguing the galaxy. Likewise, the Fellowship of the Ring presents audiences with a protagonist who must carry an incredible burden but overcomes it with the help of solid relationships to preserve and survive. Films such as these do more than entertain, they also collectively provide audiences with renewed optimism. The screenwriters for Fellowship of the Ring commented by saying, "It is a great honor to have The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring selected this year by the National Film Registry. We are proud to be part of an archive that celebrates and preserves the art of visual storytelling for generations to come."
The lists of this years selections are as follows:
Ringling Brothers Parade Film (1902)
Jubilo (1919)
The Flying Ace (1926)
Hellbound Train (1930)
Flowers and Trees (1932)
Strangers on a Train (1951)
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Evergreen (1965)
Requiem-29 (1970)
The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Sounder (1972)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
Cooley High (1975)
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
Chicana (1979)
The Wobblies (1979)
Star Wars Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Stop Making Sense (1984)
Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987)
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
Selena (1997)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
WALL-E (2008)
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This year's selections bring the total number within the registry to 825 films. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, stated, "Films help reflect our cultural history and creativity — and show us new ways of looking at ourselves — though movies haven't always been deemed worthy of preservation. The National Film Registry will preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are proud to add 25 more films this year." The selection is a diverse representation of films from 1902 to 2008, and Turner Classic Movies will include some within a special this Friday, which will show a few of the selections named to the registry.
When it comes to film selected for the Registry, a number of these stories explore the unknown depths of communities that often go unnoticed, carried by universal themes that continue to resonate across generations. The relevant nature of these stories refuse to diminish over time and uplift audiences with knowledge, empathy, and understanding. Selena, for instance, progressively became a "cult classic," starring Jennifer Lopez in her first notable role. The film, chosen for preservation in the registry, explores the life and tragedy of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The 1997 film continues to stand and navigate the wilderness of time, educating youths and adolescents while providing solace for those who remember her time vibrantly. While some may not relate to her cultural journey, the mirror within her life allows one to reflect on their own.
As 2022 approaches, audiences can begin to think of films that the registry should be included within next year's selections. A solid number of films from 2012 will be approaching the ten-year mark, which would make them eligible for consideration. Films such as The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers, Chronicle, Django: Unchained, Zero Dark Thirty, Lincoln, Les Miserables, The Hunger Games, and Moonrise Kingdom would all be eligible and deserving within their own right. In addition, when it comes to cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, they can each check a box because of their impact during that time. Other films before 2012 will also be up for consideration but do not ignore the impact these films had with the manifestation of creative development throughout the decade.
Source: Library of Congress