10 beautiful films shot in back and white, some old, some new.
There are many great old black & white films, but some filmmakers still create new ones. Here's the best from both categories, 10 beautiful films....
Citizen Kane (1941)
Epic story of the rise and fall of a man, beautifully shot in B&W with artistic framing. Widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever created.
Manhattan (1979)
The essential Woody Allen, in my opinion. A tale of New York and complex relationships. Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep are beautiful in a soft B&W, though dialogue is more important than the lack of color here.
Roma (2018)
Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece about a family and their maid in Mexico. A very consciously made B&W film, with amazing shots for all film lovers.
The Third Man (1949)
Film Noir set in Vienna, a crime story based on Graham Greene. Amazingly shot with typical noir shadows, and a great soundtrack.
Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
Depicting the difficult situation of journalists in the McCarthy era. Great ensemble cast (Straithairn, Clarkson, Clooney, Daniels, Downey Jr., Langella) and beautiful somber B&W.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
One of the most famous films about Hollywood, with dramatic B&W and very influential shots. The story about ageing film stars never gets old, but this is the original.
The Artist (2011)
Groundbreaking for not only being shot in B&W, but also without sound - back to basics. An homage to the silent film era, but created with all the craftsmanship of 2011. Won 5 Oscars for a reason.
Casablanca (1942)
Notable not only for its great quotes, this is a film that has aged really well. Not only because Bogart & Bergman are beautiful in B&W, but because the political message and love story are timeless. Play it, Sam....
Breathless (1960)
Not really an English-speaking film, but I'm cheating a bit here because a) Jean Seberg is American and b) I love this film so much (though there are many other great Italian and German B&W films too - another list maybe). Just breathless & exciting with many unusual cuts and a charming couple, Seberg & a young Belmondo...
Control (2007)
A biography of Ian Curtis, singer of Joy Division, which is also great for an audience that doesn't know or appreciate the band. Raw and electric, with a beautiful use of B&W.
(Images: IMDB)