Additional Coverage:
- ‘Clueless,’ ‘The Karate Kid,’ ‘Inception’ highlight 25 movies entering National Film Registry (latimes.com)
As If! “Clueless” and “Inception” Among 25 Films Added to National Film Registry
Talk about a totally righteous list! Fans of the iconic 1995 teen comedy “Clueless” can rejoice, as Amy Heckerling’s beloved film has been selected by the Library of Congress for its prestigious National Film Registry. And if “Clueless” isn’t exactly your cup of tea, no worries – Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending “Inception” also made the cut, promising to send viewers deep into their cinematic dreams.
Each year since 1988, the Library of Congress meticulously picks 25 films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant for preservation. To be eligible, a film must be at least a decade old. This year’s diverse selections span over a century of filmmaking, from the silent era to modern blockbusters.
Other notable additions include the heartwarming classic “The Karate Kid,” the powerful historical drama “Glory,” the groundbreaking “Philadelphia,” the romantic “Before Sunrise,” Pixar’s animated hit “The Incredibles,” and the visually stunning “Frida.” Old Hollywood gets its due with the festive musical “White Christmas” (1954) and Grace Kelly’s final film before becoming royalty, “High Society” (1956). Documentaries also feature prominently, with Ken Burns’ “Brooklyn Bridge” among the four chosen.
The oldest film to be inducted this year dates all the way back to 1896: William Selig’s “The Tramp and the Dog.” On the more recent end of the spectrum is Wes Anderson’s visually distinct “The Grand Budapest Hotel” from 2014, recognized for its “meticulous historical research at the Library of Congress to create visually striking scenery.”
For those eager to dive into these cinematic treasures, Turner Classic Movies will host a special broadcast on March 19, screening a selection of the newly inducted films.
A Closer Look at Some of This Year’s Inductees:
- “The Tramp and the Dog” (1896): This once-lost silent film, rediscovered in 2021, features a tramp’s pie-stealing attempt foiled by a determined canine. It’s an early example of what the registry playfully calls “pants humor.”
- “The Maid of McMillan” (1916): Considered the first recorded student film, this whimsical silent romance was shot by drama club students at Washington University in St. Louis.
- “Ten Nights in a Barroom” (1926): A significant silent film with an all-Black cast, this adaptation of an 1854 temperance novel aimed to discourage alcohol consumption.
- “High Society” (1956): Dubbed “the last great musical of the Golden Age of Hollywood,” this film famously starred Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly, who even wore her Cartier engagement ring on screen before her royal wedding.
- “Brooklyn Bridge” (1981): Ken Burns’ inaugural PBS documentary, chronicling the construction of the iconic New York landmark, solidified his reputation as a trusted public historian.
- “The Big Chill” (1983): Lawrence Kasdan’s era-defining ensemble drama, featuring stars like Glenn Close, William Hurt, and Jeff Goldblum, explored the reunion of friends after a suicide, adeptly humanizing common American stereotypes of the time.
- “The Karate Kid” (1984): This classic “hero’s journey” starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita is celebrated as an American sports and teen movie, delivering feel-good vibes with a touch of grit.
- “Glory” (1989): Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for his role as Private Trip in this powerful Civil War drama about the 54th Regiment, a unit of Black soldiers.
- “Philadelphia” (1993): Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning performance anchored one of the first major studio films to address the HIV/AIDS crisis, further immortalized by Bruce Springsteen’s Oscar-winning song, “The Streets of Philadelphia.”
- “Before Sunrise” (1995): The inaugural film in Richard Linklater’s beloved “Before” trilogy, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, is recognized for Linklater’s innovative use of time as a cinematic tool.
- “Clueless” (1995): Amy Heckerling’s fresh take on Jane Austen’s “Emma,” starring Alicia Silverstone, not only coined the phrase “As if!” but is also lauded for its vibrant, high-energy, and soundtrack-driven 90s dynamism.
- “The Wrecking Crew” (2008): This documentary by Danny Tedesco spotlights the unsung Los Angeles studio musicians who played on countless hit songs of the 60s and 70s.
- “Inception” (2010): Christopher Nolan’s thrilling film challenged audiences with its intricate narrative layers, stunning visual effects, and exploration of dream manipulation.
Full Chronological List of 2025 National Film Registry Inductees:
- “The Tramp and the Dog” (1896)
- “The Oath of the Sword” (1914)
- “The Maid of McMillan” (1916)
- “The Lady” (1925)
- “Sparrows” (1926)
- “Ten Nights in a Barroom” (1926)
- “White Christmas” (1954)
- “High Society” (1956)
- “Brooklyn Bridge” (1981)
- “Say Amen, Somebody” (1982)
- “The Thing” (1982)
- “The Big Chill” (1983)
- “The Karate Kid” (1984)
- “Glory” (1989)
- “Philadelphia” (1993)
- “Before Sunrise” (1995)
- “Clueless” (1995)
- “The Truman Show” (1998)
- “Frida” (2002)
- “The Hours” (2002)
- “The Incredibles” (2004)
- “The Wrecking Crew” (2008)
- “Inception” (2010)
- “The Loving Story” (2011)
- “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014)