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There are many films in the history of film that are studied and many genres that have evolved. Many of today’s best filmmakers pay homage to films and filmmakers from generations ago, many of which the casual film audience is unaware.

The first classic film to be seen is “Battleship Potemkin”, a 1925 Russian film by Sergei Eisenstein. He incorporates a brilliant use of editing. Also be sure to see one of Harold Lloyd’s films of the silent era, such as “The Freshman”. His roles of trying to fit in are still themes very much alive in today’s films.

Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” is certainly a film to be studied. At only 24, Welles created a film whose techniques he developed and are still employed today. His use of lighting and film location are priceless.

Also be certain to study Alfred Hitchcock. His films, all of them, are worth seeing. “Rope”, in particular is actually one long shot.

Study the evolution of story and acting with Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather”, 1972.

We all know how successful Steven Spielberg is. Watch his 1974 film “Jaws” and see his style begin. Like Welles, he, too, was just 24 when directing this film.