The candidates' favorite movies

It is always difficult (especially for me) to name just one particular movie. I love the idea of a persons favorite movie speaking a lot about their character... After all who was it that said what you like is more important then what you ARE like... This is true... At least I think so. I personally tend to flip flop my answer to that question... Sometimes I answer "Brazil" or sometimes it's "the Good the Bad and the Ugly" an sometimes I go out of my way to make up an answer just to guage people based on their reaction. Now what does that say about a person?

Now that is effing great political insight.

IMDB lists W's favorite movie as Saving Private Ryan. I would say this is more correct since WikiAnswers can be edited without the changes having to be moderated or checked by a 3rd party like IMDB is.

Ebert: Very encouraging. I once described the net as something like a repository of factoids rummaged by monkeys nightly.

Al Gore didn't actually win the Oscar. The director of the flim won the Oscar.

It's fitting that Bush's favorite movie is Armageddon. Might be even more fitting if his favorite movie was Omega Man "for its realistic and nuanced depiction of bad guys." But where is the link to your talk with Clinton?

Ebert: You're right. Link is coming up

I have been doing the same thing with my teachers ever since 7th grade! And people always wonder why and I always say, "It gives you more information about them than being in the same room with the person for a year ever could." Roger, this is further proof that you have out-awesomed (I understand that isn't a word) your already extreme case of awesomeness, a task so very hard to accomplish.

I looked into what Bush's favorite movie was; I found at a couple different spots that Field of Dreams was listed as his top pick. It'd fit in with his baseball history in Texas.

I think a telling piece of information about Obama's viewpoint is that his favorite TV show is The Wire, a show where there are no easy answers, where the corruption in and of all systems causes compromise and breakage of ideals, and the entire cast -- good and bad -- is portrayed sympathetically. I would trust a man who understood that, and the nuances inherent in such a character study, to run our country.

In regard to the link between cinematic taste and politics, your post reminds me of Alberti's De pictura, in which he likens linear perspective to a civic assembly. Complex composition is an art whatever form it takes--a politician, like a painter or a filmmaker, must be adept at uniting separate elements into a greater whole.

I was lucky enough to see Vertigo in the theater when it was re-released in 1983 - I was 13 - and it knocked my socks off. It took more viewings and even more maturing to REALLY understand everything that was going on in the film, but as soon as I heard the first strains of Bernard Hermann's score during the opening credits I knew. It's been my favorite ever since.

I think that Obama's choices only demonstrate an elementary knowledge of film, and a limited range of films that he's seen. Aren't those like in the top 10 on AFI's 100 list, or something? I watched them all when that list came out when I was about 13 (I'm 24 now), if not in my childhood. While they are important movies and certainly superior films, they are obvious choices. Thirty year's from now, his answer might be "Titanic."

The movie that shows the most depth for Obama is "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and for McCain "Some Like it Hot." McCain also wins for having the most variety, showing a varied knowledge of film history and a very admirable respect for Clint Eastwood.

I also feel like Obama consulted his campaign orchestrator before answering these questions and may never have even seen these films. Isn't "the Godfather" like the #1 choice for favorite movie among middle-aged American males? I'd be even more concerned, however, if he chose "Donnie Darko."

Additionally, "Casablanca" is the most gruesomely overrated film of all time.

I agree with everything else you say in your post, fully, and that you have indeed out-awesomed yourself once again.

I think "Armageddon" can be classed, with many very cultured people even, as one of those movies that can provide a whole lot of really dumb fun. Still have a hard time seeing it as any cultured person's favorite, but I could see certain dumb action movies still possessing a certain buoyant optimism that could actually do more immediate good for a person than a much greater, but depressing, film such as "Citizen Kane" (which, by the way, I do love).

But I agree it IS an excellent question to ask our candidates. It may not say much about how they will actually behave while in office (i.e. Clinton wasn't exactly as faithful to his wife as Will Kane would've been), but it is interesting. Certainly says [I]something[/I] about a person. It might say they realize there are more important things in life than watching tons of moving pictures, and it might say that's what they spend all their spare time doing, when they aren't making speeches. But it could say more than that too, I suppose.

I agree with cakocinski that it's darn hard to pick just one favorite. I prefer to keep a list (Facebook is good for that), and let the "One" change depending on which one I've seen most recently. Thus one day it might be "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and the next it might be "Singin' in the Rain." Great movies sneak up on you that way, re-catching your affection when you least expect it.

I agree that a person's choice of movies can say a lot about the person. And I agree that movies are great empathy machines. For better or worse -- and I would like to think for the better -- film is my own lifeline.

But in the context of discussing people who are expected to be uncommon, people who are serving the public and running for office, should we really give movie choice that much importance? Movie choice says a lot about taste, no argument. But I think your blog is wrong to imply that such taste should have any heavy bearing when we are talking about real-world civics. It is nice, to be sure, to think all candidates are folks who love movies and care about them. But is it "important," as you say? No. I'm glad the president has a first-class screening room. But do I want him there watching movies often? Ignoring my own love of movies, I say no. And I say, if I hired a bodyguard and he confessed his love for "The Cannonball Run," I would be fine with that as long as he met my requirements of being big, tough and strong. And now I oughtta shut up.

I remember a debate during California's tumultuous recall election in 2003 where the top five or so of the hundred-plus candidates on the ballot were all asked to name their favorite film. I don't remember what Arianna Huffington or any of the others said, but conservative Tom McClintock named "Seabiscuit." I thought it was far too "safe" a choice for a politician, but it's about an underdog (underhorse?) and McClintock is nothing if he isn't California's great political underdog of the modern era.

Schwarzenegger, incidentally, did not participate in this particular debate. I wonder what he would have said if he had. I'd like to think the moderators would have had the creative sense to make his a two-part question: "What's your favorite of your own movies? And what is your favorite movie in which you do NOT appear?" Now that's something that I, as a Californian, would like to see him talk about.

When I saw that Bush's favorite movie was (or possibly could be) "Armageddon," I thought: "Well, it's about oil men saving the world. Of course he loves it."

I guess it's kind of worrying that the vice-presidential candidates didn't put in their favorites. Still, it's better than the alternative that I hear when I ask people about their favorite movies; usually, I get the impression that they reply with the last movie they watched. Maybe I take it too seriously, but it comes across as "I have to choose a favorite movie? Well, I have the long-term memory of a newborn kitty, so here's the last one I saw." (Granted, I'm asking teenagers, but still.)

It actually is kind of shocking that McCain came up with such an eloquent answer for why he liked "Viva Zapata." I'm a little worried about Obama's choices, though, as they seem to be generic "great movie" choices that appear on all sorts of lists. The one that came to mind immediately was the IMDb Top 250 (all his choices being in the top 50), which isn't a good sign. He's not going to mention "Fight Club" next, is he?

By the way, while this page is a bit outdated, the "Quest for Presidency" website lists Bush's favorite movie as "Field of Dreams."

http://quest.juneauempire.com/bush/

I would have almost expected Mccain to list war movies or Westerns, i.e. "Patton", "True Grit", "A Bridge Too Far". Let's pick Biden's and Palin's for them.
Palin: "Baby Mama" or "Mystery, Alaska"
Biden: "Trains, Plains, and Automobiles" or "Foreign Correspondent"

By the way for Cheney it would be simply "Dick" or "Shoot to Kill".

I persist in believing that cinematic taste is as important as taste in literature, music, art, or other things requiring taste (including food and politics).

When listing favorites, I suppose it's best to ignore the constant-watchability rule in favor of advertising elite aesthetic sensibilities, at least when courting a romantic partner/the entire American public.

Then again, the way this election is going, marketing oneself as just another down-home kind of person--one of the regular folks without an elitist bone in his or her body--seems imminent.

Keep watch for Palin and Biden to list Titanic and The Da Vinci Code.

I wonder what Reagan's favorite movie was? He had an interesting perspective on the subject, you might say.

Here is a link that you might find interesting: It's the list of movies Richard Nixon saw at The White House screening room during his presidency.

I wrote to a mutual friend of ours with this link, some two years ago, and commented that I found it both strangely ironic, and equally tragic, that one of the last films Nixon had seen as President was "It's a Wonderful Life."

To which, his reply was classic:

"Let's see, a movie about a guy who lets everyone down and becomes a suicidal alcoholic -- but then it turns out not to be real and everyone gathers around him with love and support!

Hmmmmm. I wonder why this would appeal to Nixon at that time in his life...?"

The classification of film as trivia is, perhaps, the most egregious approach to have towards the art form. It is akin to the reduction of grasp of the classics, or of science, or, in fact, the world, to having general knowledge. As Richard Griffiths' Hector says in the film History Boys, there is nothing general about knowledge. That wonderful morsel works as a fine companion to A.E. Housman's eternal line, present in the stage version of said film, "(A)ll knowledge is precious, whether or not it serves the slightest human use." In my book (it's a page-turner), a person more excited about office than about letting people know what their favourite films are is already off to a bad start.

I shall now dismount from this particularly high horse.

Actually, I shall not.

So let me get this straight. Knowing that there was a Godfather III is exactly as impressive as knowing the three Kazan-Brando collaborations, knowing which gets the least accolades, and and being able to compare and discuss them intelligently? Hell, most of the waiters at the restaurant I work at can quote all three Godfather films (yes including the third) to death. And talking smack about Sophia Coppola's performance in said film is a nice opener to bar customers when I'm trying to sell them a Coppola Cabernet. Everyone laughs. No offense to you Mr. Ebert, but listing those as equal smacks of fence-sitting. It's nice of you to try to avoid being partisan, but lumping those together is so absurd, one might even think you're bending over to make Obama seem more "cultured." I know these things are difficult to quantify, but that was the point of the entry, no? Clinton won the gold after all. So who won the silver? From what I just read, McCain. And not by a little.

Ebert: Correct. I have rewritten the paragraph to award McCain the silver.

My God, I would really like to know what my favorite movie (Kill Bill) says about me. Should I be worried about myself?

I always wonder if it shouldn't be split into two questions- a favorite movie, and a movie you respect the most. I doubt, say, "Ran" was ever anyone's favorite film per se, but don't doubt in the least that it's had a profound impact on a substantial portion of the people who've seen it.

I would have liked to see you do a "Ebert & Roeper" special where you talked to Bush about his favorite movies. I'm not sure if it would have been stimulating, but maybe he would be more calm when talking about something that isn't quite as important to the nation.

Bush's favorite is ARMAGEDDON?!?

Further proof that Bush is the world's oldest frat boy.

I am often reminded about the many people I meet, when it comes to asking them about their favorite films. I once met author "Dave Pelzer", that most extraordinary man whom overcame those terrible adversities so long ago. And yet, he somehow managed to escape that hell and even share his many stories of hope with people around the world...

He was engaged in politics during the 90s, and he had mentioned to me meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bill Clinton. He also told me that his favorite movies were Casablanca and Citizen Kane. And yet, having listened to him speak, engaged in that wonderous sense of humor and celebrity impersonations, (which he did surprisingly well) it seemed only natural that'd he'd be in love with such articulate, warm and rich films. Then again, whos to judge anyhow? No matter where you're from, the great movies will find you. Nothing can stop great art from reaching the right eyes and ears; no matter what the environment, relationships or people. Nothing at all.

I also believe its important to have good taste in movies as with anything else, however, its not always the best indicator of personality or wisdom. It goes without saying that people like different films for different reasons. Since as we grow we are forced to consult our minds into refiguring and reimagining our choices; as a result, as we age, our tastes often change as well.

Beauty can be witnessed during the passing of certain scenes, we often hold affection for great moments in subjectively inferior films. For personal example, many won't believe that Robert Zemeciks' "Back to the Future" is a flawless film by any stretch of imagination (though a minor referrential classic fantasy--from the man who would direct the Oscar®-winning Forrest Gump). I still consider it among my favorites, along with "Dark City", "Groundhog Day", The Thief of Baghdad (Justin/Sabu-1940) and Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" (Which never fails to move me to tears).

As for the candidates however, I wouldn't bet on voting for any of them just because of their taste in movies. However, if one of them happened to illustrate one of my most cherished scenes of cinema, and morever, actually appreciated it, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be tempted to place my trust in them. Taste in movies certainly is powerful. It helped me begin some of my most interesting conversations, was a part of many of my most cherished friendships, movies are one of the greatest ice breakers with any group of people. Everyone can simply relate to them.

This is one of my favorite questions to ask new people I meet. Like you mentioned Roger, you learn quite a bit about them. Granted, someone could have an adept knowledge of film and still adore The Matrix more than The Godfather for personal reasons, but more often than not getting an answer like The Rules of the Game, Cinema Paradiso, 8 1/2 or City Lights has the potential to start an engaging conversation.

My guess for Sarah Palin's favorite movie? Juno.

I kid, I kid.

I recently went out with a girl. After a few stock questions, "Where did you grow up?" "How many siblings do you have?" we came upon the infamous "What's your favorite movie?"

After she told me SON IN LAW with Pauly Shore I knew it was going to be a long night.

People tell me it's pretentious to judge people based on their favorite films, but I say that one's favorite films says a lot about the person.

Thanks for backing me up on this one!

PS. I'm pretty impressed with McCain's knowledge... and not too surprised by Bush's!

P.S. Looking at your last paragraph I was reminded of..."We hold these truths to be self-evident..." and good films help show us the evidence.

Roger, I'd love to see all these politicians — both Clintons, Palin, Obama, McCain, Biden — review Oliver Stone's W when it releases. What do you think Kennedy would have thought of JFK?

I balk somewhat at the idea of this judgement-by-favorite-movie. Suppose my favorite movie is recent movie of no particular repute. But I've seen plenty of films, I'm well versed in the classics. I feel like I'd have to couch my answer in a variety of all-timer winners and lesser known gems just to justify myself.

"Oh, I don't know... Metropolis, On the Waterfront, Fitzcaraldo, Man with a Movie Camera...casblancacitizenkanefightclub..." :)

I enjoyed the post, but I panic at the idea of being judged like this. I suppose, as in the case of McCain, the reasoning behind it, and the perspective it reflects, is (hopefully) as important as the choice itself.

I have scoured through Google looking for proof that George W. Bush's favorite film is "Armageddon" and all I could find was the WikiAnswers entry you referred to, which is a spurious source considering the ability of virtually anyone to edit it. I did find information asserting that his favorite film was "Field of Dreams," which I myself remember from a Q&A circa 2000, and thus find more believable. You awarded that film 4 stars.

The Internet Movie Database claims that his favorite film is "Saving Private Ryan," which you also awarded 4 four stars.

I don't know how revealing this is, but it seems Ronald Reagan had nice things to say about Inchon, which is regarded by many as a terrible film. I haven't seen it, but I wonder: Could it be any worse than Bedtime for Bonzo?

Wait a minute!!! "Armageddon" managed 40% on the tomatometer? No wonder this country keeps making stupid electoral decisions. I think we should make a new constitutional amendment -- anyone who ranks that hideous film as a favorite should be automatically prohibited from running for office... or voting. Heck, anyone who labels it as anything other than abysmal should be prohibited from being a film critic.

George W. Bush is the Michael Bay of politics -- fake emotions, tons of explosions, incessant flag waving, capitalizing on disasters and slow-motion movement that results in an overlong tragedy.

And Bush doesn't even have the common sense to distract us with beauty shots of Kate Beckinsale.

I remember reading somewhere of Winston Churchill having said his favorite actors were John Wayne and Steve Reeves. Presumably, the latter must be referring to "Hercules", the cult favorite.
This brings to mind the question: Roger, can you think of any sword and-sandal type movie that belongs in your "great movies" list (none so far, I think) or is this just a genre you have never cared for?

http://quest.juneauempire.com/bush/ lists his favorite movie being Field of Dreams, which makes sense considering he spends alot of time clearing brush on his ranch. I wouldn't trust any type of wiki resource for this thing.

What do we learn from this? That movie critics are leftists :p

I don't know how accurate it is, but Internet Movie Database lists "Paths of Glory" as John McCain's favorite movie. I remember once hearing that some other time in my life as well. If true this says much about how McCain views his time in the military.

As I get older, I find myself more and more in need of a favorite-movie(s) tag for people I just met. I also wouldn't mind carrying one. It would have saved us from losing precious moments of our lives trying to figure out people/explaining ourselves.

By the way, both McCain's and Obama's movies are about powerful men. I think it's a clear projection of how they see themselves, and because of that I am all the more curious about Sarah Palin's and Hillary Clinton's favorite movies.

McCain does show surprising movie knowledge but depending on when that question was posed, I'm wary of his mentioning the Bible scene. Yes, they would actually go that far and be that thorough in trying to appeal to a certain demographic. Contemporary pols are not to be trusted. But he obviously knows movies, or at least Elia Kazan movies. I would add, though, that Kazan and Brando were major film figures in their time, and McCain was in his late teens/early 20s when they were doing their collaborations- and speaking from experience, one's memory of the movies and actors and directors he likes at twenty can be very, very good, for a very long time. They weren't obscure then, they were among the major figures of the day. But all due credit to McCain.

Obama's answers, I dunno. I should confess that I'm a lib and considering the opposition, I'm almost certainly an Obama voter, but those are cheap political answers, to my eye.

Bush's two- Saving Private Ryan and Armageddon- are telling. Lots of people gettin' blowed up real good, cheap patriotism, and the end of the world- yep, that sounds about right.

PS
Recently saw Van Sant's 'Elephant' on IFC. Was disappointed by it, then doubly disappointed when I saw you'd given it four stars. I have to say, Charles Taylor and Todd McCarthy had that one right. If you ever revisit it, I hope you at least try to see what I (and they) saw. In any case I know never again to expect much from Van Sant. Also saw The Pianist, which you had exactly right, so I guess it evens out. Hope you're well.

I would be leary of any choice made by a U.S. president or vice president in such categories as "Favorite Movie." Their choice would have to be the least offensive and yet portray a level of taste and healthy American values. They couldn't list a foreign film, say "Ran," or "The Seventh Seal," for fear of offending the American filmmaking establishment. They couldn't list "The Thin Red Line" or "Paths of Glory" for fear of offending the military establishment. They couldn't list "The Wild Bunch" or "Bonnie and Clyde" for fear of being tagged bloodthirsty or pro-crime. "Gone With the Wind" is not politically correct. "Citizen Kane" is too dark. "It's a Wonderful Life" too soft. "2001: A Space Odyssey" too trippy. The film would need to have at least one scene portraying the American flag blowing in the wind without a hint or irony (thus eliminating all Oliver Stone films, with the exception of "World Trade Center"). That leaves us with essentially five films:

1. "Saving Private Ryan"
2. "How the West Was Won"
3. "Sergeant York"
4. "Yankee Doodle Dandy"
5. "Dances With Wolves"

Note: I would have listed "Chisum," but Richard Nixon called it one of his favorite films, thus eliminating that choice for all public servants and candidates.

I'm not entirely convinced that Obama ties McCain in this one. You seem to qualify the tie by claiming--

"[Obama's] reply is reasonable, and it shows him carefully mentioning "Godfather" Parts I and II, which indicates he knows there was a Part III. Conclusion: He knows what he's talking about."

Godfather Part III made some $50,000,000 at the box office and was nominated for seven academy awards. It came out in 1990. Who wouldn't know about the Godfather Part III?

Ebert: You're right. Advantage to McCain.

I have long believed that the answer to this question says a lot about a person, as you do, Rog. If you are in a group and the subject is movies and one guy says "2001" and another says "Dumb and dumber", well, ahhh, I think that tells me who I'd like to continue the conversation with. Most of the time, though, the choice is not so stark. What if one person says "Saving Private Ryan" and another says "Forrest Gump?" This might tell you that they have not seen classic older films but both of these films are of good quality. The great thing about the communal experience of film is that, one way or another, it is almost always a great conversation starter.

Obama once mentioned that "The Wire" was his favorite television show. Seeing as he's running on a platform of change and hope in America I would say he kind of missed the point of "The Wire" and its extreme cynicism. Still, it shows he possesses a high level of tastefulness. I believe even a medium as seeming low as television can be held in the same regard as film, art, literature, and music some of the time. Note, "The Wire" is arguably the best crime drama ever. Also note, I realize that opinion is highly subjective even among the tasteful.

Two things:

It may not be original to Nick Hornby, but the idea that you are defined more by WHAT you like that WHAT you ARE like was in "High Fidelity" (book and movie).

Also, had not more comments come to light about Bush's favorite movie, I was going to comment that I couldn't tell is Armageddon being Bush's favorite movie was irony or poetic, but since its suspect, I will leave it at: D'oh! [Which, by the way, IS an (awesome) word!]

Maybe 'Armageddon' actually ISN'T W.'s favorite movie... but everyone here can certainly justify such a case.

Bruce Willis: "The United States just asked us to save the world."

And no, I don't like the movie. At all. But it's such a terrible quote that it will never leave my memory...

I use to equate politics and movies with Ronald Reagan. When he mentioned that his favorite movies were the cowboy pictures because "It's the good always winning out over the bad", it told me that this is how he views his job, he is the cowboy in the white hat and his enemies will eventually lose.

Your interview with Bill Clinton was an eye-opener, it threw me for a loop especially when he mentioned "The Harmonists". What the interview told me was that Clinton was a person who sees movies beyond the box office, that he was willing to see a smaller film that he might enjoy and didn't mention just the obvious "Casablanca" or "Gone With the Wind".

What movies a politician views says nothing about them politically, but I think it says something about them personally. It speaks to how they spend their leisure time, how they stimulate themselves intellectually.

I would be interested in a politician who spent their time watching documentaries because it tells me that they spend their leisure time watching something that gives them a more intimate understanding of the world around them. Watching the news would give them a scope of the world on a grand-scale but documentaries are the great cinematic microscope, they see the details in our human community and help us understand other cultures from the ground up.

Ross Durham wrote:

Hell, most of the waiters at the restaurant I work at can quote all three Godfather films (yes including the third) to death.

Word (obviously this is the early 90's, hence my vernacular). If I never come across some twerp going "Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in" again, it will be too soon.

This article provides additional detail on candidates in the primaries: http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/02/08ers-weigh-in-on-their-favorite.html

I would subsequently learn that Edwards only chose Dr. Strangelove on the advice of his wife, who said the themes and story would compliment his own message. Edwards hadn't seen the film. I don't know what is more troubling, that a candidate would not have seen Dr. Strangelove, or that they would have no problem describing a film they hadn't seen as their favorite for political reasons. I'd rather have an honest Armageddon lover than a dishonest Dr. Strangelover.

In 2000 I read an article that listed the favorite films of Bush, Gore and Buchanan (perhaps it was favorite modern films). If I remember correctly, they were as follows:

Gore- The Patriot
Bush- Being John Malkovich
Buchanan- Austin Powers (Part 1)

I've since read a profile of Bush that mentioned Dr. Evil being his favorite movie villian, so I may have him mixed up with Buchanan on that count, though I distinctly remember my opinion of Bush being raised with his knowing and liking a film like B.J.M. (I felt Gore's answer, incidentally, was very focus grouped, as in, I like The Patriot, as I am a patriot. Associate this word with me.)

If anyone is interested, I also read a biography of Ralph Nader that listed the Marx Bros. films as his favorites. No specific titles were given. Don't think this says too much about Nader, other than the fact that after he got busy advocating, he didn't go to movies much, so he stuck by something lighter from his youth.

Ebert: Since I know you are interested in the developments of this. Its a sad day for the West Memphis 3. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080911/ap_on_re_us/arkansas_boys_slain

Their appeal has been denied, despite DNA testing that does not support that any of these boys were at the scene. Its truly terrible that we still live in a society where the type of music you listen to and the clothes you wear can be all the proof that is necessary to put you in jail for murder.

Ebert: Despite the DNA and the virtual self-indictment of one of the fathers on video, and his delivery of a weapon meeting the description of the murder knife, the area has bought into the fantastic concept that those heavy metal fans were part of a Satanic cult. Faith defeats reality, and the three have lost their freedom to ignorance.

President Bush's favorite movie is often listed as Field of Dreams. The Armageddon answer is obviously fake (it's from Wiki for goodness sake). Mr. Ebert, you need to do a little better research than a 2 second google search.
Also, you said that picking a favorite movie was not something left for aides. You might want to tell John Edwards that, because he this when he said Dr. Strangelove was his favorite:

http://deathby1000papercuts.com/2008/08/john-edwards-affair-dr-strangelove-and-the-man-in-the-empty-suit/

Thanks for this insightful look into the hearts and minds of our candidates. I for one actually think this is rather important. I think that the arts are heavily overlooked in the main of American culture and I believe the way that films move politicians says a whole lot. I'm actually surprised and very pleased at Mccain's thoughful answers. Obama's do sound a bit rehearsed, but whose to say that means they are? they are still undeniably great films. As for Biden/Palin, shame on them for making this issue so small (especially Palin). So I guess this doesn't move me along much in the way of an actual decision (since the two main candidates have some merit on taste).

In your OPINION, Armageddon is a terrible movie. Are you going to tell all Americans what's good and bad?

Ebert: That's what they pay me for--my OPINION.

Confirmation bias runs amuck in this kind of pop psychology. You'll start with an impression of a particular candidate, and your brain will find a way to use the candidate's favorite movie to confirm that impression.

In short, it says much more about the interpreter than the interpreted.

In the above thread, the most notable example is the people who assume Armageddon is President's favorite movie when there's lots of evidence otherwise and scant evidence for the assertion.

However, I could easily do the same, since I'm not particularly an Obama fan. Favorite movies are Casablanca and Godfather? Both Michael Corleone and Rick are schemers who imagine their various lies and swindles serve a greater purpose, so that must be at heart how Obama is!

That's a patently ridiculous statement, of course, as well as being a bad interpretation of the movie. In politics as in scriptwriting, beware the easy answer.

Whatever your belief in politics is, one has to believe the Bush/Armaggedon is just a very, very malicious rumor. I wouldn't lend my car keys to anyone whose favorite movie was Armaggedon.

Ebert: I made the mistake of trusting WikiAnswers, because I knew they were right about Clinton. Now, thanks to comments on this very board, WikiAnswers has revised its entry! And so have I, substituting "Fields of Dreams" as Bush's choice and otherwise rewriting the entry to bring it up to speed.

Great topic. The favorite movie of a politician can say a lot about them. We've updated the answers at WikiAnswers to include the points brought up in the discussion about the favorite flicks of Bush and Clinton. Thanks for helping us to continually improve.

Matthew Crowder
WikiAnswers Community Coordinator

I knew there was something about Sarah Palin that really bugged me. I agree that it is totally impossible to name one favorite movie. I always say that my favorite Arnold Schwartzenegger movie is Conan the Barbarian which I cannot help but watch every time they show it on television. Follow-up Conan the Destroyer, to use your immortal words, "sucks".

I want the president to know more about politics and economics than movies. Movies are a passive medium.

I�m reminded of A Canterbury Tale by Powell & Pressburger and a dialogue passage where a man asks a soldier if he likes movies and the soldier responds that he watches lots of movies. The man then warns him that you could watch movies so much that you let your life pass by. I was doing that in some ways and realized that there is a lot more action I could be taking in life than just witnessing it.

I had a similar experience with Rear Window and felt kind of ashamed that I was more focused at looking at other people instead of looking at myself. Movies can be magical but they can be a trap almost like video games.

What's the point of witnessing things if I don't do anything about them?

I too have many favorite movies. One that often leaps to mind is "Valdez is Coming" and always in an accent. It never makes any lists but I liked it.

I rely on your reviews more than any others. And I do believe that peoples taste in fiction generally is very revealing.

I too thought that "Viva Zapata" was an excellent movie and one that should be seen more often, certainly more often than "Viva Villa!".

I've been asking men about their favorite movies to size up dates, but I find that some men are hesitant to reveal such things.

I do find that some people change their choices based on what they want people to think such as...listing a chick flick to one might think he's sensitive.

Of course, it helps to do research because then they wouldn't trip up and think that Evelyn Waugh is a she.

As for monkey's rummaging for factoids, I think you owe monkeys an apology. Having worked for a dot-com and looked at hundreds of website in a day, I think monkeys have more sense than humans in some cases.

I agree that someone's favorite movies does say a lot about them. I had a first love in high school and movies were just about all we talked about. She had dreams of making movies and ideas she would tell me, and I thought they were interesting and it kind of became a dream of mine...-or at least got me interested in them. One of her favorites was Pulp Fiction, which I thought was impressive because I didn't understand it. Back then I decided to read movie books, watch those movies--my first and second book I read were A Clockwork Orange and Wiseguys (the Goodfellas book), but it's not the best way to study movies. I remember my cousin who would visit from the navy at times and made the Godfather a mandatory watching; probably Goodfellas too if I hadn't already been studying it...he's still my favorite cousin, all of them from that household are my favorite--we last talked about the Dark Knight. Well, I then went to the video stores and looked for the "two thumbs up" on the video box. Needless to say this was the way to go. A few years later around year 2000, I became a reader of Mr. Ebert. It was great to see the review of My Dinner With Andre, and that the movie is just fun to watch--it was one of my favorites, but drove me crazy. People who love movies tend to pull eachother into their orbit. When I last talked to that girl she had two jobs and was going to school, I hope she settles down and finds time for her love of movies again.

AL GORE DID NOT WIN AN OSCAR!!! The director (Davis Guggenheim) of An Inconvenient Truth won the Oscar. When he was on the stage to collect the award, he let Gore hold it up in the air for a great photo op. It drives me nuts that very intelligent people still think that Gore won the Oscar! Gore did a great job in the movie, but saying he won the award is like saying Leonardo DiCaprio won the Oscar for the Departed.

Ebert: I've rewritten that.

I heard recently that McCain had listed "Paths of Glory" among his favorites.
Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I was flabbergasted at the choice, given Kubrick's story of military leaders throwing soldiers into hopeless battles. At a time when we're fighting battles that never should have been fought, I would hope any president would heed the story's lessons. For McCain to have chosen it (if true) would be deeply heartening.

One factor that may be prudent to keep in mind – and I don't mean this disparagingly -- is McCain's age. He's nearly twice as old as Obama. That's twice as much movie viewing time and his formative years essentially occurred in the "classic" film era. He probably saw the Kazan films when they opened in theatres.

Ali Arikan, thanks for that link. I wonder if Nixon saw himself in the character of Captain Queeg.

I should think that if Bush and McCain more deeply plumbed their memories, they would choose Duke Wayne's "The Alamo" and Gipper Reagan's "Hellcats of the Navy." But the films that best suit them are "Being There" and "The Manchurian Candidate." Cheney's, of course, is "Dr. Strangelove."

Gosh, Roger, I must admit to being quite heartened to know that McCain (or McCain't, or McCouldn't, as i hope to one day be able to call him) has heard of Elia Kazan, and can even identify the three Brando collaborations. (I am further saddened to realize that you're right: the question of whether Kazan's work is more important than his HUAC drama is passe - the new question is 'Who is Elia Kazan?'... Very sad, as I certainly come down in the former camp... there's no more pertinent political film I can think of than A FACE IN THE CROWD)

I must admit, the Kazan nod represents the first point I've ticked for the McCain column during this electoral process. He clearly knows movies better than Obama.

And as trivial as that must sound to most Americans, you're correct in pointing out that it's not the least bit unimportant. Movies are our civilization's dreams, an "empathy machine" as you wonderfully call them... they are as important as anything, really, from a certain spiritual point of view, and as real as anything. And one's opinion on film says a heck of a lot more than we're often willing to admit. (For instance, if you hate 'Terms of Endearment', I don't think I'm interested in knowing much more about you... and as snobby as that may sound, that kind of rule has worked well for me. "What, you hate 'E.T.'? Have a nice life!")

Why, I've cancelled entire applications for friendship based on an errant dunder-headed quote by that person about some movie near and dear to my heart. I'm just that kind of guy. I may never have met Woody Allen, but he means more to me than some guy I just met at work.

And, frankly, the thing I'm sick of hearing is "you see too many movies" or "that just happens in the movies", as if films were produced by androids in some computer factory, without human interaction. As if they have no connection to our real feelings about life.

I would argue that EVERY MOVIE EVER MADE says something pertinent about humanity, the human condition, what we want, what we wish we had, how we wish we talked, walked, made love (against the wall with our clothes on, of course)...

This is a rambling response, I know... but I'd like to finish by saying that my man Obama's choices play it pretty safe, but its nice to know that he and Michelle had their first date at DO THE RIGHT THING... any relationship that can survive the certain post-screening arguments that great (and not at all safe) film engenders has to be the real thing.

Scariest blog post ever, Mr. Ebert.

This election is serious stuff. Playing into this notion that the candidates are all just regular people who do stuff like us-- and are thus equally legitimate-- is a troublingly apolitical position. It is a default position in the media that the McCain campaign has taken advantage of in its attempts to banish all true political discourse from view in favor of the Giant Palin Red Herring and disgusting, destructive attacks on Obama.

(That said, Palin has missed an opportunity here! Favorite film? It's a tie between -Passion of the Christ- and -Eight Is Enough-...)

This might sound extreme or un-fun. But the thing is, I have political opinions. Politics is about choices, divisions, and different camps. And I could never consider the Republican candidates as though they possessed the same legitimacy that I ascribe to Democrats, even in a seemingly apolitical sphere.

That is because there is no apolitical sphere, not right now. This is not a joke. Whoever wins is going to have tremendous power, and every unserious second we spend with these people is a second we could have spent genuinely evaluating their qualifications for this nation's highest office.

Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but that's how I see it.

I don't think Roger suggested Gore won an Oscar. He simply pointed out that he narrated an Oscar winning film.

I just read the Bill Clinton interview and was also impressed by his knowledge of movies and revealed a more human side of him that is atypical of political leaders, or at least in my ignorant view of them.

I should have written the first time that yes, it reaffirms to me that we have two impressive political candidates.

I have to agree with the one poster who was scared about what picking Kill Bill might say about him or her. However I actually have come to hate being put on the spot for this question. Partly because I know people are judging me by the answer sometimes and partly because I really have a hard time with answering it. I usually go with the original Godfather now but I thoroughly enjoyed Kill Bill and have neither the time nor desire to go through that. I believe an long winded essay would be in order to be able to do that.

What I really love on this comment board though Roger is how it shows the divide in America right now through the context of favorite movies. Simply stunning. Get over it folks, it was just an innocent attempt to look at these folks through a different lens. Thanks Roger, as usual I enjoyed the post.

Clinton should lose the gold medal for his choice of High Noon which is greatly overrated.

Ebert: You don't see it in my Great Movies series.

With all due respect: knowing a person's favorite film(s) is not even a significant enough insight into their character to determine whether or not you'd enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with said person.

And I know some very cultured people that I would not want running this country. I also know a man who selects his movies based on how enticing the graphic is on the DVD box. And I genuinely think he'd make a fine political leader. Come to think of it, I'd also enjoy his company over a cup of hot joe.

And my all-time favorite films (today) are Hannah and Her Sisters, Manhattan, or the UP documentaries depending on my mood. So there.

I'm glad none of them picked "Birth of a Nation" or "Triumph of the Will".

While searching for Palin's Trivia link (I had to see it to believe it), I came across her choice for favorite film in an interview at http://gov.state.ak.us/newsletter/PAF_122007.php

"Patton. I am very patriotic. Patton thought outside the box and didn’t lead from the rear. My uncle served with Patton’s 3rd Army and was also an honor guard at his funeral. Patton could motivate people. Makes you proud to be an American."

There is no doubt that a person’s cinematic taste can be reflective of their personality, but the difficulty lies in our interpretation of their preferences. How much insight into John McCain is provided by knowing that McCain favors Viva Zapata over the other 2 Kazan-Brando collaborations? Even with the explanation McCain provides, people could draw very different conclusions about what that means, if anything.

My favorite film is Michael Mann’s “Heat”, not because I value discipline over emotional attachment (to people), but because I was awestruck by the quality of the writing, direction, and acting and the depth given to even the most peripheral characters. Our attraction to certain films (and art in general) is subjective and often remains a mystery to the subject him/herself. I’ve always found my fascination with “Heat” unusual because I don’t particularly relate to any of the characters or their situations. It concerns me that people I’ve never met would form an opinion of me based on this one piece of information. Who can fully explain why people are drawn to specific genres or actors? As a window to the soul, taste in film may not be as transparent as some posters believe. If anyone else read/saw “High Fidelity,” we learned that we are not defined by our Top 5 lists! I caution those eager to break out their Psych 101 books and draw baseless conclusions about someone just because they enjoy a particular film.

That said, I am just as curious as the rest of you and hope the candidates talk about it further as some point!

After your "favorite movie" blog, I looked at the title of this blog with some dread. I initially thought "here's an excuse for the rabid folks to come out and rant and rave." Reading over the comments, I was right, for the most part.

But it's still an insightful question, and the answers were insightful as well. I won't be picking my Presidential candidates based on what movies they like or dislike. But I do regard their responses as more intellectually honest than those put out by the spinmeisters.

As for the "Armageddon" rants; we know that it's big budget schlock. Michael Bay doesn't make small, thoughtful films; he "blows things up real good." That's his specialty. That said, "Armageddon" is one of those DVDs you drop in the player when you know you have a taste for junk food. If you need to balance your diet later, there are plenty of films on the Great Movies list.

Which brings me to a question I'd like to see you blog about, Roger. Since I blog about DVDs, I get press releases. I can pick and choose what I want to see and write about; request the ones that I want and cheerfully ignore the ones I don't have any interest in (or turn them over to my fellow DVD blogger).

You see about four or more films a week, I gather. It's your job to sit through them, good, bad or indifferent, and then offer your opinion. As you told someone above, that's what you get paid for.

My question is this: Are there any that you just cringe when you see the preview schedule, because you know they're going to be torture to sit through? What comes to mind are the schlocky teen sex comedies, or the torture porn films, or films by directors like Michael Bay.

I know you've been surprised before. I was surprised how much I enjoyed "Transformers" when I expected to hate it, because it was a Michael Bay film and it was based on a marketing cartoon based on a child's toy of the early 1980s.

Just a thought for a future blog.

Casablanca is not over-rated.

If McCain is that quick to name three Brando movies, then he obviously identifies with an actor who went out of his way to choose roles in which he was defiant and often beaten or killed. It's easy to see the psychological appeal of that for McCain with what he went through as a prisoner of war.

My favorite film is a three way tie between The Godfather, LOTR:Return of the King, and Casablanca. Perhaps though I think it's my fourth and fifth favorite movies that say more about my personality(Annie Hall and Ran respectively). My love of Annie Hall shows that I'm incredibly nerdy, and have a very oddball sense of humor. As for Ran, I think it says that I watch a lot of films and am very interested in both thematic and stylistic experimentation but maybe not too much.

As for what the favorite picks of the candidates say, I think that Obama's do as correctly stated say that he likes to play it safe. McCain's perhaps the most interesting mentioned was Letters from Iwo Jima it shows that despite the fact he had a father and grandfather serve in World War II that he's capable of great empathy with the Japanese, which could be a window into how he would handle foreign policy at least from a theoretical perspective.

Is Bill Clinton a candidate? The title of the piece is "The candidate's favorite movies". I enjoyed the article up to that point, and then you lost me. To make it worse, you gave the gold medal to Clinton, someone outside the scope of what you were trying to share. Does that reveal something about you?

I'd like to apoligize for my 10:22 AM entry which can be truly blamed for English being a second language to me. I didn't mean to imply the malicious rumor came from you which, after reading it again, I'm afraid I might have given that idea. It was obvious from your original blog entry it came from WikiAnswers. Sorry.

I would agree that McCain exhibits a knowledge and thoughtfulness about the cinema that comes as a wonderful surprise. I can't wait to hear more.

But, considering that Jon Stewart states that no other guest has appeared on "The Daily Show" more often than McCain, and that those close to McCain attest to his impressive ability to debate topics from classic literature to popular culture, I'm not sure why I'm surprised that he would be "in touch."

Mr. Ebert, I remember seeing some of your interview with President Clinton, and what stands out in my memory is his pleasure at viewing the Masayuki Suo film "Shall We Dance?" Very impressive.

But as much as I respect "High Noon" (though do not consider it among the greatest films), I'm a little more impressed with just how specific Sen. McCain got in answering such a crucial and defining question.

I am slightly irked that this seems to matter so much, but also have to agree that it does. I do not think that Obama's choices say anything negative about him. He may lack the depth of film watching, but he is 30 years younger than McCain.

Also, I can never think of just one favorite movie--the very question irritates me. Some days it's Kind Hearts and Coronets, other days it Moonlight Mile, still others it'd be Juno or 12 Angry Men or the Accidental Tourist or something. But the candidates have put it on Facebook and now it is set in stone. I wonder if any of them every change their mind, will that count against them? Will we see accusations of "flip-flopping" on movie choices if they poll badly with focus groups?

How much does the consumer of that information's bias of the stated movie play into their opinions regarding the candidate? How much does the bias of the reader play into their defense or appreciation of the candidate's choices? It gets ridiculous much past the "film is important and we're glad to see that both candidates gave some thought to this question", no? People have favorites for such varied reasons. Who can say this one or that is a better choice or shows a more "mature" or educated or intellectual choice? What if a silly movie is dear to a candidate for very personal reasons? Or should the candidate only show their "company face" when sharing? Personally, I would have thought much better of either of them if they had dared to say Monty Python and the Holy Grail or Animal House. How does one gauge a favorite? The question wasn't "what do you consider the best movies ever made?", was it? Or is that the hidden question inside the question?

Bush is no more well understood given Field of Dreams as his choice (lookee-a completely impossible, fundamentally flawed dream that garners one converted believer after another....hmmm, maybe I'm wrong about this!), than Obama should be derided as facile for his "obvious" choices. I don't think we can psychoanalyze candidates by movie choice, but it sure is fun to try. I can understand the temptation to ask. I can understand the importance of the answer, but don't we risk an inherent snobbery if we put too much weight on the answers?

And then I completely ruin the stance by saying that to not give an answer is very much the wrong choice--all candidates should have an answer....

"I would argue that EVERY MOVIE EVER MADE says something pertinent about humanity, the human condition, what we want, what we wish we had, how we wish we talked, walked, made love (against the wall with our clothes on, of course)..."

That's a rather silly thing to say.

The recent out break of "[INSERT NOUN/ADJECTIVE] Movie" titles that have been coming out say NOTHING pertinent about humanity. Nor do films like "Hostel" or "Chaos."

Now, the fact that people PAY MONEY to see these films DOES say something about humanity. Pertinent? Maybe. Sad? Definitely.

Film truly is the one art form that unites all of us, no matter if that person is a 16-year-old concession worker at a local theater or the next President of the United States. They both likely love The Godfather.

It's nice to see that both McCain and Obama seem to have good taste. McCain in particular impresses me (one of the only times I will say that until after the election) by deviating from the standard "IMDB Top 100" fare and actually stepping out by listing a lesser known Kazan film.

I only wish that there was a database online that listed the favorite films of past presidents. I imagine Nixon's favorite was Secret Honor, but I could be wrong.

A note for Roger:

You may have already tried, but I know all of your readers would love it if you could finagle an instant messenger interview with Obama and/or McCain about film. That is if McCain could learn to use a computer.

From now on until the end of time I think it is the duty of critics (not just yourself) to find out what films our political leaders love. Something for the history books.

I remembered reading that JFK was a fan of "Bad Day at Black Rock" which is one my personal favorites-brilliant ensemble cast,lean,taut script, and something relevant to say about American mores.This is one of those I've seen at different times since I was a kid. Just caught it again a few weeks ago. Granted some may find it dated,but it still holds up well for me.

Anyhow,after a little digging, I found the source:jfklibrary.org. Reportedly JFK was a big westerns fan,especially,Randolph Scott. Yet his favorite films included no true westerns. They cited "The Longest Day," "Roman Holiday," "Spartacus," "Iwo Jima," and ,yep, "Bad Day at Black Rock." Make of this what you will.

Finally I applaud Obama and McCain's candid responses in the grand tradition of JFK, and that Biden and Palin noncompliance shows a total lack of presidential timber and both should be replaced immediately.

Let me be among the first to congratulate you on a clear, intelligent, and passionate op-ed. Now that I see you wrote this, I take back what I said about this particular blog post. I see that you matched your mention of these politicians with real political writing, and took a stand. Bravo!!!

For all those respondents who are going to chime the familiar "stick to movie reviews," I say no one is better qualified to critique the present corruption of images and media in this country than Roger Ebert.

You made my day. Honestly.

Ebert: As I said some time ago, I want to keep this blog focused on movies. Introducing politics would invite chaos. I wrote the op-ed you refer to for our editorial page, and it appeared on the main Sun-Times site but not on my site. For a sample of what I want to avoid, look at some of the comments I received.

I had no idea that Barrack watched classic movies.

Roger,

Just wanted to tell you thanks for what you do! I have been watching your show and reading your reviews since I was 10! When people asked me what I dreamed of at that age, I told them I wanted to host At the Movies with you and Gene. I am 33 years old and read some form of your written material 3 to 4 times a week. Because of you and Gene, I know more about movies than my wife is willing to tolerate. Thank you for helping me love the movies!

Favorite Movie: JAWS

While this is only third-hand knowledge, I'm pretty sure that the elder George Bush's favorite movie is "Mrs. Miniver". My parents have some friends, retired Foreign Service Officers, who told us about a screening of the film that the President's office had arranged for a bunch of diplomatic types -- all herded into a screening room after some white-tie dinner or other and told only that they were going to see "the President's favorite movie," and subsequently struggling to find nice things to say about treacly MGM sentimentality.

I have nothing to add to the discussion, save for Gustavo, whose favorite movie(s) is/are Kill Bill. I count them as one movie, as they were filmed that way, and it is my favorite film so far. What it says is that you like a movie world where women are empowered, children cherished, racial and ethnic diversity displayed, and heaps of mostly unrealistic, over-the-top violence. Let's not forget the incredibly smart dialogue and sprinkling of profanity. :)

Ryan -

I think you might have Gore's and Bush's responses ("Being John Malkovich" and "The Patriot") backwards. Gore is on the record in a number of places as being a big fan of "Malkovich." In fact, Spike Jonze even directed an unused campaign film for Gore.

McCain's real favorite is probably "The Great Train Robbery." It left a big impression on him when he went to the premiere.

Palin actually has a top five list:

5) Cannibal Holocaust
4) Hellbound: Hellraiser II
3) I Spit on Your Grave
2) Faces of Death
1) Beaches

Chicks always pick "Beaches."

I must be more cynical than you, Roger, in that I DO think that the candidate's choices of favorite movie, book, etc. would, if not delegated to staff, at least 'vetted' by staff. But what's equally great and horrifying about W's choice of Armageddon is that it could not POSSIBLY have been vetted by handlers, and therefore offers yet another glimpse into the bewilderingly empty vessel that is your incumbent.

Canadian here, by the way, and before I sound all American bashing, I would not be surprised to have found out that Armageddon was the favorite movie of our incumbent, Prime Minister _________________. (Extra points for any American who can name him without Googling. Okay, this parenthetical thought may actually be American bashing. Or, say, American thumping-on-the-knee-with-a-binder).

This is a fascinating discussion and prompted me to check Stephen Harper's profile on Facebook since we are heading into an election too. This is what I found:

Though the office leaves his free time extremely limited, Prime Minister Harper loves to take in a movie with Ben and Rachel when he can. His cinematic tastes are wide ranging. Among his favourites are Raising Arizona, Lost in Translation and Crimes and Misdemeanors.

So it turns out that he has better taste in movies than he does in economic policy.

Dion's profile says his favourite movie is Lawrence of Arabia and sadly Layton's profile doesn't list anything as a favourite.

I shudder to think what Governor Palin's favourites are, but I would recommend Election and Palindromes to her. Your 200+ and growing number of favourite movies say a lot about you Mr Ebert.

I struggled to watch Birth of a Nation and am still not sure whether its craft outweighs it's message, but I am greatly in your debt for leading me to films by great directors such as Ozu and Kieslowski.

In fact, to follow up on the Gore/Bush point, Gore actually has a whole segment in the aforementioned Spike Jonze film where he and his family discuss movie-watching habits and debate what they should watch next. Choices included "Shall We Dance?" (which I've also seen him praise in interviews), "Mrs. Brown," and "The Patriot." All in the Gore household expressed ambivalence and skepticism toward "The Patriot."

Here's a link to the 13-minute piece, as it's a very interesting look at Gore's offstage personality: http://www.shirari.com/blog/2008/08/12/spike_jonze_captures_the_real.html

Hi Roger. Just wanted to share a couple of thoughts, barely related to the subject about the candidates (no need to publish this since it's not relevant to the blog).

I'm Filipino, not American, and yet I cannot help but feel depressed knowing that McCain is leading the polls. I recently had my messenger status saying "Americans are the dumbest voters in the world".

Posted in frustration, yes. Though I can't vote in the US, everybody I know outside of it would vote in Obama (anybody not Republican) in a heartbeat. I just couldn't understand why in America, where its citizens are probably the most informed voters on the planet, can possibly elect the wrong candidate. Twice! (At least the majority of the voters in the Philippines have the excuse of being grossly misinformed).

You helped clarify it though when you nailed it with your Op-Ed on Sarah Palin. She's smart and charismatic, but she's so obviously way out of her league, a pygmalion as Maureen Dowd so smartly put.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that a lot of us foreigners in Asia would gladly be democrats if we were there (we get bashed online for being so until they find out we're not citizens).

And btw... you're answer to S.J. Stanczak of Chicago (in your Answer Man column) made me snort my drink. :D

The way McCain answers the question the question about his favorite film is a politician's response. He says that "I'm in the minority on this" which plays with his maverick persona and he mentions his favorite scene as one where the characters read the bible, very likely to appeal to evangelicals.

Dr.D -

Following up on Roger Ebert's reply to your comment on High Noon, I thought you might find this Movie Answer Man entry from May 1998 interesting.

By the way, I've just read the transcript of your interview with Bill Clinton, and, god, this passage here is simply splendid:

" Well, the young people they don't have to deal with Vietnam, but I think if they had they would find it was way overrated. You know, losing 58,000 people and a whole other generation of people who were alienated from it and the traumas that so many people went through and there's not a person who went through it who's still not marked by it in some way. Or even more importantly, the civil rights movement, you know that was a very positive thing, but for the people who suffered under the oppression of segregation or who like Congressman John Lewis had their lives threatened because they stood up for civil rights. You know, I wouldn't wish that on the young people of this There's still a lot of problems in this world. You know, if they really want to throw themselves into something they could figure out what to do about the AIDS epidemic, threatening Africa and increasingly Indians in Asia. They could figure out what to do to save a lot of these kids that are still being lost in our own country. There's still mountains to climb out there. There are things outside yourself to throw yourself into. You don't have to get beat up by somebody you know."

Le Samourai by John-Pierre Melville captivated me the first time i saw it. There's something undeniably cool about this film. Not only that, Melville's use of atmosphere to define its characters and tone of the film is simply brilliant. As I digress, I agree completely about how a persons favorite film defines them and states a lot about not only who a person is, but how they act in certain situations. My best friend is a conservative christian who loves justice. Hence, his favorite film is Braveheart. Anyone who has seen Braveheart can automatically relate with what kind of person he is and how he views the world without even knowing his name. Film is a universal truth that everyone can relate to and understand, regardless of how savvy they are of the art. I think that really says something.

Ebert: "Le Samourai" is in the Great Movies collection and so of course I agree. Melville is not only a great director, but his crime movies are somehow touching.

Earlier this year, as I was filling out college applications, I was surprised and a little caught off guard to come across a question asking "What is your favorite movie and why?" on the USC undergraduate application. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised, but this started to get me thinking about 1) what are some movies they would like to hear 2) what are movies they hear all the time on other applications and 3) Am I allowed to choose only one movie? I probably should've been worrying more about my personal statement, but this I felt was more telling about myself in a way, not to mention more fun. The question gave me a chance to re-watch some of my favorite films, while looking at them with a more personal perspective. I started thinking "What would I be revealing about myself if I listed Singin' in the Rain or the Godfather Part I as my favorite movie?" Similar to Mr. Obama, I ended up choosing "Casablanca" for a few reasons, which I'm sure coincide with the reasons he chose the film as well. First, just the sheer nostalgia that has come to be a part of "Casablanca" led me to my choice; not just the fact that this is a film from the mythical golden age of Hollywood, but recalling when I saw it for the first time when I was ten years old and thought I was in for 90 minutes of boredom because I was still of the mind-set that all black and white movies are boring. It ended up being such a pleasant suprise that I enjoyed it that it's without a doubt my favorite movie form the Golden Age of Hollywood. The second reason I chose it, which is definitely the most prominent reason, is because of Humphrey Bogart. His character and the way he's protrayed by Bogart is what I want to be; that sensitive tough guy. I imagine it's similar to how you feel or felt at a young age about Fellini's "La Dolce Vita." I'm not sure if I would respond the same way to the question if it were asked right now. I guess it kind of depends on who's asking the question, but Casablanca would surely pass through my mind.

--Jawad Qadir
P.S. I'm a big admirer of President Jimmy Carter and I was wondering if you ever talked to President Carter about movies, and if so, what was his response to this question?

McCain indeed seems to know his movies. I dispute the notion that Obama's choices are merely "safe" or indicate merely an "elementary knowledge" of film. I know more than one person who consider those films to be among their favorites. Not everybody is going to choose "Ikiru" or "The Rules of the Game". As Matt mentioned, Obama names "The Wire" as his favorite television show, which I think indicates a great deal of taste. (I doubt that he missed the point, Robert. :) )

P.S. Roger, if you've not seen "The Wire", you should get the DVDs. It's a brilliant show, and easily the most authentic police/crime drama ever made.

I always felt that a better indication of where a person's tastes (or, indeed, very personality) are revealed cinematically lies not so much in the title of their favorite film, but which particular scene (or scenes) from that film influenced their decision. For example, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN could be a candidate's favorite film, but wouldn't you like to know what particular moment moved them? Was it the opening carnage, the heroism of the last stand on the bridge, or an aged Ryan standing before the graves of the men who saved him? Each would speak volumes more about that person than the mere title of the film.

With this in mind, I would give the advantage to McCain for specifically mentioning the moment from VIVA ZAPATA that touched him.

(NOTE TO ROGER: I've included the link in my header to an article I wrote on Row Three, presenting my own 101 favorite moments in film history and asking others to name theirs. The responses I received were very interesting.

And, by the way, revisiting this list this morning, I realized that at least 14 of my top 101 moments I owe to you and your GREAT MOVIES series. I am eternally grateful)

Dear Mr. Ebert,

Your discussion of film with President Clinton was historical for both of you and your faithful readers too. I hope for a repeat of the experience with President Obama. In your interview, could President Clinton's sentence, "Declining to participate in the ravel(??)", in reference to the heroic actions of Gary Cooper during the infamous senate committe hearings in the McCarthy era, actually be "Declining to participate in the rabble" ala The French Revolution and Madame la Guillotine?

I am as yet unconvinced of the reliability of a favorite film as a means of classifying or understanding people. At best it can only hint at a mirage of colors in an expansive portrait. As Shakespeare eloquently wrote, "What a piece of work is a man." (Even when he delights you not.)

P.S. I would love to discuss why actresses were better served in the 30's and 40's by monolithic studio systems than they have been since that time by individual producers, directors and writers. This fact seems counter-intuitive. What of our society's fixed idea of the integrity of the individual surpassing the integrity of an institution? This question is especially relevant in a democratic society which relies heavily on the integrity of its citizens for decisions that materially affect every man, woman, and child. Under what circumstances are the less powerful better served?

To be fair to Obama, and Roger points it out in his post, he wasn't given the opportunity to elaborate on his favorite movie the same way that McCain was. McCain was able to speak eloquently about Viva Zapata because the interviewer engaged him in the topic. For Obama, the interviewer simply asked what the first movie he could remember was.

But Obama gets points in my book because he watched and enjoyed "The Dark Knight" while he was in Hawaii.

I'm sure you know that Nixon was a huge fan of movies and used the projection room in the White House frequently. Famously, his most-watched film (possibly his favorite) was "Patton," which says a lot about how Nixon viewed himself, or wished to view himself - as a tough leader. Tiis choice reveals something about Nixon the man as McCain's answer does about McCain. I found Barack Obama's answer a little too careful, since all 4 movies routinely appear on lists of "great movies." McCain's answer is simply more revelatory and seem like more personal choices, as answers to the question "what's your favorite movie?" should be.

While McCain's response is definitely spirited and shows he knows movies, neither candidate is too far out of left field. Obama mentioned movies that he would have mostly seen as he was growing up in the 70's, and likewise McCain for the great Kazan-Brando movies in the 50's. I guess it's a secret desire of mine for our presidential candidates to mention something by Fellini, Kurosawa, Ozu, Bergman, Truffaut, Goddard...

While the topic is interesting to a point, I can't agree that taste in movies has anything at all to do with a person's ability to lead, or to do much of anything not directly involving movies, frankly. I would love to believe otherwise, and admit to sometimes leaping to judge someone based on his/her comment about a particular film. But I suspect our passion for the medium leads us to artificially elevate film's usefulness as a gauge of a person's various qualities.

If you were an art or theater critic, a car afficianado, a gourmand . . heck, even a Trekkie ("Who's your favorite Starfleet commander and why?"), you could make similar observations about a candidate's taste in art or theater, and the importance thereof would be just as exaggerated. It takes time and effort to cultivate taste in anything, and to assume film preferences say anything about Presidential candidates' qulities also assumes they've taken the trouble to acquire a baseline level of knowledge on the topic -- necessarily at the expense of other topics.

Maybe Obama just ain't into movies. Maybe he's a car buff. In this case he'd get bored with me real quick, as I neither know nuthin' nor give a hoot 'bout no vintage autos. As long as my car gets me to work and back, I'm perfectly happy. Anything else is trivia, and I'm perfectly happy in my state of igorance. What does that say about me?

Maybe I'm sensitive to this because no-one -- and I mean NO-ONE -- in my family or my wife's family (including her) has even the remotest interest in film beyond finding it a source of disposable entertainment and comfort food. Makes for a frustrating experience when we get together and someone suggests we picke a movie and head to the multiplex. But their lack of taste doesn't say anything to me except that they have other areas of interest. They're "dumb" when it comes to movies, but smart in other areas. I don't know why I'd believe any different when considering our candidates' answers.

Oh, and today my favorite film is "Network."

Ebert: Uh, did I ever mention that in 1988 I bought a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, and drove it with joy until I found a better home for it with the Sun-Times auto editor? What does that say about me?

Well, looking over the responses since mine, they actually don't seem -that- bad... Compared to the recent turn to attack ads by both campaigns, in fact, they seem downright civilized!

One thing that I have enjoyed in your blog thus far has been your willingness to explore the presence of the cinematic outside of movies, in such media as television. I think we can all agree that especially in recent years movies, television and the internet have traded ideas and forms like never before.

And while I understand your desire to avoid partisanship and petty bickering in the comments section, it is also common knowledge that movies have always shared a close, if not directly active, connection with politics. The first example that leaps to mind is the DNC, where the backdrop for Obama's speech was something of a movie set that simultaneously evoked Imperial Rome and the White House (DC was originally modeled on Rome anyway). Cecil B. Demille had his fingerprints all over that array of signs.

My original point, however, was that we should not lose sight of what politics ultimately must be: division and contestation. Much of the American media ascribes to the myth that we live in an essentially apolitical country, in which politicians are just ordinary folks who, once known for the people they are, can either be liked or disliked. This is not politics. Politics is policy-- the actual change enacted through governance.

Movies, like other entertainment media, play a huge role in our conception of candidates and our roles as political actors. They can even be incitement to action. -Battle of Algiers-, for example, was not so much a reflection on political events as a kind of battle cry for every viewer to literally take up arms against repression. All you need to know about our present is that we instead get -Swing Vote-, which practically begs Ugly Americans everywhere to actually give a hoot about voting and who they are voting for.

I assume I'm like most people in that my immediate choice of favorite movies will vary based on genre, actors, directors, etc. Also, we all have our guilty pleasures, and would not even mention our fondness for certain films among certain friends. For those reasons, I think the effort to assess a person's character or leadership skills is more self-indulgent than useful in a practical sense. That said, it does give me gleeful pleasure to presume shallowness or hostility in certain political candidates based on their movie choices, especially when those choices reinforce the opinions I already have.

The subject of Presidential candidates' (and Presidents') love of (or apathy toward) film was one that wasn't of much interest to me until Bill Clinton (a political centrist, I think, and one whose acute awareness of American history and the lessons learned therefrom, made him a better-than-average President) became President. Clinton, as revealed by, among other things, your interview with him, not only has a "book-smart" intelligence vis a vis the cinema; to me, his explanations for his choices (and the shared and contrasting explanations we have of the films he discussed) showed evidence of a deliberative mind (Contra George W. Bush, Armageddon).

Clinton's selection of "High Noon" gave me food for thought, because this film is susceptible of multiple interpretations as to what it "means." Some argue that Stanley Kramer (producer), the filmmaker as "sneak civics lession teacher," (to borrow a paraphrase from Pauline Kael) through and in collaboriation with Fred Zinnenman, meant the film to be an attack on McCarthyism (a valid observation; the townfolk refused to believe that even though a bully may initially have a vendetta against only one individual, it is in the nature of bullies to subsequently, drunk with their own power, manfacture vendettas against others, often employing a "guilt by association" rationale, and therefore it is even in one's own selfish interest to stand up against such people.

In other words, united we (should) stand and divided we (should) fall; there are, contrary to Margaret Thatcher's assertion, socieities as well as families, and in societies, collective concern for the good of the group provides the best defense against demagoguery.

Regardless of whether the film can be read as an anti-McCarthy attack, it can, either viewed as a anti-McCarthy tract or not, be read as "conservative," in that conservatives believe in upholding "law and order," are respectful of custom and tradition (both of which, in the film, involved sheriifs being able to rely on rounding up men of the town to assist with apprehension of criminals). The film thus hss a dialectic as well as dovetailing set of principles, under this view, which, to me, mirrors Bill Clinton's own prizing of refusing to divide people into labels and his ability to look at the problems of this country through the lens of one of his great lines: "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be solved by what is right with America."

McCarthy apologists, then and now, possessed of a more rigid ideology that does not admit of the possibility of shades of gray, take a less nuanced approach in their suggestion that the film, while an attack on McCarthyism, is an unfair indictment of that phenomenon. These people suggest that it is fundamentally wrong for groups of individuals to stand with another individual in battle when the enemy CLAIMS only umbrage toward the one individual. Moral struggles, to the extent that they should be won at all (given conservatives' indulgence in revisionist history with respect to McCarthy, one might say some conservatives believe that the Gary Cooper character deserved to die, whether alone or with help, because he put the town "at risk" - never mind that he did so in a perfectly lawful manner - of being subject to "subversion" in the form of arrival with men in black hats), must be fought by the individual. Under this view, one believes not so much that one's neighbors cannot (i.e. are unable to) stand in concert against bullies, but that every man must ultimately (and should be) an island for "society" (a concept which Republicans simultaneously deny the existence of, depending upon the issue) to survive (further, it is irrelevant, to some holding this view, that survival mean survival featuring maintenance of tradition; the black hats can take over for so long as individual hides other than the lawman's are not immediately "threatened").

Clinton seemed to recognize these interpretations, thus displaying not only a love of cinema and undertanding of cinema as an engine that thrives on the steam generated by the mechanism of idea-whirring), but an understanding of the world - namely, it's not black and white.

I've seen several people write that Obama's movie list is too careful because all of the films he mentioned appear on best movie lists, but I think that might be off the mark. While it certainly might be true that Obama's list was focus grouped or decided by aides, I think it's equally possible that those movies are his favorites. They're on great movie lists because they're considered by many to be great movies, so is it really that out of the question that he saw those movies and thought they were great. and that they became his favorites because he really enjoyed them?

In other words, if The Godfather is the most mentioned "favorite movie" by Americans, I don't think someone mentioning The Godfather as their favorite movie necessary shows a lack of depth when it comes to movie knowledge. It's considered an all-time classic, so I think it's completely reasonable that even a hypothetical person who has seen every movie ever would come to the conclusion that The Godfather is their favorite. It's not my favorite, personally, but I don't think you need to mention a movie that received less attention or that is more out of the mainstream as one of your favorites to show that you know a lot of movies.

I read somewhere in 2000 that Al Gore's favorite movie was Local Hero (1983). It changed my view of him immediately. A wonderful but sadly forgotten film.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085859/

I am the real Sarah Palin and my favorite movie is Happy Feet.

With respect, I think there are some wrongheaded attitudes here. Knowing what a person's favorite movie is, is interesting and certainly tells you *something* about them. What it does not do, is allow you to know that person (as far as that's possible). Also, the question should have a companion: "Do you consider movies to be primarily an art form or a form of entertainment?" If a person watches movies to be entertained (a valid attitude I don't agree with) their choice of favorite movie takes on a different color.

Again with respect, I must comment on what the first poster, cakocinski, said. The person supports the statement, "what you like is more important than what you *are* like." That is a terrible idea. What a person pops in the DVD player is not more important than the things they do and the manner in which they treat other people. To that poster I would say: Hitler liked Charlie Chaplin movies and dogs. My mother likes Steven Seagal. I assure you, Hitler is evil and my mother is a beautiful person : ).

I want to know what the candidates are like in a minivan on a long road trip. Their favorite movie can be revealed at some point in the conversation; it would be nice, but isn't necessary. Movies are important. Movies are a great source of joy for me, but let us get off our movie-snob high horses.

For the record my favorite movie (at the moment) is a toss-up, depending on mood, between Tati's "Playtime" and Bergman's "Fanny and Alexander"; however, I think it's a good idea to separate favorites into genres. Is that cheating? Peace.

Ron Paul - "Precautions Against Fanatics"
George W. Bush - "The Aviator"
Ralph Nader - "The Third Man"

Oh, I gotta million of 'em.

I read "The Dark Knight: Featuring Production Art and Full Shooting Script," and one of the most interesting comments was from the set designer (whose name I can't remember at the moment) who commented, "whenever I'm asked to create a set, I write a mini-biography about the person I'm designing for, and go from there in picking and choosing what their space looks like... because everything we choose is deeply personal, from the comfortable chair we sit on to the picture frame of our fishing trip." So, as I was reading this entry and your transcript-interview with Bill Clinton, it dawned on me that our favorite movies are, perhaps, one of the greatest indicators of our thought processes and mindsets.

In the interview, Clinton mentions how much he loved "The Harmonists," and how said the movie's musicians had "the sort of earnestness and almost naive joy of what they did as against the darkness of the systematic evil that ran up against them" - that, in short, "it was a very compelling movie." Doubling back on the interview, I noticed a few moments (paragraphs?) afterwards, Clinton muses how Gary Cooper, "a very wealthy and prominent [citizen...took] a simple, courageous act of declining to participate in the [indistinct word] (scapegoating, ratting-out definititive of the McCarthy era?)" and "that [Cooper's class and integrity] is a very important thing."

It's a striking comment, and even more so when paired with his comment about "The Harmonists" and his presidential years. Though not without shortcomings, the Clinton years were almost dreamlike compared to the current political situation: there was a resurgence of hope in American politics, a eight-year wave of relative national uplift. It was the product of one man's political idealism, who saw "mountains to climb out there [and] things outside yourself to throw yourself into." At the same time, his political and public critics were always at his heels, foaming for any sign of mishap (hence the huge Lewinsky blow-up in his later years). Yet still he continued to work, and even in the last moments of his presidency - when newscasts, talk shows, and satirists sucked the Lewinsky incident dry for all its blood, an incident that heavily overshadowed his last political endeavors - it seems that he was still hopeful about his future endeavors, as implied about his talks about upcoming technology and later job prospects (tangent: your suggestion about him joining the MPAA made me chuckle, especially considering how you've criticized before that the MPAA is inconsistent in its rating system).

Like Gary Cooper and the "The Harmonists" musicians, Clinton was a very wealthy and prominent citizen who led the U.S. with an kind of earnestness and naive joy despite the bleak domestic and international affairs in backdrop at the time. His comments and fascination with movies are highly indicative of his mindset: from his fond memories of the "nickel and dime" days of moviegoing to his admiration for Meryl Streep, every musing is as meaningful as it is a reflection of his personal history. And, as "The Dark Knight" set designer put it, Clinton's cinematic assertions are as deeply personal as the picture we choose to frame, and wonderfully so.

Obama's choice of favorite movies may have been "careful", but his choice of favorite TV series certainly was not. "The Wire" has many controversial elements and what could be construed as a liberal bias. It is chock full of nuance and not a show for people who prefer to view the world in simple good-versus-evil terms, as our current President seems to do.

I don't know about Obama's choice of movies, but I agree with him and with some of the other bloggers. "The Wire" is some of the best television ever made.

Dear Roger,

I sincerely hope you read this comment because it holds in itself a question not entirely linked to the blog post you have written, and I would be most grateful if you found some time to comment on it. It's about your "At the Movies" TV show, which you and Roeper (up until recently Phillips)co-hosted together. Now, I have seen the new format, didn't like it that much, mainly because I liked you guys better, but there is a thing I wanted to say without sounding too harsh: it isn't that different from what you guys used to do. After you and Roeper left the show claiming that Disney was cooking up something completely different ("a new direction" as you or Roeper stated in one of the posts), I was seriously expecting to see three little girls in pink dresses talking about their favorite cartoons. But lo and behold, this new conception is actually the same thing you guys did, adding just the critics roundup, which consists of three new critics joining in the discussion on some of the (two out of five) movies that are currently being reviewed. Also, there is no balcony. Yes, that's a bit of a dissapointment, but I figure the folks at Disney never understood the importance of it and how cool it actually looked.

And now for my question: was the change of scenery and addition of three new critics worth abandoning a TV show that you and Gene Siskel had created and nurtured to stellar heights ? Or had Disney decided to drop their revolutionary idea and just replace you and Roeper with two new guys, because they feared that their idea was not that bright after all ? Being a film critic myself, I think the answer is the latter one, but I would still like to hear your point of view on this, Mr.Ebert, If I may.

Ebert: I am not commenting on the new show. Maybe readers will respond to you.

In response to Kristijan Stakor:

The new At the movies is nothing like the old show. Yes, in appearance the two have surface similarities, but in what truly matters, the new show is merely a hallow shell. What is missing is the intelligence and, oddly enough, the aspect of criticism. Lyons and Mankewiez have no interest in creating the intellectual dialogue that existed between Siskel & Ebert & Roeper & Phillips. No, the two bens are interested in sound bites, and by that I mean being quoted on commercials, taking an intellectual show and turning into a self-promotional publicity campaign. At the Movies was once a show for the film elite, and now has resulted in a popcorn brand for the masses.

I respect Mr. Ebert's stance on not commenting on the new show. That would be a miserly stance indeed. But we know that he must be embarrassed. Is it a coincidence that the recent article under New on rogerebert.com is a comment on the dieing art of film criticism?

I need no more condescension in my life. Enough Said!

Roger, love you as I do, I think you're off the deep end on this.

Your choice of favorite movie might say alot about you as a person but it says less than nothing about you as a candidate or as a politician. Your politics do.

If we picked presidents based on their movie tastes, I'd leave the country.

Please leave the character analysis to John McCain and Barack Obama's therapists and the news commentary to Bill Maher.

You're the best!

You know, to me it doesn't matter what someone else's tastes in movies are. As I've gotten older I've come to respect other people's opinions even if they don't match mine. If someone finds a movie they like - GREAT! - If watching Armageddon, White Chicks, Cannonball Run II, Clifford, Joe's Apartment, Battlefield Earth, The Good Son or even Heaven's Gate puts a smile on your face or a song in your heart, I am happy for you as long as you don't try to convert me. And truthfully if these are the movies you're watching . . . I'll shut up now.

Hello Roger! I love the blog, both for your entries and the passionate and informed responses from your readers. Winston Churchill's favorite movie was "That Hamilton Woman" with Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. In Ben Bradlee's book "Conversations with Kennedy" he relates a couple of stories of JFK and the movies. JFK had little patience with movies and often pulled the plug after one reel if he was bored. His back problems didn't help. He LOVED "Dr. No". He also took a personal interest in the productions of "Seven Days in May" and "The Manchurian Candidate" (probably the movie most reflective of the Kennedy Era). As Joe mentioned earlier, Nixon was famously a huge "Patton" fan. Reagan screened "Friendly Persuasion" for the Gorbachevs. It was said at the time that it reflected Reagan's view of American values, (ironically the screenwriter was blacklisted). As for me, the answer varies from time to time, but the one movie that has the most emotional reasonance is "Glory". I love that movie.

Yes, Roger, a person's favorite movie is revealing. But I find that sometimes better insight into a person comes from films mentioned later down the line on a list of their favorites. Let me take you for an example. You say that "Citizen Kane" is your favorite, or "La Dolce Vita," and those are elegant and professional choices, but they are also predictable - particularly coming from a film critic. That does not detract from their worthiness one bit; all I'm saying is that it shows good, but vague, taste. On the other hand, this may only apply to those whose favorite films are quality films. If someone names "Meet The Spartans" as their favorite, they have left nothing to ambiguity.

I am happy to add obviously great and classic films to my collection, every time you add one to your great films list. But I am even happier when you write up on hardly known gems. It is a culmination of all of your choices, that reveal who you truly are. I might see a great film or two in someone's dvd library, bringing temporary moments of relief, while I am confounded and angst ridden by surrounding titles.

My favorite film, "E.T." is a predictable choice. What does it reveal about me? I'm not sure. I know that I am a sensitive person. I know that I love children and creatures of all kinds. I saw it at the age of 5, and it is probably my earliest real memory of going to the cinema. My parents were divorced, and I saw it in Schenectady, New York with my father and my sister. At the end of the film, when E.T. left, my heart collapsed on me. Your grandson, Emil, had the sensibility to believe that E.T.'s mother was calling him home. It never crossed my mind at that age. I wept, stood up in front of my chair, and repeatedly shouted "E.T., come back!" until the credits rolled. My grief was enormous, and I am sure that every audience member understood that, possibly preoccupied with their own grief; not one complained about me. My father whispered to me to sit down, and my sister laughed through her tears. Outside in the parking lot, as we drove past the box office, I saw the theatrical poster of the two fingers touching, and I continued to weep, reached half of my body out of the window, and put my finger out, as if it could somehow reach theirs.

Other favorite films of mine include: "Cinema Paradiso," "All the Little Animals," "Trouble In Paradise (Thanks to you!)","Turtles Can Fly," "On the Waterfront," "Grave of the Fireflies," "Life Is Beautiful," "Broken Blossoms," and, if I must be honest, "The Muppets Take Manhattan."

You wish you could trash your star ratings. I understand. Yet, they are quite helpful as a last minute screening system, especially when making filmgoing deals with friends. You are probably blessed that you are surrounded by film circles. I live in the cruel outer realm, where one often finds those whose knowledge of film is based on blockbusters. They cringe at the thought of subtitles. Black and white is boring. They can see a documentary on the History channel and don't need to pay 10 dollars to see one. When I find a friend to go to the cinema with, I first attempt to get them to see whatever you have given four stars to. Inevitably, they are turned off by whatever you have given four stars to. So I ask them to name the films they would like to see, and require that whatever we end up seeing has at least three stars from you. Two weeks ago, a friend on the phone said "What did your friend give Death Race?" I told him that he doesn't want to know. He sighed. He mentioned a few more options, and he sighed a few more times. We haven't talked since. Oh wait, no, we did. I called him that night and told him that "Transiberrian" was amazing, and left me gasping for air on my way out of the theater, and what a shame that he was too scared to see something he hadn't seen advertised.

Spending time with only those who have great taste in film seems appealing, and I need to do more of that. But it is very rewarding to find a friend who is a sucker for crap, and work on them bit by bit, movie by movie, to open them up to a world of treasures. That is what you have been doing, for all of us, for such a long time.

I might just be slow with sly humor, but on the main page it states that George Bush's favorite film is "Armageddon" while on the full entry it is "Field of Dreams."

Also, are you sure that it is fair to award medals? Bill Clinton came in first, but he is the only one you interviewed, and he had a lot more time to discuss the subject, since it was the main focus of the interview. Who knows what kind of deeper knowledge of film might be lurking inside Obama and McCain, just waiting to be tapped by the might of Ebert.

Best ten lists are interesting, I feel you learn a lot about a person by the movies they love. When I was in college I was the aide for the film studies department at Queens College. I was the aide because the chairman knew about my film knowledge and felt I was very handy to have around. Another of the film department professors, who I never had, knew that I liked the popular box office films; he was surprised to learn that I loved "Diva" a film we just watched at a film studies seminar. He said that he didn't think that was my kind of film, so I told him that was the fourth time I've seen it. Then I really surprised him when I myself presented a film that same night, "Brazil". He was again shocked by my choice, and then never assumed anything about my taste in films again. If he knew my top ten list he probably would role his eyes, but here it is for me to share for everyone who reads this blog. If anyone wants to talk to me about it write to me at capt_movie@yahoo.com.
1. "It's A Wonderful Life"
I was 13 when I first saw this film that was in 1973. That was before it was rediscovered by the pubic, during it's time in public domain, when it was shown very often because it was then free. It spoke to me with his message of friendship, and how no man is a failure. I've always been a Jimmy Stewart fan; his everyman image made him one of the most likeable leading actors in films. Also it was full of my favorite character actors, like Ward Bond, Frank Faylen, Thomas Mitchell, and Lionel Barrymore. It also when from a comedy to a very serious film, and just took me along on its ride. If a movie just carries me into its world and I get totally caught up into it, like this film did, then I know it's a special film.
2. "Brazil"
I was well aware of the famous battle that Terry Gilliam had won to get his vision to the screen. I was very interested in seeing it and when soon after it was finally released I did. I found myself caught up in this world that Gilliam had set up in front of me. It was sort of a cross between a futuristic world and the 1940's. It was like film noir crossed with Blade Runner, with a mix of Dr. Seuss. The one scene that has stayed with me since I've seen it is when Sam Lowery (Jonathan Pryce) is driving to the Buttle residence and passes what looks like a row of buildings when an old drunk's head suddenly appears over the buildings. Then the camera pulls back to see it's a newsstand like stand with models of buildings and the old drunk is standing behind them. That was a great surprise, in a film full of amazing images. It also is full of great character actors like Bob Hoskins, Michael Palin, Simon Jones, Jim Broadbent, and of course Robert Deniro. When the film was over I left the theater while loving it feeling that the ending was a little too downbeat for me to see it again. Yet the film stayed with me so much, I had to see it again. This time I left the theater happy, and sing the song, "Brazil". I realized that it wasn't a downbeat ending at all; it was just an ending with shades of gray. In someway it was in fact a happy ending. This film showed me that multiple viewings can in fact change a person’s view of a film, and make it have more meaning sometimes. I learned an interesting lesson from this film.
3. "Mary Poppins"
I was 4 years old when I first saw this film. It was the first movie I actually saw twice in the theaters, later it was also the first film I saw 5 and 6 times in the theater. I came again and again to relive the wonders that Walt Disney, Bill Walsh, Robert Stevenson, and the cast and crew brought to the screen. This film has everything, great songs, wonderful images, great animation, comedy, drama, suspense and it's just fun. The leads Julie Andrews in her film debut, and Dick Van Dyke, who I already loved from his sitcom, made all the magic not only believable but also made it feel as a matter of fact in the film. Also a wonderful character actor cast featuring David Tomlinson, Jane Darwell, Reginald Owen, Arthur Treacher, and Elsa Lancaster. When I watch this film today, it still has the same effect on my as it did when I was 4 years old. It brings me into this idealized world of 1912 London, and even though I know it doesn't really exist and never did, makes me feel that it did. I laugh, and cry, and laugh again at this gem of a film.
4. "The Apartment"
Billy Wilder is my favorite director and this is my favorite Billy Wilder film. This widescreen black and white film, to me is a love story for the cynical in heart. Our hero Jack Lemmon, Wilders alter ego, is a great nebbish who represents us in big business, a small little cog who wants to make himself more important. Lemmon's C.C. Baxter, is a nice man who through happenstance has something that the big executives need, and despite his innocence uses them to get ahead, but as what happens top a man with a conscience, he start doubting his goals, especially when it involves his secret, even from her, love, Shirley MacLaine. There once again a great character actor cast of Ray Walston, Edie Adams, David Lewis, Jack Krushen, and cast against type, Fred MacMurray, who's a wonderful slime. Then there is the great Wilder/I.A.L. Diamond dialogue, that's very quotable. Plus that last line which seems ordinary by itself, but in the context of the film is very romantic. This film like Wilder himself, wants to be cynical but at the end is real romantic in heart.
5. "Close Encounters of The Third Kind"
I was just 18 when this came out fast on the heels of Star Wars, and ran to see it. Unlike Star Wars which I do live, which was a world of adventure, action and fun, Close Encounters is much more. Have you ever wondered if there is intelligent life out in the Universe, I have and this film plays on that wonder? With it's everyman character of Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfus), who really represents us the audience, we follow his obsession to find out if his close encounter is really real, or not. There also is the other characters, like Jillian (Melinda Dillon) who is searching for her missing child and Professor Lacombe (the great film director Francois Truffaut), who has been wondering about aliens all his life. At a certain time, near the end of the film the audience stops associating themselves with Neary and switches to Lacombe as he and us both Neary as he enters his new adventure.
6. "Casablanca"
What hasn't been written about this film? It's one of the most perfect films ever made. The cast Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and those great supporting players, Paul Henried, Conrad Viegt, Sidney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Curt Bois, S. Z. Sakall, Leonid Kinskey, Marcel Dalio, and the man I think almost steals the film from Bogart, Claude Rains. Rains portrayal of Louis Renault in some ways is the audience. All through the film he asks Rick the questions we want to ask him. He wonders like we do what Rick is going to do? Then at the end he does what we want to do join Rick and have some great adventures together.
7. "Gone With The Wind"
I got to first see this epic film when I was 10, and went to see it once a year for the next 5 years, then gone to see it at revival theaters and for both the 50th and 60th anniversaries. For a movie 4 hours long, it never fails to engage me in the characters and situations. It grabs me from the overture to the exit music. It's the film the term spectacle was termed. The color vibrant, the set design, cinematography, and music are breathtaking. Then there’s the story, in another movie Scarlett O'Hara would just be another spoiled b...., but that is only part of her character, she also is a strong, woman who despite herself really is a caring person and more selfless than selfish. Vivian Leigh makes sure to keep Scarlett sympathetic, and likeable. Then there’s Clark Gable, if there ever was a perfect marriage of character and actor it was that. He commands the screen every time he appears on camera. Then there is that wonderful character actor cast, Olivia Dehavland, Thomas Mitchell, Butterfly McQueen, Ward Bond, Jane Darwell, Eddie Anderson, George Reeves, and the actress, who for me steals the film, Hattie McDaniel as mammy. Mammy is not a characterture of a slave but a real person, whose love and compassion is shown on the screen, it goes past the stereotype of the "happy slave", and makes you believe her. She well deserved her academy award for her performance. Again the politics could have been different, but you got to look at the film in the time period it was made and not from a current perspective. At a time when a lot of prefigure was active in the film industry to have such a performance in a high profile film like that and or her to win, was remarkable to say the least.
8. "Duck You Sucker"
Which goes to say is my favorite western even though it was made in Spain, by an Italian director, Sergio Leone, and takes place in Mexico, during the Mexican revolution. This began production as "One Upon A time A Revolution", and was meant to be part of a trilogy with "Once Upon A Time In The West", and "Once Upon A Time In America". Rod Steiger as Juan, a bandito who robs stagecoaches with his sons and old father is magnificent in the role. Then there's James Coburn as John (aka Sean) Mallory, an Irish revolutionary, on the run in Mexico, who is an expert in dynamite. He's the one who Juan feels can change his existence as a poor bandit into a rich one, as he sees John as the man who with his explosives can rob banks left and right. True, Steiger's accent takes a while to get use to, but it's his performance that's magical. He makes this peasant come alive as a real person, who goes though changes from his pastas a bandit to being a very reluctant hero of the revolution that he really wants no part of. It's Leone's sense of irony that makes this film so wonderful to watch and for me, Leone's best even more than the excellent "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, which has always over shadowed this film.”Duck You Sucker", AKA Fistful Of Dynamite" deserves to be more known than it already is.
9. "Strangers On A Train"
A lot of lists have Vertigo, or Rear Window as others as their favorite Alfred Hitchcock, this is mine. Of all Hitchcock villains I find Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker) as the most interesting. With His big "Bruno" tie clasp over a loud tie, his spoiled rich attitude and his parental obsession, pre-Norman Bates, he is far more interesting to the rather bland but like about tennis pro Guy Haines (Farley Granger). There of course the Hitchcock set pieces, like Bruno’s stalking and killing of Guy's wife (Laura Elliot aka Casey Rogers), Guy playing tennis with Bruno staring just as Guy while the rest of the heads turning, the cross-cutting of guy trying to win at Forest Hills while Bruno is trying to retrieve Guys lighter, and the merry-go-round climatic fight between our two protagonists. That's right despite being the villain, we find us that is until the end almost wanting Bruno to win as much as we want Guy to clear his name. Hitchcock was a master at manipulating the audience, and this for me is the best example of that. A great ride from the beginning to the end.

10. "Citizen Kane"
One of the greatest films ever made. I first saw it when I was like 14, when a local channel showed in commercial free. and loved it from first view. This is another film that has been written about over and over again. So what more can I add. Just that this film is filled with great shots, the mise-en-scene, the editing, and a wonderful musical score. This another film filled with great character actors, Joseph Cotten, Everett Sloane, Ray Collins, George Colurous, Paul Stewart, and Angus Moorhead. It has a wonderful sense of humor, great witty dialogue, and a compelling story. It's a must watch for any lover of film.

In response to Jason:

Yes, I completely agree with you. I stated in my first comment that I didn't like the new show because those two bens are not nearly in the same league as Mr.Ebert and Mr.Roeper were, and that I liked the former concept much better. I was merely suggesting that the change of scenery may not have been such a new direction after all. But, as you have correctly stated, there are subtle differences which don't hit the viewer right off, but sure do influence the show as a whole. And yes, the sound bites type of commenting on the show is a problem. Somehow it really does seem like a big film commercial, which Siskel & Ebert, and Ebert & Roeper never was. Since I am co-hosting a show similar to this (not in the USA), and am a film critic, I just wanted Mr.Ebert to comment on it. But, it may be too soon and maybe it really wouldn't be the proper way of dealing with this thing.
Anyway, I am glad that I was able to raise that question here, and receive a well written response from a fellow reader.

Finally, the first truly balanced campaign-related analysis to date! Thank you, Mr. Ebert. If both candidates see movies as an important part of life, we're a lucky nation. Doesn't it indicate that we DO actually have much more in common than divisive politics would seem to imply?

Concerning the current president... you said all by saying next to nothing.

My ears have always perked up when political people mention their favorite movies. You think Gary Cooper in High Noon is Clinton's idealized version of himself? Nobody's standing with him but he's going to fight the bad guys by himself even though death seems certain. But what's Clinton's principle? Maybe simply to not back down despite overwhelming odds. Anyway when Hillary watches it I'm sure in her mind she's clawing Bill's face at the end.

How about Laura Bush's choice from Errol Morris's short film he did for the Oscars a few years back- she picked Giant. Does she see her husband as James Dean- a genuinely good person turned corrupt by the evils of the oil business? Does she identify with Liz Taylor- an icon of empowered feminism kept down by the archaic politics of her husband and his cronies? Either way, Laura's husband's ass needs to get kicked before the two of them can see the virtue of leaving the high-falutin' life behind. And there's not much time left...

Concerning the current president... you said all by saying next to nothing.

My ears have always perked up when political people mention their favorite movies. You think Gary Cooper in High Noon is Clinton's idealized version of himself? Nobody's standing with him but he's going to fight the bad guys by himself even though death seems certain. But what's Clinton's principle? Maybe simply to not back down despite overwhelming odds. Anyway when Hillary watches it I'm sure in her mind she's clawing Bill's face at the end.

How about Laura Bush's choice from Errol Morris's short film he did for the Oscars a few years back- she picked Giant. Does she see her husband as James Dean- a genuinely good person turned corrupt by the evils of the oil business? Does she identify with Liz Taylor- an icon of empowered feminism kept down by the archaic politics of her husband and his cronies? Either way, Laura's husband's ass needs to get kicked before the two of them can see the virtue of leaving the high-falutin' life behind. And there's not much time left...

McCain's picks are impressive. I didn't know he was such a movie buff. Obama's picks are a bit safe, although Casablanca and Godfathers I and II are favorites of mine as well. Casablanca in particular is a monument of good writing, so perhaps it is a fitting choice for someone who is a skilled writer and orator. Conspicuously missing from the list: films about politics. What about Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or All The President's Men or The Contender or The American President?

Obama's picks are a bit safe, although Casablanca and Godfathers I and II are favorites of mine as well

I wouldn't call "safe", I would call it "standard". There is something that I listen for whenever I ask someone about there favorite films. Sometimes there is a list of standard answers: Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz of which I follow with the question "What do you like about them" and 99% of the time the answer is "I don't know".

Please don't think I am being elitist, I have the deepest respect for my fellow man, but what I look for when I ask people about their favorite films are the same thing I look for when I am trying to understand their personality. I am looking for multitudes, dimensions, experience, individuality. I am looking for what makes up the bulk of their human experience. I listen for different kinds of films, films outside the standard box office junk food.

I get especially excited when I meet someone who shares my love for foreign films, for documentaries, for smaller films because that tells me that they are willing to go beyond the limits of their own space and try to understand other cultures and their world through their artistic expression. I find that a person who opens their mind to the possibilities of the entire cinematic scope is also willing to try new things, new ideas and understand other cultures.

Now that the Bill Clinton interview transcript is up, I may as well comment: When Clinton makes reference to "one that was a comedy, but more semi-serious where they were the Jewish performing troupe" when talking about Mel Brooks movie, Roger tells him that the movie he's thinking of is "The Twelve Chairs." I'll admit that that's the one I first thought of, because it's probably the best of the "semi-serious" movies Brooks directed (the only other one being "Life Stinks").

But looking back, in fact "The Twelve Chairs" has nothing to do with a Jewish performing troupe. That description does, however, perfectly fit the remake of "To Be Or Not to Be" which Brooks starred in and produced (though he did not direct it). The movie Clinton was referring to was almost certainly "To Be Or Not to Be."

Ebert: You are certainly correct. What was I thinking? I haven't seen either movie in years. I seem to recall some sort of dance scene over the "Twelve Chairs" opening credits that was "Jewish," but "To Be or Not To Be" is surely the right answer. I think I may know why my memory was nudged to the wrong title. After the movie came out, Mel Brooks visited my class in the University of Chicago Fine Arts Program. A student asked: "Mr. Brooks, I notice your name appears a lot in the opening credits. Is that because you thought the audience might be distracted by the dance with the chairs?" Brooks took a beat. "What's your name?" he asked the student. "Krupp," the student replied. Brooks: "That's right, Krupp! Get the Jew! Get the Jew!" (I have substututed for the student's real name.)

It still falsely claims Armageddon is Bush's favorite right on your home page.

And I'm pretty disappointed you didn't think twice before taking that wiki entry for the truth, it was obviously a snide joke.

Ebert: I changed that title to "Field of Dream" days ago, and removed mention of WikiAnswers. It reads correctly on Firefox and Safari. I asked the webmaster to investigate Explorer. It looks right there, too. Refresh your browser?

Obamas film picks are very similar to what you would get from any casual film goer. Not having a knowledge of film speaks volumes about a person and although Obama would recieve a pass from me Sarah Palin does not. It would seem too typical for a former beauty queen to be completely out of the loop when forced to show knowledge of something outside her one primary field of interest. She's a mother as well as a governor, and now there is a pretty good chance she could inherit the presidency. Since she has not been a figure at the forefront of the political scene I would advise her to make it a point to express her opinions or at least pretend to have a knowledge base large enough to formulate one and give the questions a good old college try.

When I was a kid my mom was Democrat and my dad was Republican, so every day was a debate day about politics. I learned to love the classic movies like "Casablanca" and all the John Wayne movies. When I took a political science class in high school the first week they showed us the movie "Viva Zapata." It really changed the way I looked at film. Before that films were just entertainment. After seeing Brando in the Zapata film I saw how movies could educate and express wisdom. Watching that movie might be one of the reasons I eventually became a filmmaker of documentaries.

As someone who has been dating post-divorce, this is a great point. Just wanted to chime in on that. ... I spent time grilling people on their movie tastes ... then I started thinking, after a while, that I was being silly with that. Like I was being snobby or something.

Then after some more while, I decided that no, indeed, it's OK to "judge" someone based upon their answers to this question. I determined that I believe just as you do, Mr. Ebert, that movie taste tells a lot about a person - and that movies are "art" and should be revered as such.

Heck, I've always said that someone could tell everything about me just from looking at my DVD collection. Some people think this is funny (or pathetic) - but good, bad or indifferent, it's true.

Recently I began dating someone who loved American Splendor as much as I did. I knew it was a good match! :)

It's an *excellent* idea to ask candidates about their favourite movies. When people tell me what their favourite movies are, I'm very quick to predict what other movies they might like - in a sense, a split-second psychological assessment.

For the same reason, candidates could put themselves in a tricky position... McCain and Obama listed 'safe' movies, but what if Obama was a fan of Catherine Breillat's movies? Wouldn't people express outrage?

What if McCain really like "Caligula"? That'd be much more insight...

Do I love this kind of dialogue? Indeed I do. Is it informative? Very. At the same time, and even with a degree of admiration, I must proclaim this blog entry the dorkiest block of text I've ever set eyes to! God bless you, Roger Ebert!

Eat your heart out, Harry Knowles.

Ebert: This may be utterly shameless. But I think the comments on this blog are absolutely the best of any web movie site I have ever seen. See my entry, "Confessions of a blogger." I publish virtually every comment submitted! Not one kill-worthy comment in a week. Maybe the "you suck" brigade suffers from ADS to such a tragic extent that they can't be bothered t scroll down to the bottom of a thread.

Well if we are going to use the movie yardstick for the head of state....I thought OF Kierkegaard's three level classification of minds.....the aesthetic,ethical and highest being religious....MLK and MKG and JFK and Lincoln would certainly occupy the higher category.....Godfathers and Some Like it Hot are obviously in first...Lawrence of Arabia,Iwa Jima and Viva Zapata are about the romance of the battle,revolutions and justice and gore.....what choices would JFK ,Lincoln,MLK have made...ofcourse the choices are with votes in mind...the commonest denominator...

Sarah Palin said about a week ago that her favorite movie is "Hoosiers". In the interest of full disclosure: She was on a campaign stop in Indiana when she said this.

You kids and your movies. How about asking people what their favorite novel is? Then when they say "The Da Vinci Code" or "Prisoner of Azkaban" you will really know something about them.

This is great stuff but I don't think people should be so hard on Obama. He's young and he is basically just a big bro, which would explain his choices of Godfather I and II, also the fact that he chose Casablanca proves that he is more than just a casual film buff because most casual film goers aren't willing to go back to watch a lot of the classics not matter how much of a big deal they are. So maybe he is just not so into film so that his knowledge is as great as McCain's. Could you really blame him though, anyone who has been on this Earth as long as McCain would know a great deal about a lot of things, clearly movies are one of them.

As for me (in no order):
Star Wars IV and V
Casablanca
Lost in Translation
City Lights
Tokyo Story
An Autumn Afternoon
The Dark Knight
Seven Samurai
The Dreamers

I read an appreciation of the late Paul Newman the other day by Maureen Dowd. In it, she mentioned that during an interview with President George W. Bush he said that he strongly identified with the character of Lucas 'Cool Hand' Jackson in Stuart Rosenberg's "Cool Hand Luke". Probably for the obvious connections to Jesus Christ himself (Bush is a Christian man, I seem to recall), but still pretty interesting. Luke is of course the ultimate rebel. Could Oliver Stone's "W." hold the key to this mystery? Yet another reason to see that one when it opens in Norway...
Dowd's appreciation:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/opinion/01dowd.html?_r=3&em&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

As for the dude who mentioned "Heaven' Gate" in the same sentence/category as "Cannonball Run II" and "Armageddon"... IMHO, he needs to watch "Heaven's Gate" again. At least Cimino tried to make SOMETHING, he didn't set out to make CRAP that would earn bad reviews and bundles of cash. Plus, he had Kris Kristofferson, Jeff Bridges and Walken. Those guys are worth a watch. More than Burt, Roger and Bruce "My dad was in the army so I'm a tough guy" Willis.

That was my two cents. Feel free to look away.