For those of readers interested in the history of films and how it can be a reflection of what is happening in society, this is an interesting watch. Breakdown: 1975 is a 2025 Netflix documentary by Morgan Neville exploring how a turbulent mid-70s America, marked by Watergate, Vietnam’s end, and economic woes, inspired a cinematic renaissance, leading to iconic films like Taxi Driver and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, featuring insights from figures like Martin Scorsese and Jodie Foster. It examines 1975 as a peak year for character-driven cinema reflecting societal disillusionment, a “nervous breakdown” moment for the country.
The premise is that studios no longer knew what worked, as the population had become disillusioned. Westerns and musicals no longer cut it. The world was no longer black and white but grey. Movie makers were given much greater freedom leading to a burst of creativity.
Other classics from that one year include :
Dog day afternoon (Surely, the definition of anti-establishment)
Nashville
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Stepford Wives
Rollerball.
It was great while it lasted. But nothing lasts forever. Jaws was released and the time of the blockbuster had arrived.
Four stars out of five from me.
Mark's Writing Corner 