jdb1 wrote:I've wondered about this since these AFI listings started to be generally circulated. Is it known who exactly is compiling these lists? Is it a panel of knowledgeable film scholars/critics/makers, or is it an assignment given to some staff writer, who just asks his pals and his mom which movies they like?
From what I've read, I've gotten the impression that the AFI could be described as the dumbed-down version of
Sight and Sound. I believe AFI claims to poll not only directors, but also other industry personnel (critics, actors) about the best in American film (and I still often wonder what qualifies as an "American" film - made in the U.S.? by an American company? only English-language? starring or directed by Americans? I see potential problems with all of those...).
But once you've encoutered these lists for a few years in a row, you begin to suspect that anyone with a basic knowledge of film could probably compile one without even glancing at the IMDB page. The ones that are/have been generally labeled "greatly great" in whatever genre occupy the top slots and the popular titles (award winners, crowd faves) make up the lower tier. And of course, make sure you get a relatively even mix of contemporary and classic.
-Stephen