16 Overlooked Movies From The 1970s That Are Worth Watching

Cockfighter
Waren Oates in Cockfighter 1974

What list of forgotten ‘70s films would be complete without an appearance by great director Monte Hellman? His existential masterpiece Two-Lane Blacktop would be a likely choice, but it is not as forgotten as it once was. Instead, Cockfighter seems to encompass all the bases. Forgotten, overlooked and overshadowed, Cockfighter is a true diamond in the film rough. It was shot by Nestor Almendros, who was a great cinematographer, Academy Award winner, and a friend of Hellman

Warren Oates portrays a man who wants to become Cockfighter of the year in the sub-cultural world of game cockfighting. Oates, thought of as only a character actor, he carries the entire film. Like a monk, he has taken a vow of silence as penance for past sins. Oates is a good actor and shows it by spending most of the film with no dialogue, only hand gestures, and expressive face and body movements.

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A Walk into the Sea: the Danny Williams Story and the Warhol Factory

I had the great fortune of lending a hand on this film. Esther is a dear friend and this film is an amazing exploration into the life and disappearance of her Uncle Danny. Earlier tonight I caught the film on the Sundance Channel. It is a moving piece of work that’s hauntingly beautiful. Props to t. griffin for the score and Danny’s own films are breath taking.