As the Cold War ended and the 20th century neared its conclusion, some western writers claimed we were entering a new phase of human development: the so-called "end of history." In this book, U.S. author, Scott Ryan presents a similar(ish) argument for the world of entertainment. Did the 1990s represent the last true decade of cinema?
To be honest, I'm not sure I agree with all of Ryan's arguments here and after reading the book, perhaps you will feel the same. What cannot be denied, however, is that he presents a compelling argument.
The book takes the form of a series of essays about a number of the movies which Ryan sees as critical to the era. I, myself, was a teenager, young man and film buff during the decade. Ryan's list happens to include my personal all-time favourite (Goodfellas), along with a number of others which had a big impact on me (Terminator 2, Clueless, Short Cuts, Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski, The Shawshank Redemption and Swingers), some which impacted me less (for example, The Cider House Rules, Unforgiven, Magnolia, The Ice Storm and Pleasantville), two which I actively disliked at the time (Reality Bites, Eyes Wide Shut), some I've never seen (The Prince of Tides, Menace II Society) and a few I'd never even heard of (Citizen Ruth, Two Girls and a Guy).
It's a shamelessly American viewpoint. The Three Colours trilogy is not mentioned once and even Four Weddings and a Funeral and Trainspotting barely get a namecheck. Ryan writes a whole chapter on The Birdcage, while only mentioning very fleetingly that it is based on Le Cage au Folles.. Goldeneye is not mentioned once. A surprising number of major US releases are either not referred to at all (Virgin Suicides, The Muppets Christmas Carol) or barely mentioned (Fight Club, American Beauty). There's also a howling factual error about a song used in Goodfellas which I'm hoping will be corrected in the finished version of the book.
Ultimately, Ryan's overall argument is strong but inevitably becomes much less convincing whenever he applies it to any film which he admits to not having seen, for example, (bafflingly) Titanic and Forrest Gump and most of the 21st century Marvel films he moans about.

Scott Ryan, The Last Decade of Cinema, Black Chateau Fayetteville Mafia Press, June 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Scott Ryan has a distinct writing style that carries this serious, perceptive and analytical approach to a decade of film with a firm grasp of the need to engage with his audience. At the same time, he ensures that he maintains the obligation he has imposed on himself to utter raw truths. His fidelity to exposing the failings that largely mar the aftermath of 1990s film underlies the way in which he approaches his prime aim. The responsibility he feels for the task he has set himself – bringing the sheer wonder of 1990s film to a large audience – is demonstrated by the choices he makes, the language he uses, the additional material and his tenacity in acquiring relevant interviews.

Ryan chooses the films that fit his criteria – but then, oh joy, he adds a supplementary list that could have equally been chosen. He also adds ten films from the immediately previous decade, and the one after that demonstrating that some films that meet his criteria do fall outside the strict period he gave himself for the bulk of the book. The films are supplemented by some excellent interviews – a tribute to his thoroughness in getting the best for to meet the challenge he set for himself; notes for each chapter; a comprehensive index; and informative acknowledgements.

Some of the films were familiar to me, and ones that I also loved. Some were films that I knew and disliked. Others I had not seen and shall search for them – but as Ryan says, difficult where streaming is aimed at something other than bringing the best to audiences. They are a poor replacement for the video store in which he saw so many of the films with which he makes his case for 1990s film, the industry at that time, and the services available to audiences in the period.

Ryan’s introduction is a masterpiece in its reflection on the limitations of the superhero and franchise films that have largely replaced his 1990s choices, the reasons for this change, and the manner of the changes. He manages to squeeze even more 1990s examples here – more clever writing. His explanation that the films he admires with their gamut of emotions that made audiences think have been replaced with a one-dimensional story with no uncertainties resonates with me. While admiring the special effects that have won accolades for Australians, the films in which they appear have left me unresponsive.

Like Ryan, I want to see films today like those with which he fills the pages of The Last Decade of Cinema. In twenty-five essays chosen for each year of the nineties Ryan takes us though a range from the 1990 Goodfellas to Magnolia, released in 1999. He gives 1994 special mention with reference to Pulp Fiction, Shawshank Redemption and Reality Bites. Some of those I recall (not all with pleasure) that he covers in the essays are Pretty Woman, Pleasantville, To Die For, The Big Lebowski, The Ice Storm, Prince of Tides and Eyes Wide Shut and Unforgiven. But why didn’t I see Citizen Ruth? The Birdcage? I shall re-read this book, take on the analysis of the 1990s films I saw and did not enjoy, and if I cannot manage to see them and others that have piqued my interest, continue rereading The Last Decade of Cinema.

Ryan’s premise is that the 1990s were the last, best decade of truly good cinema in America and he discusses the reasons why and his picks for the twenty-five movies that made it so (plus some runners-up.) He includes standards like “Goodfellas,” “Pulp Fiction,” “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Magnolia” as well as choices that might not be as expected like “Citizen Ruth,” “Clueless,” “To Die For” and “The Birdcage.” He also implores today’s filmmakers to take risks, be serious AND make us laugh, push boundaries and make movies using actual film.

I love books of lists, especially those about pop culture so this was right up my alley. The author is a good writer and he also includes a few interviews of participants in a few of the subject movies, which were interesting. I very much enjoyed this and would seek out books by this writer in the future (oh, and his “Reality Bites” beach towel is everything.)

Oh my heart!! "The Last Decade of Cinema" by Scott Ryan brought back such incredible memories and imprinted this key decade on my life. I was 15 to 25 in the 1990's and what a decade to grow up in, let alone that we had some of the most incredible movies!

Ryan discusses how the superhero movie has saturated the market in the noughties an I am wint to agree. I have reverted to South East Asian cinema/ TV and streaming of classics on the very and I mean very rare occasion that I watch a film these days as the conent is just not grabbing my heart in the same way (Hence my immense advocacy for books)

Talking of which, back to the book. Although I may disagree with Ryan's opinions of what the best film was of the 90s, he does feature some absolute belters which can still be watched over and over again. Not only is this a great read, it is a fantastic reference book!

A must for all Gen X who like movies and by eckers, for anyone of any age who appreciates film as art not a corporate endeavour

Thank you to NetGalley for this Epic eARC. This review is left voluntarily

Loved, loved this book. Great look back at 90s cinema with thoughtful comments Highly recommend