Film history

Twenty years ago, race-relations drama Crash controversially beat Brokeback Mountain to best picture, creating outrage. People including the film's co-writer reflect on what happened.

Martin Scorsese's groundbreaking New York thriller turns 50 this week. It remains a remarkable piece of work – though its truly defining moment is probably not the one you think.

Ever since it was published in the mid-19th Century, Emily Brontë's tale of passionate love and ruthless revenge has captivated fans and confounded critics in equal measure.

Charlie Chaplin's silent comedy, City Lights, is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made – and its final moments are key to its reputation.

Apart from the dialogue, performances, music and cinematography, there's one genius innovation that made Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron’s 1989 film so successful.

David Fincher's thriller began with its screenwriter's view of the urban decay and religious conservatism of the Reagan era. But it also predicted our obsession with true crime today.

Richard Burton, born 100 years ago this month, was famously married - twice - to Elizabeth Taylor. In 1966, a BBC interview with them saw a furious Taylor come to her husband's aid.