IFC, everyone’s favorite independent purveyor of cinema on television have compiled a saucy list of what they consider the 50 greatest trailers of all time. It’s a most excellent list all told, well balanced between old and new, modern and old-fashioned style of editing and marketing, and gives ample credit to films that had fantastic, enigmatic and fascinating marketing, but sucked theatrically. It’s the only list where you’ll see Maximum Overdrive side-by-side with The Manchurian Candidate, or Zabriskie Point beside Face/Off.

I’m fascinated by the art of the trailer myself–it’s a powerful tool for piquing interest in films, manipulating and shaping public perception before audiences even get to see a film. A well-cut trailer can be honest and forthcoming, but it can also lie through its teeth and completely misrepresent its subject. You may not agree with the list as a whole, but it’s a brave offering.

Special points go for their choice for their #5, which I still contend is the most perfect example of a brilliant trailer for a lousy film.

(via IFC)