landmark movies of 2004 hailed us film professionals have declared fahrenheit 911 and the passion of the christ as two of the most significant cultural milestones of 2004 the american film institute afi hailed mel gibson s biblical epic and michael moore s political documentary as inspiring national debate it claimed both filmmakers tossed hollywood convention out the window the institute also cited the death of actor marlon brando and the changing landscape of tv news in the us in referring to marlon brando s death on 1 july at the age of 80 the 13strong afi jury concluded the art of screen acting has two chapters before brando and after brando it credited the screen legend s raw hypnotic energy and his ability to create characters like stanley kowalski and terry malloy that will live forever in the annals of film history the list also acknowledges key influences and trends in the world of film and broadcasting among current trends it highlighted the final broadcasts of veteran newscasters tom brokaw barbara walters and the impending retirement of cbs news anchor dan rather it its place the afi fears is a news landscape where newscasters are more personalities than journalists and balance and integrity are increasingly ignored the afi also questioned the longterm viability of evening news broadcasts in the light of 24hour news channels and the internet the list also draws attention to the growing influence of us broadcasting regulator the federal communications commission fcc the institute concluded the threat of regulation which went into freefall following janet jackson s wardrobe malfunction during a live super bowl performance in february had a profound effect on television unsure of how the fcc will rule on an issue the creative community has begun to selfcensor their shows a disturbing trend in a country founded on free expression the afi jury declared to illustrate their point the afi cited abc affiliates refusal to air steven spielberg s film saving private ryan in an unedited form over fears of possible fines