Now we are getting Zen! Positive rep points confirmed.

Admittedly, I haven't seen many, but I enjoy Fellini's films. I do want to see some of Rossellini's work though.

Justin

I'd have to say Pasolini, Rossellini, and Vittorio De Sica.

CC

Nice choices.

I would have to say De Sica. While I love Antonioni and Fellini as well, Umberto D. is one of my all time favorite films, and that alone puts him at the top of my list.

That's cool. I gave you some rep to help start you out.;)

Fellini. Nights of Cabiria is simple, charming, and beautiful.

There's no love for the comedic genius Pietro Germi in here.

And a head's up for people who want to see more Rossellini. Paisan is the import of the week on TCM Sunday night.

I would also say Fellini is my favorite. I did enjoy Marco Ferreri too.

I believe this is an odd question. But.....yeah.

The Seventh Seal got a nice shout out on Jeopardy today :D

why?

Because asking "So you have to gain something positive from watching movies now?" on the surface seems like some deep, pro-art statement, but is really fairly nonsensical when you think more about it.

Presumably you watch a movie because you have a reason to want to. You expect either entertainment, or education, or even just a unique experience. Even if the movie is bad and you know it will be an unpleasant experience going in, you still presumably expect to gain SOMETHING (even if just a deeper understanding of it). If you know the premise and reputation of a movie, and it doesn't sound entertaining or educational or enjoyable to you - what is your reason to watch it? Just to say you did? I've probably watched some films because of the sole motivation of curiosity. But if you're not even curious? Maybe you should just skip it.

I wouldn't judge anyone for thinking this way about a film like Salo. Not that this applies to everyone - certainly the film has something for people with certain tastes or more active curiosities. But for others, this is an easy skip. The same way something like "Sex and the City 2" is an easy skip for me - there's simply nothing in it I'm even curious to see.

My question isn't 'So you have to gain something from watching movies?', my question is 'So you have to gain something positive from watching movies?'

I understand what you mean. <knuckle bump>

Also, since this is the Criterion/slash Mets fan thread I'd like to say kudos to the Mets! Two innings away from a sweep!

Do you remember how?

What is the difference? Or are you implying that gaining something NEGATIVE is desirable? Even if you HATE a movie, being able to know why you hate it or having sated your curiosity are both still positives.

Congratulations! You will now be assimilated. And once you start, you will never stop. :)

I totally agree. It's definitely important to do your research. You'll see people who will recommend "Anti-Christ", "Sweet Movie", "Fat Girl", "Salo", etc. but before you buy them, do your research or else you may be scarred for life or have found something quite fascinating.

I enjoy each of the three but I will say for those who just started purchasing Criterion, and their first foray to Antonioni films will be "Il deserto rosso" (Red Desert) when it comes out, personally I would recommend watching "L'avventura" (Criterion) or "Blow Up" before watching "Red Desert".

The Passenger would be good to start as well (cheap too), with Jack Nicholson in it, it would be a good start for someone to get into Antonioni. But I do agree Blow Up is prob the best way to go first.

I was just thinking how much movies Jack Nicholson was in during the 70's. He owned that period as an actor. Too bad he went into this character of himself and never appeared again after Batman.

I wouldn't associate 'Negative' with 'Hate'.