The Criterion Collection

[JoeBuck]

Originally Posted by jw007

Nope, didn't work too well in my opinion. It's Scorsese's epic misfire. Not an enjoyable film to watch by any means.

You, sir, are off your rocker!
I thought it was his best in a long time (even though I love Hugo and Wolf Of Wall Street), also found it to be the most satisfying movie I saw all year.

[SammyJankis]

Silence is Scorsese's best since Goodfellas. The only film that comes close to its status in that period for me is Hugo, but something tells me a rewatch will cement the film's position as top tier Scorsese. I'm still astonished that it was even made.

EDIT: But then again, I'd place Knight of Cups over any Criterion Malick, save for The Thin Red Line.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I agree. I hesitate saying that I like "new versions" as a rule, but like any cover, if it works for me I'm not opposed to it. And I have to say that with covers, I prefer if the cover artist actually does something new and different with the song. If they're just doing the same old same old, I wonder what the point is.

On edit: I remember an oh-wow moment many, many moons ago when at a party I heard a friend of mine do "Johnny Be Goode" as a slow blues. Just knocked my socks off, and I've played it that way a few times myself, and typically freaked people out.

Likewise, way back in the day, I had a recording of John Denver (as part of the Mitchell Trio) doing a slow version of the Beatles tune "She Loves You", and I've played it that way ever since (and again, usually freak people out with it).

the problem isn't with re-imaging songs for cover versions, the problem is with a certain formula for re-imagining them.

the cover of Tears For Fears' Mad World has got to be the best, and maybe most well known example. in fairness, that cover is somewhat aesthetically pleasing.. at least it is relative to the ones that aren't so memorable.

but frequently, somber lyrics are matched up w/ some over the top musical rendering to sound.. I don't know.. haunting? I kind of think of it as akin to the over use of children's nursery rhymes in horror film trailers to sound oh, so very creepy.

[Show spoiler] not

I also hate versions that add nothing to the original. I loathed the fact that the cover of There She Goes became so immensely popular while the original version was pretty much exactly the same. put a cutesty female vocal on it, though, and you've got a platinum record.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Silence is Scorsese's best since Goodfellas. The only film that comes close to its status in that period for me is Hugo, but something tells me a rewatch will cement the film's position as top tier Scorsese. I'm still astonished that it was even made.

EDIT: But then again, I'd place Knight of Cups over any Criterion Malick, save for The Thin Red Line.

and did you say Punch Drunk Love was your favorite PTA? any other choices for favorite film by a director that are outside of the usual?

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by jw007

Nope, didn't work too well in my opinion. It's Scorsese's epic misfire. Not an enjoyable film to watch by any means.

I wouldn't recommend going into a movie about two Jesuit priests entering a country where Christianity is outlawed looking for their former mentor who apostatized expecting something enjoyable. But maybe that's just me.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

and did you say Punch Drunk Love was your favorite PTA? any other choices for favorite film by a director that are outside of the usual?

I don't think that's so outside of the usual anymore.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I don't think that's so outside of the usual anymore.

Punch Drunk Love? Really?

not challenging your opinion. just wondering out loud and opening it for anyone else if they want to throw it out there for fun.. do you have a favorite film that is pretty well outside what is widely considered a director's best?

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Punch Drunk Love? Really?

not challenging your opinion. just wondering out loud and opening it for anyone else if they want to throw it out there for fun.. do you have a favorite film that is pretty well outside what is widely considered a director's best?

I mean, it seems to be ranked pretty highly as far as recent polls go.

And for the record, Taxi Driver and Tree of Life are my favorites for the two, so I don't think I'm that much of a contrarian. I'm honestly coming up empty with your question... maybe Millennium Mambo.

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by jw007

Nope, didn't work too well in my opinion. It's Scorsese's epic misfire. Not an enjoyable film to watch by any means.

I was underwhelmed overall, but it sure had some moments. Kundun was a much better film.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by Hoke Moseley

I wouldn't recommend going into a movie about two Jesuit priests entering a country where Christianity is outlawed looking for their former mentor who apostatized expecting something enjoyable. But maybe that's just me.

The problem is that kind of thinking. ANY film on any subject matter can be enjoyable if it's well made and the story is well-told. "Enjoyable" isn't only limited to superheroes, CGI, and action or comedy films.

I find Bergman films enjoyable because of the level of acting, craftsmanship, cinematography, etc involved. Are the stories "happy"? Usually not. But art doesn't necessarily have to be happy to be enjoyable, nor does it have to be mainstream "fluff" with no substance, either.

By that, Joffe's "The Mission" would also not be "enjoyable," yet it's a film I enjoy immensely and have watched probably 20 times.

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by Bates_Motel

The problem is that kind of thinking. ANY film on any subject matter can be enjoyable if it's well made and the story is well-told. "Enjoyable" isn't only limited to superheroes, CGI, and action or comedy films.

I find Bergman films enjoyable because of the level of acting, craftsmanship, cinematography, etc involved. Are the stories "happy"? Usually not. But art doesn't necessarily have to be happy to be enjoyable, nor does it have to be mainstream "fluff" with no substance, either.

By that, Joffe's "The Mission" would also not be "enjoyable," yet it's a film I enjoy immensely and have watched probably 20 times.

You're right. But I don't think "not being enjoyable" should be the chief complaint as to why someone didn't like a film with a heavy subject matter.

[Helikaon]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Punch Drunk Love? Really?

not challenging your opinion. just wondering out loud and opening it for anyone else if they want to throw it out there for fun.. do you have a favorite film that is pretty well outside what is widely considered a director's best?

It's my favourite PTA as well.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

And for the record, Taxi Driver and Tree of Life are my favorites for the two, so I don't think I'm that much of a contrarian. I'm honestly coming up empty with your question... maybe Millennium Mambo.

I like the way you think, guy.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I mean, it seems to be ranked pretty highly as far as recent polls go.

And for the record, Taxi Driver and Tree of Life are my favorites for the two, so I don't think I'm that much of a contrarian. I'm honestly coming up empty with your question... maybe Millennium Mambo.

yeah, I saw that. I was really surprised about it ranking so high. I saw PDL prior to it being released as part of the Chicago Film Festival many years ago and just haven't felt inclined to revisit it. PTA was supposed to be there that night but he was... "sick."

I think it is streaming on Netflix.

wife out of town.. maybe tonight.

[The Great Owl]

Mildred Pierce was waiting for me in my mailbox when I arrived home just now. Here's looking forward to taking it for a spin this weekend.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Punch Drunk Love? Really?

not challenging your opinion. just wondering out loud and opening it for anyone else if they want to throw it out there for fun.. do you have a favorite film that is pretty well outside what is widely considered a director's best?

Woody Allen Broadway Danny Rose?

For me it is pretty close with a lot of his other films, but still gravitate towards this.

Martin Scorsese After Hours

[DeyoreW]

I haven't missed the flash sale have I? when is it currently most likely to happen if it hasn't?

[mja345]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Punch Drunk Love? Really?

not challenging your opinion. just wondering out loud and opening it for anyone else if they want to throw it out there for fun.. do you have a favorite film that is pretty well outside what is widely considered a director's best?

Just as far as my favorite two or three films by certain directors...

Woody Allen-"Deconstructing Harry" and "Husbands and Wives"

Kubrick-"Barry Lyndon"

Godard-"Weekend"

Altman-"Buffalo Bill and the Indians" would be way higher on my list than most people's, but not top 3 or anything. Same with "Quintet".

De Palma-"Hi, Mom" is one of my favorite films of his.

Lynch-"Lost Highway"

Mike Nichols-"The Fortune"

Linklater-"Slacker"

Coen bros.-"Miller's Crossing". Highly regarded, but I think it may be their best when it usually falls outside of most people's top 5s.

Coppola-"Jack" (just kidding about this one)

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by mja345

Just as far as my favorite two or three films by certain directors...

Woody Allen-"Deconstructing Harry" and "Husbands and Wives"

Kubrick-"Barry Lyndon"

Godard-"Weekend"

Altman-"Buffalo Bill and the Indians" would be way higher on my list than most people's, but not top 3 or anything. Same with "Quintet".

De Palma-"Hi, Mom" is one of my favorite films of his.

Lynch-"Lost Highway"

Mike Nichols-"The Fortune"

Linklater-"Slacker"

Coen bros.-"Miller's Crossing". Highly regarded, but I think it may be their best when it usually falls outside of most people's top 5s.

Coppola-"Jack" (just kidding about this one)

I'm struggling to think of any for myself, but Barry Lyndon is also my favorite Kubrick.

[Arch Stanton]

Would Duel be a controversial shout as favourite Spielberg film?