The Criterion Collection

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by billzfan

I'll start a conversation piece.

If there was one deceased director who you wish had made one more film, who would it be?

Leone.

At the time of his death ,he was working on a film about the Stalingrad siege.

[communichaoz]

Originally Posted by Simon_LDT

Just watched Harakiri, which is my first venture into Samurai film. Loved it, very dramatic with a superb story which is told perfectly.

Already got my eye on the upcoming Rashomon release but are there any others people here would recommend? Bear in mind, I really liked the way Harakiri was mostly heavily plot-driven and not just fighting and action for the sake of it.

The seven samurais is really a masterpiece movie. Samurai or not this movie hasn't aged a bit. The opposite, why don't they make more of these calibre of films.
I would also recommend Ugetsu Monogatari if criterion releases it on BD, It does exist in region B via Eureka.
You might also consider the Samurai trilogy.

[thismightbezach]

Originally Posted by billzfan

I'll start a conversation piece.

If there was one deceased director who you wish had made one more film, who would it be?

Definitely Kieslowski. He was working on a Heaven, Hell, Purgatory trilogy at the time of his death. He passed on opportunities to have his heart surgery at fine hospitals in New York and Paris but opted for a local hospital in Warsaw

[BohemianGraham]

Has anyone else watched Rosetta yet besides me? I'm still reeling a bit, as it is a bit of an uncomfortable viewing experience. It's really a film that everyone should watch at least once.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Has anyone else watched Rosetta yet besides me? I'm still reeling a bit, as it is a bit of an uncomfortable viewing experience. It's really a film that everyone should watch at least once.

I was going to snag it, but am now waiting for the 40% off sale to fill the holes in my collection.

Instead I'm watching 39 Steps and 400 Blows today. My first time for each.

[JHas]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Leone.

At the time of his death ,he was working on a film about the Stalingrad siege.

That would be epic, I love Leone and would second this. However, I will pick my own. David Lean, he was going to do a film based on Conrad's novel "Nostromo" would have loved to see this.

*edit Whoops, guess I missed Lean already being said.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I was going to snag it, but am now waiting for the 40% off sale to fill the holes in my collection.

Instead I'm watching 39 Steps and 400 Blows today. My first time for each.

And the 40% off sale is when...? Sorry if it's been mentioned previously...I'm almost 1 year behind in this thread!

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Has anyone else watched Rosetta yet besides me? I'm still reeling a bit, as it is a bit of an uncomfortable viewing experience. It's really a film that everyone should watch at least once.

I watched it on, I think, last monday. I'd wanted to see it for a long time, so was thrilled to finally sit down for it. It's definitely the kind of very realistic film that doesn't always come around.

[Show spoiler]While I ultimately liked it and agree with you, I wasn't sure at first how I felt. I spent the majority of the film questioning the motivations of the central character. I found myself wondering---at a time of desperation, would one really turn away such help from the only person that might actually care about them, for the chance at what will most likely be some temporary employment? Clearly the answer is yes, but I had a difficult time understanding it when the person is literally the closest thing to a friend. I guess that isn't a question, just what I was wondering at the time.

I do want to ask though, I didn't understand what Rosetta's pain was. It wasn't addressed beyond what was seen, was it?

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by italy12

And the 40% off sale is when...? Sorry if it's been mentioned previously...I'm almost 1 year behind in this thread!

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=203280

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Has anyone else watched Rosetta yet besides me?

Yes, but you and CoopFilm are the only two currently discussing. I could join in, as well, but that would take much more effort than typing these couple of sentences.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=203280

Nice!

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I watched it on, I think, last monday. I'd wanted to see it for a long time, so was thrilled to finally sit down for it. It's definitely the kind of very realistic film that doesn't always come around.

[Show spoiler]While I ultimately liked it and agree with you, I wasn't sure at first how I felt. I spent the majority of the film questioning the motivations of the central character. I found myself wondering---at a time of desperation, would one really turn away such help from the only person that might actually care about them, for the chance at what will most likely be some temporary employment? Clearly the answer is yes, but I had a difficult time understanding it when the person is literally the closest thing to a friend. I guess that isn't a question, just what I was wondering at the time.

I do want to ask though, I didn't understand what Rosetta's pain was. It wasn't addressed beyond what was seen, was it?

I'm not too sure.

[Show spoiler] some have argued it's cramping from her period, stress, ulcers, malnutrition, or even parasites from the fish she catches. I think they left it open to interpretation on purpose. I think Rosetta just didn't know how to deal, and was in a situation where she couldn't trust anyone. Even after Riquet tried to open up to her, she was still closed off. I mean, she even tried to kill him at one point. Also, even after she betrayed him, she had second thoughts and was trying to kill herself with the gas. She was a very conflicted, desperate character.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Yes, but you and CoopFilm are the only two currently discussing. I could join in, as well, but that would take much more effort than typing these couple of sentences.

Couldn't you exert that little effort for us? Please?

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Has anyone else watched Rosetta yet besides me? I'm still reeling a bit, as it is a bit of an uncomfortable viewing experience. It's really a film that everyone should watch at least once.

I will buy it as soon as I can. I am a Dardennes fan but as Rosetta has been (and IS) unavailable here it has been hard to track it down.

Adding another two directors to the on-going discussion: Mario Peixoto and Larisa Shepitko.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Darkcritic

I will buy it as soon as I can. I am a Dardennes fan but as Rosetta has been (and IS) unavailable here it has been hard to track it down.

Adding another two directors to the on-going discussion: Mario Peixoto and Larisa Shepitko.

B&N have a sale starting next week.

I think i'm going to tacke la promesse tonight.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I'm not too sure.

[Show spoiler] some have argued it's cramping from her period, stress, ulcers, malnutrition, or even parasites from the fish she catches. I think they left it open to interpretation on purpose. I think Rosetta just didn't know how to deal, and was in a situation where she couldn't trust anyone. Even after Riquet tried to open up to her, she was still closed off. I mean, she even tried to kill him at one point. Also, even after she betrayed him, she had second thoughts and was trying to kill herself with the gas. She was a very conflicted, desperate character.

[Show spoiler]Ahhh, do you think she herself didn't know what it was either, then? That would sort of put us into her own position with that...I like it. I could see the trust issue playing a huge part in her isolation. We don't get much of a backstory on her life, but from what we see, we can conclude she hasn't had much luck with the people around her, which sadly has left this sort of permanent effect. I guess it's different for each person, and some people might value the help more.

And how did you interpret the ending?

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

[Show spoiler]Ahhh, do you think she herself didn't know what it was either, then? That would sort of put us into her own position with that...I like it. I could see the trust issue playing a huge part in her isolation. We don't get much of a backstory on her life, but from what we see, we can conclude she hasn't had much luck with the people around her, which sadly has left this sort of permanent effect. I guess it's different for each person, and some people might value the help more.

And how did you interpret the ending?

[Show spoiler] I'm not too sure on that. There's one scene where her mother tried to give advice and she wouldn't take heed, which is why people think it's related to her period.

I'm still trying to figure out the ending as it was rather abrupt. I think by this point perhaps she has finally broken down, and hopefully will actually talk to Riquet, as she's at her wits end, seeing as she couldn't even commit suicide without some sort of assistance. Riquet is obviously pissed at her, and for good reason, yet I think he realises that there's something seriously wrong with her, and perhaps isn't antagonising her out of anger at her betrayal, but anger at how she is behaving and out of concern. Of course, I could be way too optimistic.

[obscurelabel]

Originally Posted by billzfan

I'll start a conversation piece.

If there was one deceased director who you wish had made one more film, who would it be?

Charles Laughton
Bob Fosse - only directed five features, his last Star 80 seems curiously flat and impersonal, I would love to have more films in the All That Jazz style (or the Cabaret style or the Lenny style).
Michael Reeves - was he really just 26 when directing Witchfinder General???
Bill Gunn - Ganja and Hess is uneven but when it works it is highly distinctive, as if Gunn was successful at creating his own film language.

Originally Posted by DarkRyder

I misread the discussion topic wrong, but I'd still stick with Welles. Perhaps a proper Don Quixote, or maybe even Hearts of Darkness?

As previously said, if he were still alive we'd probably have proper Director's Cuts. Why did he have to eat himself to death?

Given his long history of smoking, eating, and drinking to excess (not alcoholism, just drinking a bottle of wine every day) it's amazing that Welles was able to make it to 70 years old, not too far off of the average life expectancy for men at the time.

[communichaoz]

Originally Posted by obscurelabel

Charles Laughton

I was also thinking of him but I don't think he would have made another movie after night of the hunter had he lived a few more years. The fact is he died a few years later without mentioning wanting to make another movie. Actually I think he didn't really enjoy directing and after the cold initial reactions of night of the hunter I think only if he lived another 30 years would he have experienced the appreciation for the film.

[UNCMT9]

Shame that Laughton didn't realize how great he could've been. Just caught Night of the Hunter on TCM last week. Fantastic film. Perfect blend of dark humor, horror, acting, and brilliant cinematography. I'll pick this up at the next B&N Criterion sale.

On a side note, how many have seen Revanche? Heard it was very good..