The Criterion Collection

[Halation]

Originally Posted by jmclick

You know, my degree is in film history (actually Radio-TV-Film with a specialty in film history), and I don't understand the tensions that exist between film critics, scholars, and fans, especially when those tensions erupt into silly games of one-ups-manship. Personally, my cinematic sensibilities are constantly in flux, or perhaps it would be more accurate for me to say, they are always expanding.

At this stage of my life, I am capable of appreciating a film, even if I don't like it, and I don't particularly feel the need to apologize for my opinions or personal tastes. A lot of the sacred cows of cinema simply aren't my cup of tea. I understand the importance and significance of such films as Birth of a Nation, Citizen Kane, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Fellini Satyricon, Pulp Fiction, Antichrist, etc., and I respect them as pieces of art. But I don't like them, I don't enjoy them, and I don't think my opinion diminishes me ... any more than it diminishes the people on the other end of the spectrum who cherish and admire those titles. Similarly, I don't think the fact that I consider The Last Flight, Dodsworth, I Walked With a Zombie, Nashville, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Forrest Gump to be among the most significant and enjoyable films ever made, makes me somehow superior (or inferior) to others who don't share my viewpoint.

For now, give me Wellman over Welles; Lubitsch over Kubrick; Dreyer over Tarantino. It's no skin off your nose, or mine. Different strokes for different folks. But also keep in mind that I'm ever-evolving. Prior to coming across the Criterion Collection, I had never seen a film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot; now I'm a fervent admirer. I hope I never stop growing.

I literally vomited while reading this.

[Martin_31]

Originally Posted by Halation

I literally vomited while reading this.

Why?

[octagon]

I literally remember when literally literally meant literally.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Halation

I literally vomited while reading this.

I'm so glad. It's nice to know that I have that much power over you.

[Halation]

Originally Posted by octagon

I literally remember when literally literally meant literally.

but you've forgotten hyperbole?

[ijustblumyself]

I think it's kind of silly to assume someone is being contrarian because their favourite film from a director isn't the one that's been 'agreed upon' as being his best. I mean my favourite Hitchcock film is Rebecca - does that make me a snob or a hipster?
The more films people watch the more their taste develops.

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

Looks to still be available here (Which is where I got mine).

Sorry, this ended up being duplicate info. Jsdvd works best when you order 3 or so items, so make sure to consider this or this or this as well when making an order!

Does that Hou DVD set come with English subtitles? Very tempted to pick it up when I place my next order there.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Martin_31

Okay, what would be considered a film snob or hipster? I'm curious to know. Maybe I am one without knowing, or maybe I've met one without even realizing! Real life examples where you've met one like in a class, campus, theater, etc. would be nice to hear.

Watch Annie Hall. Specifically the scene at the movie theater, where this professor is going on at length to his date about Marshall McLuhan. Imagine him talking about movies instead of media in general.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by jmclick

For now, give me Wellman over Welles; Lubitsch over Kubrick; Dreyer over Tarantino. It's no skin off your nose, or mine. Different strokes for different folks.

Hunh. My reaction to that is: "give me Wellman and Welles; Lubitsch and Kubrick; Dreyer and Tarantino".

Other than that, I like what you said.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

I think it's kind of silly to assume someone is being contrarian because their favourite film from a director isn't the one that's been 'agreed upon' as being his best.

There would need to be some context to make that assumption (i.e. classroom interaction, noting the way people write, etc.)

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

I mean my favourite Hitchcock film is Rebecca - does that make me a snob or a hipster?

No. Because nothing about your posting history would lead one to believe that you are being insincere.

[Fabs]

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

I think it may still be available on jsdvd if you're willing to pay a bit of money (although it is quite a bit for a blind-buy). Goodbye, Dragon Inn is an absolute masterpiece from Tsai Ming-liang, and really anything by Hou is fantastic.

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

Looks to still be available here (Which is where I got mine).

Sorry, this ended up being duplicate info. Jsdvd works best when you order 3 or so items, so make sure to consider this or this or this as well when making an order!

Thanks guys! I went ahead and ordered it from there. Really excited to check it out. that's all I got, but I wish I would've added another thing to my order as they have some good prices.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Watch Annie Hall. Specifically the scene at the movie theater, where this professor is going on at length to his date about Marshall McLuhan. Imagine him talking about movies instead of media in general.

ha ha ha! yes! I need to see that movie again. the first time I saw it, I was too young and most of it went over my head. here is the scene you're talking about and he does actually talk about Fellini's work in the first part of it.

I'd call this guy a "snob," but taking the time to differentiate between one or the other is not really a worthwhile endeavor.

hilarious scene!

Woody Allen meets Marshall McLuhan - YouTube

[buffetfroid]

To me hipster and film snob are different things. A hipster may be a film snob, but in my experience many are not. Hipsters are more poseurs, interested in the "cool" factor and distancing themselves from the masses by listening to obscure bands and wearing a self-defined "uniform". Leonard Maltin could be a film snob (I doubt he is, despite his knowledge), but he is definitely NOT a hipster.

[darkness2918]

Originally Posted by Halation

I literally vomited while reading this.

Why? I agree with everything he said. For example I've seen & don't like Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Sound of Music & those are considered classics. I also love Bram Stoker's Dracula. The beauty of films is that everyone has different tastes.

[Martin_31]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

ha ha ha! yes! I need to see that movie again. the first time I saw it, I was too young and most of it went over my head. here is the scene you're talking about and he does actually talk about Fellini's work in the first part of it.

I'd call this guy a "snob," but taking the time to differentiate between one or the other is not really a worthwhile endeavor.

hilarious scene!

Woody Allen meets Marshall McLuhan - YouTube

Hahaha. That's a film snob. What happened in that scene has happened to me a couple of times. Instead of talking about world cinema, they talk about superhero movies, Interstellar, and The Hobbit Trilogy. Like Woody Allen said, "he's spittin' on my neck when he talks." Really gross too.

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by octagon

I literally remember when literally literally meant literally.

I think your memory is literally failing you.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

To keep on topic and relate this to Dylan/Dont Look Back: Favorite Bob Dylan album?

I'm a little embarrassed to say that the only Dylan CDs/albums I own are maybe 3 variations of greatest hits compilations. I think that often, the really really good stuff is what falls through the cracks ... the music that doesn't make it to "greatest hits" status. I seriously need to dig deeper into Bob Dylan's catalog/library.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Page14

I'm a little embarrassed to say that the only Dylan CDs/albums I own are maybe 3 variations of greatest hits compilations. I think that often, the really really good stuff is what falls through the cracks ... the music that doesn't make it to "greatest hits" status. I seriously need to dig deeper into Bob Dylan's catalog/library.

That's great the thing about Dylan. It seems like there's always something one hasn't heard yet.

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

I think your memory is literally failing you.

That word makes my ears hurt when I hear it. Although, it's not as bad as the king of superfluous in order to.

[AaronJ]

That scene from Annie Hall is just perfect. It's a great example of what makes Allen's films, especially from that period, so wonderful.

"30-ish academic wishes to meet woman interested in Mozart, James Joyce, and sodomy."

LOL

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

I think it's kind of silly to assume someone is being contrarian because their favourite film from a director isn't the one that's been 'agreed upon' as being his best. I mean my favourite Hitchcock film is Rebecca - does that make me a snob or a hipster?
The more films people watch the more their taste develops.



Does that Hou DVD set come with English subtitles? Very tempted to pick it up when I place my next order there.

I believe it has both English subs and a 32 page bilingual booklet with English text. It is a bit of a odd shape though.

[Show spoiler]

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

ha ha ha! yes! I need to see that movie again. the first time I saw it, I was too young and most of it went over my head. here is the scene you're talking about and he does actually talk about Fellini's work in the first part of it.

It's obviously been too long since I watched the film. I have the Criterion LD, which I haven't watched in ages, and I picked up the Blu-ray a few months back, and haven't had the chance to watch it.

Anyway, I vaguely recalled him talking about Fellini, but erroneously recalled that McLuhan was the bulk of the guy's blathering, probably because McLuhan ended up being the punch line. So, thanks for that.