The Criterion Collection

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Sounds like four films altogether.

I have seen Purple Noon and I remember seeing the trailers for TTMR back in the day. Wasn't aware of Ripley's Game or The American Friend at all until now.

There is also Ripley Under Ground with Barry Pepper as Ripley, but I haven't seen that one, apparently that is from the middle book between the other two stories.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by LuckyDragon

There are five films total, but none of them are connected in any way. Ripley's Game the book is a sequel to The Talented Mr. Ripley the book, but Ripley's Game the movie is not a sequel to The Talented Mr. Ripley the movie. Imagine if each of the Harry Potter books was adapted by a different studio with a different director and a different lead actor, and none of the films referenced the others; that's essentially what happened with Ripley.



I recently picked up the Italian Region 2 DVD of Ripley Under Ground and watched it on my laptop. I enjoyed it more than most people apparently did, but it certainly isn't the best of the adaptations.



And here's a quick guide to clear up any confusion:

Books:

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955)
Ripley Under Ground (1970)
Ripley's Game (1974)
The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1980)
Ripley Under Water (1991)

Films:

Purple Noon (1960) starring Alain Delon, based on The Talented Mr. Ripley
The American Friend (1977) starring Dennis Hopper, based on Ripley's Game
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon
Ripley's Game (2002) starring John Malkovich
Ripley Under Ground (2005) starring Barry Pepper

Haha ok - but the character Ripley is the same throughout the films..? like the themes and idea's behind the character? or are they completely different?

Not sure if I am over confusing things an should just check out the other films lol

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Wait... so The Talented Mr Ripley has 2 other films that connect with it..?

Sigh. It wasn't like it was much more than a day ago...

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...stcount=145846

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Sigh. It wasn't like it was much more than a day ago...

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...stcount=145846

Sorry I miss posts and don't go back and re read every post to make sure I havn't missed anything.

So sorry. I shall now leave a gap on my calendar each day to re read these forums to make sure no one gets upset when I ask a question already asked.

I also apologise for being in a different time zone and having work and sleep which also makes me miss posts.

[WonderWeasel]

Has Criterion ever released any of Karel Zeman's films? I just watched The Outrageous Baron Munchausen and was blown away. The beautiful animation, the slapstick humor... wow. I always thought Terry Gilliam's animation style was solely the product of a brilliant auteur, but I guess even they need influences.

[SkyAntoine]

Took in a few first-time Criterion watches over the weekend.

Antichrist - An intense watch. For such awful subject matter I thought it was shot beautifully especially the opening sequence. It was like a cross between Don't Look Now, Realm of Senses and some B horror movie. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about what Von Trier was aiming for thematically...or was he? 7/10

Hearts and Minds - Decent documentary though hard to watch and very one-sided. War sucks, but, IMO, the film would have been more effective to show some honor to our soldiers even if the intent is to show this war was unnecessary and horrific to all involved. Reminded me of a Michael Moore piece. 7/10

Black Narcissus - Cinematography was amazing. I guess the underlying tones were so underlying I just didn't connect well with the movie. I was really expecting this to be a big hit with me. I read that Powell considered this his most erotic film. I kept wanting to compare to Lily in the Fields which I thought was a much better movie. 7/10


For non-Criterions I also saw Room and Everest. I very much enjoyed Room and was dialed in the whole time. Brie was deserving of an Oscar. I gave it an 8/10.

I was familiar with the Everest story after reading "Into Thin Air" several years ago. I'm sure some people knock the film for the story itself, but it is what it is. I thought the movie did a relatively good job of telling a realistic survival story. 7/10

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Took in a few first-time Criterion watches over the weekend.

Antichrist - An intense watch. For such awful subject matter I thought it was shot beautifully especially the opening sequence. It was like a cross between Don't Look Now, Realm of Senses and some B horror movie. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about what Von Trier was aiming for thematically...or was he? 7/10

Hearts and Minds - Decent documentary though hard to watch and very one-sided. War sucks, but, IMO, the film would have been more effective to show some honor to our soldiers even if the intent is to show this war was unnecessary and horrific to all involved. Reminded me of a Michael Moore piece. 7/10

Black Narcissus - Cinematography was amazing. I guess the underlying tones were so underlying I just didn't connect well with the movie. I was really expecting this to be a big hit with me. I read that Powell considered this his most erotic film. I kept wanting to compare to Lily in the Fields which I thought was a much better movie. 7/10


For non-Criterions I also saw Room and Everest. I very much enjoyed Room and was dialed in the whole time. Brie was deserving of an Oscar. I gave it an 8/10.

I was familiar with the Everest story after reading "Into Thin Air" several years ago. I'm sure some people knock the film for the story itself, but it is what it is. I thought the movie did a relatively good job of telling a realistic survival story. 7/10

He made it during his depression which makes a lot of sense - he also did change the ending due to a leak early on

[Show spoiler](the ending was originally going to reveal the devil made humans)

.

It's my favourite film from him and every shot is so beautifully composed - even the violent nasty scenes! and perfect use of music/sound throughout the film. Who needs jump scares :P Incredible performances too!

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by LuckyDragon

About as much as Roger Moore was playing the same James Bond as Sean Connery. The five actors give five very different interpretations of Ripley. Alain Delon and John Malkovich are more cold and calculating. Dennis Hopper and Matt Damon are more emotional and human. It's an odd experience, reading the books and then watching the films; I can see the Ripley of the books when I step back and look at all the films, but none of them individually captures him perfectly.

And yes, I would recommend just watching the other films and seeing for yourself. And of course I always recommend that people check out the books, or at least the first three, which you can get in a very nice edition here. As much as I like the films, it's the books that I'm primarily a fan of.

I hadn't thought of the Bond comparison, but I can see that now. I watched Purple Noon and An American Friend on back-to-back nights and revisited The Talented Mr. Ripley about 2 weeks later. The only one that was hard for me to buy was Hopper just because I kept comparing him to Delon.

[bwdowiak]

All ths discussion about the Ripley films has sold me on a blind buy of The American Friend. I've mentioned it before on this thread, but The Talented Mr. Ripley would be in my top 10 favorite films list. Because I've seen it so many times it was difficult for me to love Purple Noon. Glad that TAF is based on a different novel.

It's funny how quickly a "to buy" list manifests itself from nothing. With March's new releases, TAF, and the realization that I need Harakiri (seen it/loved it) in my collection, there's 4 titles.

[adamhopelies]

The American Friend is outstanding. I posited that it might even be the best German film made since the Second World War. Great disc too.

[Roninblues]

Originally Posted by TheLaughingMann

Okay, in the course of a month's time, went on an epic Japanese Criterion binge buy.

-Seven Samurai
-The Samurai Trilogy
-Harakiri
-Throne of Blood
-Yojimbo/Sanjuro
-Rashomon
-Three Outlaw Samurai
-Kagemusha
-Gate of Hell
-Lady Snowblood Collection
-The Hidden Fortress Re-release (due to ship/arrive around end of March)

I think I'm down to just a couple left I want to get. Only ones I know of that are may-buys are Sansho the Bailiff, Kuroneko and Sword of Doom. Anyone have input on these or can tell me of any others that are missing from the list? PM me too if you like.

You might investigate Kuroneko before buying it but your listed purchases don't reflect any reason that you wouldn't enjoy the others. I found them all entertaining.

[Knaldskalle]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

Has Criterion ever released any of Karel Zeman's films? I just watched The Outrageous Baron Munchausen and was blown away. The beautiful animation, the slapstick humor... wow. I always thought Terry Gilliam's animation style was solely the product of a brilliant auteur, but I guess even they need influences.

I don't think they have. I'm not even sure there's much of his work out in the US, Criterion or not. I've seen his "Fabulous World of Jules Verne" and it was a great ride, I'd love to see more. I know there's a Czech blu-ray out (link), but I have no idea where to get it.

{Edit: Duh, Amazon!}

[TheLaughingMann]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

You might investigate Kuroneko before buying it but your listed purchases don't reflect any reason that you wouldn't enjoy the others. I found them all entertaining.

I gathered that Kuroneko was a samurai-era ghost story. Sansho the Bailiff is a bit political because of the role the lead actor plays...and Sword of Doom, I heard was okay but not great...it did get a point cause of Toshiro Mifune with a lot of people, but it's a toss up.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

It's been on my watchlist for a while along with Seduced and Confused and Divorce Italian Style, so I will just bump them to the top

Seduced and Abandoned Top Pietro Germi film! It is probably a better idea to go with Criterion's DVD release at the moment, however, because the Italian Blu-ray is quite disappointing.

Seduced and Abandoned aka A Matter of Honor (1964) - trailer - YouTube

Jamon Jamon is another outstanding film from one of the biggest names in the Spanish New Wave, Bigas Luna. Criterion should have introduced his work in the collection a long time ago. The film is available in the old Tartan box set. See here:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...na#post9025741



Alfredo, Alfredo is another really, really good from Pietro Germi. Unfortunately, the DVD release from Mya is PAN/SCAN. Dustin Hoffman and Stefania are quite wonderful here. Difficult to see film until recently. Pirated quite a bit as well. This is the original cover:



The Fascist from Luciano Salce, another giant of Italian cinema who has been ignored in the U.S., is out on DVD in Italy. This film will likely never be released here so, Pedro, you should consider getting a copy (it is English-friendly). Stefania has a small role in it.



Stefania also has a cameo in the experimental project Partner, but this isn't a film that can be easily recommended. My release from NoShame is fantastic, though



Attention is a small gem, but it was terribly marketed in the U.S. for the DVD release.

http://www.amazon.com/Attention-LAtt...n%3A2650304011

Another very good film is Tinto Brass' The Key. Unfortunately, in the U.S. the director -- who films women every bit as beautifully as the late Federico Fellini -- has been tagged "pornographer" (which he isn't) and as a result his films are basically automatically dismissed. It is worth mentioning that the great Ennio Morricone did some absolutely amazing work for him.



The Nymph

This is a fantastic film from Lina Wertmüller. It might be difficult to find on DVD now, but I hope to see it on Blu-ray soon.



Anything after The Last Kiss is easily forgettable. In fact, even a bit earlier. The best films that have not been introduced here are the ones that Stefania made in France and Italy (particularly with Ettore Scola) during the late 1960s and late 1980s. In Italy, just about all of the big ones are out on DVD.

Pro-B

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I absolutely love The Dish, The Castle, and Muriel's Wedding; like Romper Stomper, and haven't seen Priscilla. There are plenty of other good Aussie films that aren't high-profile here in the States (i.e., aren't by big names like Weir and Beresford and Luhrmann).

Among my favorites:

Geoff Burton's The Sum of Us (getting a BD from Olive soon)
Simon Wincer's The Lighthorsemen
Scott Hick's Shine (which Criterion released on LD back when)
John Duigan's The Year My Voice Broke and Flirting
Paul Cox's Innocence (really, just about anything by Cox)
Pip Karmel's Me Myself I
Tom Jeffrey's Weekend of Shadows
Ken Hannam's Sunday Too Far Away

Two Australian films I really enjoyed that I didn't see mentioned:

Noise

Jindabyne (The director of Lantana)

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by LuckyDragon

About as much as Roger Moore was playing the same James Bond as Sean Connery. The five actors give five very different interpretations of Ripley. Alain Delon and John Malkovich are more cold and calculating. Dennis Hopper and Matt Damon are more emotional and human. It's an odd experience, reading the books and then watching the films; I can see the Ripley of the books when I step back and look at all the films, but none of them individually captures him perfectly.

I couldn't agree more. I enjoy the films but Highsmith's Ripley can never be topped.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by TheLaughingMann

I gathered that Kuroneko was a samurai-era ghost story. Sansho the Bailiff is a bit political because of the role the lead actor plays...and Sword of Doom, I heard was okay but not great...it did get a point cause of Toshiro Mifune with a lot of people, but it's a toss up.

While nothing IMO beats Seven Samurai, Harakiri is a very close second. Love that film.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Seduced and Abandoned Top Pietro Germi film! It is probably a better idea to go with Criterion's DVD release at the moment, however, because the Italian Blu-ray is quite disappointing.

[Show spoiler]
Seduced and Abandoned aka A Matter of Honor (1964) - trailer - YouTube



Jamon Jamon is another outstanding film from one of the biggest names in the Spanish New Wave, Bigas Luna. Criterion should have introduced his work in the collection a long time ago. The film is available in the old Tartan box set. See here:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...na#post9025741



Alfredo, Alfredo is another really, really good from Pietro Germi. Unfortunately, the DVD release from Mya is PAN/SCAN. Dustin Hoffman and Stefania are quite wonderful here. Difficult to see film until recently. Pirated quite a bit as well. This is the original cover:



The Fascist from Luciano Salce, another giant of Italian cinema who has been ignored in the U.S., is out on DVD in Italy. This film will likely never be released here so, Pedro, you should consider getting a copy (it is English-friendly). Stefania has a small role in it.



Stefania also has a cameo in the experimental project Partner, but this isn't a film that can be easily recommended. My release from NoShame is fantastic, though



Attention is a small gem, but it was terribly marketed in the U.S. for the DVD release.

http://www.amazon.com/Attention-LAtt...n%3A2650304011

Another very good film is Tinto Brass' The Key. Unfortunately, in the U.S. the director -- who films women every bit as beautifully as the late Federico Fellini -- has been tagged "pornographer" (which he isn't) and as a result his films are basically automatically dismissed. It is worth mentioning that the great Ennio Morricone did some absolutely amazing work for him.



The Nymph

This is a fantastic film from Lina Wertmüller. It might be difficult to find on DVD now, but I hope to see it on Blu-ray soon.



Anything after The Last Kiss is easily forgettable. In fact, even a bit earlier. The best films that have not been introduced here are the ones that Stefania made in France and Italy (particularly with Ettore Scola) during the late 1960s and late 1980s. In Italy, just about all of the big ones are out on DVD.

Pro-B

Thanks for the correction and long list of suggestions, I just listed those because they are readily available, The Conformist on Netflix and the others on Hulu, as for the others, the only one I remember hearing something about is Jamon, Jamon.

[WonderWeasel]

Originally Posted by Knaldskalle

I don't think they have. I'm not even sure there's much of his work out in the US, Criterion or not. I've seen his "Fabulous World of Jules Verne" and it was a great ride, I'd love to see more. I know there's a Czech blu-ray out (link), but I have no idea where to get it.

{Edit: Duh, Amazon!}

Just another reason for me to go region-free. I'm still hesitant about committing to it because the hobby already eats a sizable chunk of my expendable income, but I'm slowly inching that way. I had to watch it on an old VHS from my local library lol. I'm so lucky to have a library with such an awesome A/V section; they have a HUGE film collection, and they tend to hang on to VHS tapes of films that haven't had domestic releases on disc. I would have never found this film (and tons more) if not for that. I'll have to check for The Fabulous World of Jules Verne next time I'm up there.

[Gull Cottage]

Originally Posted by LuckyDragon

There are five films total, but none of them are connected in any way. Ripley's Game the book is a sequel to The Talented Mr. Ripley the book, but Ripley's Game the movie is not a sequel to The Talented Mr. Ripley the movie. Imagine if each of the Harry Potter books was adapted by a different studio with a different director and a different lead actor, and none of the films referenced the others; that's essentially what happened with Ripley.



I recently picked up the Italian Region 2 DVD of Ripley Under Ground and watched it on my laptop. I enjoyed it more than most people apparently did, but it certainly isn't the best of the adaptations.



And here's a quick guide to clear up any confusion:

Books:

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955)
Ripley Under Ground (1970)
Ripley's Game (1974)
The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1980)
Ripley Under Water (1991)

Films:

Purple Noon (1960) starring Alain Delon, based on The Talented Mr. Ripley
The American Friend (1977) starring Dennis Hopper, based on Ripley's Game
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon
Ripley's Game (2002) starring John Malkovich
Ripley Under Ground (2005) starring Barry Pepper

There was also a 1956 TV adaption as part of the US Anthology series Studio One http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0712580/