The Criterion Collection

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by DLizzle

On a more positive note, I just finished Fanny and Alexander, after watching Smiles of a Summer Night a few nights ago. I've now seen all of the Bergman films Criterion has released on blu-ray. More please! They both exceeded my already high expectations, and went far to validate my suspicions that Bergman may become one of, if not my very favourite directors, once I have seen more of his work.

What are the most likely of his films to be released on Blu in the near future?

Move past the stupid and constrictive blu-ray format and you'll, more than likely, find more Bergman films that you'll enjoy. Even then, Criterion has only released 19 of his films and I currently have 36 on DVD/blu-ray. Artificial Eye's blu-ray set in April will bring that total to 40 films. If you enjoy a director's output, you should seek out the films no matter what the format.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by jcs913

Because I like to:

The sad part about all those quotes you posted from her is that she is a Criterion shill. Her knowledge of film seems to be what Criterion sends her or what she raids in the closet. From some of the quotes I have read, she seems to be uninterested in any film that isn't a name she heard from Criterion, hence the Leigh and Loach references. Frankly, just another short-sighted human being that thinks she knows all. She loves all this attention, especially the negative, it's what feeds her low self-esteem, as witnessed in the movie....By the way BG, I just slammed Criterion's catalog for you out of fairness...

Don't you think you're behaving in the same way? How do you know if her knowlege of films only extends to what Criterion has, have you actually talked to her, or are you simply making assumptions based on a few quotes I posted?

I'm alo pretty sure Leigh and Loach had other films that aren't in the collection.

You could easily make that assumption here by the people in this thread, they only watch Criterion films that are only out on Blu-ray and/or only the Criterion films. As I did with retablo, I can easily judge you as someone who thinks that his film choices are the only valid ones, and that you harshly judge people based on their film tastes and feel that they aren't intelligent enough to make their own cinematic discoveries without some distributor holding their hands.

I think you're letting your own prejudices against Dunham's film, and criticism of The Godfather (again, why is this film so bloody important? I can think of any number of others that are better) cloud your judgement over anything she has to say or do.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Criterion's "mission" is a joke. No need to keep bringing up what they say they will release. The fact is they don't release "World Cinema". Only films they can get the rights to, films that will make a profit, and films they prefer (obviously someone who works there loves Island of Lost Souls, so they put that in. That simple.). It's a dvd company folks, not something you should base film history on (just like I always said "TOP" lists are nothing to base anything on either).

They obviously can't get the rights to Brazilian Cinema so what are they going to say....... "Since 1984, the Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films, has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world ...... besides Third World. You know, pretty much just America, Japan, Europe, with one or 2 from Russia. Criterion Collection B**ch!".

Hey Spidey...what film is your latest avatar from?

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by rkish

Hey Spidey...what film is your latest avatar from?

That is a very good question, because it looks very familiar to me, but I can't put my finger on where it's from.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Don't you think you're behaving in the same way? How do you know if her knowlege of films only extends to what Criterion has, have you actually talked to her, or are you simply making assumptions based on a few quotes I posted?

I'm alo pretty sure Leigh and Loach had other films that aren't in the collection.

You could easily make that assumption here by the people in this thread, they only watch Criterion films that are only out on Blu-ray and/or only the Criterion films. As I did with retablo, I can easily judge you as someone who thinks that his film choices are the only valid ones, and that you harshly judge people based on their film tastes and feel that they aren't intelligent enough to make their own cinematic discoveries without some distributor holding their hands.

I think you're letting your own prejudices against Dunham's film, and criticism of The Godfather (again, why is this film so bloody important? I can think of any number of others that are better) cloud your judgement over anything she has to say or do.

You keep forgetting that her 'tweets' are a reflection of her, as none of us know her. We have to go by these comments as to her knowledge of her craft. If she would get off her so-called 'high horse' and be diplomatic in her perceptions of film, I would not have a problem. I never had a prejudice over Dunham's film, that was why I actually viewed it. I also did not know of all the comments and 'tweets' she has posted until after I saw her film. This is where my stance comes from. I would say confidently that the Godfather is not the greatest film of all time, but it certainly has its merits, as does the gangster genre. Most classic silent films have a gangster theme, does she discount those also as movies that require reading too?? OK, that was my bad joke for the day...

Bottom line to me: (and this discussion for me goes 6 feet under) is that if you are an artist, be ready to be critiqued by all, positive or negative.You also need to be ready to defend your position, which she does not seem to be able to do and makes herself look less capable with her comments. Then again, it is the movies, maybe she needs a better agent.....

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

She simply stated that gangster films are not her cup of tea. Do you seriously need to see every film in a genre before you make up your mind that that genre doesn't work for you? I hope not, because no one has that much time.

Nope, because every film is different. A genre is only a loose set of rules.

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

"respecting the milestones and classics in any said art"...what is that? What films are those, so that we are all clear? It's just arbitrary, subjective nonsense. Some of the greatest artistic movements in history have been about tearing down the supposed milestones and classics that came before them, so I can't take that argument seriously. Sure there are films that many of us can agree are film art, but everyone's list is going to be different, and the most interesting lists are going to be the ones that aren't the same predictable "milestones" and "classics".

Of course, but there are undisputed classics that turn up year after year as an amalgam of the greatest films ever. Citizen Kane, Seven Samurai, 2001, Grand Illusion, Godfather etc etc.. you know exactly what movies they are. And no, not everyone is going to like the same thing. But you still have to RESPECT the classics because they obviously got something right. You can't "tear down a milestone" without first experiencing that milestone, so you can expand upon it... not sure why that's os hard to understand? Art is always built off previous art, and it's the artist's responsibility to be educated, instead of making comments on a "blog" about how you prejudge a film when in actuality, if she watched it, might love it and gain new insight into filmmaking.

Kind of like how people seem to think Tarantino is so original, yet everything he;s doing Godard already did 50 years ago. It makes people looks a little foolish when they don't do their homework.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by retablo

I have no ill will against you, I enjoy your posts too. I haven't seen Tiny Furniture, but I never judged the film, only its maker. I may watch it, may not.

Taken "out of context" or not, I still see her comments as egotistical, like she's "better" than The Godfather, a multiple Oscar winner and a film way more heralded than her movie. Perhaps if she actually stopped judging classic films and embraced them, she might learn a little more about her craft.

Really, she has no place, after one little indie film, to make statements like that. I doubt she would want people saying "I won't watch Tiny Furniture because I hate low budget indie dramas with no movie stars." I assume she'd want everyone to watch her film, because, you know, that's how careers are made. But the attitude she displays in her posts turns me off to her personality, and IF that same personality comes through in her films, then I can probably bet I wouldn't care for them. That's not a judgement, just an assumption, but I won't know until I watch the film.

It just incenses me because I see it happen all the time in this business... People make one film, then think they are above what came before them. That's like saying, well, because I listen to Justin Bieber, I won't ever listen to the Beatles. It makes zero sense. Especially working within an art form, you learn by experiencing AS MUCH as you can - whether right, or wrong. I can recall several films I had NO interest in seeing - but I didn't prejudge them, watched them, and you know what? Now they are a few of my very favorite films. Point is, you NEVER know where inspiration will come from, you never know what films or books or music you will connect with until you give them a chacne. if she is too stubborn or whatever, then that's her problem, I guess. All I know is, if I displayed the same attitude as her, then I would've skipped those movies and deprived myself of what has become a couple of my big influences.

That's all, lol. I'm not arguing with you, just arguing against her and the attitude I perceive her to have. And by her comments, it's a justified perception. I guess only time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

Bravo retablo...

[Beta Man]

Little known director makes disparaging remarks about a film that is atop many "best-of" lists, and it causes a lot of buzz.

Let me know when things get fuzzy for you

[retablo]

LOL I've said everything I'm gonna say about it, but I stand my my convictions.

Now, how about The Moment Of Truth?

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Why should she care?

According to the experts on here she can't make films if she doesn't. I still think people are reading too much into her comments and are behaving in the same fashion they accuse Dunham of. They read a few comments out of context and suddenly they are Lena Dunham experts.

I'm reminded of the older guys I work with who hate anything different or outside of their comfort zones, and that everyone is wrong except them. I can understand not liking the film but this is just silly.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Little known director makes disparaging remarks about a film that is atop many "best-of" lists, and it causes a lot of buzz.

Let me know when things get fuzzy for you

But she didn't. She just doesn't care to watch it, based on her genre preferences, and didn't say one way or the other how good or bad the film is. Just that she can't get into the genre, yet some how it snowballed into her hating classic cinema, is too smart for her own dam good, and that she needs criterion to tell her what films to watch and promote.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by retablo

LOL I've said everything I'm gonna say about it, but I stand my my convictions.

Now, how about The Moment Of Truth?

The film? Or are you going come out of the closet and admit you're really a Dunham fan?


Typing on a tablet is a freaking pain, as they keystrokes aren't as speedy as my actual typing.

[Variable_Star]

Originally Posted by rkish

Hey Spidey...what film is your latest avatar from?

That's funny I was trying to figure out the same thing. The image is titled "Fassbinder", which leads me to think it's from a Rainer Fassbinder film - but I've never seen his work! Can't imagine why it seems so familiar to me.

[oildude]

I think I know what is going on here.

BohemianGraham, you seem to take an unusually intense personal interest in Lena Dunham, consistently defend her, waiting to pounce like a hungry cat on the merest suggestion of any criticism, reference her blogs and tweets. I have given this a lot of thought, analyzed every post, and there is only one conclusion:

*cue dramatic music and big Scooby-Doo episode reveal*

YOU...... are Lena Dunham.

Well played, and good joke on us. All those posts I have read here in the past year - posts about the woes of being Canadian in the dark land of Canuck postal hell called Nova Scotia, posts about packages and B&N sales and prices, mysterious posts about parents and car problems and trips to New England and classic movies. All of them nothing but rodeo clowns thrown out to deceive and distract us.

Welcome to the forum.

[Show spoiler]

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

According to the experts on here she can't make films if she doesn't. I still think people are reading too much into her comments and are behaving in the same fashion they accuse Dunham of. They read a few comments out of context and suddenly they are Lena Dunham experts.

I'm reminded of the older guys I work with who hate anything different or outside of their comfort zones, and that everyone is wrong except them. I can understand not liking the film but this is just silly.

I love things that are uncomfortable. Salo is one of my favorite films, although I remember it's not one of your favorites...

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Variable_Star

That's funny I was trying to figure out the same thing. The image is titled "Fassbinder", which leads me to think it's from a Rainer Fassbinder film - but I've never seen his work! Can't imagine why it seems so familiar to me.

I think it is Lola in the BRD trilogy if I am correct.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Perhaps you can't tear down a milestone before you've experienced it, but you seem to think everyone is going to appreciate that experience. Obviously that can't be the case, or there would be no desire to tear it down. Why is that so hard to understand?

Yes, I know exactly what movies you are referring to, because they are the same films that get put on AFI lists and IMDB lists and every other disputable, unimaginative list. No one needs to see those films in order to be a filmmaker (and especially not if they are happy making insular, self-referential indie comedies). Excepting Kane and Illusion, those are films that have influenced blockbuster-era Hollywood (and personally I like those films, but as entertainment more than art). Anyone got a match?

How many of those films do you think informed Jean-Luc Godard, Abbas Kiarostami, David Cronenberg, Chantal Akerman, John Cassavetes, Werner Herzog? Directors who have truly contributed to the art of cinema.

Here's something that might blow your mind:
http://www.criterion.com/explore/115...dersons-top-10

Even Wes Anderson has better taste!

People only need to see them to be taken seriously by you!

LOL well one of Hitchcock's biggest influence was The Last Laugh... one of David Lynch's was La Strada... there's obviously more films out there to explore. But the classics are classics for a REASON... maybe because they are great films that hold up over time, and are examples of how to make a movie correctly, albiet differently?

Sorry we disagree, but I still say don't judge a film you haven't seen based on genre. For a filmmaker, it's ridiculous, and she's just limiting herself as an artist. If she's cool with that, good for her. But I can't understand why anyone would want to limit themselves from the art they supposedly love and work in.

Why not say, well, I've seen Bugs Bunny so I wouldn't like Pixar movies because it's all animated. Obviously, they are not the same thing at all, other than being animated movies, but hey, that's the "genre."

My dad hated Bruce Willis when he was on Moonlighting and refused to watch Die Hard when it came out. I finally made him watch it and it became his favorite film.

See how that can work? Don't judge if you don't know what you're talking about. Period. I bet in 50 years, the Godfather is still remembered... I wonder where Tiny Furniture will be?

Ok, now I'm done for good. Dinner's ready!

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

You are correct and YOU win the cookie. Offer not valid to residents of Illinois.

Then you can owe me a pint....

[Variable_Star]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

If I guess Fassbinder's Lola, do I win a cookie?

Originally Posted by jcs913

I think it is Lola in the BRD trilogy if I am correct.

Very nice, thanks!

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by jcs913

I love things that are uncomfortable. Salo is one of my favorite films, although I remember it's not one of your favorites...

Nope, but I get a kick out of John Waters and Russ Meyer.

Originally Posted by oildude

I think I know what is going on here.

BohemianGraham, you seem to take an unusually intense personal interest in Lena Dunham, consistently defend her, waiting to pounce like a hungry cat on the merest suggestion of any criticism, reference her blogs and tweets. I have given this a lot of thought, analyzed every post, and there is only one conclusion:

*cue dramatic music and big Scooby-Doo episode reveal*

YOU...... are Lena Dunham.

Well played, and good joke on us. All those posts I have read here in the past year - posts about the woes of being Canadian in the dark land of Canuck postal hell called Nova Scotia, posts about packages and B&N sales and prices, mysterious posts about parents and car problems and trips to New England and classic movies. All of them nothing but rodeo clowns thrown out to deceive and distract us.

Welcome to the forum.

[Show spoiler]

Nope, sorry Freddie, looks like I'm you Red Herring.

I'm simply playing Devil's Advocate, as this forum is getting to be too much of an "old boys club," since it's many guys in here talking about films as if they were ancient "kids these days with their momblecore higldy pigldy, can't beat the good old classics like The Godfather!" I have never made a movie, my parents are far from rich, I have nowhere near the amount of cash Dunham has, and I have seen The Godfather AND The Godfather Pt. II.

People started posting Dunham quotes, so I did too. I'm also not the only one defending her, so maybe she has several alts!

Maybe all of the people critiquing her are jealous exes or something too!

all joking aside, I feel that there's a lot of intentional and unintentional sexism at play here, because no one seems to bash male directors as much, or have made comments about their looks, who they slept around with, or seem to care if they had watched a certain film or not.