The Criterion Collection

[ZooTv]

Originally Posted by iScottie

By the way Zoo, I was creepin' on your collection and I noticed you had Grindhouse on your Wish List. I saw both of them in the $7 bin at Walmart yesterday so you may want to give that a look.

Appreciate the heads up, might make a trip over there today. I'm not a huge fan of Death Proof, but need to add it to my collection for the sake of Tarantino completeness.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by joie

Wikipedia's Writer's Block entry looks like a decent introduction to the problem. The entry's introduction quotes the definition of one person: " [...] an inability to begin or continue writing for reasons other than lack of basic skill or commitment." But, of course, if something like deadline anxiety is causing writer's block, as another study mentioned in the entry states, then someone might say, "Anxiety management should be part of any writer's basic skills," invalidating the definition quoted, above.

Your thoughts about the importance of finding (even discovering) an idea, then fleshing it out before starting are spot on. It could be an iterative process, expanding on the first outline, the second, and so on until the "story" is completely fleshed-out.

I think that "Guido" has a lot of ideas, but cannot put them together (write a script). My ideas about the "story" of 8 1/2 gelled after seeing Nine, which is somewhat of a remake. Both seem to me to be films about making a film.

Very interesting point on anxiety and productivity. Being an amateur artist (more of a hobby than work) I do not have that constraint and can not comment from experience. I feel that some great ideas take weeks if not years to develop. Having a deadline can hinder one's creativity.

There is a saying in the music business, you have a lifetime to make your debut album, and only days to make your second album. Maybe this also applies to movie making (I imagine under certain contracts)

Great comments joie.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by ZooTv

Appreciate the heads up, might make a trip over there today. I'm not a huge fan of Death Proof, but need to add it to my collection for the sake of Tarantino completeness.

I really didn't like Death Proof either. Planet Terror was far superior, in my opinion.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by ZooTV

Really looking forward to your thoughts and reactions to the film.

It might take a bit. I just watched it and want to think on it some (while resisting the temptation to google for others' views!).

In the meantime, my immediate feeling is that what I liked I loved (Betty reading sides with Rita in contrast with the actual audition; the Coenesque botched murder and its escalations stand out in particular). I also feel lots of missed opportunities and abandoned plans (I know why).

The last thirty minutes remind me of Adaptation, in that there is a massive turn on most every front. In the case of Adaptation I understood midway through my first exposure why and it took two viewings to go from accepting the turn to appreciating it and a third viewing to loving it. In the case of this film, after that first viewing I'm flummoxed but intrigued by, say, what the film may be saying about identity. Tat said, I also have less faith in Lynch, who I perceive to be more willing to let his whims unravel narrative rather than add depth; that may be an unfair bias.

Also, the one piece of trivia I know is this was to be a TV series and its hard for that not to compromise my take. Not because I'm anti-TV, but so much felt like set up for something not reflected in the final act. Those last thirty minutes, where the editing becomes more impressionistic, may likely decide for me whether the film is brilliant or a worthwhile curio.

My favorite distractions:
1) Is that Billy Ray Cyrus? It isn't. Could be. It is. Is it? It is!
2) Boy, Ruth Gordon was born to play Coco; this actress felt like someone said, "This is the girl" and so she was.
3) Did the Coens genetically splice The Cowboy, who looks like Woody Harrelson but talks like Anton Chigur?

Originally Posted by TheHumanTornado

I envy those who get to watch Mulholland Dr for the first time. One of my favorite films of the 00's. Looking forward to hearing what you think.

Uh oh. I hope that was okay!

That said, I look forward to re-watching it soon. For me, a first viewing is rarely revelatory.

[TheHumanTornado]

Of course it is, to each his own man. I don't flame others for their taste. Just happens to be one of my favorites and easily re watchable over and over. Still waiting on a Region A Blu or maybe I just need a Region Free player.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Sukuri

I think I read somewhere that it was taken back by Studio Canal as part of their take back all the Studio Canal titles.

Interesting. I wonder if a blu-ray set could be forthcoming?

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by TheHumanTornado

Of course it is, to each his own man. I don't flame others for their taste. Just happens to be one of my favorites and easily re watchable over and over. Still waiting on a Region A Blu or maybe I just need a Region Free player.

I agree it is highly rewatchable, and I'm guessing it pays off in dividends.

I'd also pick up the Blu (hello CC wish list!). I must say, Netflix and Apple TV handled the film well on my TV, which sometimes botches the types of dark areas and camera tricks employed by Lynch.

[TheHumanTornado]

Originally Posted by James78

A region-free disc of Mulholland Drive is available in Germany:

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/David...Blu-ray/20724/

Oh wow, thanks man. Thought there was only the Region B disc. I guess I'll be diving into an overseas order for the first time really soon.

[Scottie]

After I get my daily cardio in now, I'm going to shower and then it's a Melville marathon

Let's see if I can get through all 3 films today!

Edit: Scratch that daily cardio off. This sinus infection that I have has my head pounding like a drum.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

It might take a bit. I just watched it and want to think on it some (while resisting the temptation to google for others' views!).

In the meantime, my immediate feeling is that what I liked I loved (Betty reading sides with Rita in contrast with the actual audition; the Coenesque botched murder and its escalations stand out in particular). I also feel lots of missed opportunities and abandoned plans (I know why).

The last thirty minutes remind me of Adaptation, in that there is a massive turn on most every front. In the case of Adaptation I understood midway through my first exposure why and it took two viewings to go from accepting the turn to appreciating it and a third viewing to loving it. In the case of this film, after that first viewing I'm flummoxed but intrigued by, say, what the film may be saying about identity. Tat said, I also have less faith in Lynch, who I perceive to be more willing to let his whims unravel narrative rather than add depth; that may be an unfair bias.

Also, the one piece of trivia I know is this was to be a TV series and its hard for that not to compromise my take. Not because I'm anti-TV, but so much felt like set up for something not reflected in the final act. Those last thirty minutes, where the editing becomes more impressionistic, may likely decide for me whether the film is brilliant or a worthwhile curio.

My favorite distractions:
1) Is that Billy Ray Cyrus? It isn't. Could be. It is. Is it? It is!
2) Boy, Ruth Gordon was born to play Coco; this actress felt like someone said, "This is the girl" and so she was.
3) Did the Coens genetically splice The Cowboy, who looks like Woody Harrelson but talks like Anton Chigur?



Uh oh. I hope that was okay!

That said, I look forward to re-watching it soon. For me, a first viewing is rarely revelatory.

Awesome that you sort of liked it. Depending on your interpretation, you'll find it more resonant the second time.

[Show spoiler]I find the first act absolutely heartbreaking because I view it as her wish fulfillment fantasy. Power roles are reversed and Betty finds herself as the hot new actress and star of her own detective narrative, if you will. Knowing that it's all her invention, her twisting or inverting of reality, I cant help but cry when the movie reaches the live performance of Roy Orbison's "Crying."

As far as screentelligence, the commentary on Hollywood and showbizness is among the most biting.

Are you a Charlie Kauffmann/Spike Jonze fan?

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by iScottie

After I get my daily cardio in now, I'm going to shower and then it's a Melville marathon

Let's see if I can get through all 3 films today!

Edit: Scratch that daily cardio off. This sinus infection that I have has my head pounding like a drum.

I'll be interested to read your thoughts on the Melville flicks. Enjoy!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by iScottie

After I get my daily cardio in now, I'm going to shower and then it's a Melville marathon

Let's see if I can get through all 3 films today!

Edit: Scratch that daily cardio off. This sinus infection that I have has my head pounding like a drum.

Holy hell! That's alot to take in, all damn fine movies in my book. A double feaature I highly reccomend is Bob Le Flambour paired with Le Samorai. I had never seen a Melville film up to that point and it totally blew me away. In the week following I saw Army of Shadows, Le Cercle Rouge and Leon Morin. Needless to say, that was one hell of a mind opening series of days.

As for me I'm gonna check out Olive's Long Day's Journey into Night and Force of Evil.

[SammyJankis]

Close-Up or Crumb.

Which one should I watch? I'm leaning towards the former, just because I was such an admirer of Certified Copy.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Close-Up or Crumb.

Which one should I watch? I'm leaning towards the former, just because I was such an admirer of Certified Copy.

Do it. Crumb is super entertaining and will play great regardless of your mood, I'd say if your in a Kiarsostami mood, watch one of his. Close up i's so meta that it makes Pulp Fiction look like The Public Enemy.

[ParticleDan]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

As for me I'm gonna check out Olive's Long Day's Journey into Night and Force of Evil.

I really enjoyed Long Day's Journey into Night, though I had to watch it over two nights which probably lessened the film's impact to some extent.

I watched Quantum Leap growing up, so I associate Dean Stockwell with that series but my appreciation for him has increased quite a bit after seeing Long Day's... and Rapture.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ParticleDan

I watched Quantum Leap growing up, so I associate Dean Stockwell with that series but my appreciation for him has increased quite a bit after seeing Long Day's... and Rapture.

He's the perfect character actor in a lot of ways. He's very distinctive...you always know it's him...but it's almost never distracting. He reminds me of John Carradine that way. Carradine had that booming, unmistakable voice but after a second or two you totally forgot you were watching an actor.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Awesome that you sort of liked it. Depending on your interpretation, you'll find it more resonant the second time.

[Show spoiler]I find the first act absolutely heartbreaking because I view it as her wish fulfillment fantasy. Power roles are reversed and Betty finds herself as the hot new actress and star of her own detective narrative, if you will. Knowing that it's all her invention, her twisting or inverting of reality, I cant help but cry when the movie reaches the live performance of Roy Orbison's "Crying."

As far as screentelligence, the commentary on Hollywood and showbizness is among the most biting.

Are you a Charlie Kauffmann/Spike Jonze fan?

Thanks for the insights. I'm going to key on those on my next watch.

As to Kaufman/Jonze, yep, I'm a pretty big fan. Mostly Kaufman, whether its Malkovich, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine or even Synechdoche, his brand of writing clicks with me quickly each time (much like the plays of Tom Stoppard do).

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by ParticleDan

I really enjoyed Long Day's Journey into Night, though I had to watch it over two nights which probably lessened the film's impact to some extent.

I watched Quantum Leap growing up, so I associate Dean Stockwell with that series but my appreciation for him has increased quite a bit after seeing Long Day's... and Rapture.

Such a great filmed play. I've been tempted to upgrade the pretty subpar DVD but I always find another priority.

[KrugerIndustrial]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Holy hell! That's alot to take in, all damn fine movies in my book. A double feaature I highly reccomend is Bob Le Flambour paired with Le Samorai. I had never seen a Melville film up to that point and it totally blew me away. In the week following I saw Army of Shadows, Le Cercle Rouge and Leon Morin. Needless to say, that was one hell of a mind opening series of days.

As for me I'm gonna check out Olive's Long Day's Journey into Night and Force of Evil.

I think L'armée des ombres is Melville's best film(followed by Le Samouraï), but I personally prefer the early Melville; Bob le flambeur, Le deuxième souffle and Le doulos. All masterpieces in their own unique way.

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by James78

Don't be nervous about importing, especially from the international Amazon websites. Your orders should take a couple of weeks to arrive, and then you don't have to wait for domestic releases!

Never had an issue with Amazon.uk orders at any rate~ they seem to come in sooner than US orders in a lot of cases and are often substantially less-expensive. Go figure. Now if more British (and French, and Italian) films were produced region-free...!