The Criterion Collection

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Definitely. For example I was listening to the Cinephiliacs podcast and Keith Uhlich was making some radical statements: his disdain for latter Soderbergh, Nolan (which I agree with), and even Andrew Haig's Weekend and most modern gay films, but he made his points with such intelligence that I could not help but reexamine my own stance.

Ah, there's two points I'd agree with and one I wouldn't ...so I'm not sure how I'd feel about that (until hearing it obviously)

It's definitely a mindset specific to films. Just a few minutes ago I saw in the Evil Dead thread there's some reaction to negative ratings it's gotten...and the idea that the film is 'not for critics' was brought up.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Snicket

That's a bit of a half truth, Brad did not grow up wanting to be a critic. In fact he did not cover film exclusively on his site for some time. Once he got serious about it he dived into older films.

I actually like Brad and think he definitely rises above the mediocrity of modern film journalism.

I'm not totally discounting what he does (film journalism), but I just can't read someone whose passion was never criticism or movies to begin with. Read David Bordwell to see what film criticism looks like.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Ah, there's two points I'd agree with and one I wouldn't...so I'm not sure how I'd feel about that (until hearing it obviously)

It's definitely a mindset specific to films. Just a few minutes ago I saw in the Evil Dead thread there's some reaction to negative ratings it's gotten...and the idea that it's 'not for critics' was brought up.

Well, you should listen to the podcast but in essence he says "why can't it just be out in the open, normal." His primary example was the amendment to A Single Man (

[Show spoiler]the suicide angle

)

[A Sith Lord?]

Hmmm.

Not sure what to buy:

Tree of Life at $14.99
Kiss Me Deadly $24.99
Blow Out $24.99
M $23.99
America Lost and Found for $63.99
Last Emperor for $25
Breathless for $23.33
or Island of Lost Souls to $23.99

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I actually don't live in Chicago, my friend does. It's more of an excuse to see him than anything else. All of these films are just a bonus. I'm most excited for Days of Heaven, of course. I haven't seen The Ballad of Narayama yet, which they're also screening. Also really looking forward to In the Family, which I've heard nothing but great things.

My town never screens classics, as much as I'd love them to. Whenever I go to NYC I always make it a priority to check out the local theaters that screen classic films.

Wexler. Yeah, I'm really hoping he addresses that. If not, I'll ask him.. if I get the balls to do that.

If you do ask him, let me know how it goes. He must feel a "little" bitter for not being recognized for his contribution. Nestor won the academy award for best cinematography for Days of Heaven with no mention of Wexler.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Well, you should listen to the podcast but in essence he says "why can't it just be out in the open, normal." His primary example was the amendment to A Single Man (

[Show spoiler]the suicide angle

)

I might have to do that!

... I would say that part of the appeal for me is how it is treated normal more often in films these days.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by MasturB

Hmmm.

Not sure what to buy:

Tree of Life at $14.99
Kiss Me Deadly $24.99
Blow Out $24.99
M $23.99
America Lost and Found for $63.99
Last Emperor for $25
Breathless for $23.33
or Island of Lost Souls to $23.99

Talk about a wide variety! The safest bet is The Last Emperor, I don't know of anyone who dislikes it.

[SammyJankis]

The whole "horror films aren't for critics" is such a toothless argument. The reason they get tossed around left and right is because most of them suck. They're lazy and devoid of scares. We're way past the heyday of top notch horror films. The fact that Evil Dead is getting more positive reviews than negative is a good thing. No need to complain. The reviews basically boil down to this: it's really good at being gory. Both the positive and negative reviews acknowledge this; it just depends on who sees that as a positive quality.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

If you do ask him, let me know how it goes. He must feel a "little" bitter for not being recognized for his contribution. Nestor won the academy award for best cinematography for Days of Heaven with no mention of Wexler.

I'd actually be surprised if he - or the interviewer - doesn't bring it up.

But yes, I will let you know. That is kind of a crappy situation. Thankfully Malick has settled on a cinematographer that pleases him.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I might have to do that!

... I would say that part of the appeal for me is how it is treated normal more often in films these days.

Alongside the Ignatiy episode, it's one of the best. They not only discuss Soderbergh, Nolan and modern gay cinema (though not extensively), they talk about Jonathan Demme's Charade remake and DePalma. Mostly, the podcast discusses their general views on film.

It's a definite step up from other amateur podcasts: Slashfilmcast (though entertaining) and the CriterionCast; and easily in the same league as filmspotting & The Treatment.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

The whole "horror films aren't for critics" is such a toothless argument. The reason they get tossed around left and right is because most of them suck. They're lazy and devoid of scares. We're way past the heyday of top notch horror films. The fact that Evil Dead is getting more positive reviews than negative is a good thing. No need to complain. The reviews basically boil down to this: it's really good at being gory. Both the positive and negative reviews acknowledge this; it just depends on who sees that as a positive quality.

Great response---that's basically it. The more professional reviews have done a better job at really getting what the film is across to me..than the fan reviews.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Alongside the Ignatiy episode, it's one of the best. They not only discuss Soderbergh, Nolan and modern gay cinema (though not extensively), they talk about Jonathan Demme's Charade remake and DePalma. Mostly, the podcast discusses their general views on film.

Aww

I have to admit---I don't listen to any podcasts at the moment...so if you recommend that they're a good place to start, I'm definitely going to give them a go

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

The whole "horror films aren't for critics" is such a toothless argument. The reason they get tossed around left and right is because most of them suck. They're lazy and devoid of scares. We're way past the heyday of top notch horror films. The fact that Evil Dead is getting more positive reviews than negative is a good thing. No need to complain. The reviews basically boil down to this: it's really good at being gory. Both the positive and negative reviews acknowledge this; it just depends on who sees that as a positive quality.

There are tons of positively reviewed horror flicks, the thing is most of them rely on tension and carefully modulated atmosphere; and don't solely exist to appeal to a teenager's basest wants: breasts and gore. Could you imagine an AO Scott (or any other intelligent reviewer) review that said, "guys this is awesome! Atleast ten pairs if breasts, one money shot, and a dozen gnarly kills. Remember the chainsaw arm, well you ain't gunna believe this...."

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Aww

I have to admit---I don't listen to any podcasts at the moment...so if you recommend that they're a good place to start, I'm definitely going to give them a go

The Filmdrunk frotcast!! :P

Criterion Cast is always pretty good.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

There are tons of positively reviewed horror flicks, the thing is most of them rely on tension and carefully modulated atmosphere; and don't solely exist to appeal to a teenager's basest wants: breasts and gore. Could you imagine an AO Scott (or any other intelligent reviewer) review that said, "guys this is awesome! Atleast ten pairs if breasts, one money shot, and a dozen gnarly kills. Remember the chainsaw arm, well you ain't gunna believe this...."

I'd pay to see AO Scott say that.

The only horror film from this past decade that I would consider great would have to be Let the Right One In.

[A Sith Lord?]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Talk about a wide variety! The safest bet is The Last Emperor, I don't know of anyone who dislikes it.

Budget is currently about $75, may push to $90 if needed with sales tax.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Aww

I have to admit---I don't listen to any podcasts at the moment...so if you recommend that they're a good place to start, I'm definitely going to give them a go

When your busy multitasking, on commute or doing chores, I highly reccomend it. Some of the episodes are quite moving, as they discuss their early life as a cinephile, how they got in the business, etc.

The film podcasts I never miss are: Filmspotting, The Slate Spoiler Specials (pretty short) & The Treatment. Kermode's is good too, but it can be pretty superficial and overstuffed.

[SammyJankis]

Speaking of unoriginality in the horror genre:

Carrie TRAILER 1 (2013) - Chloe Moretz, Julianne Moore Horror Remake HD - YouTube

Yikes.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Snicket

The Filmdrunk frotcast!! :P

Criterion Cast is always pretty good.

To be honest, one of the guys on Criterion Cast annoys the hell out of me and they're podcast is way too overstuffed too. The lead up to the review is always extremely dull.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by MasturB

Budget is currently about $75, may push to $90 if needed with sales tax.

You might as well flip for it I love all of those (well, there's a couple duds on the BBS set though).