The Criterion Collection

[Joe Dalek]

Originally Posted by Banned User

Hoping for a Bluray upgrade of the Josef von Sternberg Boxset and Vampyr

The Sternberg silents are amazing -- just rewatched them recently -- but they are in pretty rough shape so I wouldn't expect an upgrade. They look really good, though, considering. An update of The Scarlett Empress might be more likely, and definitely very welcome.

[shortmartin]

Originally Posted by Snicket

Perhaps some of you can help me on this...

I have been looking to expand my palette of female directors, are their any in the collection (or outside) you would recommend?

Some I really like are Kelly Reichardt, Sofia Coppola, Bigelow, who are your favorites?

I like Walking and Talking, by Holofcener, and the Kids are All Right, and High Art, by Cholodenko.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by Snicket

This sounds like quite the trip. A question though, was the film misogynistic in any way? The plot sounds like it could be ripe for it, maybe even a little exploitative?

I didn't think so atleast not in the definitive sense of the word: a hatred of women. There is definitely a seedy element to the film and it is a dark and slightly perverse film, but by today's standards its really tame considering the subject matter. It presents its material without really being exploitative. The girl suffers from stockholm syndrome and feels a compelling need to be with her captor. Against his better judgement he is also drawn to her. This affair is dangerous to both of them and much of the controversial stuff is in flashback scenes which display their previous sadomasochistic relationship. They basically pick off where they started.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

The Sternberg silents are amazing -- just rewatched them recently -- but they are in pretty rough shape so I wouldn't expect an upgrade. They look really good, though, considering. An update of The Scarlett Empress might be more likely, and definitely very welcome.

Yes! More Josef Von Sternberg would be very welcome. Specifically Shanghai Express, my favorite of his collaborations with Marlene Dietrich (although The Blue Angel comes close).

Speaking of his silent films, I rented The Docks of New York and I'll be watching it Saturday or Sunday. I've heard nothing but great things about it hopefully it will crack my list of the Top 20 films of the 20's.

For those who haven't voted, here's the link (even if you don't have 20, I'll still count your votes):https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...42#post7557742

[octagon]

Originally Posted by dsman71

Thank you Great Owl ! Dontcha just love it when one member tries to sound so much better than another member ?

Not that you care, of course.

[shortmartin]

also Allison Anders (Border Radio, My Crazy Life, Gas Food Lodging, Four Rooms)

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by octagon

Not that you care, of course.

People repeatedly responding to posts to explain how much they don't care about what is being said about them might be my favorite internet phenomenon.

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by sc1957

Jane Campion: The Piano, An Angel At My Table, Sweetie

I haven't watched any of her films, but I'd throw Campion's name out based on Top of the Lake alone. A truly harrowing and breathtaking piece of work.

[Joe Dalek]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Hitchcock is a director in the Criterion Collection, so all of his films are fair game for discussion here.

I am not a moderator here, and I've never read specific thread guidelines, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Sent you a PM.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by sc1957

Jane Campion: The Piano, An Angel At My Table, Sweetie

The one I will reccomend the highest is the sole film by Farrogh Farrokhzad: The House is Black. It shares much commonality with Night and Fog.

Maya Deren's Meshes of the Afternoon is a great film (and pretty short). I believe it comes highly reccomended by David Lynch.

Chantal Akerman,

Also, Liliana Cavani directed The Night Porter

Just to get a bit more mainstream: I adore Strange Days by Katherine Bigelow.

[Joe Dalek]

Originally Posted by Snicket

Perhaps some of you can help me on this...

I have been looking to expand my palette of female directors, are their any in the collection (or outside) you would recommend?

Some I really like are Kelly Reichardt, Sofia Coppola, Bigelow, who are your favorites?

Claire Denis (her non-Criterion films are better, try 35 Rhums), Agnes Varda (Vagabond, Cleo from 5 to 7), Lotte Reisinger (non-criterion, Prince Achmed).

EDIT: Dang, how did I forget Chantal Akerman? Vera Chytilova's Daisies, as well.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Claire Denis (her non-Criterion films are better, try 35 Rhums), Agnes Varda (Vagabond, Cleo from 5 to 7), Lotte Reisinger (non-criterion, Prince Achmed).

Oh yes, how could I leave out Varda. Both of those are superb. I saw Vagabond early last year and still haven't shaken it. An utterly haunting and rewarding film.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

But, have you seen John Frankenheimer's Seven Days in May? Worth checking out?

Very much so. Just google the cast and you'll be sold.

It's very high on what's left of my wish list. (In fact, I think I've even put it on wishlists in here).

[brandon_260]

Chantal Akerman is a film maker I've had an interest in for a long time. I may finally pull the trigger on her Eclipse set when the next sale comes around.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Just finished Lilliana Cavani's The Night Porter and it is indeed a film that begs to be considered in many ways.

Top film!

From arguably the most exciting period for Italian Cinema, when pretty much all boundaries were off. Hopefully, we will soon see Visconti's far more lavish The Damned. Again with a superb Dirk Bogarde. (There are a couple of outstanding biographies that could be purchased through Amazon that are fascinating to read - Bogarde was a very complex character).




Raro also need to bring to Blu-ray Cavani's I Cannibali. Or why not Criterion, these are exactly the types of films they should be releasing.



Pro-B

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by octagon

Very much so. Just google the cast and you'll be sold.

It's very high on what's left of my wish list. (In fact, I think I've even put it on wishlists in here).

Okay, I'm impressed. Also, I have a fondness for films of the Cold War era. It should make it a double feature with Sidney Lumet's Fail Safe.

Hopefully I can find it on streaming this Summer when I finally get my Roku box.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by octagon

Not that you care, of course.

Nope, not particularly but just pointing that fact out , of course

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by octagon

Very much so. Just google the cast and you'll be sold.

It's very high on what's left of my wish list. (In fact, I think I've even put it on wishlists in here).

Did you actually do that ? Really ?? Did you really put it on wishlists in here ???! Oh my GAWD that is so exciting I can hardly contain myself !!!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Top film!

Raro also need to bring to Blu-ray Cavani's I Cannibali. Or why not Criterion, these are exactly the types of films they should be releasing.



Pro-B

Yes indeed. Thanks for the reccomended reads too.

Wow, the Ennio Morricone score only sweetens the deal.

Pro-B, I've only seen two films by her: The Night Porter and Ripley's Game. It was interesting to note how much better the former looks than the latter. I am wondering, was Cavani just working with a better cinematographer (The shot when he leaves her one night as the light from the hallways kisses her body was unforgettable. One of the best shots I've seen recently) or did she just become less interested in the visuals?

[Snicket]

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone, I am making a list of them all and will set about checking them out.