The Criterion Collection

[smoss469]

I'd love to see a Criterion release of Brick!

[the sordid sentinel]

Originally Posted by 30hertzrumble

Nope. Only Public Enemies.

Miami Vice is a misunderstood gem. Serious. I used to think I was alone in this assessment... but it seems more people are coming around.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/micha...ing-thr,97608/

Agree about Miami Vice, and I actually enjoy Public Enemies. My only real gripe with it is Depp just doesn't have the right look for Dillinger.

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I can see how that statement may appear to be self-serving, but in all fairness he is writing seriously about film. Just open up your Monsieur Verdoux booklet for proof. Second, maybe he just knows quite a few of such fans. There's no doubt he could have expressed the latter in a better way, but I see what he's trying to say. It strikes me more as "we fans" not "I, the fan".

Ehhhhh, what that sentence is doing is positioning both the writer and the upcoming argument to be defined by his two chosen adjectives: Serious (as in knowledgeable and professional) and Young (attractive, sexy, above the establishment, blah, blah).

More importantly, it positions any opposing opinion to not possess these two adjectives, which again, the author so generously has bestowed upon himself.

It is a shallow manipulation of the impressionable reader. I'll take his (and any other critic's) writings on a case by case basis.

CC also hired Armond White to write the essay for Trouble in Paradise, of all things. So that badge of honor is hardly a get out of jail free pass for critical buffoonery.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Ehhhhh, what that sentence is doing is positioning both the writer and the upcoming argument to be defined by his two chosen adjectives: Serious (as in knowledgeable and professional) and Young (attractive, sexy, above the establishment, blah, blah).

More importantly, it positions any opposing opinion to not possess these two adjectives, which again, the author so generously has bestowed upon himself.

It is a shallow manipulation of the impressionable reader. I'll take his (and any other critic's) writings on a case by case basis.

CC also hired Armond White to write the essay for Trouble in Paradise, of all things. So that badge of honor is hardly a get out of jail free pass for critical buffoonery.

Very solid points, Rock. I must admit that the opener probably did not bug me as much as it should have because I am acquainted with his back story and the "young and serious" he speaks of. However, Ignatiy is a very good writer and I cannot think of other such instances where his writing can be interpreted as presumptuous. He is generally very academic, yet witty and engrossing in his prose.

If you are fascinated by Tony Scott's oeuvre, you should read this essay: http://mubi.com/notebook/posts/smear...action-painter. It's probably my favorite piece by him.

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Very solid points, Rock. I must admit that the opener probably did not bug me as much as it should have because I am acquainted with his back story and the "young and serious" he speaks of. However, Ignatiy is a very good writer and I cannot think of other such instances where his writing can be interpreted as presumptuous. He is generally very academic, yet witty and engrossing in his prose.

If you are fascinated by Tony Scott's oeuvre, you should read this essay: http://mubi.com/notebook/posts/smear...action-painter. It's probably my favorite piece by him.

Well, if nothing else this has peaked my curiosity to see Miami Vice. I can never manage to love a whole Mann movie. They all seem to win me over and then lose me by the end, but I have never seen Public Enemies, or Thief, or Miami Vice, so maybe one of them will find the sweet spot.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Well, if nothing else this has peaked my curiosity to see Miami Vice. I can never manage to love a whole Mann movie. They all seem to win me over and then lose me by the end, but I have never seen Public Enemies, or Thief, or Miami Vice, so maybe one of them will find the sweet spot.

piqued

your welcome.

[joie]

Originally Posted by italy12

piqued

your welcome.

you're

[italy12]

Originally Posted by joie

you're

well played.

[Thebunk]

So looking for a recommendation on which one or two movies I need in my collection. These are all blindbuys.

First let me say, I really dislike things that "date" a movie. By this, I do not mean obviously Black and White or even "somewhat dated effects". I am more speaking to the over-acting, really cheap sets and really cheesy soundtracks.

Examples of great older movies that I feel hold up well to this day:

- Rear Window: non wooden characters ad great tension
- 2001: effects and costumes are still pretty good for 40+ years later
- 400 Blows: a great effective story that is very well acted
- 12 Angry Men
- Le Cercle
- Most classic 70's films

Examples of older movies that I think are dated and do not hold up:

- Brazil: Key example of a sci-fi\fantasy flick that in my opinion is very dated and does not hold up well.
- Most Kurasowa especially Rashoman: Just because a film introduced unique storytelling concepts and is considered influential does not make it great or timeless (in my opinion). The acting is horribly over the top (again IMO).
- Bob le Flambeur: Again really poor over the top acting in my opinion and a bad soundtrack.


Criterions I curently own that may give you a taste of what I like:

- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Le Cercle
- Army of Shadows (have not watched yet but for me Melville hasbeen hit and miss)
- Seven Samurai (I like it but this is the only Kurasowa I think I need in my collection).
- La Promesse
- The Kid with a Bike
- Rosetta (not a fan, but love most of the Dardenne's other films)
- Three Colors Trilogy (probably my favorite set, films and releases in the whole collection).
- Dazed & Confused


Here is the list that I am contemplating to get (which are all over the map)

- Anatomy of a Murder
- Godzilla - I hear this still holds up well for the time and is actually bleak. This would be up my alley if these things were true.
- Eyes without a Face - a little concerned the cheesy carnival music that was in the trailer is all through the movie.
- On the Warterfront


Apologies for the long post but wanted to give folks as much context as possible before making recommendations. Thanks in advance!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Well, if nothing else this has peaked my curiosity to see Miami Vice. I can never manage to love a whole Mann movie. They all seem to win me over and then lose me by the end, but I have never seen Public Enemies, or Thief, or Miami Vice, so maybe one of them will find the sweet spot.

Those are three of my five favorite Manns, so fingers crossed

Lol at the s everyone has out this morning. I take it the week has been a long one for all of us. Where's Monsieur Hulot's Holiday on BluRay when you need it the most?

[mimurph1]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

Apologies for the long post but wanted to give folks as much context as possible before making recommendations. Thanks in advance!

I'm not a huge fan of the Kurosawa samurai movies, but have you tried his other movies, like High and Low? I would recommend that. Despite it's length, I'm fully engaged each time I watch it and even my girlfriend got really into it. I think it holds up extremely well.

[Thebunk]

Originally Posted by mimurph1

I'm not a huge fan of the Kurosawa samurai movies, but have you tried his other movies, like High and Low? I would recommend that. Despite it's length, I'm fully engaged each time I watch it and even my girlfriend got really into it. I think it holds up extremely well.

Have not in my opinion.

[bluesilo]

I'm going to add my opinion that nobody asked for.

Didn't care for Miami Vice at all. It was comical in places. I think there's one unique scene near the end, but after the greatness of Collateral it was a huge disappointment.

Heat and Collateral are the only two Mann films I've seen, but I'll probably blind buy Thief when it comes out.

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by bluesilo

I'm going to add my opinion that nobody asked for.

Didn't care for Miami Vice at all. It was comical in places. I think there's one unique scene near the end, but after the greatness of Collateral it was a huge disappointment.

Heat and Collateral are the only two Mann films I've seen, but I'll probably blind buy Thief when it comes out.

I blind bought the THIEF DVD and don't regret it one bit.

Went to see Miami Vice when it came out, expecting to see a film in the style of the 80's TV show but I should've known better. I guess the purpose of remaking something is to make it for the current generation - to hell with fans of the series.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

[Show spoiler]So looking for a recommendation on which one or two movies I need in my collection. These are all blindbuys.

First let me say, I really dislike things that "date" a movie. By this, I do not mean obviously Black and White or even "somewhat dated effects". I am more speaking to the over-acting, really cheap sets and really cheesy soundtracks.

Examples of great older movies that I feel hold up well to this day:

- Rear Window: non wooden characters ad great tension
- 2001: effects and costumes are still pretty good for 40+ years later
- 400 Blows: a great effective story that is very well acted
- 12 Angry Men
- Le Cercle
- Most classic 70's films

Examples of older movies that I think are dated and do not hold up:

- Brazil: Key example of a sci-fi\fantasy flick that in my opinion is very dated and does not hold up well.
- Most Kurasowa especially Rashoman: Just because a film introduced unique storytelling concepts and is considered influential does not make it great or timeless (in my opinion). The acting is horribly over the top (again IMO).
- Bob le Flambeur: Again really poor over the top acting in my opinion and a bad soundtrack.


Criterions I curently own that may give you a taste of what I like:

- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Le Cercle
- Army of Shadows (have not watched yet but for me Melville hasbeen hit and miss)
- Seven Samurai (I like it but this is the only Kurasowa I think I need in my collection).
- La Promesse
- The Kid with a Bike
- Rosetta (not a fan, but love most of the Dardenne's other films)
- Three Colors Trilogy (probably my favorite set, films and releases in the whole collection).
- Dazed & Confused


Here is the list that I am contemplating to get (which are all over the map)

- Anatomy of a Murder
- Godzilla - I hear this still holds up well for the time and is actually bleak. This would be up my alley if these things were true.
- Eyes without a Face - a little concerned the cheesy carnival music that was in the trailer is all through the movie.
- On the Warterfront


Apologies for the long post but wanted to give folks as much context as possible before making recommendations. Thanks in advance!

My highest recommendation goes to the Kieslowski films in the collection (The Double Life of Véronique and The Three Colors Trilogy).

I really love Amarcord, Fish Tank, and Revanche, too.

[Thebunk]

Originally Posted by iScottie

My highest recommendation goes to the Kieslowski films in the collection (The Double Life of Véronique and The Three Colors Trilogy).

I really love Amarcord, Fish Tank, and Revanche, too.

Yup love the Kieslowski films to bits and really want to see The Dekalog to get put out finally.

Never seen Fish Tank, could not get through Amarcord and I liked Revanche but do not think it is one I would revisit much.

[cavesailor]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

So looking for a recommendation on which one or two movies I need in my collection.

You liked Rear Window and 12 Angry Men then I would go with Anatomy of a Murder with Jimmy Stewart. Great movie. Trial is very relalistic. My son just viewed some scenes in his ethics course in law school. It has great acting. George C. Scott is in it as well.

On the Waterfront is a great movie, but subject matter is a little dated. I don't know about other 2 you mentioned.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

[Show spoiler]So looking for a recommendation on which one or two movies I need in my collection. These are all blindbuys.

First let me say, I really dislike things that "date" a movie. By this, I do not mean obviously Black and White or even "somewhat dated effects". I am more speaking to the over-acting, really cheap sets and really cheesy soundtracks.

Examples of great older movies that I feel hold up well to this day:

- Rear Window: non wooden characters ad great tension
- 2001: effects and costumes are still pretty good for 40+ years later
- 400 Blows: a great effective story that is very well acted
- 12 Angry Men
- Le Cercle
- Most classic 70's films

Examples of older movies that I think are dated and do not hold up:

- Brazil: Key example of a sci-fi\fantasy flick that in my opinion is very dated and does not hold up well.
- Most Kurasowa especially Rashoman: Just because a film introduced unique storytelling concepts and is considered influential does not make it great or timeless (in my opinion). The acting is horribly over the top (again IMO).
- Bob le Flambeur: Again really poor over the top acting in my opinion and a bad soundtrack.


Criterions I curently own that may give you a taste of what I like:

- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Le Cercle
- Army of Shadows (have not watched yet but for me Melville hasbeen hit and miss)
- Seven Samurai (I like it but this is the only Kurasowa I think I need in my collection).
- La Promesse
- The Kid with a Bike
- Rosetta (not a fan, but love most of the Dardenne's other films)
- Three Colors Trilogy (probably my favorite set, films and releases in the whole collection).
- Dazed & Confused


Here is the list that I am contemplating to get (which are all over the map)

- Anatomy of a Murder
- Godzilla - I hear this still holds up well for the time and is actually bleak. This would be up my alley if these things were true.
- Eyes without a Face - a little concerned the cheesy carnival music that was in the trailer is all through the movie.
- On the Warterfront


Apologies for the long post but wanted to give folks as much context as possible before making recommendations. Thanks in advance!

You seem to gravitate to some Criterion titles of recent films, so I would heartily recommend Revanche to you. In my opinion, Revanche is the best post-2000 film in the Collection.

[Thebunk]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

You seem to gravitate to some Criterion titles of recent films, so I would heartily recommend Revanche to you. In my opinion, Revanche is the best post-2000 film in the Collection.

Thanks for chiming in Owl.

I did like Revanche just dont think I will need to see it anytime soon. A really good flick though.

I am still leaning towards Eyes without a Face but that horrible, cheesy carnival music is scaring me away (for the wrong reaasons)

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

Thanks for chiming in Owl.

I did like Revanche just dont think I will need to see it anytime soon. A really good flick though.

I am still leaning towards Eyes without a Face but that horrible, cheesy carnival music is scaring me away (for the wrong reaasons)

I'm so excited about revisiting Eyes Without a Face tonight that I'm about to burst open. It'll be my first time seeing the film on Blu-ray. The music seems like a skewed choice at first, but it ultimately blends in.

I think that you'll enjoy the beautiful visuals, especially during the final sequence.
(Well, beautiful visuals except during one particular scene!)