The Criterion Collection

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

Don't worry, I thought the film was nothing special too.

I wasn't the biggest fan either. Then again, I'm more of a "detective sitting in his office late at night when a troubled (usually crooked) dame comes in asking for help" type of film-noir guy.

[Danchez]

Review for Pickpocket just went up and it sounds like another title that I might just have to pick up during the sale.

[Scottie]

Pro-B's review of Pickpocket is now up.



I just rewatched this film the other day in order to decide if I wanted to buy Criterion's new Blu-ray release of it or not and unfortunately, I could not get into the film during this viewing either. I think a lot of it has to do with my investment in the story. I don't find it very compelling, although the pacing is very rapid. Pro-B's reflection in the closing paragraph does offer me up a new perspective on the film - specifically how it is a portrait of an individual's turn to crime to make ends meet, the desire to quit, but the ultimate difficulty that it takes to stop.

The thing that I do admire the most about Pickpocket is Bresson's directing style. Bresson transforms the camera into an actual stalker that follows Michel around France. This very much resembles the way that Michel himself stalks the strangers that he plans on pickpocketing. Another thing that I admire from Bresson's directing were the close-up shots between Michel and the pickpocketing gang where they are committing these various pickpocketing crimes. It is very quick moving and Bresson captures it all.

There are many individuals who will love this film, so definitely check it out.

Once again, thanks Pro-B for another great review.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

On another note, I finished Seconds and Vampyr tonight. Both movies were quite incredible. Seconds was a amazing thriller, with an excellent performance by Rock Hudson. I was amazed by how quickly I was drawn into his life and how quickly it turned into what felt like a Twilight Zone life.

Glad you enjoyed Seconds! One of my favorite Criterions in my small collection.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I wasn't the biggest fan either. Then again, I'm more of a "detective sitting in his office late at night when a troubled (usually crooked) dame comes in asking for help" type of film-noir guy.

Now you're talking

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

movies watched today:

Paths of Glory
absolutly loved the movie. everything is just awesome about this movie. the shots on the battlefield etc.. amazing. wouldnt expect nothing less from kubrik.

5/5 Stars

Sweet Smell of Success
gonna earn some hate here. didnt like a few of the actors that much. movie was more or less "ok". not sure if im gonna keep it or resell it.

3/5

The Fly by Cronenberg
rewatched it already a few times. but the movie is always just freakish sick. i love it !

4/5

Pm me if you want to offload your copy of sweet smell of success, I'm a big Michael J. Fox fan.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Pm me if you want to offload your copy of sweet smell of success, I'm a big Michael J. Fox fan.

I think you're mixing up The Secret of My Success (not available on Blu-ray) with the 1957 film, Sweet Smell of Success.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by smoss469

To be quick and to the point, no other movie that I've ever watched in my life has had the emotional impact on me like Tokyo Story did.

Just finished the movie.... wow. I see what you mean. It was such a powerful and emotional movie. At my age, I saw things on screen that really hit home. What an incredible story.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I think you're mixing up The Secret of My Success (not available on Blu-ray) with the 1957 film, Sweet Smell of Success.

No, I liked the Sweet Smell Of Success with Curtis and Lancaster. I just really like Michael J. Fox a lot.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Glad you enjoyed Seconds! One of my favorite Criterions in my small collection.

Thanks... just wish I had seen it sooner.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

Just finished the movie.... wow. I see what you mean. It was such a powerful and emotional movie. At my age, I saw things on screen that really hit home. What an incredible story.

Really makes you feel introspective after it's all over with doesn't it? You really start thinking, "Do I ever take my parent's for granted" or something of that nature.

[Trace17]

So I know these Criterion releases have a second film on them:

Blow-Out / Murder a la Mod
Close-Up / The Traveler
Certified Copy / The Report

Any others like this?

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by tylergfoster

I blind buy almost everything! The Criterions that were not blind buys would be a more reasonable list for me. I find I don't regret it, because they retain enough of their value and I only regret it so often.

Talking about regret...Overlord. What a boring...just plain dull film. Half stock/documentary footage (and not very interesting clips at all) and the other half is a "story" about a young man who joins the British forces during WW2.

The extensive use of documentary footage just does not blend into the movie, both aspects never merge into one cohesive story. Even the tale about the young man is atrocious, who can care when there's no development at all? Just this one dull guy doing something then ten minutes of random WW2 reel.

Terrible movie...1h 23min of my life that I will never get back, never mind the $22 I paid for this thing . Yeah, just stick some random footage into a story and it will make a movie.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by Trace17

So I know these Criterion releases have a second film on them:

Blow-Out / Murder a la Mod
Close-Up / The Traveler
Certified Copy / The Report

Any others like this?

The Killers includes both the original and the Lee Marvin remake.
The Lady Vanishes also includes Crook's Tour

[Fellini912]

It has been said that Robert Bresson's Pickpocket was inspired by Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel Crime and Punishment and Samuel Fuller's cult hit Pickup on South Street, but the story the film tells is largely unimportant. Indeed, the focus of attention is on the unique atmosphere in it and the manner in which it evolves as Michel faces different dilemmas.

With all due respect to Pro-B., I totally disagree with the above statement. It would be kind of strange that one Paul Schrader's favorite films has an "unimportant story".

The film narrative is a poetic interpretation of Crime and Punishment which is one of Dostoevsky's greatest novels. Universal themes such as redemption is beautifully expressed in this film. Yes the film editing and atmosphere are great, but it never undermines the main story.

This feedback is my honest opinion.

[octagon]

The Killing/Killer's Kiss is one of my favorites.

In fact, it probably is my favorite.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Talking about regret...Overlord. What a boring...just plain dull film. Half stock/documentary footage (and not very interesting clips at all) and the other half is a "story" about a young man who joins the British forces during WW2.

The extensive use of documentary footage just does not blend into the movie, both aspects never merge into one cohesive story. Even the tale about the young man is atrocious, who can care when there's no development at all? Just this one dull guy doing something then ten minutes of random WW2 reel.

Terrible movie...1h 23min of my life that I will never get back, never mind the $22 I paid for this thing . Yeah, just stick some random footage into a story and it will make a movie.

Why don't you sell it to get some money back?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

No, I liked the Sweet Smell Of Success with Curtis and Lancaster. I just really like Michael J. Fox a lot.

I'm confused now.

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Pm me if you want to offload your copy of sweet smell of success, I'm a big Michael J. Fox fan.

He's not in the film.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by smoss469

Really makes you feel introspective after it's all over with doesn't it? You really start thinking, "Do I ever take my parent's for granted" or something of that nature.

Exactly, and it's not a fun question to ask. And the end itself when

[Show spoiler]Kyoko and Noriko are talking after everyone leaves, saying that children become selfish as they grow older, and it's just part of growing... that really hit home.

But still, an amazing film, one that I will enjoy again.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I'm confused now.



He's not in the film.

It's nothing to do with the film, I was just letting the OP know that I like the actor Michael J. Fox. So he will know that I'm a cool guy.