The Criterion Collection

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

By saying that, it's clear that you never read Sarris' essay or Trauffaut's writings on the theory of being an auteur. I recommend you do so before arguing about auteur theory. Plus, they're actually really interesting reads about film criticism.

I'll admit it's been a while, but I've read both. Can you clarify, using either Truffaut or Sarris's work, why Wes Anderson is NOT an auteur. He certainly fits Truffaut's three criteria: "technical competence," "distinguishable personality," and "interior meaning...from the tension between a director's personality and his material" and clearly is authorial.

[The Stick]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I was thinking of getting Babette's Feast tomorrow but will probably wait for November, as it just has that Thanksgiving feel. It was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had this year.

Same here. I guess the premise of BABETTE'S FEAST never piqued my interest before. It's another film that I recorded off TCM months ago. I've grown to enjoy period dramas and have always enjoyed films that take me to interesting places...so I was immediately drawn into this from the first scene.

Funny thing though but my DVR stopped recording and was very frustrated to miss out on the last 10-15 mins. Had to run to my local B&N next day and purchased the Criterion blu-ray just so I could finish the film...which I enjoyed once again from the beginning

Interesting seeing what others have purchased so far.
Am eagerly awaiting The Jacques Demy box set later this month but went to
B&N last night and bought a couple of Antonioni's since I enjoyed my recent watch of RED DESERT.

LA NOTTE (blind buy) and IDENTIFICATION OF A WOMAN (blind buy)
Also got Lubitsch's TO BE OR NOT TO BE (not a blind buy)

I did not see it in-store so I went on-line and purchased the dvd of Josef Von Sternberg's THE SCARLET EMPRESS. I've always wanted a copy of this but can't wait around for the blu any longer.

Also noticed that "art films" are also 50% off and saw Tarkovsky's NOSTALGHIA on sale (another blind buy - but I can't wait to see this since the screenshots I've seen look awesome)

well, that takes care of round one

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

You seem to not stop attacking Wes Anderson and that's probably why the poster is replying in such a way. This is like the 5th post you mentioned you don't care for his work, we get it by now.

You ignore the fact that I actually didn't start the argument, I expressed an opinion that wasn't accepted. That being said, "attack" seems an ill-fitting word to describe someone's opinion, simply because you apparently disagree. It would be pretty boring if we all liked the same films. The key is to at least respect the other's side.

[Jakamarak]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

By saying that, it's clear that you never read Sarris' essay or Trauffaut's writings on the theory of being an auteur. I recommend you do so before arguing about auteur theory. Plus, they're actually really interesting reads about film criticism.

On "Notes on the Auteur Theory in 1962", Andrew Sarris lays out three criteria for defining an auteur. The first is that the director has a technical competence or "elementary flair for the cinema." The second is that s/he has a "distinguishable personality." The third is "interior meaning," which is more difficult to reduce -- indeed, Sarris has trouble arriving at a clear definition. He says it's "not quite" mise en scene and not quite "the vision of the world the director presents".

Whether or not one's a fan of Wes Anderson, it's hard to deny his work handily meets the first two criteria. As for the third, that is admittedly somewhat subjective. However, Anderson's films certainly present a clear vision of the world with a distinctive mise en scene. To deny that he is an auteur requires one to rely almost solely on the ephemeral and undefinable aspects of the third criterion laid out by Sarris. Which I suppose can be done. I wouldn't want to have to take that side in a debate, however.

And by the way, just because someone can be considered an auteur doesn't mean everyone has to like him or his films. Two separate issues.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

I'll admit it's been a while, but I've read both. Can you clarify, using either Truffaut or Sarris's work, why Wes Anderson is NOT an auteur. He certainly fits Truffaut's three criteria: "technical competence," "distinguishable personality," and "interior meaning...from the tension between a director's personality and his material" and clearly is authorial.

Have to say, I too am confused by the insinuation that Anderson isn't an auteur. And I say this as someone who is very much familiar with both the Sarris essay (and his wider writing in general - he's my favourite writer and greatest influence, and I'd even go as far to say that The American Cinema is my favourite book, full stop) and Truffaut's writing (again, big fan, posted this just yesterday!).

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

I'll admit it's been a while, but I've read both. Can you clarify, using either Truffaut or Sarris's work, why Wes Anderson is NOT an auteur. He certainly fits Truffaut's three criteria: "technical competence," "distinguishable personality," and "interior meaning...from the tension between a director's personality and his material" and clearly is authorial.

You're quoting Sarris not Trauffaut. There's no question Anderson has a distinguishable filmic personality, which some auteur theorists would argue is the most important part. However, Sarris argued that technical competence is possibly the most important, as it is a prerequisite. I think the argument could be made that Anderson does not have technical competence, within Sarris' meaning. His style is such that all aspects of his films make up the given style of whimsy, but from a pure cinematic perspective there are questions to be asked about the competence IMO. As for interior meaning, I think that's highly debatable. The entire premise behind auteur theory (which wasn't even a theory until Sarris' essay) according to Trauffaut was that for films based upon novels and other sources, that the director's style made him the author of the film instead of simply an adapter. He really created the concept to pat his contemporaries on the back for being original and radical at the time.

Under some outlooks on auteur theory, Anderson could fit the bill. But I don't think he does under the original theories.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

Have to say, I too am confused by the insinuation that Anderson isn't an auteur. And I say this as someone who is very much familiar with both the Sarris essay (and his wider writing in general - he's my favourite writer and greatest influence, and I'd even go as far to say that The American Cinema is my favourite book, full stop) and Truffaut's writing (again, big fan, posted this just yesterday!).

We may disagree but I'm glad you're at least familiar with the writings instead of going on Wikipedia for a minute and pretending you do! I think Sarris is an absolutely essential figure in serious film criticism and his writings really helped me appreciate cinema as an art form more. I haven't read all of Trauffaut's writings, but what I have read is very interesting for sure.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by The Stick

Same here. I guess the premise of BABETTE'S FEAST never piqued my interest before. It's another film that I recorded off TCM months ago. I've grown to enjoy period dramas and have always enjoyed films that take me to interesting places...so I was immediately drawn into this from the first scene.

Funny thing though but my DVR stopped recording and was very frustrated to miss out on the last 10-15 mins. Had to run to my local B&N next day and purchased the Criterion blu-ray just so I could finish the film...which I enjoyed once again from the beginning

Interesting seeing what others have purchased so far.
Am eagerly awaiting The Jacques Demy box set later this month but went to
B&N last night and bought a couple of Antonioni's since I enjoyed my recent watch of RED DESERT.

LA NOTTE (blind buy) and IDENTIFICATION OF A WOMAN (blind buy)
Also got Lubitsch's TO BE OR NOT TO BE (not a blind buy)

I did not see it in-store so I went on-line and purchased the dvd of Josef Von Sternberg's THE SCARLET EMPRESS. I've always wanted a copy of this but can't wait around for the blu any longer.

Also noticed that "art films" are also 50% off and saw Tarkovsky's NOSTALGHIA on sale (another blind buy - but I can't wait to see this since the screenshots I've seen look awesome)

well, that takes care of round one

Ah the ending is the best part! It makes the film so rewarding and proves that action and big dramatic moments aren't necessary to have an emotional impact.

I think you'll like La Notte. It follows Red Desert's themes of alienation quite well. I think it's my least favorite from the trilogy but it's a great film.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

B&N Members can get it for $10.99, and if they use the 20% off coupon, they can get it for $8.99.

Yep, that's what I paid for Blue is the Warmest Color. And my final price on Picnic at Hanging Rock was a wallet-pleasing $14.39 after using my membership card and a 20% off coupon.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

But seriously, glad you Fish Tank for such an amazing price - extremely well-done, disturbing, and raw film. When I first saw FT, it was also the first time I heard Bobby Womack's excellent version of California Dreamin', and I now prefer it to the original version (by the Mamas & the Papas)...to the point where I actually consider it the definitive version of the song....

You may the be the only person in the world who has this opinion.

I think that cover borders on awful and the character's stiff mechanical dancing didn't help matters.

[Scottie]

Every time somebody mentions "California Dreamin'", I want to rewatch my copy of Chungking Express.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

That said, I feel sorry for anyone who would have to listen to an audio commentary from me, if I were to record one. I...talk...slowly...in...person. An old girlfriend once told me that I always sound as though I'm putting a lot of thought into what I say. In truth, I really don't, but I just happen to speak slowly. If my thoughts were as slow as my spoken words, I'd still be wondering what to eat for yesterday's breakfast. I also have a distinct good-old-boy Jeff Foxworthy-esque Southern accent that would probably throw off a lot of people who are used to reading my posts here.

Owl, you are blu-ray.com's 'everyman,' I feel. The Jimmy Stewart of this site.

I really liked a week or so ago when you posted about The Train and said something to the effect of "with none other than Jeanne Moreau, y'all!" Frequently (and stereotypically so.. (our bad)), many yankees don't figure that southerners are that cultured. so, I had already imagined the southern accent you mention here and I know you mentioned that you drive a pickup truck.. the thought of you driving to B & N to pick up the latest CC titles is pretty cool. very different to conceptualize, but very cool.

btw.. I, too, have been told that it seems like I am putting a lot of thought into my spoken words. sign of an intellectual? I hope so. ..and I have been told that I have a very strong regional accent, too - so like the Chicago Bears Super Fans. ..and I'm Polish and love polish sausage.. as a matter of fact, I'm gonna have some for lunch, but I digress.

[kryptonite1970]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Yep, that's what I paid for Blue is the Warmest Color. And my final price on Picnic at Hanging Rock was a wallet-pleasing $14.39 after using my membership card and a 20% off coupon.

I used my 20% coupon on another BD. I don't want to waste it on Blue is the Warmest Color as I will just save less than a dollar.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

We may disagree but I'm glad you're at least familiar with the writings instead of going on Wikipedia for a minute and pretending you do! I think Sarris is an absolutely essential figure in serious film criticism and his writings really helped me appreciate cinema as an art form more. I haven't read all of Trauffaut's writings, but what I have read is very interesting for sure.

Your dig at me was not needed.

I am fully aware with what you are talking about, I have my BFA in film studies so nothing of what you said was lost on me.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Every time somebody mentions "California Dreamin'", I want to rewatch my copy of Chungking Express.

Same here!

[jw007]

I made a late run to B&N yesterday to check out the sale and bought:

A Hard Day's Night
Like Someone in Love
La Vie de Boheme

For an average of $16.32 apiece without tax. (with 50% sale, 10% discount and $5/50 coupon)

[The Great Owl]

I reserved a copy A Hard Day's Night at the Barnes & Noble down the street, but they contacted me and told me that they no longer have a copy. They've ordered one for me, and it should be at the store in a few days.

[blu-bry]

My nearest B&N that sells movies is an hour away. I called them and asked them to hold:

Modern Times (upgrading from DVD)
Following
Rules of the Game (upgrading from Criterion DVD)

I told them I would be in on Saturday. Once I browse in person who knows what I'll actually walk out with - or even how many, but I wanted to make sure that at least a few titles were there waiting for me if things get picked over.
The clerk was very nice and very willing to set those aside with my name on them.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I reserved a copy A Hard Day's Night at the Barnes & Noble down the street, but they contacted me and told me that they no longer have a copy. They've ordered one for me, and it should be at the store in a few days.

They just called me and informed me that they got a shipment in with more copies, so I'll be grabbing it on the way home from work after all.

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

They just called me and informed me that they got a shipment in with more copies, so I'll be grabbing it on the way home from work after all.

If I had a Barnes and Noble "on the way home from work" I'd probably be in trouble, buying too many Criterion discs. Especially since I only have a 3 minute commute. It would practically be in my back yard.