The Criterion Collection

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I'm very excited to seeing that one, too, especially over the past few weeks where others have shared their positive attitudes towards it.

If I don't go to the cinema to see Ida today, I'll probably throw that one in.

I don't know anything about these people or their story so it is very fascinating for me.

They are bizarre characters! Only just started but I am not disappointed yet, its such a strange world these two live in! So quirky!

Looking at the photos, the mother was so beautiful, she has changed so much in age.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

It does tend to leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Oh my! You know those laughs that slowly take effect, going from half grin to full grin, to all out belly laugh? I am in the middle of those.

I thank you kindly for that.

[The Great Owl]

Criterion just posted this on Facebook...

[Show spoiler]

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Freder Fredersen

Just know you'll probably have conflicting feelings about it, which is a good thing! I think that's what makes art, art, in a way.

Also, don't forget to watch the sequel, The Beales of Grey Gardens!

Yeah have just read about that, sounds exciting - again, these are some fascinating people, they are so bizarre, I love it haha

I love how unscripted this documentary is, it just feels like an honest look at these peoples lives - so raw and unrehearsed, can't wait to read up on this after my viewing

What are some other fascinating must have documentaries in the collection? Ive read about that Crumb doc briefly on the site, whats that one like?

[spargs]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Criterion just posted this on Facebook...

[Show spoiler]

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

Does this mean they got the rights to Contempt back?!?! If so, YES!!! And this could bode well for the other StudioCanal titles, like the Melville titles and <gasp> Ran!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Criterion just posted this on Facebook...

[Show spoiler]

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

Awesome! Not that it means that it is coming soon, but awesome nevertheless. I haven't bought the StudioCanal yet. I have plenty other films on my wish list that I can blow my money on while holding out.

On a related note, I did something last night that I have never done! I watched Pierrot Le Fou with the commentary track running.

For a film like PLF, I'd say it was a worthwhile listen. The film has some wonderful scenes -

[Show spoiler]the "My Little Fate Line" musical number, the Samuel Fuller cameo scene in which a party-goer translates what Belmondo is saying to SF, but some minor yet extremely important details of what he is saying is not translated correctly... the scene where the actor Raymond Devos tells Belmondo the story of the song he keeps hearing in his head... Belmondo's suicide scene and the last spoken dialogue of the film.

I LOVED all of those scenes, but the film probably could have benefited from a bit more cohesion. I know that is what Godard intended, but it just didn't click with me like, say, Vivre sa Vie does.

[starman15317]

Forgive me for being late since I just came back from a cruise, but HOLY CRAP LA DOLCE VITA!!!!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Forgive me for being late since I just came back from a cruise, but HOLY CRAP LA DOLCE VITA!!!!

Yeah, its a film I can't wait to see again!

I'm pretty sure as soon as I get my bluray in three months, I'll want to go on a marathon of all the Fellinis I didn't fall in love with in the past (Amarcord, Satyricon, La Strada).

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Yeah, its a film I can't wait to see again!



I'm pretty sure as soon as I get my bluray in three months, I'll want to go on a marathon of all the Fellinis I didn't fall in love with in the past (Amarcord, Satyricon, La Strada).

I still have to see Amarcord, Satyricon and some others, but La Strada is my favorite Fellini.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Awesome! Not that it means that it is coming soon, but awesome nevertheless. I haven't bought the StudioCanal yet. I have plenty other films on my wish list that I can blow my money on while holding out.

On a related note, I did something last night that I have never done! I watched Pierrot Le Fou with the commentary track running.

I thought about shelling out $13 for the StudioCanal Blu-ray of Contempt just now, but I think that I'll hold out a while longer. I don't love that one as much as I love the ones that I own, although it's a cool film in so many ways.

I'm so glad that I tracked down an out-of-print Criterion Blu-ray of Pierrot Le Fou last year. I agree that the commentary track is a good listen.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Yeah, its a film I can't wait to see again!

I'm pretty sure as soon as I get my bluray in three months, I'll want to go on a marathon of all the Fellinis I didn't fall in love with in the past (Amarcord, Satyricon, La Strada).

La Dolce Vita is one of the greatest films of all time (no hyperbole), but I am with you in regards to not falling in love with all of Fellini's films. I think my order is this, with me only loving the first three and being lukewarm towards the rest, especially the latter two.

-La Dolce Vita
-Amarcord
-Nights Of Cabiria
-Juliet Of The Spirits
-8.5
-La Strada

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I thought about shelling out $13 for the StudioCanal Blu-ray of Contempt just now, but I think that I'll hold out a while longer. I don't love that one as much as I love the ones that I own, although it's a cool film in so many ways.

I'm so glad that I tracked down an out-of-print Criterion Blu-ray of Pierrot Le Fou last year. I agree that the commentary track is a good listen.

I actually have the Studio Canal PLF that I got off EBay for $17.50. I haven't seen Contempt yet.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by iScottie

La Dolce Vita is one of the greatest films of all time (no hyperbole), but I am with you in regards to not falling in love with all of Fellini's films. I think my order is this, with me only loving the first three and being lukewarm towards the rest, especially the latter two.

-La Dolce Vita
-Amarcord
-Nights Of Cabiria
-Juliet Of The Spirits
-8.5
-La Strada

To Scottie or anyone: Which is the most accessible? I'm a bit behind here as umm... I've only seen La Dolce Vita and that was ages ago!

[The Great Owl]

I've only seen three Fellini films, but I love all three.

In order of preference...

I Vitelloni
8½
La Dolce Vita

Seeing 8½ on a big theater screen this past spring was a great experience.

[Polaroid]

Greys Garden really reminds me of John Waters Pink Flamingo's haha, has the same feel to it albeit PF is a tad more grotesque.

Also has a similar feel to The Idiots.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by iScottie

La Dolce Vita is one of the greatest films of all time (no hyperbole), but I am with you in regards to not falling in love with all of Fellini's films. I think my order is this, with me only loving the first three and being lukewarm towards the rest, especially the latter two.

-La Dolce Vita
-Amarcord
-Nights Of Cabiria
-Juliet Of The Spirits
-8.5
-La Strada

Fellini's a bit hit or miss with me. I tend not to like his extravagant color stuff. SENSORY OVERLOAD. I mean, his films are never dull, but he can be either too cruel to his characters (La Strada), or overindulgent (Satyricon). Both extremes do not sure well with me, or atleast, the way he does it.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Great Owl, Antichrist and In The Realm of the Senses are nowhere near as "sadistic" as Salo. There's rampant sexuality (which some may call debased) throughout, but the outbursts of violence are very minimal. I've seen those films multiple times, but I do not know if I'll ever muster the strength to see Salo again.

Honestly, I've never had any interest in Salo, or giving a single penny of my money for that title (just like Clare wouldn't give a single penny of her money for a Jacque Tati film). I have no hatred for a movie like that, but the content of the film just isn't for me. Actually, sometimes I wonder why that film is so important that it has to be included in the Criterion Collection? Do scholars and film teachers show this film in a class and have the students talk/write about it? I wonder just how many teachers think this is an "important" film in cinema history? I guess I'm just ignorant here as I've never seen the film but only read about the disgusting details... should I borrow this title from the library and then have justification for why I don't like it or should I remain as ignorant as possible about Salo? That's the question.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

BBS or Demy box-set, which would be a better blind buy?
Trying to work out my final purchase for the sale and cannot decide!

BBS for sure. If anything, you're getting 2 American classics: Easy Rider and The Last Picture Show, 2 very important films in 1960s American Movie history. I'm being biased here since I've seen all the films in the set and plus I speak English and plus I've never seen the Demy movies, so its total bias on my part. Nevertheless, go for BBS...and if you ever watch a Demy movie and like it, go for that one too in the next sale. I might just do that as well.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

To Scottie or anyone: Which is the most accessible? I'm a bit behind here as umm... I've only seen La Dolce Vita and that was ages ago!

I honestly think La Dolce Vita. It's one of the most definitive films out there about a longing for purpose and meaning.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by jw007

Honestly, I've never had any interest in Salo, or giving a single penny of my money for that title (just like Clare wouldn't give a single penny of her money for a Jacque Tati film). I have no hatred for a movie like that, but the content of the film just isn't for me. Actually, sometimes I wonder why that film is so important that it has to be included in the Criterion Collection? Do scholars and film teachers show this film in a class and have the students talk/write about it? I wonder just how many teachers think this is an "important" film in cinema history? I guess I'm just ignorant here as I've never seen the film but only read about the disgusting details... should I borrow this title from the library and then have justification for why I don't like it or should I remain as ignorant as possible about Salo? That's the question.

Well, I really appreciated the experience of watching the film. Initially, it really made me reexamine my relationship to on screen violence. Today, it really has made its desired point clear to me regarding the evils of fascism and abuse of power.

Long story short: I've read just about every piece of literature on the film, so that's definitely fge mark of film that is NOT easy to dismiss.