The Criterion Collection

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by nondiatonic

I too only recently discovered his genius. His films are so dialogue heavy and yet, even though they are translated, come through so clearly. That may be a compliment to the translators, but I also think it demonstrates his skill as a director.

I though The Report (the extra movie on Certified Copy) was decent, but I had a difficult time getting into it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed The Traveler (the extra film on Close-Up).

I would also like to note that The Taste of Cherry is on Hulu and is fantastic. Also, Cohen Media released The Wind Will Carry Us on BD which is another great film. The transfer is fairly good, although quality dips at times. I suggest picking it up along with the Criterion releases.

I loved the dialogue in this film, it felt so real and unscripted, some things its person A talks, then person B talks - but I always find it more realistic and better when they get interrupted or have a fast conversation, its harder to follow, yes but its more realistic.

I adored the topic of conversation throughout this film - I love when there is discussion about art and other cultures, reminded me of some of the conversations in The Great Beauty actually.

Just trying to make sense of

[Show spoiler]the couple, I loved how it did;t draw attention to the fact they may be married or what, but it was an interesting turning point and it leaves so much for us to figure out so it stays on my mind.

Are they married the entire time?

Are they pretending to meet for first time to get excited about the relationship again?

So many questions, can not wait to watch again and see how it turns out.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I have no idea what tot think of this film - it doesn't have that Iñárritu feel to it, the grittiness and raw emotion. This has so much special effects and dunno, I hope that doesn't overshadow the emotion, acting and direction.

Really hard for me to call this one, of course I will see it and give it a try and I love the theme and ideas behind it, but i'd never have guess it was Iñárritu who had directed it.

Then again sometimes its refreshing when a director tries new things and separate themselves from their existing image - When you talk about Iñárritu's film I think emotional, depressing, raw, and I guess that can get a bit tiring when repeated, even Lars Von Trier has experimented with comedy and new styles.

I hope its good

a co-worker had asked me if I had heard of this upcoming film. she has mainstream taste, so I wasn't expecting Iñárritu. not knowing who the director was, it was obvious to me by the opening shot and the lighting that whoever it was definitely has some directorial skills. then Iñárritu's name popped up and I'm sold. not knowing what the rest of the story is like, it does seem to me that it can be consistent thematically with his other work. visually, it certainly looks similar.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

a co-worker had asked me if I had heard of this upcoming film. she has mainstream taste, so I wasn't expecting Iñárritu. not knowing who the director was, it was obvious to me by the opening shot and the lighting that whoever it was definitely has some directorial skills. then Iñárritu's name popped up and I'm sold. not knowing what the rest of the story is like, it does seem to me that it can be consistent thematically with his other work. visually, it certainly looks similar.

I am very excited about this, he ha never let me down with his films - I mean come on, Babel is incredible, I would love for him to do a spin off and focus on Chieko.

I found that the strongest segment and found it so devastating and emotional, also the actress who played her incredibly well.

The only thing about his new film is I can't recall him using such heavy CGI so I hope it isn't distracting visually and distracting form he characters, but I guess we will soon see! It is a really exciting story.

[bdmartin134]

Thanks AaronJ and diatonic for your observations and themes on L'Avventura. Both posts provide better descriptions than I had attempted, haha. It was a solid movie that hopefully will open up upon more viewings, like a nice cab.

[Polaroid]

Just realised there are no films in collection with Naomi Watts :/

I find that shocking haha, she is such an incredible actress (21 Grams, Mulholland Dr, Ellie Parker etc).

I wish Criterion would release Inland Empire and include the Rabbits shorts... that would be a treat - is Lynch's 'Rabbits' Available on any DVD/Bluray?

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Just realised there are no films in collection with Naomi Watts :/

I find that shocking haha, she is such an incredible actress (21 Grams, Mulholland Dr, Ellie Parker etc).

I wish Criterion would release Inland Empire and include the Rabbits shorts... that would be a treat - is Lynch's 'Rabbits' Available on any DVD/Bluray?

Loosely along these subject lines, I'd love for Criterion to release Ringu (1998).

My favorite Japanese horror movie is Pulse (Kairu) from 2001, but Ringu is probably a more likely title for Criterion.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by bdmartin134

Thanks AaronJ and diatonic for your observations and themes on L'Avventura. Both posts provide better descriptions than I had attempted, haha. It was a solid movie that hopefully will open up upon more viewings, like a nice cab.

It's definitely a film that takes multiple viewings to really get into. I've seen it many many times over the years, and it always offers something new up with each new viewing.

I just can't wait for the Criterion BD. Mmmm. I only wish I could see it on a big screen in all its glory. Oh well.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Loosely along these subject lines, I'd love for Criterion to release Ringu (1998).

My favorite Japanese horror movie is Pulse (Kairu) from 2001, but Ringu is probably a more likely title for Criterion.

Im with you on this! I'd love to see more asian horror, I find Thai horrors are great for real scares (Ghost Game). Ringu would be great in collection though, maybe they can do Ringu, Rasen, Ringu 2 and Birthday - there is a DVD set of this, but would be nice on Bluray with specially features, they could even include the book for Ringu?

A Tale of Two Sisters would also be nice in collection! such a powerful and well crafted film.

I would also love to see Noroi: The Curse - that film really freaked me out haha!

I loved The Whispering Corridors series too.... omg Criterion ! Get researching into Asian horrors!! lol

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

a co-worker had asked me if I had heard of this upcoming film. she has mainstream taste, so I wasn't expecting Iñárritu. not knowing who the director was, it was obvious to me by the opening shot and the lighting that whoever it was definitely has some directorial skills. then Iñárritu's name popped up and I'm sold. not knowing what the rest of the story is like, it does seem to me that it can be consistent thematically with his other work. visually, it certainly looks similar.

From what I gather Birdman is cut to look like it's been made in one continuous long take, ala Rope or Russian Ark. Sounds fascinating.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

From what I gather Birdman is cut to look like it's been made in one continuous long take, ala Rope or Russian Ark. Sounds fascinating.

Seriously!? That's interesting - I find Russian Ark incredible because of the one take, even when film use a 5+ minutes wihtout cuts its incredible (Gravity, Children of Men, Atonement etc)

OMG I forgot Emmanuel Lubezki is working on this! I AM SOLD.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I am very excited about this, he ha never let me down with his films - I mean come on, Babel is incredible, I would love for him to do a spin off and focus on Chieko.

I found that the strongest segment and found it so devastating and emotional, also the actress who played her incredibly well.

The only thing about his new film is I can't recall him using such heavy CGI so I hope it isn't distracting visually and distracting form he characters, but I guess we will soon see! It is a really exciting story.

Babel is a complete cinematic abomination, but to each his own.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Babel is a complete cinematic abomination, but to each his own.

How so? O,o

[exolstice]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Babel is a complete cinematic abomination, but to each his own.

Agreed.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by exolstice

Agreed.

D: - Explain please cause I don't understand how it can be an abomination :/

[AaronJ]

Received my Jacques Demy box set! YAY!

The second golf is over (sorry, can't miss the LPGA) Umbrellas of Cherbourg is heading straight into the Blu-Ray player.

It's a gorgeous box, I really love the design. And I've only just started to read the booklet, but it's already very good.

If Criterion were a person, I would give him/her a hug.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

D: - Explain please cause I don't understand how it can be an abomination :/

It has the same problem that Magnolia or most of Spielberg's late catalog have in common and that is heavy handed direction. It tries so incredibly hard to tug at the viewer's emotions, but in my case, I just thought it was pure cheese. None of the plots really amounted to much, despite the director's attempts at making it "deep" or "heartfelt". 21 Grams had the same problem and I'm afraid to watch Biutiful.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

D: - Explain please cause I don't understand how it can be an abomination :/

don't sweat it, P. Roger Ebert has got your back. I liked the movie (only seen it once,) but christening it as a "great movie" was surprising

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/babel-2006

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

It has the same problem that Magnolia or most of Spielberg's late catalog have in common and that is heavy handed direction. It tries so incredibly hard to tug at the viewer's emotions, but in my case, I just thought it was pure cheese. None of the plots really amounted to much, despite the director's attempts at making it "deep" or "heartfelt". 21 Grams had the same problem and I'm afraid to watch Biutiful.

Ah fair enough, I would disagree personally, but as you said, each to their own.

I found Biutiful his weakest film, but need to sit and rematch and confirm that :P

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

don't sweat it, P. Roger Ebert has got your back. I liked the movie (only seen it once,) but christening it as a "great movie" was surprising

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/babel-2006

Ive never read any of his reviews - I usually avoid reviews because they anger or annoy me! I tend to find a lot of reviewers try slate films to get attention which bugs me, or I disagree with their reviews, I don't want to be manipulated by a review before I see a film - I know this is not case for all reviewers but it just out me off - I might start reading his reviews because they seem really good :P

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

don't sweat it, P. Roger Ebert has got your back. I liked the movie (only seen it once,) but christening it as a "great movie" was surprising

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/babel-2006

Ebert raved about some pretty odd movies late in his career. He gave 4 stars to Hereafter for pete sake!