The Criterion Collection

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jw007

What would you say is your favorite documentary film?

I'm not a fan of documentaries, for the most part, but For All Mankind and Sans Soleil are pretty amazing.

I only own four feature film documentaries (I'm not counting supplementary documentaries that come as disc extras.)...

For All Mankind
Sans Soleil
Gow, the Head Hunter
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

The first three are offbeat entries that stretch the definition of "documentary" somewhat, and Crystal Lake Memories is a hella fun way to spend seven hours.

[AaronJ]

Nothing I'm too interested in this month.

And yet another month with releasing Mulholland Dr., which makes me a sad bear.

[Feiereisel]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

Sweet Smell of Success, The Red Shoes & Paris, Texas - Not drastically life changing, per se, but these were three of my first Criterion blu-rays...gateway drugs, really.

The Royal Tenenbaums - One of the first consciously filmic experiences I ever had--on VHS, no less. One of the films that got me seriously interested in film as a medium--arguably the one that helped me perceive film not just as narrative but as art.

Five Easy Pieces - Nicholson is a kindred spirit, here. Not just a great movie about the burden of expectations, but an acute rendering of the fickle nature of ability and how upsetting it can to be underwhelmed by art you're making or attempting to make--or whatever it is you're trying to do. I had never seen how I felt so perfectly crystallized on film before.

Probably more, if I sat down and really gave it a think.

[*DrStrangelove*]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

To name a few: The Seventh Seal, Vivre Sa Vie, La Haine, Mulholland Dr, Three Colors Trilogy (all of them, even White), In The Mood for Love, The 400 Blows, Fanny and Alexander. Many more, those are the first to come to mind.

Also, a great Doc I hardly ever hear about is The Weather Underground. About a group of anti war radicals who wanted to "bring the war home" during Vietnam.

[*DrStrangelove*]

Originally Posted by Feiereisel

The Royal Tenenbaums - One of the first consciously filmic experiences I ever had--on VHS, no less. One of the films that got me seriously interested in film as a medium--arguably the one that helped me perceive film not just as narrative but as art.

I would add this one as well. Even thou it may not be the popular choice around here. That scene with Luke Wilson shaving while Elliot Smith plays in the background gets me every time.

[olivianewtonyawn]

Originally Posted by jw007

What would you say is your favorite documentary film?

In no particular order:

In the Realms of the Unreal
The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia
Burden of Dreams
Crumb
Dark Days
American Movie

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

The cover art for The Big Chill looks like one of those preppy clothing ads that were so ubiquious in the early 1980s, and it seems to me that this is probably part of the point. When those characters were younger, they probably never in a million years imagined that they would look or dress like that when they grew up.

Slightly on the subject...

If any of you think that soundtrack to The Big Chill is blandly generic, then check out songs on Guardians of thet i Galaxy. The soundtrack to that Marvel film makes The Big Chill look like the most edgy collection of songs ever put together on record. Guardians of the Galaxy is an awesome fun and engaging film in so many ways, but that soundtract...

My main gripe with the cover art is that it's too dark and cluttered. The dvd had a similar image but on a white background and, while not inspired, it was at least clear.

If the soundtrack to The Big Chill sounds "blandly generic" it's probably because it started the trend of using 60s songs as the background to movies, tv shows and commercials. It was actually innovative at the time, as the songs offered a sometimes ironic commentary on the story line.

Speaking of clothing, I went through various styles in my teens and twenties, trying to find myself sartorially. Around about age 30, I went back to the clothes (and hairstyle) my mother used to dress me in. Go figure.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Slightly on the subject...

If any of you think that the soundtrack to The Big Chill is blandly generic, then check out the songs on Guardians of the Galaxy. The soundtrack to that Marvel film makes The Big Chill look like the most edgy collection of songs ever put together on record. Guardians of the Galaxy is an awesomely fun and engaging film in so many ways, but that soundtrack...

Say whaaaat. It's the most popular soundtrack of the year. It has some great tunes on it.

[jmclick]

I just finished watching The Vanishing tonight for the first time. Wow! What an incredible movie.

But I do have a question relating to my copy of the film, and I was wondering if those who have seen it can help me? (Don't worry, there are no spoilers ahead.) In the scene in which Saskia buys the Frisbee, she has it in her hand one minute as if she's about to give it to the cashier, and suddenly (at 1:23:43), the Frisbee isn't there anymore. Is my blu-ray faulty, or is this an intended effect?

Thank for helping me out here ...

[CPinheiro]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

I'd say Wings of Desire, Five Easy Pieces, Badlands/Days of Heaven (in fact everything from Malick) and Cria Cuervos.

Changing the subject, I just watched Les Yeux Sans Visage and it was much better than I expected! What a beautiful (and somehow scary) movie. Best movie I've seen over the last few months.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

The one film that I never would have seen had it not been for Criterion's release is Shoah; it simply was never accessible to me. I've discussed my profound reaction to that film in other posts, so I won't repeat myself here.

Films that impacted me when I first saw them, and have since been added to the Collection, include: Nashville, which influenced my thinking about the intersection of art, culture, entertainment and politics; Day of Wrath, which (together with Fritz Lang's Fury and Wellman's The Ox-Bow Incident), opened my eyes to the dangers inherent in mob violence, mass hysteria, and the abuse of authority; Paths of Glory, which affected my thinking about military structure; and The Times of Harvey Milk, which really helped me to understand what being a minority can entail and helped me to reject some of the prejudices that I had absorbed while growing up as a sheltered, middle-class, male baby boomer in the American South.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by jmclick

But I do have a question relating to my copy of the film, and I was wondering if those who have seen it can help me? (Don't worry, there are no spoilers ahead.) In the scene in which Saskia buys the Frisbee, she has it in her hand one minute as if she's about to give it to the cashier, and suddenly (at 1:23:43), the Frisbee isn't there anymore. Is my blu-ray faulty, or is this an intended effect?

Thank for helping me out here ...

The issue with the Frisbee seems to be inherent to the film because it was also on the previous DVD release. It's most likely just an oversight in editing or a missing frame.

Here's the film's thread where it was discussed at one point, as well.

Scroll about half way down where the conversation begins.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

The issue with the Frisbee seems to be inherent to the film because it was also on the previous DVD release. It's most likely just an oversight in editing or a missing frame.

Here's the film's thread where it was discussed at one point, as well.

Scroll about half way down where the conversation begins.

I did one of those quick "thank you" things, but somehow, that doesn't seem a sufficient expression of my sincere appreciation for your efforts in locating and linking to the previous discussion on this issue. That was "above and beyond" and I'm deeply grateful to you.

Here's wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season and all the best throughout the coming new year!

[WonderWeasel]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

1. 'The Big Sleep' This one opened my eyes to the golden age of Hollywood. The dialogue is some of the greatest I have ever heard in a movie.

2. 'Once Upon a Time in America' My favorite gangster film of all-time. Beautiful cinematography.

3. 'Inherit the Wind' Spencer Tracy doesn't get much better than this. Plus, I love the whole "logic vs. Faith" argument.

4. 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' Yes, it's a bit sappy and sentimental, but no film has made me sob more than the last 15 minutes of 'Hachi'.

5. 'Come and See' Elem Klimov's WWII saga is emotionally draining. The psychological toll the war takes on Florya (the main character) is frightening and mentally taxing. I felt a little bit shell-shocked after watching it the first time. It is a difficult movie to get through in one sitting.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

Have you watched Mike Leigh's Naked? The first time I saw that, it BLEW ME AWAY. It's still probably my favorite Criterion release to date. It's certainly a life-changing film because it shows the possibilities of how a "bum" can transcend in society (without transcending). It's just insane a film.

[WonderWeasel]

I told myself I was done with Criterion purchases until after Christmas, but I talked myself into buying 'Kagemusha' and blind buying 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp'. Okay, now I'm done until after Christmas lol.

Has anyone seen 'Col. Blimp'? I haven't seen much Powell & Pressburger ('Black Narcissus' several years ago is the extent of my exposure), but the plot really grabbed my attention.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

I told myself I was done with Criterion purchases until after Christmas, but I talked myself into buying 'Kagemusha' and blind buying 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp'. Okay, now I'm done until after Christmas lol.

Has anyone seen 'Col. Blimp'? I haven't seen much Powell & Pressburger ('Black Narcissus' several years ago is the extent of my exposure), but the plot really grabbed my attention.

Col. Blimp is wonderful. I love it so much!

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

What are some great 'life changing' films in collection? This will obviously be a bit personal and vary - just want to see more films that make you think, and question yourself and your life, I know it sounds corny but oh well :P

It's hard to explain, but like something that questions everything you believe and makes you see things on a different scale...

I'm not looking for a list of your fave films in collection, but something more than that, even if its just one film . Even if its a certain scene form a film, let me know which or post a clip!

Will be exciting to see what people suggest!

There are definitely a few, but without question the film which had the most impact on me -- in every conceivable way -- is Three Colors: Red.

I think Top 10 lists and the like are pretty silly when we're dealing with a medium that has produced output for more than a century. But if someone held a gun to my head and I had to choose the Best Film Ever, it would be Red. I think Kieslowski, even given the amazing quality of his resumé, was at the absolute top of his game here. It's one of the most beautifully constructed films I've ever seen.

Irène Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant are magnificent. The film's story captures just about every element that a human being encounters in life. The discussions are striking and engaging.

The entire film lingered with me for days and days, and I've never spent much time at all without thinking about it, even if for a short time. I think it speaks to the human experience and condition more than anything else I've witnessed. If an alien landed on Earth and asked me about what it means to be a human being, I would show him Red.

Well, OK, I'd also give him a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare. But Red is shorter.

[schan1269]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

There are definitely a few, but without question the film which had the most impact on me -- in every conceivable way -- is Three Colors: Red.

I think Top 10 lists and the like are pretty silly when we're dealing with a medium that has produced output for more than a century. But if someone held a gun to my head and I had to choose the Best Film Ever, it would be Red. I think Kieslowski, even given the amazing quality of his resumé, was at the absolute top of his game here. It's one of the most beautifully constructed films I've ever seen.

Irène Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant are magnificent. The film's story captures just about every element that a human being encounters in life. The discussions are striking and engaging.

The entire film lingered with me for days and days, and I've never spent much time at all without thinking about it, even if for a short time. I think it speaks to the human experience and condition more than anything else I've witnessed. If an alien landed on Earth and asked me about what it means to be a human being, I would show him Red.

Well, OK, I'd also give him a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare. But Red is shorter.

Red is the one most people consider the best of the three.

Watching all three...is a right of passage.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by schan1269

Red is the one most people consider the best of the three.

Watching all three...is a right of passage.

It truly is.

And it is interesting, as I've often wondered if Red would have had the same impact if I had seen it "out of context" so to speak; what if I hadn't seen Blue then seen White then seen Red?

The fact is, that's a question I'll never be able to answer, since I did seem them in order, over the course of one night and one morning. I watched Blue and White one night, then went to sleep. The next morning I awoke, put in Red and watched it.

So that question will always be an unanswered curiosity.