The Criterion Collection

[jw007]

Seeing that I had 322 loyalty points, I had to go for it during this flash sale.

I ended up purchasing

An Autumn Afternoon (blu-ray)
Belle de Jour (blu-ray)
The Fire Within (dvd)
______________________________
$54.91 total (with free shipping)

The last 2 I had been wanting to buy for the longest time now and not long ago I was told that Belle de Jour is an essential film to own in the collection, and the only other Bunuel film I own is the now out of print The Milky Way, which I enjoyed. The Malle film, The Fire Within, had been on my radar forever and I'm a huge fan of his.

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I have never been a fan of his style nor his vision. All of the films that I've seen (aside from Accattone) feel overly sexualized to the point that the meaning he is intending to convey is lost.

That's just my opinion, though, as I know there are many here who do admire him.

Well I'm asking for your opinion, so no need to remind me of that, lol. I still remember your play-by-play of In the Realm of the Senses, which to this day has kept me away from it. Is that similar to what you're talking about when you say "overly sexualized"?

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

sounds like you know what you're getting into then. having done the research, it sounds like you will enjoy it.

if you do, then see Bertolucci's The Conformist which is a man amongst boys in its genre.

You're instilling doubt in me, bwdowiak!

Originally Posted by octagon

Aside from the subject matter there aren't really a lot of similarities between the two.

Purple Noon plays (and looks) like a top-tier Hitchcock.

To me, Investigation played like a middle-tier Columbo episode. And that's not a slam, exactly, I love Columbo and Investigation obviously has more to it than that but that was kind of my gut level reaction to it.

Purple Noon is fun and stylish and takes the subject matter seriously but with a slightly whimsical edge (which is perfect for an adaptation of a Ripley story). Investigation is a little more dour and drab. I'm not sorry I bought it and I'll undoubtedly give it another look at some point but I'm in no real rush either.

That's a very good way of concisely summing up Purple Noon, and why I really enjoy it: for me, cinema doesn't get any better than top-tier Hitchcock (my favorite director).

I'm not expecting Investigation to be lush, colorful, beautiful to look at, fun, etc. I guess it really is just the subject matter and location that led me to make the connection between the two.

Originally Posted by iScottie

I'm right there with you.

When the movie began, I found myself increasingly fascinated with the direction that it was heading in. Can a person with some authority commit heinous, unthinkable acts and not raise any eyebrows? It was a question that lingered for me throughout its duration as it felt like an examination of a sociopath in a lot of ways. By the end of the film, though, I too found it to be both dour and drab.

Hmmm... you guys are starting to give me doubts. Looks like Investigation's reception is a bit mixed here (I discount Dr. Svet's reviews because, although they're well worth reading, he tends to rave about Criterion's films a lot more than I would).

I need at least a 3rd movie to go along with the 2 Powell/Pressburgers that I'll be picking up. I was planning to take another look at Criterion's Blu-ray catalog anyway so that's my next course of action.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Infernal King

Well I'm asking for your opinion, so no need to remind me of that, lol. I still remember your play-by-play of In the Realm of the Senses, which to this day has kept me away from it. Is that similar to what you're talking about when you say "overly sexualized"?

The sex in In the Realm of the Senses, while over the top, seems to serve the story. Pasolini, in comparison, seems to add it in just for the sake of being as graphic as possible. There are many instances in his films where he can restrain himself and not be so direct.

Originally Posted by Infernal King

Hmmm... you guys are starting to give me doubts. Looks like Investigation's reception is a bit mixed here (I discount Dr. Svet's reviews because, although they're well worth reading, he tends to rave about Criterion's films a lot more than I would).

I need at least a 3rd movie to go along with the 2 Powell/Pressburgers that I'll be picking up. I was planning to take another look at Criterion's Blu-ray catalog anyway so that's my next course of action.

I admire Pro-B's reviews because he explores the merits of the film in terms of the overall package. That being said, I doubt he enjoys each and every one, but it's possible that he does (I guess).

Browse the Blu-ray catalogue and then let us know which ones you're interested in.

[Namuhana]

Ah, I couldn't help myself. In addition to The Lady Vanishes, Cronos, and Ministry of Fear, I decided to pick up The Great Beauty as well. Which means I'll probably be skipping the July B&N sale, but oh well.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by jw007

Seeing that I had 322 loyalty points, I had to go for it during this flash sale.

I ended up purchasing

An Autumn Afternoon (blu-ray)
Belle de Jour (blu-ray)
The Fire Within (dvd)
______________________________
$54.91 total (with free shipping)

The last 2 I had been wanting to buy for the longest time now and not long ago I was told that Belle de Jour is an essential film to own in the collection, and the only other Bunuel film I own is the now out of print The Milky Way, which I enjoyed. The Malle film, The Fire Within, had been on my radar forever and I'm a huge fan of his.

you did good, JW.. I like your choices.

[GxyExpress999]

La dolce vita is OOS.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by iScottie

The sex in In the Realm of the Senses, while over the top, seems to serve the story. Pasolini, in comparison, seems to add it in just for the sake of being as graphic as possible. There are many instances in his films where he can restrain himself and not be so direct.

I admire Pro-B's reviews because he explores the merits of the film in terms of the overall package. That being said, I doubt he enjoys each and every one, but it's possible that he does (I guess).

Browse the Blu-ray catalogue and then let us know which ones you're interested in.

You could say the same about violence in films, no? Sex is sex, it's natural, why are people so prudish and fear sex in films, yet violence, murder, torture etc etc is acceptable?

Makes no sense to me, sex is sex, it natural, we all do it - so why are people so scared of it lol?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Namuhana

Ah, I couldn't help myself. In addition to The Lady Vanishes, Cronos, and Ministry of Fear, I decided to pick up The Great Beauty as well. Which means I'll probably be skipping the July B&N sale, but oh well.

Great choice. The Great Beauty is undoubtedly my favorite film of 2013.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iScottie

The sex in In the Realm of the Senses, while over the top, seems to serve the story. Pasolini, in comparison, seems to add it in just for the sake of being as graphic as possible. There are many instances in his films where he can restrain himself and not be so direct.

We can both agree that there is nothing subtle in a Pasolini film (much the same as Fellini). I personally find both filmmakers very exploitative. I won't apologize for lending my opinion, however general it may me.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

You could say the same about violence in films, no? Sex is sex, it's natural, why are people so prudish and fear sex in films, yet violence, murder, torture etc etc is acceptable?

Makes no sense to me, sex is sex, it natural, we all do it - so why are people so scared of it lol?

Who is saying anything about a fear of sex?

I'm simply stating my opinion that by excessively incorporating sex into a film (which can also be applied to violence, drug abuse, profanity, and the like), it can take away from a film's overall message.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Makes no sense to me, sex is sex, it natural, we all do it - so why are people so scared of it lol?

Not everyone does it. Ask some of those Carthusian monks in the French alps if they do it. They don't.

(In case anyone is interested, this is an amazing documentary too: Into Great Silence)

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Infernal King

You're instilling doubt in me, bwdowiak!

I'm not expecting Investigation to be lush, colorful, beautiful to look at, fun, etc. I guess it really is just the subject matter and location that led me to make the connection between the two.

Hmmm... you guys are starting to give me doubts. Looks like Investigation's reception is a bit mixed here (I discount Dr. Svet's reviews because, although they're well worth reading, he tends to rave about Criterion's films a lot more than I would).

I need at least a 3rd movie to go along with the 2 Powell/Pressburgers that I'll be picking up. I was planning to take another look at Criterion's Blu-ray catalog anyway so that's my next course of action.

I usually don't research as extensively as you do (or so it seems,) but I think that if you've watched a trailer and read enough to know what you're getting into, then you'll be ok. I didn't dislike it by any means and it sounds like Scottie and octagon didn't either.

give us a few more to choose from. you said that you wanted to expand your library of films from the 70's... you've got the 2 Malick films, right?

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Who is saying anything about a fear of sex?

I'm simply stating my opinion that by excessively incorporating sex into a film, as can also be applied to violence, drug abuse, profanity, and the like, can take away from a film's overall message.

I wasn't saying you have a fear - but it comes across that majority of people fear seeing sex in films.

There are so many films out there that feature heavy drug use, have violence, terrorism etc yet they are hollywood blockbusters and people love them!

Yet you put a bit of sex in a film an make it look real and you become a pervert or exploitive. Yet terrorism, murder, violence etc can be made as real as possible an don one cares.

Bugs me - Are you then saying Blue is the Warmest Color, Stranger by the Lake, Nymphomaniac etc are all bad film because they focus on sex? (just speaking of newer films, but there have been a lot of films based on sex). Well not a bad film, but don't work..?

Originally Posted by jw007

Not everyone does it. Ask some of those Carthusian monks in the French alps if they do it. They don't.

(In case anyone is interested, this is an amazing documentary too: Into Great Silence)

Ok I correct myself, the majority do even if its not sex with a partner I'm sure majority touch themselves and have fantasies. Even the prudes!

[Feiereisel]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Great choice. The Great Beauty is undoubtedly my favorite film of 2013.

Such a fantastic experience. I'm not sure I quite "got" it on my first viewing, but I've been warmly recollecting it off and on for probably a year now--hard to ask for more from a movie.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I wasn't saying you have a fear - but it comes across that majority of people fear seeing sex in films.

There are so many films out there that feature heavy drug use, have violence, terrorism etc yet they are hollywood blockbusters and people love them!

Yet you put a bit of sex in a film an make it look real and you become a pervert or exploitive. Yet terrorism, murder, violence etc can be made as real as possible an don one cares.

Bugs me - Are you then saying Blue is the Warmest Color, Stranger by the Lake, Nymphomaniac etc are all bad film because they focus on sex? (just speaking of newer films, but there have been a lot of films based on sex).

I have not seen Stranger in the Lake, but I think Blue is the Warmest Color uses sex in a tasteful manner. It may be a little extreme at times, but it seems to only enhance their relationship if anything else.

Regarding Nymphomaniac, I did not care for it because I found the entire thing to be stupid, laughable, and barbaric. The director's cut did make me hate Lars von Trier, though, because of the abortion sequence. Without making this into an abortion or pro life debate, I will simply state that I have a hard time believing that anyone will not be bothered by the scene. It's simply Lars von Trier stooping to an entirely new low. Where can he go from there?

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I wasn't saying you have a fear - but it comes across that majority of people fear seeing sex in films.

There are so many films out there that feature heavy drug use, have violence, terrorism etc yet they are hollywood blockbusters and people love them!

Yet you put a bit of sex in a film an make it look real and you become a pervert or exploitive. Yet terrorism, murder, violence etc can be made as real as possible an don one cares.

Bugs me - Are you then saying Blue is the Warmest Color, Stranger by the Lake, Nymphomaniac etc are all bad film because they focus on sex? (just speaking of newer films, but there have been a lot of films based on sex). Well not a bad film, but don't work..?

it is almost too much in Blue.. by the time the film ended, I reconsidered and figured that it was justified.

Stranger by the Lake is a phenomenal film that many probably won't see either because of the explicit sex or because of the fact that it is explicit homosexual sex. glad to say that it didn't bother me a bit.. it was explicit, but not gratuitous, I don't think... and I'm certainly glad that I saw the movie.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I have not seen Stranger in the Lake, but I think Blue is the Warmest Color uses sex in a tasteful manner. It may be a little extreme at times, but it seems to only enhance their relationship if anything else.

Regarding Nymphomaniac, I did not care for it because I found the entire thing to be *stupid, laughable, and barbaric. The director's cut did make me hate Lars von Trier, though, because of the abortion sequence. Without making this into an abortion or pro life debate, I will simply state that I have a hard time believing that anyone will not be bothered by the scene. It's simply Lars von Trier stooping to an entirely new low. Where can he go from there?

That's the point of the film lol*

I guess you aren't a fan of Gasper Noe, but what is wrong with a filmmaker touching a taboo subject and showing it - these subjects DO happen in places and its a real thing which never get attention, as grotesque as it is, but sometimes it needs to be shown.

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

it is almost too much in Blue.. by the time the film ended, I reconsidered and figured that it was justified.

Stranger by the Lake is a phenomenal film that many probably won't see either because of the explicit sex or because of the fact that it is explicit homosexual sex. glad to say that it didn't bother me a bit.. it was explicit, but not gratuitous, I don't think... and I'm certainly glad that I saw the movie.

Glad you enjoyed Stranger, its a superb film and I love when you get brave filmmakers that are not scared to show new stuff and touch material/subjects that others are embarrassed/scared of.

Would be a nice addition to collection ;P had to say it.

It just bugs me people make a HUGE deal about sex in films, yet violence, drugs, gore, murder etc etc is never commented on as much as sex which is so natural and normal, more so than the other thing shown in film.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

Oh, I've wanted to see The Plague Dogs for a long time. From what I've gathered, it's more disturbing than Watership Down on every level. Hopefully it'll affect me as much as I think, I'm a bit of an emotional masochist in that way I suppose.

giddy

Same. Fellow emotional masochist here.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

That's the point of the film lol*

I agree that there is something missing in that viewpoint, and I can totally see a dislike for Pasolini fading into the same deal for Trier. I mean, for the works being discussed, the foundation of these films is "low" "going too far". Without doing that they do not work. I guess if you are expecting a classy film about compulsive sex or the things a film like Salo has you dissecting, you will be left hating these guys. Even disliking their work, having a knowledge of film craft should not leave you with hatred because they are still well made films. I'm sure people would lump a lot of films into the same category as a Salo or Antichrist, that shouldn't be simply based on technical and artistic merit.

I also agree how ridiculous it is that oyu can show guys being shot in head, fill your movie with cuss words and pass with PG-13 but put a vagina on screen and it's R or worse.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

It just bugs me people make a HUGE deal about sex in films, yet violence, drugs, gore, murder etc etc is never commented on as much as sex which is so natural and normal, more so than the other thing shown in film.

I hear what you are saying and I agree with you, too. But it doesn't sound like anybody HERE is of this opinion.

I think the use of vulgarities in Chasing Amy is absolutely absurd. I curse as much as the next guy, but I thought it was excessive and not natural sounding. So, it doesn't matter what it is, excess is excess.