The Criterion Collection

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Reddington

A low-key, unglamorous and downbeat crime film, with a tremendous performance by Mitchum. It was filmed entirely on location - coincidentally, some of it around where I lived in Massachusetts from 2002-2014.

[Show spoiler]The heist at the beginning was filmed at my local bank. Interestingly, the interior hadn't changed that much in the 30-plus years since filming. Plenty of other local scenes that added to my personal enjoyment.

Definitely recommended as a great example of 70's "gritty" realism.

Thanks!

...the question above is for you as well.

[Shout92]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Does it feel like the kind of movie you'd want to revisit on a semi-consistent basis?

Yes. The only thing making me put it off is the lack of any substantial special features.

(Also, I edited my earlier comment after you quoted it.)

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Does it feel like the kind of movie you'd want to revisit on a semi-consistent basis?

Most definitely. I'm a big fan of 70's crime drama and thrillers: The French Connection; The Seven-Ups; The Taking of Pelham One Two Three; The Parallax View; The Conversation, etc.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle, while less mainstream than any of the above, certainly stands up well to repeated viewing.

[SkyAntoine]

Finally got a chance to watch Persona today. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading articles about everyone's interpretation of the film. Nothing like getting totally engrossed in a Criterion title. Definitely a change from my wife's theater selection of Spy last night.
I'm following up tonight with 3 Women.

[Namuhana]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Finally got a chance to watch Persona today. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading articles about everyone's interpretation of the film. Nothing like getting totally engrossed in a Criterion title. Definitely a change from my wife's theater selection of Spy last night.
I'm following up tonight with 3 Women.

Out of all the Bergman films I've seen, I think Persona might just be my favorite. I was hoping for a Cowie commentary on the disc, but what he does with his piece on the intro was top-notch.

[tisdivine]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Finally got a chance to watch Persona today. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading articles about everyone's interpretation of the film. Nothing like getting totally engrossed in a Criterion title. Definitely a change from my wife's theater selection of Spy last night.
I'm following up tonight with 3 Women.

I know it's not criterion related but I have to say Melissa McCarthy is one of the funniest ladies alive in my opinion. Love her! Spy def not my favorite movie of hers but still pretty fun. Named my CocaPoo Molly after Mike & Molly. (Unfortunatly I'm also really into techno so all my raver friends assume I named her after ecstacy lol)

[Page14]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Finally got a chance to watch Persona today. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading articles about everyone's interpretation of the film. Nothing like getting totally engrossed in a Criterion title. Definitely a change from my wife's theater selection of Spy last night.
I'm following up tonight with 3 Women.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how (or if) these 2 films compare to each other. I've seen 3 Women before, but have never seen Persona. In fact, I don't own any Bergmans yet and have been tempted by Persona, but stayed away partly because I'm not sure how accessible it would be for me, being my first Bergman and all.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Finally got a chance to watch Persona today. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading articles about everyone's interpretation of the film. Nothing like getting totally engrossed in a Criterion title. Definitely a change from my wife's theater selection of Spy last night.
I'm following up tonight with 3 Women.

Arguably the most important art film ever made.

...just don't ask me to explain it.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Reddington

Most definitely. I'm a big fan of 70's crime drama and thrillers: The French Connection; The Seven-Ups; The Taking of Pelham One Two Three; The Parallax View; The Conversation, etc.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle, while less mainstream than any of the above, certainly stands up well to repeated viewing.

I was gonna ask how you felt it stacks up against some other classic crime-based films from the 70s.

...holds its own with French Connection, Mean Streets, Badlands etc.?

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Page14

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how (or if) these 2 films compare to each other. I've seen 3 Women before, but have never seen Persona. In fact, I don't own any Bergmans yet and have been tempted by Persona, but stayed away partly because I'm not sure how accessible it would be for me, being my first Bergman and all.

And how they both compare to Spy.

In all seriousness, I was surprised by how accessible Bergman was when I dove in. Persona might not be the best first one though?

Highly, highly recommend Fanny & Alexander.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by RojD

Art direction is impressive. The film has lots of interiors and muted tones, and it's tawdry in keeping with the characters.

It'll be good to hear how you respond to it. It's far more than an outstanding acting performance, though it is that. It really has a tone, and an outcome, that it earns. Something clicks here that doesn't work in Midnight Express or Sorcerer, though those movies are aiming at a similar target. And I think it's Eddie, as written and as acted, that gives the film such heft.

This is extremely helpful.

...thank you.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by octagon

I can certainly understand the people who see more Kurosawa on a wishlist and think 'yeah, he's great and all but there's more to world cinema than Kurosawa' but yeah, more Kurosawa - particularly more swordless Kurosawa - would be very welcome.

Well, he is probably the best director ever....def top five of all time (my opinion only of course . All his films should be on Blu. Today I purchased films from the three greats of Japanese cinema: Mizoguchi, Ozu and KuroSawa .

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by octagon

Let Me In (much like Nolan's Insomnia) was a perfectly serviceable remake but bite your tongue (or, I guess, fingers in this case).

if they're going that way at all Let the Right One In or bust.

I will grant you that it's been a good while since I've seen either, but I remember thinking that Let Me In was just as good. But like I said, it's been a while, and I probably need to revisit them both some night. Maybe I'll make that my Halloween viewing.

While we're on the subject of directors who need more (any?) Criterion releases, am I correct that Hou Hsiao-Hsien has zero at present? Given my almost non-existent knowledge of Asian cinema, I've never seen any of his films. But I am extremely excited about The Assassin coming out early next year (I think).

I've read a good deal of impressive things about his films, and I would love something to blind buy as my first look.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

And how they both compare to Spy.

In all seriousness, I was surprised by how accessible Bergman was when I dove in. Persona might not be the best first one though?

Highly, highly recommend Fanny & Alexander.

Yes, F & A is another that I've been tempted to try but held off, not sure if it's a good Bergman to get my feet wet with.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Page14

Yes, F & A is another that I've been tempted to try but held off, not sure if it's a good Bergman to get my feet wet with.

I love Bergman--Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, Persona.

...but i did not like Fanny and Alexander.

...at all.

[Scottie]

Fanny and Alexander is my favorite Bergman.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Page14

Yes, F & A is another that I've been tempted to try but held off, not sure if it's a good Bergman to get my feet wet with.

It was my second after Smiles of a Summer Night.

I feel like it is a great starting point though.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

I love Bergman--Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, Persona.

...but i did not like Fanny and Alexander.

...at all.

What didn't you like?

I haven't seen a Bergman film I haven't liked yet, but this is my favourite.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Fanny and Alexander is my favorite Bergman.

I've loved it too (i have seen the TV version).
This and Autumn Sonata are the only Bergman films I've seen.

I believe the first Christmas episode alone stands on its own, and I will make it a Christmas staple to watch every year, if I can't (or aren't in the mood to) watch the whole series.

I just wished the TV cut had the same quality with the theatrical cut!
http://caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergleich...ess=#vergleich

[darkness2918]

Thought id share everything ive grabbed from the sale since it started on the 7th until now. I still have like 4-5 id like to grab before the end. Its funny cause the only Criterion I owned before this sale started was only Rosemary's Baby which I got in a trade on here. Seems im becoming hooked lol. Its also a bit of a shame since im late to CC titles that some im interested in are OOP & are a bit pricey.