The Criterion Collection

[Joshitaka]

Originally Posted by jw007

Are there any films in the Criterion Collection anyone can recommend to me after experiencing a death of a loved one? My dad died a couple of weeks ago from cancer and I'm looking for a Criterion film that explores characters coping with death. If its non-Criterion, list one too if possible? Thanks.

If you're into science fiction at all, and you like art films, then I would recommend Tarkovsky's Solaris.

Not sure it will make you feel better, though. However, it's a magnificent film.

[moviflicilm]

Originally Posted by jw007

Are there any films in the Criterion Collection anyone can recommend to me after experiencing a death of a loved one? My dad died a couple of weeks ago from cancer and I'm looking for a Criterion film that explores characters coping with death. If its non-Criterion, list one too if possible? Thanks.

Though it's unavailable till the next few weeks, A Matter of Life and Death is a powerful exploration from the British masters which is a celebration on the meaningful time we spend of our time on Earth. It does the trick every viewing, which I planned every year or two during the holidays.


Sorry to hear about your father passing.

[glennstl]

Originally Posted by jw007

Are there any films in the Criterion Collection anyone can recommend to me after experiencing a death of a loved one? My dad died a couple of weeks ago from cancer and I'm looking for a Criterion film that explores characters coping with death. If its non-Criterion, list one too if possible? Thanks.

I’m sorry for your loss. Hopefully you can find some good movies to help you through these times.

My two non-Criterion I go to when I want to remember my dad is Frequency ( the ending gets me every time...plus the idea of time travel any of us can relate to when thinking about a loved one.

Also, whether a sports fan or not, Field of Dreams. It’s a baseball movie but not really....it’s all about the relationship between sons and dads. And the last scene... I always tear up, it’s beautiful.

Best wishes to you.

[jw007]

You guys are all great... Thanks for the recommendations.. I have many of these films in my collection and have seen a number of them in fact. It's always great seeing what films people recommend in a time of mourning. I always feel that cinema is a tool for healing.

I also often feel that Terrence Malick's movies are cathartic and healing, especially The New World and The Thin Red Line, as well as The Tree of Life as there are uplifting endings (focusing on nature) to all of these films that explore life and death.

Field of Dreams is an amazing film indeed regarding the father/son relationship and I wanted to watch this with my dad one last time before he passed, but I didn't get the chance. Thanks for the tip glennstl.

belcherman: Ingmar Bergman films at this time I feel will prob. just make me more depressed so I might avoid Cries and Whispers for now. I recently watched Breaking the Waves which is an awfully depressing film about death too.

The Last Temptation of Christ and All that Jazz are two of my top 20 favorite movies in the Criterion Collection. I like your taste, CinemaBlu.

zoodermin: Yes, this might be a great time to revisit Three Colors: Blue too.

moviflicilm: Great recommendation on A Matter of Life and Death. Been wanting to watch this one too.

Joshitaka: Solaris is beautiful, but I'll tell you the truth, I get more out of the Soderbergh version than the Tarkovsky one for some reason.

Abdrewes: Magnolia is always one I think of, esp. those intense scenes between Tom Cruise and Jason Robards. Thanks for that comprehensive list.

SammyJankis: I'll take a look at Maborosi if I can.

hoytereden: My Life as a Dog I will revisit.

GenPion: Apu Trilogy is a great idea.

anthonyls: Wow, never heard of 45 Years, might be interesting.

outapckt: Ikiru: good one too.

Gacivory: Fanny and Alexander, huh? I guess it might indeed be time to get back into some Bergman.

[Richard--W]

I don't believe there is a Criterion title that helps cope with death.

Gilbert Cates' I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER (1970) based on the Robert Anderson play is a good film on the topic. Only on DVD. It goes there and digs in deep, but I'd find it a hard watch while grieving. I don't recommend it at this time. Save it for later, when his passing doesn't hurt so much.

https://www.amazon.com/I-Never-Sang-...9909744&sr=8-1

Mike Nichols' WIT (2000) starring Emma Thompson as a woman who is dying of cancer is hyper-real. Only on DVD.

There are some short books you can read that will help more than a movie on the topic. Just type coping with death into the search mode on amazon and see what comes up.

Other than that, I'd say watch the ten funniest movies ever made and just laugh. Laugh without restraint. Laugh with abandon. Laughter is a tremendous healer.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Richard--W

Other than that, I'd say watch the ten funniest movies ever made and just laugh. Laugh without restraint. Laugh with abandon. Laughter is a tremendous healer.

Superb advice. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. I'm going to dust off some old Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder movies... and hell, maybe some Cheech and Chong while I'm at it too.

[Richard--W]

I just bought RHINOCEROUS (1974) with Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel, a comedy in the American Film Theater series. The shot the play cinematically. I haven't seen it since it played theaters.

Try some comedies you haven't seen before, where you don't know what's coming.

Blake Edwards' THE PARTY (1968), practically the story of my life.

[koberulz]

The Party is the only movie I've ever turned off halfway through.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by Richard--W

Blake Edwards' THE PARTY (1968), practically the story of my life.

I’ve suffered through The Party, that’s not a thing I’d be admitting to

[Hazel Motes]

I don't really follow things like who owns the rights to what movie and who doesn't license to who etc. But I know some of you guys have your nose close to the grindstone on matters like this, so I ask:

Is there anything that indicates Criterion might upgrade their Jules Dassin dvd's to blu. Specifically Brute Force, Naked City and Thieves Highway. I've been contemplating selling my dvd's and picking up the discs Arrow released on Blu. But I've been hesitant thinking a Criterion release might be right around the corner.

Any insight?

Cheers.

[minister_x]

No insights (from me) about when they might release them, but Brute Force and The Naked City are in HD on iTunes (and presumably Filmstruck?) so I would say there's a strong chance they will get the upgrade... but that could be months away or it could be years away.

[sawdustandtinsel]

Originally Posted by Hazel Motes

I don't really follow things like who owns the rights to what movie and who doesn't license to who etc. But I know some of you guys have your nose close to the grindstone on matters like this, so I ask:

Is there anything that indicates Criterion might upgrade their Jules Dassin dvd's to blu. Specifically Brute Force, Naked City and Thieves Highway. I've been contemplating selling my dvd's and picking up the discs Arrow released on Blu. But I've been hesitant thinking a Criterion release might be right around the corner.

Any insight?

Cheers.

I think both Brute Force and The Naked City will be upgraded (they are still listed on Janus). I believe Thieves Highway is still with Fox so I'm not sure on that one. Either way you could be waiting a while.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Richard--W

Mike Nichols' WIT (2000) starring Emma Thompson as a woman who is dying of cancer is hyper-real. Only on DVD.

It's on HBO Now as well (I think the stream I watched was in HD too).

[SteelyTom]

I'm thinking of adding Sex, Lies and Videotape to my pile during the July B&N sale, but I'm curious-- having seen it only once during its initial theatrical release, how does the film itself hold up? (Obviously the new transfer sounds very appealing, to judge by the site review.)

[Reddington]

The Hit is one of my favourite Criterion releases. Just read that it is being shown in NYC in July, where the lucky attendees can get to meet Terence Stamp:

http://metrograph.com/film/film/1405/the-hit

Unfortunately I won't be able to get down from Boston for it, but hope someone here can make it and report back. Great film and incredible cast.

[BenOswald]

Originally Posted by jw007

Are there any films in the Criterion Collection anyone can recommend to me after experiencing a death of a loved one? My dad died a couple of weeks ago from cancer and I'm looking for a Criterion film that explores characters coping with death. If its non-Criterion, list one too if possible? Thanks.

I recommend Beginners (2010). Not on Criterion.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by Reddington

The Hit is one of my favourite Criterion releases. Just read that it is being shown in NYC in July, where the lucky attendees can get to meet Terence Stamp:

http://metrograph.com/film/film/1405/the-hit

Looks cool - pity about DVD only though.

That link reminds me, all these years and still no Blu-ray of The Limey

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by lemonski

Looks cool - pity about DVD only though.

That link reminds me, all these years and still no Blu-ray of The Limey

Wonder why Criterion hasn't upgraded the Hit yet? A great film.

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by Reddington

The Hit is one of my favourite Criterion releases. Just read that it is being shown in NYC in July, where the lucky attendees can get to meet Terence Stamp:

http://metrograph.com/film/film/1405/the-hit

Unfortunately I won't be able to get down from Boston for it, but hope someone here can make it and report back. Great film and incredible cast.

$40? Come on now.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Hoke Moseley

$40? Come on now.

A portion of that $40 will undoubtedly go to Terrance Stamp's appearance fee/hotel accommodations. When my local cinematheque brings in someone famous the ticket cost usually doesn't exceed $15. Not even for Willem Dafoe.