The Criterion Collection

[Roninblues]

Originally Posted by Gusto-Guus

The hidden fortress always sells out on Amazon.

As I've said before, hope we get an upgrade for Samurai Rebellion.

... and The Human Condition.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

The recent passing of David Bowie makes me wish I got The Man Who Fell To Earth when it was still in-print.

Anybody know how the import versions are? I'm kinda leaning towards ordering the Italian version if it's region-free.

Might have to rewatch Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence when I get home.

The UK release is just as good as the CC A/V wise, so much so I bought it and sold my copy of the CC.

I've been at a huge loss of words over Bowie's death. I don't know what I can add to the discussion at this point other than I'm completely saddened while still very appreciative of the work he gave us and its impact on my life. RIP

[bwdowiak]

@skyantoine - I, too, succumbed to the sterility that is A Room With a View. I really wanted to like it and cannot precisely pinpoint why I didn't connect with it, but nevertheless, I didn't. It seems like a good film and the presentation is stylistic and admirable, but nope - not my thing.

Still Walking saved the weekend, though... as did my viewing of 24 Hour Party People. a lot of irony w/ Bowie passing (again - maybe its just that Bowie is omnipresent.) there is a scene early in the film where a few characters are sitting around (drunk, it seems) and one character is tearing down posters from the wall and takes down a poster of David Bowie. the other character says, "c'mon? Bowie?" and the other guy says, "yes.. Bowie."

and then the way they covered Ian Curtis's death brought me to a great deal of tears. I had seen the film before - probably 10 plus years ago, at least, and I'm near certain I didn't cry at all.

[The Great Owl]

I'm watching the David Bowie performance in the 1981 movie, Christiane F. This would be an interesting choice for a Criterion title, methinks.

[Ausjdm]

The weekend review:

Horrible news with David Bowie passing. My god, What an Amazing artist, actor and musician. Labyrinth my sis and I grew up on that film! Somehow I gotta get a ticket for Lazarus up in NYC... RIP...

I saw Phoenix Saturday. It just didn't do it for me. Maybe I heard so much about the end it all felt flat.

Golden globes-
This years show felt all over the place. Maybe too much alcohol was flowing.

Too much bleeping! (maybe we should move it to Ifc so we hear the complete show)
Wow there was some terrible speeches. Sly forgetting Jordan? Denzel I love the guy but what was that? QT saying Ennio never won an award. (Uh He won for 1900) The always imo annoying Jamie Foxx hogging camera time.. (also Straight out of Compton can't win Original Score) The Martian best comedy uh ok? When Mel Gibson came out I was like there goes Mad Max's shot at winning thanks guys...

I'm glad Brie Larson and Leo won. Inarritu does it again! I think every movie he's done has been nominated incredible career he's build. Damn Thank you foreign press for having Katy Perry present an award. And wow Ridley Scott never won an award before Sunday really? Tom Hardy better be nominated Thursday!

Much re-watch, The Man who fell to Earth this weekend (shoutout to JW who sold me his old DVD CC edition years ago)

[pedromvu]

After the somewhat recent talk about To the Wonder and Ben Affleck I decided it was time to revisit.

And found myself frustrated, I really can't give it more than 3/5 even if this time it was a bit of a better experience since I didn't had to be wondering about the plot that I thought I was missing the first time.

The Tree of Life has so many great moments and small things one can relate to, that this is the most problematic aspect I see, this one focuses on such an specific topic that it is harder to relate.

Being non-religious I find the last 20 minutes hard to take, it feels like a preachy christian film.

I can't complain about Affleck though, his role really doesn't demand much as it was Sean Penn's in TTOL, he hardly says anything and the camera almost never focus on his face as the main thing on a scene, the problem is the character, maybe it was supposed to be more interesting and was cut for some reason but his character is mostly empty, he's just there for the ladies to fall for and then break-up with them for no reason.

At least I did found an outstanding sequence that rivals some of TTOL, I thought the whole part with Rachel McAdams where she falls in love with him was great, the bit with the Italian speaking girl I also liked, most other parts felt missing something for me, maybe I just need to live more before getting this.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

After the somewhat recent talk about To the Wonder and Ben Affleck I decided it was time to revisit.

And found myself frustrated, I really can't give it more than 3/5 even if this time it was a bit of a better experience since I didn't had to be wondering about the plot that I thought I was missing the first time.

The Tree of Life has so many great moments and small things one can relate to, that this is the most problematic aspect I see, this one focuses on such an specific topic that it is harder to relate.

Being non-religious I find the last 20 minutes hard to take, it feels like a preachy christian film.

I feel this part is so spot on, definitely agree.

I received the German blu-ray of Knight of Cups a bit early and watched it 2 nights ago. I refrained from posting a review or comment on here because I didn't want to sound like a broken record after discussing TTW, however while watching it something hit me. This film would be so much better without A list or even B list actors. If you're going to use an actor I can immediately recognize, in roles with such loose (or fill in the blank) narratives and not have them talk, I have an incredibly hard time believing they are a different person/character in this story. At one point in Knight of Cups Bale's character is at a fancy party and one of the guests in the background is a comedian I recognized. The character says nothing and appears on screen for maybe 10 seconds, but it made my mind go off thinking about what he's been in and what his name was for about 5 minutes. It lead me to wondering what is the point of cramming these films with Hollywood movie stars, especially if you're not going to have them say one sentence let alone act? It can't be to draw ticket money, because just Bale and Malick's names would have been enough had the film resonated with audiences, and it;s hard to say it is because they're great actors because he's barely letting them act. It's a shame to me that I feel this way because there is so much in Knight of Cups that was good. There is a scene where it goes to black and white that is something unlike Malick has ever done before and he pulls it off magically. It's just that, like the rest of the film, it goes nowhere.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

After the somewhat recent talk about To the Wonder and Ben Affleck I decided it was time to revisit.

And found myself frustrated, I really can't give it more than 3/5 even if this time it was a bit of a better experience since I didn't had to be wondering about the plot that I thought I was missing the first time.

The Tree of Life has so many great moments and small things one can relate to, that this is the most problematic aspect I see, this one focuses on such an specific topic that it is harder to relate.

Being non-religious I find the last 20 minutes hard to take, it feels like a preachy christian film.

I can't complain about Affleck though, his role really doesn't demand much as it was Sean Penn's in TTOL, he hardly says anything and the camera almost never focus on his face as the main thing on a scene, the problem is the character, maybe it was supposed to be more interesting and was cut for some reason but his character is mostly empty, he's just there for the ladies to fall for and then break-up with them for no reason.

At least I did found an outstanding sequence that rivals some of TTOL, I thought the whole part with Rachel McAdams where she falls in love with him was great, the bit with the Italian speaking girl I also liked, most other parts felt missing something for me, maybe I just need to live more before getting this.

For the second time, I had the DVD in my hands at my local dollar store, and couldn't get myself to buy it. Not even for a buck. Like others, though, I like what Owl had to say about it.

Chances are, I'll pick it up again next time.

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

@skyantoine - I, too, succumbed to the sterility that is A Room With a View. I really wanted to like it and cannot precisely pinpoint why I didn't connect with it, but nevertheless, I didn't. It seems like a good film and the presentation is stylistic and admirable, but nope - not my thing.

I'm taking ball room dancing lessons and breaking for tea time each afternoon. Once my fanciness improves I'm going to revisit A Room With a View.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I feel this part is so spot on, definitely agree.

I received the German blu-ray of Knight of Cups a bit early and watched it 2 nights ago. I refrained from posting a review or comment on here because I didn't want to sound like a broken record after discussing TTW, however while watching it something hit me. This film would be so much better without A list or even B list actors. If you're going to use an actor I can immediately recognize, in roles with such loose (or fill in the blank) narratives and not have them talk, I have an incredibly hard time believing they are a different person/character in this story. At one point in Knight of Cups Bale's character is at a fancy party and one of the guests in the background is a comedian I recognized. The character says nothing and appears on screen for maybe 10 seconds, but it made my mind go off thinking about what he's been in and what his name was for about 5 minutes. It lead me to wondering what is the point of cramming these films with Hollywood movie stars, especially if you're not going to have them say one sentence let alone act? It can't be to draw ticket money, because just Bale and Malick's names would have been enough had the film resonated with audiences, and it;s hard to say it is because they're great actors because he's barely letting them act. It's a shame to me that I feel this way because there is so much in Knight of Cups that was good. There is a scene where it goes to black and white that is something unlike Malick has ever done before and he pulls it off magically. It's just that, like the rest of the film, it goes nowhere.

I understand the reaction to Knight of Cups (I'm a fan, to say the least), but this strikes me as a head scratcher. Sure, they may not be giving performances in the most conventional sense, but they are most certainly acting. I don't think you could put a non-actor in the lead role for a Malick film. He asks a lot from them, some of which cannot be done convincingly (Affleck is my only grievance with To the Wonder.) But Bale does it to such convincing effect. He handles those close-ups better than almost any male actor in his body of work: the silence, the expression, the reaction. I wouldn't mind if he was cast as the lead in everything he does hereon out, although I'm sure Gosling will do just fine.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

I may have to watch Labyrinth or The Hunger again tonight.

I'm sorry that I hadn't gotten around to getting the WAC BD of The Hunger, but I think Labyrinth will be a good choice.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

For the second time, I had the DVD in my hands at my local dollar store, and couldn't get myself to buy it. Not even for a buck. Like others, though, I like what Owl had to say about it.

Chances are, I'll pick it up again next time.

DVD? the movie at least is gorgeous to look at, and requires at least a blu-ray, I watched it in Netflix though, just to see if I was going to get the blu-ray, It's hard not to get it, since it is the only Malick missing in my collection, but I think I will avoid it for now.

[Al_The_Strange]

The Hunger looks great on Blu-Ray. Easy recommendation for an upgrade.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Ausjdm

The weekend review:

Horrible news with David Bowie passing. My god, What an Amazing artist, actor and musician. Labyrinth my sis and I grew up on that film! Somehow I gotta get a ticket for Lazarus up in NYC... RIP...

I saw Phoenix Saturday. It just didn't do it for me. Maybe I heard so much about the end it all felt flat.

Golden globes-
This years show felt all over the place. Maybe too much alcohol was flowing.

Too much bleeping! (maybe we should move it to Ifc so we hear the complete show)
Wow there was some terrible speeches. Sly forgetting Jordan? Denzel I love the guy but what was that? QT saying Ennio never won an award. (Uh He won for 1900) The always imo annoying Jamie Foxx hogging camera time.. (also Straight out of Compton can't win Original Score) The Martian best comedy uh ok? When Mel Gibson came out I was like there goes Mad Max's shot at winning thanks guys...

I'm glad Brie Larson and Leo won. Inarritu does it again! I think every movie he's done has been nominated incredible career he's build. Damn Thank you foreign press for having Katy Perry present an award. And wow Ridley Scott never won an award before Sunday really? Tom Hardy better be nominated Thursday!

Much re-watch, The Man who fell to Earth this weekend (shoutout to JW who sold me his old DVD CC edition years ago)

And I am much obliged!

I was fortunate to buy The Man Who Fell to Earth on blu-ray for $60 used at a local record shop and it was in pristine condition with the original digipack case too. After purchasing this, I didn't need the DVD any longer, which I originally bought for less than MSRP during a B&N sale a while back, before it went OOP.

I have to agree with you regarding the Golden Globes that there were too many great moments that were censored, especially the Ricky Gervais and Mel Gibson exchange on the stage. I guess Gervais said something incredibly provocative and if this had been aired on a cable station, we the audience could have enjoyed something special. I didn't watch the whole awards show but what I did catch was entertaining.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

After the somewhat recent talk about To the Wonder and Ben Affleck I decided it was time to revisit.

And found myself frustrated, I really can't give it more than 3/5 even if this time it was a bit of a better experience since I didn't had to be wondering about the plot that I thought I was missing the first time.

The Tree of Life has so many great moments and small things one can relate to, that this is the most problematic aspect I see, this one focuses on such an specific topic that it is harder to relate.

Being non-religious I find the last 20 minutes hard to take, it feels like a preachy christian film.

I can't complain about Affleck though, his role really doesn't demand much as it was Sean Penn's in TTOL, he hardly says anything and the camera almost never focus on his face as the main thing on a scene, the problem is the character, maybe it was supposed to be more interesting and was cut for some reason but his character is mostly empty, he's just there for the ladies to fall for and then break-up with them for no reason.

At least I did found an outstanding sequence that rivals some of TTOL, I thought the whole part with Rachel McAdams where she falls in love with him was great, the bit with the Italian speaking girl I also liked, most other parts felt missing something for me, maybe I just need to live more before getting this.

THIS IS unbelievably ironic...

Because last night after spending a while deciding on what movie to watch, I decided to finally check out To the Wonder, FINALLY.

I had heard so much about this being Malick's worst film, and to be honest, the story did not at all resonate with me. The worst part was, it kept reminding me about this beautiful woman I had met 13 years ago whom I experienced an intense but brief long distance relationship with. This is a woman who has refused to reconnect with me ever since, as the breakup was absolutely horrid. This emotional drama reminded me about To the Wonder, and Olga Kurylenko's character was an absolute drama queen and quite immature and naive too (just like the woman I had met 13 years ago). I just googled this actress and even more chilling is her birthday is only 3 months after the woman I had met 13 years ago, so no wonder she reminded me of her, with their similar Chinese "Year of the Goat" features and mannerisms.

Ben Affleck's character was devoid of meaning too. The film started out with these silly and sweeping love scenes of characters we DID NOT CARE about! It was totally sappy and schmaltzy. I kept watching this film, thinking back to The New World with those joyous, happy moments of the camera following characters like Pocahontas. The difference was, I cared about her character at the end of the story as opposed to the beginning. This film, To the Wonder, was a tone poem with no backbone.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

DVD? the movie at least is gorgeous to look at, and requires at least a blu-ray, I watched it in Netflix though, just to see if I was going to get the blu-ray, It's hard not to get it, since it is the only Malick missing in my collection, but I think I will avoid it for now.

it would have cost me $1.09. I know that you've got a big display, but I'd recommend anyone who stops at a Dollar Tree store to check out their DVD selection. I picked up Mira Nair's The Namesake and another recent film called Sugar, which is a phenomenal film.

I like paying next to nothing for new or like new films.. I don't care if they're on DVD. I'll still enjoy more than my money's worth.

[jw007]

I have so many thing to share and write here...

Wanted to mention I bought a DVD on Harry Dean Stanton called Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction, and I watched it a few nights ago and have to say it was just "okay". It had interviews with Wim Wenders, Sam Shepard, Kris Kristofferson, David Lynch and Deborah Harry. The big problem I had was the filmmaker, Sophie Huber, who did not stimulate Harry Dean Stanton quite enough for him to open up and talk. When he was with Kristofferson, he was more candid and trusting because they have been friends for over 50 years obviously. The documentary film was "spread out" containing too much filler with his voice over "artsy" images were contained in the film, especially in the beginning in its super slow start. We see him singing for more than 30 or 40% of the film too. I thought the best material was with Stanton's assistant Logan Sparks and "Mouse" who had really funny things to say about Stanton. It's not really a documentary but more of a "jam" or music session with clips of Stanton ruminating on life and society. His nihilistic belief in nothingness is very inspiring actually, and I was amazed at how much of a loner he's been all his life. Even at the age of nearly 90 (he turns that in July), he's as sharp as ever.

What this has to do with the Criterion thread is that there are many scenes of Paris, Texas shown in the movie and a lot of commentary from Wenders who talks about the character he played.

Harry Dean Stanton is very inspiring to me personally, and one of the best things he said about good advice for young actors is: "Play yourself".

I'm actually on my way to my very first acting class later tonight and look forward to seeing if I'm cut out as an actor!

[Al_The_Strange]

Had another thought of a Criterion movie that is-but-isn't related to David Bowie.

I watched Fat Girl some time last year for the first time. I thought it was alright - a bit of a slow and drab film, but the ending sucker-punched me pretty good. There is a part towards the end when they're all driving home and they turn the radio on, and it's Bowie's "The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell." It's kinda become one of my favorites - I have the song from the Stigmata soundtrack. When it plays in Fat Girl, the girl just says something to the effect of "turn it off, it's awful!"

So now when I see Fat Girl and that character, I think to myself "that fat little b*tch dissed on Bowie!"

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I understand the reaction to Knight of Cups (I'm a fan, to say the least), but this strikes me as a head scratcher. Sure, they may not be giving performances in the most conventional sense, but they are most certainly acting. I don't think you could put a non-actor in the lead role for a Malick film. He asks a lot from them, some of which cannot be done convincingly (Affleck is my only grievance with To the Wonder.) But Bale does it to such convincing effect. He handles those close-ups better than almost any male actor in his body of work: the silence, the expression, the reaction. I wouldn't mind if he was cast as the lead in everything he does hereon out, although I'm sure Gosling will do just fine.

I love Bale as an actor and have seen his abilities. Here he was very comparable to Sean Penn in Tree of Life. I can't imagine if you caught one of these guys on the street after they had a philosophical argument or something they would 'act' much differently, it honestly seems they're just playing themselves, but my opinion here may tie into the whole A list actor thing. Perhaps I just missed the subtlety of this performance. The only difference between the two characters/performances is that I feel Penn's scenes fit into the particular story Malick was telling much better and that film worked on a whole other level. One immensely positive thing I can say about Knight though is that it's absolutely gorgeous to look at.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

The Hunger looks great on Blu-Ray. Easy recommendation for an upgrade.

I'm sure it is. It's been in my WAC/WBShop wishlist ever since it was announced. Life's been hectic the past half-year plus, too many other desirable titles have been released, and I haven't bought any WAC BDs since the May 2015 releases. Part of it is that WBShop has apparently ditched the 5-for-$50 sales, and I haven't had the wherewithal to keep tracking prices at Amazon.