The Criterion Collection

[theater dreamer]

Oh no. I feel a twitch in my fingers. Long post incoming....

While I respect the opinion of each and every member of our little discussion group, this is one instance where I must vehemently disagree with the impression of a few posters. I am in no way challenging, or disputing their view of the movie. I am merely expressing a contrarian opinion.

Each person watches a film in the dark for two hours (time may vary depending on the film), and formulates their opinion based on a myriad of elements: what they saw on the screen, their personal experiences coming into the film, including, but not limited to feedback from other moviegoers, critics and reviewers. We all bring a litany of unique "tastes" to a movie, much like a chef brings ingredients to a recipe, as well as their own culinary training, and personal gastronomic preferences. We are all shaped, in our own way, by these various nuances.

As I have stated previously, I saw Star Wars (I will go to my grave refusing to call it A New Hope!) on opening day back in 1977. I was a wee Jedi-in-training of five years old, and Star Wars represented the first film I ever saw in the theaters. Some forty years later (on May 25th!!!), I still remember standing in line, gleefully waiting to get into my chair, sitting next to my father, who was stoic for all of three seconds, until the giant planet of Tattoine emerged on screen, and Leia's cruiser shot across the screen, followed by that massive Star Destroyer. That remains a very special memory, and since, I have watched Star Wars more times than I can count. I had every Kenner toy, and could have probably shot a movie for Lucas if I'd had a camera.

So, this film represented a return to a very special time. Rogue One, of course, exists a hair before the narrative of Star Wars. Knowing that it was in Disney's hands, I was slightly skeptical going in. I sat at the Flower Mound Movie House & Eatery, again, next to my father (this time it was my treat), and hoped that the film would at the very least emerge as a compelling addition to the Star Wars galaxy.

Instead of being bored, I found myself riveted from the very get go. I not only grew to care about the characters presented, I suffered emotionally when I learned of their fates. And, I could not wait to own the film. It came out Tuesday, and I'd planned on buying it then. I couldn't jump out of bed fast enough Wednesday, and rushed to Best Buy. The injection in my knee rendered me inert on release day, but I would no longer be denied.

I was fascinated by the film. The performances were strong. And Rogue One immersed me in the Star Wars universe in a way that I'd not felt since Jedi. I enjoyed Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens immensely. There were individual elements of the first two prequel films I really enjoyed, as well, though the films had too many weaker elements to consider them as being on par with the rest of the series. But Rogue One creates a whole new tangent for us fans. We know there are other films to follow, expanding on the characters and story arcs we already know and love. It's a film that I will enjoy time and time again; as a stand alone film, I thought it was very well done. As an homage to an earlier time, I thought it hit every note perfectly. Seeing the At-At Walkers again was a treat. Seeing Grand Moff Tarkin, and Princess Leia, Darth Vader et all...brought me back to my childhood. The very spirit of the Rebel Fleet, and the Force coursing throughout the film, was palpable.

I'll probably watch this at least another three times before the month is out. Disney has assuaged my fears. Now I can't wait to see Han Solo get his just day.

Originally Posted by MassiveMovieBuff

I wouldn't say it was because of that. It might have a little to do with that but honestly I thought Rogue One was a complete drag to sit through and frankly one of the worst films I've ever seen. It's like the film had no pulse whatsoever. I for one have never seen a movie where I was so disinterested in what was going on that my mind drifted throughout the entire film. There wasn't one character that interested me. I also found the samurai as some type of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character or something but it was awkward. I was very welcoming for something different in a Star Wars film but this wasn't it. I thought Rogue One sucked royally.

Yes, I will, as will millions of Star Wars universe fans who soak up everything to do with this Galaxy.

Originally Posted by Helikaon

Don't worry, no offence taken. In fact, I mostly agree with you. However, there are rudiments to storytelling, creating characters and their motivation, that A New Hope for the more part gets right. It's not a P.T. Anderson character study, but we understand immediately, intuitively, what Luke Skywalker or Han Solo are about through their first scenes. The introduction to the lead character in Rogue One: she wakes up, stands up, looks out her jail cell, end scene. In five years, who will even remember her name?

I very much enjoy The Breakfast Club, but would put it slightly below Fast Times on my nostalgia scale.

Originally Posted by baheidstu

If the New Years clue is correct and we are getting a Criterion release of Sixteen Candles, I would say that Fast Times is far more deserving of a Criterion release than that film. Fast Times is a smart comedy with heart and insight and is frankly far superior to any of the Hughes teen comedies of the 80s.

Those are gorgeous. I need to get them, and frame them, for my new place!

And count me among those who would love to see one done for City Lights, OilDude!!

Originally Posted by oildude

For anyone who appreciates high quality art prints based on films, a series of Charlie Chaplin prints was released today featuring the works of artists Tom Whalen, Jonathan Burton, Justin Erickson, and David Merveille. I bought all four. Criterion is well represented.

[Show spoiler]

Released by Nautilus Art Prints in Europe and available directly from them or through their US distributor Bottleneck Gallery in New York.


There will be a fifth released soon for Modern Times. These will hang on my walls alongside two other fantastic series released by Nautilus in the past couple of years featuring Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut.

I am hoping they commission a print for City Lights one of these days, my favorite Chaplin movie.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by willieconway

Shallow Grave is one of my all time favorites. I actually left the cinema maybe 20 minutes into it the first time I watched it, in '94 I think. Not because of the movie but I was pretty drunk and wanted to find a bar instead. I didn't attempt to watch it again until I got the Criterion BD. Now I love it.

Yes, I need to revisit my Criterion blu-ray edition of Shallow Grave again for sure. Have you seen Trance yet? I just requested it from the local library (and they have a blu-ray copy of it!).

[hoytereden]

Pretty nice book bargain on Amazon. Fellini:The Sixties is $12.66 currently, down from $65.

[UltraMario9]

I would love a Criterion or UHD release of my personal favourite Danny Boyle film, Sunshine.

[Helikaon]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Oh no. I feel a twitch in my fingers. Long post incoming....

While I respect the opinion of each and every member of our little discussion group, this is one instance where I must vehemently disagree with the impression of a few posters. I am in no way challenging, or disputing their view of the movie. I am merely expressing a contrarian opinion.

Each person watches a film in the dark for two hours (time may vary depending on the film), and formulates their opinion based on a myriad of elements: what they saw on the screen, their personal experiences coming into the film, including, but not limited to feedback from other moviegoers, critics and reviewers. We all bring a litany of unique "tastes" to a movie, much like a chef brings ingredients to a recipe, as well as their own culinary training, and personal gastronomic preferences. We are all shaped, in our own way, by these various nuances.

As I have stated previously, I saw Star Wars (I will go to my grave refusing to call it A New Hope!) on opening day back in 1977. I was a wee Jedi-in-training of five years old, and Star Wars represented the first film I ever saw in the theaters. Some forty years later (on May 25th!!!), I still remember standing in line, gleefully waiting to get into my chair, sitting next to my father, who was stoic for all of three seconds, until the giant planet of Tattoine emerged on screen, and Leia's cruiser shot across the screen, followed by that massive Star Destroyer. That remains a very special memory, and since, I have watched Star Wars more times than I can count. I had every Kenner toy, and could have probably shot a movie for Lucas if I'd had a camera.

So, this film represented a return to a very special time. Rogue One, of course, exists a hair before the narrative of Star Wars. Knowing that it was in Disney's hands, I was slightly skeptical going in. I sat at the Flower Mound Movie House & Eatery, again, next to my father (this time it was my treat), and hoped that the film would at the very least emerge as a compelling addition to the Star Wars galaxy.

Instead of being bored, I found myself riveted from the very get go. I not only grew to care about the characters presented, I suffered emotionally when I learned of their fates. And, I could not wait to own the film. It came out Tuesday, and I'd planned on buying it then. I couldn't jump out of bed fast enough Wednesday, and rushed to Best Buy. The injection in my knee rendered me inert on release day, but I would no longer be denied.

I was fascinated by the film. The performances were strong. And Rogue One immersed me in the Star Wars universe in a way that I'd not felt since Jedi. I enjoyed Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens immensely. There were individual elements of the first two prequel films I really enjoyed, as well, though the films had too many weaker elements to consider them as being on par with the rest of the series. But Rogue One creates a whole new tangent for us fans. We know there are other films to follow, expanding on the characters and story arcs we already know and love. It's a film that I will enjoy time and time again; as a stand alone film, I thought it was very well done. As an homage to an earlier time, I thought it hit every note perfectly. Seeing the At-At Walkers again was a treat. Seeing Grand Moff Tarkin, and Princess Leia, Darth Vader et all...brought me back to my childhood. The very spirit of the Rebel Fleet, and the Force coursing throughout the film, was palpable.

I'll probably watch this at least another three times before the month is out. Disney has assuaged my fears. Now I can't wait to see Han Solo get his just day.



Yes, I will, as will millions of Star Wars universe fans who soak up everything to do with this Galaxy.



I very much enjoy The Breakfast Club, but would put it slightly below Fast Times on my nostalgia scale.



Those are gorgeous. I need to get them, and frame them, for my new place!

And count me among those who would love to see one done for City Lights, OilDude!!

Touching story, mate. I'm glad you liked it. Even the Forest Whitaker part.

[moviebuffed]

Originally Posted by oildude

For anyone who appreciates high quality art prints based on films, a series of Charlie Chaplin prints was released today featuring the works of artists Tom Whalen, Jonathan Burton, Justin Erickson, and David Merveille. I bought all four. Criterion is well represented.














Released by Nautilus Art Prints in Europe and available directly from them or through their US partner Bottleneck Gallery in New York.


There will be a fifth released soon for Modern Times. These will hang on my walls alongside two other fantastic series released by Nautilus in the past couple of years featuring Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut.

I am hoping they commission a print for City Lights one of these days, my favorite Chaplin movie.

Thank you oildude for this amazing post!! I had this huge grin on my face scrolling down viewing those posters and saying to myself please please offer "The Circus" and lo and behold the very last offering was that film. Definitely going to look into purchasing some of these. Just awesome!

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

The ending is indeed great, but the movie itself is a chore to get through for me because of the endless scenes in the stock exchange. I understand their purpose in the film but did there have to be so many of them, at unreasonable lengths?

The narrative drift didn't bother me in the slightest, although for some reason I remembered it being more focused from my initial viewing. The ending wouldn't work with what it followed and vice versa. The Rosenbaum essay for it is a really good read. Fairly certain it's my favorite of the trilogy.

Maybe.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by moviebuffed

Thank you oildude for this amazing post!! I had this huge grin on my face scrolling down viewing those posters and saying to myself please please offer "The Circus" and lo and behold the very last offering was that film. Definitely going to look into purchasing some of these. Just awesome!

Here's the link tl the site: https://bottleneckgallery.com

Individual prints are $60 each, while all 4 are $200

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by Doc Moonlight

Can we eat Bocce Club Pizza?

I'm actually indifferent to their pizza, but their wings are best in the area if you're looking for more than traditional Buffalo wings.

[joie]

Is the new N.Y. Times movie review policy going to affect outfits like Janus, which may do a brief theatrical presentation to get a review in the paper to publicize a coming home video release?

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/ne...ge-1201502465/


Here's a link to AO Scott's input:

http://www.indiewire.com/2015/05/a-o...policy-130971/

This is a two-year old story. I think they did get a review for l'avventura

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

The narrative drift didn't bother me in the slightest, although for some reason I remembered it being more focused from my initial viewing. The ending wouldn't work with what it followed and vice versa. The Rosenbaum essay for it is a really good read. Fairly certain it's my favorite of the trilogy.

Maybe.

wait... L'Eclisse has a narrative? I wonder where Monica Vitti galloping around in black face paint fits into it.

[jcs913]

Thanks oildude.... Hoping that 'The Circus' is finally coming!!!

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

wait... L'Eclisse has a narrative? I wonder where Monica Vitti galloping around in black face paint fits into it.

That's one sequence where you actually could fit it into a little mini-narrative.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

That's one sequence where you actually could fit it into a little mini-narrative.

Hey Sammy - Isabelle Huppert is going to be at EbertFest for Elle on Saturday night.

Ever since my son was born, it has become increasingly difficult to go out for a weekend - especially for the movies.

Really like IH, though. It'd be cool to meet her!

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Hey Sammy - Isabelle Huppert is going to be at EbertFest for Elle on Saturday night.

Ever since my son was born, it has become increasingly difficult to go out for a weekend - especially for the movies.

Really like IH, though. It'd be cool to meet her!

Oh man, I know. I saw that and have been debating ever since if I should go. I'm a huge fan, although I must admit, she would probably intimidate me more than any other actor if I were to meet her.

[senseabove]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Oh man, I know. I saw that and have been debating ever since if I should go. I'm a huge fan, although I must admit, she would probably intimidate me more than any other actor if I were to meet her.

She seemed distinctly unimpressed with Xavier Dolan: https://twitter.com/Mxhdi/status/836644738036031488


Dolan:
Huppert:

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by senseabove

She seemed distinctly unimpressed with Xavier Dolan: https://twitter.com/Mxhdi/status/836644738036031488


Dolan:
Huppert:

she probably didn't know who he is as I certainly don't.

I'm at work, so I only watched the clip w/o sound...

he's gotta rein it in a little bit. acknowledgment and a kind word is one thing, but he looks kinda silly in that clip - that could be creepy for a celeb, no?

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by oildude

For anyone who appreciates high quality art prints based on films, a series of Charlie Chaplin prints was released today featuring the works of artists Tom Whalen, Jonathan Burton, Justin Erickson, and David Merveille. I bought all four. Criterion is well represented.

[Show spoiler]

Released by Nautilus Art Prints in Europe and available directly from them or through their US partner Bottleneck Gallery in New York.


There will be a fifth released soon for Modern Times. These will hang on my walls alongside two other fantastic series released by Nautilus in the past couple of years featuring Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut.

I am hoping they commission a print for City Lights one of these days, my favorite Chaplin movie.

The 4-print bundle has now sold out, but the prints are still available separately. I'm not crazy about the Whalen print for The Kid (he's a bit hit or miss for me), but I do love the others. As a set though, they do look great together, and no doubt the one upcoming form Ken Taylor is going to look great too, he does wonderful work.

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The 4-print bundle has now sold out, but the prints are still available separately. I'm not crazy about the Whalen print for The Kid (he's a bit hit or miss for me), but I do love the others. As a set though, they do look great together, and no doubt the one upcoming form Ken Taylor is going to look great too, he does wonderful work.

The set can still be ordered direct from Nautilus in Belgium. I wouldn't hang about as they say only 20 are available. Not interested myself, although I did purchase the regular edition of the PlayTime print from them and can vouch for their international service and shipping.

http://www.nautilus-artprints.com/sh...chaplin-series

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Reddington

The set can still be ordered direct from Nautilus in Belgium. I wouldn't hang about as they say only 20 are available. Not interested myself, although I did purchase the regular edition of the PlayTime print from them and can vouch for their international service and shipping.

http://www.nautilus-artprints.com/sh...chaplin-series

High five, mate. I also bought the regular PlayTime print direct from Nautilus. I already had the other Tati prints from them (some now sold out). I am surprised the four Truffaut prints are still available. They are gorgeous in person. So happy I bought those.

I can also vouch for Nautilus. They are a top notch company and ship quickly. Very easy to deal with.