The Criterion Collection

[zoodermin]

So from January to May, which films are you planning to pick up on the July B&N sale? Here's my list so far:

January: The Man Who Knew Too Much

February: The Kid with a Bike
On the Waterfront

March: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
Monsieur Verdoux
Badlands

April: Richard III
Naked Lunch

May: None.

Possibles: Ivan's Childhood
3:10 to Yuma
The Ballad of Narayama
Sansho the Bailiff
The Blob

[*PREACHER*]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Just finished watching Antichrist. I can almost guarantee that nobody will ever see a film similar to that or in as extreme of a form.

There have been a lot of films that question religion and other forms of evil that exist in the world, but I've never seen anything like this before in my entire life. Not only that, but this film is very creepy. Not in the traditional sense of "stuff that goes bump in the night", but the entire setting, mood, and atmosphere.

First of all, I need to really praise Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg for their performances. For a film with only two main characters, there was great chemistry and development for both individuals.

Here are my thoughts on the film. I am not sure at all if they are right or not, but this is what I feel about the movie:

[Show spoiler]Charlotte Gainsbourg's character is the Antichrist. In the traditional sense, this being is usually portrayed by a male, but in this film, it is portrayed by a female. This being has the ability to take control of everything or anything in its path - not just humans, but also animals. The film definitely challenges the traditional notions of male and female gender roles. Like I already mentioned, it portrayed the Antichrist in a feminine light - but just as evil and just as powerful. As Charlotte Gainsbourg's character notes in the film, "women can just be as evil".

Was she always an evil person? I don't think so. Due to Willem Dafoe's character being out of the picture for quite a while, she tended to go to the woods with her son to write. I personally believe that the devil took advantage of her weak soul and eventually took control of her entirely. We definitely see a decline in her personality as the film moves along and shows flashbacks. What seemed as something good eventually turned bad, with Charlotte Gainsbourg's character starting to abuse her child - eventually seeing him escape from his bed and not doing a thing about it. It's as if she wanted the kid to die in some weird way. I still don't know why he killed himself, if that was even the case. Yes, he fell out of a window, but what drove him to that? Imagination? Curiosity? Evil?

Charlotte Gainsbourg's character notes in the film that the nature is "Satan's Playground", which strongly led me to believe that it was - especially in the setting that it took place in. The woods resembled hell to me, especially with the visions of the dead bodies and fallen souls. After Charlotte Gainsbourg's character is killed and burned, it appears that all of the souls trapped in that location were freed - even the animals. They seemed happier at the end and not as mangled.

The only thing that ran through my mind throughout the film was who was more mentally unstable - Willem Dafoe or Charlotte Gainsbourg? I want to say the latter, but I can't help but feel that Willem Dafoe was eventually losing his mind as the film went on. He is the therapist, or the rational being in this mess, but he eventually started hallucinating and losing his mind. As far as the animals are concerned, was the devil part of the crow? Crows have always been looked upon as evil, but I personally feel that it was the devil. Not only wouldn't it die, but it led Charlotte Gainsbourg to find Willem Dafoe about three-quarters of the way into the film. Like father, like son?

It was definitely a very controversial and sadomasochistic film because of all of the torture and violence. Not only that, but it shows Willem Dafoe's penis and Charlotte Gainsbourg's vagina quite a few times in the movie - something that isn't seen too often in films. For those who have seen quite a few films, which I'm sure most of you have, it's usually just the waist up.

I don't know if my analysis is accurate or not. I guess it depends on how much faith a person has. It seems as if the more religious a person is, the more the person believes in this type of stuff. I grew up Catholic and while I don't practice as much as I have in the past, I still have my assumptions and beliefs about religion.

Overall, I really liked the film and I really appreciate Lars Von Trier for this film. He definitely explored a subject that is very much talked about, but in a very controversial light. I liked the way the film was set up with the chapters. It was definitely a good way at seeing the decline in the character's personalities as the film progressed.

[Show spoiler]I actually like how the dolls that their son had foreshadowed the chapters and the overall decline as the film went on.

The audio quality was lacking a bit, in my opinion, but the visuals were stunning. I really liked the direction Lars took with the directing, although I would have liked it if he didn't shake the camera as much. The colors and editing were reminiscent, I feel, of the mood of the film. It's definitely one of the best films and one of the best "horror" films that I've seen to date. I'm no sure if I would recommend it, though, because it definitely isn't for all audiences.

I watched it with my family and they honestly couldn't believe what they saw.

The last thing I want to say is that I couldn't help but think of

[Show spoiler]the South Park episode with the evil creatures in the forest.

Edit: Are there any good books that in-depth explore films? I would like specific Criterion films if they are available.

Thank you so much for your review of this film iScottie...I had been really wanting to see this and now I think it has drawn me in even more, so I thank you and cannot wait to spark my own thoughts about it once I'm finished. Unsure if it's a film my wife may enjoy so I may watch it without her at first just to see.
Thanks for your thoughts sir!

[bluskies]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Do you ever contribute anything of value when you post?

It's okay, iScottie, his screenname says "NY". What he said is considered good manners in NY.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by *PREACHER*

Thank you so much for your review of this film iScottie...I had been really wanting to see this and now I think it has drawn me in even more, so I thank you and cannot wait to spark my own thoughts about it once I'm finished. Unsure if it's a film my wife may enjoy so I may watch it without her at first just to see.
Thanks for your thoughts sir!

Glad I could help. As I said earlier, I'm not entirely sure if my analysis is right, but that's what I felt the film was about.

You may want to watch it without your wife. Off the top of my head, these are some of the uncomfortable moments of the film.

[Show spoiler]

• In the first couple minutes of the film, we see Willem Dafoe put his penis inside of Charlotte Gainsbourg.
• Charlotte Gainsbourg jerks off Willem Dafoe after hitting his penis with a wooden plank. His ejaculation is all blood.
• Charlotte Gainsbourg masturbates outdoors.
• Charlotte Gainsbourg cuts her clitoris with a pair of scissors.
• A lot of sex overall.
• Creepy animals.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by bluskies

It's okay, iScottie, his screenname says "NY". What he said is considered good manners in NY.

Hahaha. I just hate when people come into threads with no clue of what's going on and try to troll. I've seen it plenty of times on other forums and this is no exception. I wish I could come across a good troll one day

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching Fellini's 8 1/2 on Blu-ray for the first time, and I love the beautiful transfer.

When I first saw 8 1/2 several years ago, I related to the odd interactions from a younger viewpoint at a time when I felt as though I were faking my way through life as an adult and simply pretending that I knew what I was doing. I think that everyone relates to this sort of predicament, when adult responsibilities and uncertainties mentally reduce us to the terror felt by a child on the first day at an unfamiliar new school.

Now that I am in my 40s, I think of the film in terms of crossing the line into a time in our lives when we are recognized more for what we have already done than for what we are currently doing, and realizing that we cannot sum up our place in the world with a tangible explanation. The older I become, the more I accept every experience and relationship in my life as parts of the finished collage, instead of as stepping stones to some ultimate all-encompassing goal.

I have never worked in film or entertainment, so I have no choice but to relate to this movie from my middle-aged civil servant self. I would like to think that the end result is the same, because neither film directors or people with more conventional jobs have all of the answers. The apprehension remains, though, that we will be interrogated about our exact plans and we will not be able to fake the explanations. Or...if we are forced to explain to loved ones, friends, and acquaintances how they fit into our lives, and whether or not we have somehow wronged them without realizing that we have.

I feel a strange sort of peace and acceptance at this movie's conclusion that makes me happy just to dive in and not worry about the answers to the "big questions." As the Socrates quote referenced in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure states, "The only true wisdom consists of knowing that we know nothing."

If taken to task and asked to explain what 8 1/2 means, I don't have an answer. I guess that's the point.

I suck at reviewing this particular movie, but, then again, is it possible not to?

The Blu-ray of this film makes the picture clearer than I've ever seen it, but only in terms of picture quality. Since this movie has some of the coolest images in cinema, that's good enough.

Barbara Steele is pretty awesome, especially in high definition.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

[Show spoiler][*]In the first couple minutes of the film, we see Willem Dafoe put his penis inside of Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Well..it's not really them, you know..


Also: I love that 'creepy animals' is one of the points

[*PREACHER*]

Thanks for the warning iScottie...she'd probably not like it after reading what you wrote...she doesn't really like that I watch True Blood, so it's probably a "no" in my book...I'll still watch it though...that accursed devil in me!!!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

So from January to May, which films are you planning to pick up on the July B&N sale? Here's my list so far:

January: The Man Who Knew Too Much

February: The Kid with a Bike
On the Waterfront

March: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
Monsieur Verdoux
Badlands

April: Richard III
Naked Lunch

May: None.

Possibles: Ivan's Childhood
3:10 to Yuma
The Ballad of Narayama
Sansho the Bailiff
The Blob

• Chronicle Of A Summer - February 26
• Jubal - May 14
• Life Is Sweet - May 28
• Medium Cool - May 21
• Pina
• Qatsi Trilogy
• Richard III - April 9
• Sansho The Bailiff - February 26
• Tin Drum
• Trilogy Of Life
• Two-Lane Blacktop

The rest of the 2013 releases I hope to buy one Day 1 (granted the price is decent). The rest of the films I listed are the films that are already out that I'm missing

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Well..it's not really them, you know..


Also: I love that 'creepy animals' is one of the points

Haha, that was probably the creepiest part of the movie for me. Did you happen to read my review? Please post your thoughts

Originally Posted by *PREACHER*

Thanks for the warning iScottie...she'd probably not like it after reading what you wrote...she doesn't really like that I watch True Blood, so it's probably a "no" in my book...I'll still watch it though...that accursed devil in me!!!

Haha, no problem. I could never get into True Blood. I watched the first episode and I was very turned off by it.

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

So from January to May, which films are you planning to pick up on the July B&N sale? Here's my list so far:

Everything I don't have by then.

[brandon_260]

I, also, watched Antichrist tonight, for the second time, because a friend wanted to watch a "horror" and didn't have the extra half an hour to spend on Rosemary's Baby. Much less rewarding this time around. I found the moments that really kept me on edge the first time around were either really dull without the element of surprise or cringe worthy. Not necessarily a poor film, I really appreciate Lars von Trier's twisted vision here, but the film doesn't hold up well upon second viewing. I definitely pondered different things this time around.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

So from January to May, which films are you planning to pick up on the July B&N sale?

The next time I'm presented with a 50% off Criterion sale at Barnes and Noble, I'd like to go for the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story.

Most everything else can be purchased gradually one-by-one as I get decent coupon emails from Barnes and Noble or if I stumble across great sales, like I did today.

I've learned not to set foot in the Criterion section of Barnes and Noble unless I have a coupon.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Haha, that was probably the creepiest part of the movie for me. Did you happen to read my review? Please post your thoughts

I meant it's not really them as in, it's not really those actors that are doing what you mentioned in spoilers, just in case you didn't know

About your thoughts: You mention not knowing if your thoughts are accurate, but honestly..you can take it any way that you want to, and what you took away from it sounds pretty good to me. I pretty much took most of the same from it. I really love the whole 'nature is cruel' aspect, and wish it was explored more often. I'm not really sure though about the religion aspect you mention... I'm not the least bit religious myself, and I think anybody can believe in that kind of cruelty/evil existing, but just being represented in specific ways on film.

I like that you can appreciate it as being very much a horror film, and call it one of the best horror you've seen. Out of curiosity, are you a big horror fan, or just a casual one?

[The Great Owl]

I have no real urge to see Antichrist, but this is admittedly because I was somewhat underwhelmed by Melancholia. That film had a great cast, and I could have watched the table discussions of John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling for hours, but no other aspect of the film really appealed to me.

I'll get around to seeing Antichrist someday, because curiosity always gets the best of me, but I have bigger fish to fry in the Criterion pan first...haha.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I meant it's not really them as in, it's not really those actors that are doing what you mentioned in spoilers, just in case you didn't know

About your thoughts: You mention not knowing if your thoughts are accurate, but honestly..you can take it any way that you want to, and what you took away from it sounds pretty good to me. I pretty much took most of the same from it. I really love the whole 'nature is cruel' aspect, and wish it was explored more often. I'm not really sure though about the religion aspect you mention... I'm not the least bit religious myself, and I think anybody can believe in that kind of cruelty/evil existing, but just being represented in specific ways on film.

I like that you can appreciate it as being very much a horror film, and call it one of the best horror you've seen. Out of curiosity, are you a big horror fan, or just a casual one?

I actually didn't know that it wasn't the actors in those "scenes", but thank you for telling me.

As far as me being a horror fan, I was definitely a bigger fan of horror movies when I was younger. I grew up watching ghost stories and other films involving demons. I actually haven't seen The Exorcist, but otherwise I've seen mostly everything else.

This film went places and relied on the scenery and the mental breakdown of the characters to convey horror to the audience. Most films, unfortunately, have to rely on "jump scenes", screaming, or other overplayed elements.

This film was very unique, which is why I think I enjoyed it so much.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I have no real urge to see Antichrist, but this is admittedly because I was somewhat underwhelmed by Melancholia. That film had a great cast, and I could have watched the table discussions of John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling for hours, but no other aspect of the film really appealed to me.

I'll get around to seeing Antichrist someday, because curiosity always gets the best of me, but I have bigger fish to fry in the Criterion pan first...haha.

I still haven't seen Melancholia yet, although I've owned it for a month or two.

I don't think I will be able to appreciate it as much after seeing this film. I will watch it, though.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I actually didn't know that it wasn't the actors in those "scenes", but thank you for telling me.

As far as me being a horror fan, I was definitely a bigger fan of horror movies when I was younger. I grew up watching ghost stories and other films involving demons. I actually haven't seen The Exorcist, but otherwise I've seen mostly everything else.

This film went places and relied on the scenery and the mental breakdown of the characters to convey horror to the audience. Most films, unfortunately, have to rely on "jump scenes", screaming, or other overplayed elements.

This film was very unique, which is why I think I enjoyed it so much.

Yeah, you'll see somewhere in the credits that there are two other actors credited for those shots.

It's the opposite for me...I didn't like horror when I was younger, but in the past couple years I've become a huge horror fan, and the genre has become what I wish to work within the most.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I still haven't seen Melancholia yet, although I've owned it for a month or two.

I don't think I will be able to appreciate it as much after seeing this film. I will watch it, though.

Why not? I love this film too, but I much prefer Melancholia. I would recommend seeing it very soon, I really think it's one of the best films of the past decade.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

Aside from some very basic material to guide me towards unfamiliar titles, directors, etc. the bulk of my film reading is only after seeing a film and giving myself time to think about it. I avoid broad hyperbole (except in my crappy humor) but skim at best so as not to over-inform myself before seeing a film. Mostly I like to get a basic sense of tone and a core theme; if those line up with my general sensibilities I jump. If not, that doesn't mean it falls off my radar, just that it doesn't get priority... that's kind'a where Lynch is for me.

The last time I REALLY gave Lynch a chance was several years ago (aside from his amusing "don't watch movies on iPhones videos"). If you can recommend a film and a particular essay, I'll check out the film, give it some thought and read up on it. Worst comes to worst, if I don't like the film I'll simply dismiss Lynch as the worst director ever and post broad, hyperbolic rants in the "most over-rated directors" thread. No pressure

Awesome, I'll keep you in mind if I ever reencounter a great essay on David Lynch. A couple years ago I devoured three or four books, biography and analysis, on Lynch's ouvre, but I can see how thats a tough sell.*Every Spring it seems like I get bit by the Lynch bug and can't help but see all his films one by one and unearth new treasures.

One day soon I'll shoot you a PM containing *links to articles & short films to accompany a feature film.

By the way which haven't you seen?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Yeah, you'll see somewhere in the credits that there are two other actors credited for those shots.

It's the opposite for me...I didn't like horror when I was younger, but in the past couple years I've become a huge horror fan, and the genre has become what I wish to work within the most.

Oh I didn't watch the credits.

I honestly wish there were better horror films nowadays. Everything has been done over and over to the point that it's laughable, in my opinion.

I grew up researching hauntings and the paranormal, so I think I gained a lot of knowledge about those films, as a result. I guess I just grew out of it.

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Why not? I love this film too, but I much prefer Melancholia. I would recommend seeing it very soon, I really think it's one of the best films of the past decade.

Good to hear. I will hopefully check it out sometime this weekend.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Awesome, I'll keep you in mind if I ever reencounter a great essay on David Lynch. A couple years ago I devoured three or four books, biography and analysis, on Lynch's ouvre, but I can see how thats a tough sell.*Every Spring it seems like I get bit by the Lynch bug and can't help but see all his films one by one and unearth new treasures.

One day soon I'll shoot you a PM containing *links to articles & short films to accompany a feature film.

By the way which haven't you seen?

After I saw Mulholland Drive last year, I was contemplating purchasing these books:

http://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Dav...ds=david+lynch

http://www.amazon.com/Strange-World-...lholland+drive

I've only seen Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive.

I own Elephant Man, Twin Peaks Series, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me DVDs, as well as the Blue Velvet, Dune, Inland Empire, Lost Highway, and Mulholland Drive Blu-rays, but I never got around to watching them.

Wild At Heart is on my Wish List and I'm going to pick up Eraserhead when it's announced by Criterion.