I happen to agree with many of the critics Aram mentioned, though I would include such critics as Jeffrey Welles, Anne Thompson, A.O, Scott, and Moriarty (aicn.com). I imagine there might be some arguments in regards to their value as critics. I would argue that they a strong voice in film criticism when it comes to the blogisphere. Especially, since many of the critics are running to the web to post their criticisms.
I don’t always agree with these critics. I read them for their varying views. My favorite critic is probably Roger Ebert. Simply because within his criticisms is a passionate filmlover of the highest regard. Someone who marvels at everything a movie has to offer. I would probably place Bordwell as second. More theorist than critic, his views help to guide me in how I see films.
I think I would have to second David Lee’s choice: Children of Men. Not only for the long tracking shot but the way in which the camera was used to tell the story and to ground a futuristic film in reality by limiting cuts and extending shots. Absolutely amazing!
Another great choice would be The Third Man. A great b & w film with such a camera style that one cannot deny.
Like so many here, I too am a fan of his early work. In particular, I love Vivra Sa Vie, Band of Outsiders, and Alphaville. I feel that he was at his best with these. That’s not to say that I don’t like some of his later films. I still have fond memories of seeing Eloge de l’amour.
My name John. I’m a film student. A little o’bit of a late bloomer to film as art. I live in Orlando. Have lived on both sides of the continent. I hope to teach film one day as it’s something of a passion of mine. I believe that cinema has more than entertainment to offer to audiences. It can educate, enlighten, inform, and allow us to observe. If I had to pick a particular era of film I would choose the Hollywood 50’s and European 60’s.
Since this is about the most beautiful films, I would add Days of Heaven (Malick). Especially the new Criterion release. Black Narcissus and Notorious I would add to that list.
I guess it depends on what your criteria is for the best Criterion dvd. My most treasured Criterion is The Third Man. Though, I would add Floating Weeds, L’avventura, Pickpocket, and F for Fake.
If I was to choose what the greatest Criterion dvd release has been I might choose Mr. Arkadin. Solely on the fact that this was such a maligned film of Welles and the release that Criterion put out gives an opportunity to see this film in a new light; to see what potential this film had. Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again.
The thing about these lists is that it’s such a subjective thing. I get the sense that many of the films are on the list are based on reviews solely made by Cahier du Cinema. I mean, does anyone actually believe that Moonfleet, by Fritz Lang, belongs on that list? I’ve seen it. It’s alright but to suggest it’s greater than 8 1/2 or Touch of Evil is a little absurd.
I’ve noticed many people listing P.T. Anderson. I love films, but Criterion has released a film of his — Boogie Nights. In fact, they released a dvd with the exact artwork and extras that are available on the current edition dvd, but under a New Line Release and not Criterion.
I would like see Criterion take on Jean Rouch, Hou Hsiao Hsien, Jafar Panahi, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Inarritu, Tarantino, and Ken Loach. Most of these directors are still going strong. The only one who isn’t is Jean Rouch. Someone who should be given the Criterion touch.
Two Weeks in another Town
The Long Goodbye
Twentieth Century
Bad Day at Black Rock
Some good but unlikely choices. I agree with Miller. Bigger Than Life and In a Lonely Place would be great on Criterion. And what about a double feature of The Bad & The Beautiful w/ Two Weeks in Another Town.
That’s a great question. BFI just released their version on Blu-Ray. Unfortunately it’s region-coded. My guess is that Criterion plans to release La Notte before they introduce Red Desert. Personally, I love Antonioni and any film they release I would acquire. Maybe someone at Criterion will read your plea and do something about it.
I have to say that I’m a little surprised that they are releasing two Rossellini films back to back. Nothing wrong with that. I love his films. Though, I would really love to get ahold of Voyage to Italy.
As for Truffaut, any film they release of his is welcomed.
Shouldn’t the topic read best foreign film of 2008? I’ll concede that the majority of people won’t see these films until 2009, but if I’m correct these films are up for consideration this year.
Here’s hoping that the list consists of:
Gomorrah
The Class
Let The Right One In
Waltz with Bashir
I suppose Flight of the Red Balloon won’t get the love it desires. And what happened to 3 Monkeys? I thought that film had so much promise coming out of Cannes.
I believe a list of Top 10 Directors should reflect not just those who are critically respected but those that touch the viewer on a constant basis. For me this list is more personal than just a list of world renown. Here’s the list:
1. Hitchcock
2. Leone
3. Hawks
4. Antonioni
5. Truffaut
6. Ozu
7. Tarantino
8. Wes Anderson
9. Paul Thomas Anderson
10. Michael Powell
Which Film Critics Do You Read? over 3 years ago
I happen to agree with many of the critics Aram mentioned, though I would include such critics as Jeffrey Welles, Anne Thompson, A.O, Scott, and Moriarty (aicn.com). I imagine there might be some arguments in regards to their value as critics. I would argue that they a strong voice in film criticism when it comes to the blogisphere. Especially, since many of the critics are running to the web to post their criticisms.
I don’t always agree with these critics. I read them for their varying views. My favorite critic is probably Roger Ebert. Simply because within his criticisms is a passionate filmlover of the highest regard. Someone who marvels at everything a movie has to offer. I would probably place Bordwell as second. More theorist than critic, his views help to guide me in how I see films.
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Best camerawork in a movie...handheld or otherwise. Or best use of the camera to convey the scene's intention. over 3 years ago
I think I would have to second David Lee’s choice: Children of Men. Not only for the long tracking shot but the way in which the camera was used to tell the story and to ground a futuristic film in reality by limiting cuts and extending shots. Absolutely amazing!
Another great choice would be The Third Man. A great b & w film with such a camera style that one cannot deny.
Go to Comment
Best British Film over 3 years ago
For my 2 cents, I would list:
The Third Man
Black Narcissus
If
Lawrence of Arabia
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Your Favorite Godard Film? over 3 years ago
Like so many here, I too am a fan of his early work. In particular, I love Vivra Sa Vie, Band of Outsiders, and Alphaville. I feel that he was at his best with these. That’s not to say that I don’t like some of his later films. I still have fond memories of seeing Eloge de l’amour.
Go to Comment
New to The Auteurs? You Belong Here over 3 years ago
My name John. I’m a film student. A little o’bit of a late bloomer to film as art. I live in Orlando. Have lived on both sides of the continent. I hope to teach film one day as it’s something of a passion of mine. I believe that cinema has more than entertainment to offer to audiences. It can educate, enlighten, inform, and allow us to observe. If I had to pick a particular era of film I would choose the Hollywood 50’s and European 60’s.
Go to Comment
The most beautiful films? over 3 years ago
Since this is about the most beautiful films, I would add Days of Heaven (Malick). Especially the new Criterion release. Black Narcissus and Notorious I would add to that list.
Go to Comment
Best Criterion? over 3 years ago
I guess it depends on what your criteria is for the best Criterion dvd. My most treasured Criterion is The Third Man. Though, I would add Floating Weeds, L’avventura, Pickpocket, and F for Fake.
If I was to choose what the greatest Criterion dvd release has been I might choose Mr. Arkadin. Solely on the fact that this was such a maligned film of Welles and the release that Criterion put out gives an opportunity to see this film in a new light; to see what potential this film had. Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again.
Go to Comment
Cashiers du Cinema's 100 Greatest Film List over 3 years ago
The thing about these lists is that it’s such a subjective thing. I get the sense that many of the films are on the list are based on reviews solely made by Cahier du Cinema. I mean, does anyone actually believe that Moonfleet, by Fritz Lang, belongs on that list? I’ve seen it. It’s alright but to suggest it’s greater than 8 1/2 or Touch of Evil is a little absurd.
Go to Comment
Books about film. over 3 years ago
My favorite films books are interviews with filmmakers. Such as:
Hitchcock / Truffaut
This is Orson Welles
Who The Devil Made It
Hawks on Hawks
Conversation with Wilder
Other noted books on films / filmmakers:
Orson Welles at Work
Samuel Fuller’s A Third Face
Revolution: the explosion of World Cinema of the Sixties
Everything is Cinema
Books on analyzing film:
The Visual Style
Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide
Aesthetics of Film
Film Theory and Criticism
The Screenwriter’s Bible
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WHICH DIRECTORS...NOT...CURRENTLY REPRESENTED IN THE CRITERION COLLECTION DO YOU WANT TO SEE INCLUDED? over 3 years ago
I’ve noticed many people listing P.T. Anderson. I love films, but Criterion has released a film of his — Boogie Nights. In fact, they released a dvd with the exact artwork and extras that are available on the current edition dvd, but under a New Line Release and not Criterion.
I would like see Criterion take on Jean Rouch, Hou Hsiao Hsien, Jafar Panahi, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Inarritu, Tarantino, and Ken Loach. Most of these directors are still going strong. The only one who isn’t is Jean Rouch. Someone who should be given the Criterion touch.
Go to Comment
Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
Here’s my 2 cents:
Two Weeks in another Town
The Long Goodbye
Twentieth Century
Bad Day at Black Rock
Some good but unlikely choices. I agree with Miller. Bigger Than Life and In a Lonely Place would be great on Criterion. And what about a double feature of The Bad & The Beautiful w/ Two Weeks in Another Town.
Go to Comment
Antonnioni's Red Desert over 3 years ago
That’s a great question. BFI just released their version on Blu-Ray. Unfortunately it’s region-coded. My guess is that Criterion plans to release La Notte before they introduce Red Desert. Personally, I love Antonioni and any film they release I would acquire. Maybe someone at Criterion will read your plea and do something about it.
Go to Comment
March 2009 Criterions over 3 years ago
I have to say that I’m a little surprised that they are releasing two Rossellini films back to back. Nothing wrong with that. I love his films. Though, I would really love to get ahold of Voyage to Italy.
As for Truffaut, any film they release of his is welcomed.
Go to Comment
What's your favorite Jean-Pierre Melville film? over 3 years ago
Bob le Flambeur was the film that introduced me to Melville (like so many). Though, I will say that Le Cercle Rouge is pretty damn awesome.
I know this: I want my Blu-Ray Jean-Pierre Melville’s.
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CONTENDERS FOR BEST FOREIGN FILM 2009 over 3 years ago
Shouldn’t the topic read best foreign film of 2008? I’ll concede that the majority of people won’t see these films until 2009, but if I’m correct these films are up for consideration this year.
Here’s hoping that the list consists of:
Gomorrah
The Class
Let The Right One In
Waltz with Bashir
I suppose Flight of the Red Balloon won’t get the love it desires. And what happened to 3 Monkeys? I thought that film had so much promise coming out of Cannes.
Go to Comment
Top 10 Directors. almost 3 years ago
I believe a list of Top 10 Directors should reflect not just those who are critically respected but those that touch the viewer on a constant basis. For me this list is more personal than just a list of world renown. Here’s the list:
1. Hitchcock
2. Leone
3. Hawks
4. Antonioni
5. Truffaut
6. Ozu
7. Tarantino
8. Wes Anderson
9. Paul Thomas Anderson
10. Michael Powell
Go to Comment
Most rewatchable Criterion film? almost 2 years ago
The Third Man and Black Narcissus
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