Well not sure I follow all the rants here, I was hoping for more movies reviewed than Juno and such.
I am glad there are bad movies so that the good ones shine through.
I was wondering if anyone would mention George Lucas due to his lack of good filmmaking in the past decades. But then again he really shouldn’t be considered over-rated since it’s generally accepted that the Star Wars trilogy are awesome and the prequels leave little to be desired.
I agree with Spielberg being overrated, he makes movies for the mass blockbuster crowds who just wants quickie entertainment. Criterion Collection would probably be slammed for picking up any of his titles like the Bay selections have.
After watching The Vanishing on the Auteurs’ site, I’ve realized something that’s been in the back of my mind for years. As a raving fan of Criterion Collection distributed films, I’ve come to really appreciate all the great directors and films that accompany them. Most of the all time greatest films that I admire and consider to be my personal favorites are downright somber and bleak in its core:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Scenes From a Marriage
Dr. Strangelove
High and Low
Magnolia
The 400 Blows
Annie Hall
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Rear Window
Spirit of the Beehives
Wings of Desire
Lost in Translation
Blade Runner
So does if have to take some form of negativity or sadness in films be considered “Great”? Is it pathetic or creepy to be affected that way?
I guess what I mean is that upbeat cheery movies don’t move me. It’s the hardships and the desperate elements of life, that when magically captured on film with a well written script (usually somber in tone) are really riveting to me.
Bob, I agree with your comments that some of the movies on my list are not necessarily bleak and some are actually comedic. Overall, for the non-cinema-geek general public’s view, those and other movies I enjoy are depressing and/or dark in nature. It’s really me saying that melancholic movies actually uplift my spirits. Partly because they have touched me through their depiction of sufferings, hardships, and cruelties of life (Anna commented on similar notions). To compare with something non movie related—people in each of our lives, tend to forget the good things you’ve done for them, but rarely ever forget the bad things.
I am glad that my top choices aren’t totally bleak, since they are movies that get repeated viewings from me. On the other hand, there are slews of movies that I’ve been drawn to that almost make me feel uncomfortable or unsure of my taste for fine cinema—sort of the thin line between sanity and losing sanity.
Not that I’m genre or themed specific, there are plenty of light-hearted or romantic movies that I do enjoy. They just don’t stay with me as deeply as those that are more dark themed.
Bluray is totally worth it if you have a big screen LCD or plasma. Plus, more and more great films choices are becoming available—not just the crappy new release blockbusters.
The best deals are on Amazon. I usually put titles I want into my Cart or “saved items” and wait for the prices to come down (a lot of time 40-55% off retail pricing).
After watching a satisfying Criterion Collection release on dvd, I’ve had the habit of pulling out the comprehensive included printed booklets and reading it attentively. With the release of the bluray version, Criterion have slimmed down the packaging as well as contents—the inserts are more like abridged pamphlets of their dvd releases.
Anyone having the same thoughts and experience on this as I have?
Movies you hated that everyone else loves over 3 years ago
Well not sure I follow all the rants here, I was hoping for more movies reviewed than Juno and such.
I am glad there are bad movies so that the good ones shine through.
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Who do you think the most overrated director is? over 3 years ago
I was wondering if anyone would mention George Lucas due to his lack of good filmmaking in the past decades. But then again he really shouldn’t be considered over-rated since it’s generally accepted that the Star Wars trilogy are awesome and the prequels leave little to be desired.
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Who do you think the most overrated director is? over 3 years ago
I agree with Spielberg being overrated, he makes movies for the mass blockbuster crowds who just wants quickie entertainment. Criterion Collection would probably be slammed for picking up any of his titles like the Bay selections have.
Go to Comment
Do great films have to be depressing and bleak to be great? over 3 years ago
After watching The Vanishing on the Auteurs’ site, I’ve realized something that’s been in the back of my mind for years. As a raving fan of Criterion Collection distributed films, I’ve come to really appreciate all the great directors and films that accompany them. Most of the all time greatest films that I admire and consider to be my personal favorites are downright somber and bleak in its core:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Scenes From a Marriage
Dr. Strangelove
High and Low
Magnolia
The 400 Blows
Annie Hall
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Rear Window
Spirit of the Beehives
Wings of Desire
Lost in Translation
Blade Runner
So does if have to take some form of negativity or sadness in films be considered “Great”? Is it pathetic or creepy to be affected that way?
Go to Comment
Do great films have to be depressing and bleak to be great? over 3 years ago
I guess what I mean is that upbeat cheery movies don’t move me. It’s the hardships and the desperate elements of life, that when magically captured on film with a well written script (usually somber in tone) are really riveting to me.
Go to Comment
Do great films have to be depressing and bleak to be great? over 3 years ago
Bob, I agree with your comments that some of the movies on my list are not necessarily bleak and some are actually comedic. Overall, for the non-cinema-geek general public’s view, those and other movies I enjoy are depressing and/or dark in nature. It’s really me saying that melancholic movies actually uplift my spirits. Partly because they have touched me through their depiction of sufferings, hardships, and cruelties of life (Anna commented on similar notions). To compare with something non movie related—people in each of our lives, tend to forget the good things you’ve done for them, but rarely ever forget the bad things.
I am glad that my top choices aren’t totally bleak, since they are movies that get repeated viewings from me. On the other hand, there are slews of movies that I’ve been drawn to that almost make me feel uncomfortable or unsure of my taste for fine cinema—sort of the thin line between sanity and losing sanity.
Not that I’m genre or themed specific, there are plenty of light-hearted or romantic movies that I do enjoy. They just don’t stay with me as deeply as those that are more dark themed.
Go to Comment
Recommend some Light Hearted/Uplifting/Feel Good FOREIGN Movies over 3 years ago
I’m with you, most of my collection is serious or depressing. Here are some that come to mind that are more light-hearted.
Chungking Express
Porco Rosso
Playtime
Masculin Feminin
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DVD vs. Blu Ray? over 3 years ago
Bluray is totally worth it if you have a big screen LCD or plasma. Plus, more and more great films choices are becoming available—not just the crappy new release blockbusters.
The best deals are on Amazon. I usually put titles I want into my Cart or “saved items” and wait for the prices to come down (a lot of time 40-55% off retail pricing).
Go to Comment
Anyone have issues with Criterion bluray's lack of printed supplements? over 3 years ago
After watching a satisfying Criterion Collection release on dvd, I’ve had the habit of pulling out the comprehensive included printed booklets and reading it attentively. With the release of the bluray version, Criterion have slimmed down the packaging as well as contents—the inserts are more like abridged pamphlets of their dvd releases.
Anyone having the same thoughts and experience on this as I have?
Go to Comment
favorite funniest movie over 3 years ago
My pick would be Annie Hall as well, Woody Allen is the king of insightful and hilarious self-deprecation.
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Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
The Three Colors Trilogy by Kieslowski on Criterion Bluray would be awesome.
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Last Time Best Picture Oscar Winner was a Masterpiece? over 3 years ago
another vote for 2008
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You Guys Talking About Anything Worth a Damn Yet? about 3 years ago
One of the most interesting posting in a long while…All the candy bar comments are downright funny. Levity is much needed once in a while.
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Where are you from? almost 3 years ago
Bay Area, CA
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