I guess I’ll have to stand up for “The Rock”. That movie is one of the best in it’s genre, the “leave your brain at the door and just be entertained genre”. The movie is thoroughly entertaining and has several great performances, not to mention endless one-liners. Not every movie has to be a scathing look into the structure of this country and that country’s contemporary family structure and values or a slow journey into one’s descent.
I’ll give you “Armageddon” though along with “Slacker”. “Slacker” has a great script but the acting in it is piss poor and so distracting that it makes it hard to focus on the movie itself. You can tell that they used a lot of non actors because it shows. I’m glad I saw “Dazed and Confused” before I saw “Slacker” because otherwise, I would have a much lower opinion of Richard Linklater’s abilities.
And why all the hate for “Band of Outsiders”? That is definitely my favorite Godard film and probably one of the most stylishly entertaining movies I’ve ever seen. I could turn off the audio and subtitles and still be entertained simply by the flow, composition and style of the movie.
Alejandro Jodorowsky without a doubt. Although Anchor Bay released a good box set in 2007 there are still some of his films that could use a proper release here in the states. PT Anderson would be a great addition along with James Grey (particularly “The Yards”)
Salo in blu-ray hahaha I don’t know why but that made me laugh. I could see their advertising saying “Experience humans eating tubs of shit in glorious 1080p high definition”. They could cut clips of Salo into those Blu-Ray commercials.
“Mouchette” was the first one I bought, can’t remember what the first one I watched was. But I read some great reviews of Mouchette and since I couldn’t find it for rent anywhere, I took a chance and bought it. Instantly, I loved it, went online to find out more about Criterion and became hooked ever since. I am very grateful that a company like Criterion exists here in America, otherwise I would have missed out on tons of great films and directors.
Most of the Criterion movies I have are blind buys because Blockbuster doesn’t rent a lot of them. But now that Criterion is slowly putting their movies online, I probably won’t have to worry about it as much, although they still have a ways to go with the amount of movies they need to put up (450+ movies is a pretty daunting task)
I bought most of my Criterion through Borders through their blanket coupons (40% off the John Cassavetes box set? Yes please). I also compare prices for the same movies on eBay, Amazon, and Criterion’s own store. After I found out about Criterion.com’s reward program, I might factor that into the prices when I compare. Even though I’m a frugal shopper, to answer the question I would say no, Criterion aren’t too pricey. I have thought this several times in the past but every time I pick one up and see the incredible transfer, booklets, and tons of extras, I feel that it is worth the extra expense on some of them, especially for the ones that are from the 60s and 70s and aren’t widely available in the US.
Alphabetical. Makes it easier not only for myself but other in my place who want to pick out movies. Although, I have a seperate shelf for my Criterion than the other DVDs.
Although these aren’t what would be considered high-brow filmmaking, my friends/coworkers endlessly quote: Anchorman, Kung-Pow, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Blade Runner. To me, it’s the more complete package and IMO, has more replay value. I will say though that without Metropolis, Blade Runner probably would have been a much different movie.
A big disappointment. I was fiending to watch it. I feel like it started off well but went downhill. I think the problem was mainly the script, it seemed to lack a definitive point and meandered a lot. I found myself bored and thought the ending could have been done a looooot better. I would recommend instead watching David Fincher’s “Zodiac” or “Hollywoodland”
To me, nothing will take precedence over the script. Typically, without a good script I probably won’t even finish the film. There are some exceptions, such as Stan Brahkage’s films (since they are more experimental than narrative) but I’m not the type of person who will see a movie just because a certain actor is in it (the only exception being Kiera Knightley). But I will see a movie just by the name of the screenwriter or director alone. I love how actors bring a story to life but without the story itself, I feel like the actors would have nothing. Which is probably why I can’t get into those so-called “mumblecore” movies, because most lack a great script, even if they are mostly ad-libbing.
Look at it as a good thing, that you can show them movies with people they don’t know. Somehow, your heroes were introduced to you in a way so take advantage of that and YOU be the one to show them all of the films you like. If they end up not digging it, then fine, let it go. You can’t really fault someone for their tastes. Even if you think they have “bad taste” in film/arts/whatever, they are who they are and all you can do is try to help expose them to films that you think they would like.
And try not to classify “the majority of a younger generation”, it may just be where you live at. I stay in Nashville and most of the people my age are into classic foriegn films along with other great pieces of art. These people do exist out there, it’s just a matter of meeting them. See if there is a classic film meetup group in your area (at meetups.com). You may be able to talk to some people there.
Great topic. I second the DVXUSER comment, I have learned a tremendous amount from that website alone. As always, you don’t need a degree to tell you that you are a great filmmaker. If you are, then you are. From what I’ve heard from my friends who have attended film school is that in their experience, what they learned most was just tons of hands on with the equipment and the chance to work with a bunch of other aspiring filmmakers. But what they stressed is that all they do is make short films, which is something you can do on your own outside of the school. I think it just depends on your perspective.
Danny Boyle and Ang Lee. Darron Aronofsky is up there to (considering Pi, Requiem for a Dream, the Fountain, and the Wrestler are all vastly different films about completely different subjects)
I wish “Mr. Freedom” and “The Steel Helmet” had their own separate releases from Criterion. I love Eclipse in the sense that you get to watch more movies for the money (compared to Criterion’s pricing for it’s movies) but if you really like one of the films you see, you don’t get to dive into bonus features or any other goodies for that matter. You win some, you lose some
Sex is as basic to humans as eating, sleeping, and breathing. Since I do not have a problem with sleeping or eating in a movie, I do not have a problem with sex in a movie.
“The Fountain” is brilliant! I can’t wait until a decade passes and people watch that movie again, then they will see how timeless it is.
For me, it would have to be “Indiana Jones: KOTCS”. I was looking forward to it very much and was profoundly disappointed in it. Everybody knows Spielberg is great, and considering how much money the movie made you could say I’m in the minority. But still.
No. The reason is because it is not an important contemporary movement. Besides that, there hasn’t been any real stand out mumblecore movies that has the quality to earn a Criterion release.
Thanks for the recommendation. I saw it on Criterion’s site but didn’t think to much of it (since I’ve got the Agnes Varda box set I’m still going through, plus the Ingmar Bergman one). I’ll push this to the top of my list. I’m a huge James Bond fan but I’m also a big fan of gritty type stories (which is why the last two Bond movies are two of my favorites). Is it safe to assume that having said that, I will get more out of this film?
Hopefully him and Alejandro Jodorowsky can get their movies done soon. These are 2 legendary directors with new movies comming out that I simply cannot wait for, but have to remind myself that since they’ve been in development for so long that it’s realistic to say it won’t come out for a while longer.
Watching the complete 3-hour version of “Grindhouse” when it came out initially in the theaters. It was a packed theater and everyone was completely into it. Everyone got that same type of humor that is shown in that movie and everyone seemed to be having a great time (along with myself). Not to mention the fake trailers brought the house down. It’s sad that the Weinsteins haven’t released the 3-hour version in America yet (thank God for the Japanese import though)
Worst Criterion DVDs over 3 years ago
I guess I’ll have to stand up for “The Rock”. That movie is one of the best in it’s genre, the “leave your brain at the door and just be entertained genre”. The movie is thoroughly entertaining and has several great performances, not to mention endless one-liners. Not every movie has to be a scathing look into the structure of this country and that country’s contemporary family structure and values or a slow journey into one’s descent.
I’ll give you “Armageddon” though along with “Slacker”. “Slacker” has a great script but the acting in it is piss poor and so distracting that it makes it hard to focus on the movie itself. You can tell that they used a lot of non actors because it shows. I’m glad I saw “Dazed and Confused” before I saw “Slacker” because otherwise, I would have a much lower opinion of Richard Linklater’s abilities.
And why all the hate for “Band of Outsiders”? That is definitely my favorite Godard film and probably one of the most stylishly entertaining movies I’ve ever seen. I could turn off the audio and subtitles and still be entertained simply by the flow, composition and style of the movie.
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WHICH DIRECTORS...NOT...CURRENTLY REPRESENTED IN THE CRITERION COLLECTION DO YOU WANT TO SEE INCLUDED? over 3 years ago
Alejandro Jodorowsky without a doubt. Although Anchor Bay released a good box set in 2007 there are still some of his films that could use a proper release here in the states. PT Anderson would be a great addition along with James Grey (particularly “The Yards”)
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Criterion's lame blu-ray debut over 3 years ago
Salo in blu-ray hahaha I don’t know why but that made me laugh. I could see their advertising saying “Experience humans eating tubs of shit in glorious 1080p high definition”. They could cut clips of Salo into those Blu-Ray commercials.
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What was the first Criterion movie you watched? over 3 years ago
“Mouchette” was the first one I bought, can’t remember what the first one I watched was. But I read some great reviews of Mouchette and since I couldn’t find it for rent anywhere, I took a chance and bought it. Instantly, I loved it, went online to find out more about Criterion and became hooked ever since. I am very grateful that a company like Criterion exists here in America, otherwise I would have missed out on tons of great films and directors.
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WHAT MODERN...AMERICAN...HORROR FILMS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE CRITERION COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
“Rosemary’s Baby” and John Carpenters “The Thing”. I also think “Frailty” would fit good in the collection, such an underrated movie.
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Blind buys over 3 years ago
Most of the Criterion movies I have are blind buys because Blockbuster doesn’t rent a lot of them. But now that Criterion is slowly putting their movies online, I probably won’t have to worry about it as much, although they still have a ways to go with the amount of movies they need to put up (450+ movies is a pretty daunting task)
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Criterion too pricey for you? over 3 years ago
I bought most of my Criterion through Borders through their blanket coupons (40% off the John Cassavetes box set? Yes please). I also compare prices for the same movies on eBay, Amazon, and Criterion’s own store. After I found out about Criterion.com’s reward program, I might factor that into the prices when I compare. Even though I’m a frugal shopper, to answer the question I would say no, Criterion aren’t too pricey. I have thought this several times in the past but every time I pick one up and see the incredible transfer, booklets, and tons of extras, I feel that it is worth the extra expense on some of them, especially for the ones that are from the 60s and 70s and aren’t widely available in the US.
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HOW DO YOU FILE YOUR COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
Alphabetical. Makes it easier not only for myself but other in my place who want to pick out movies. Although, I have a seperate shelf for my Criterion than the other DVDs.
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Films you quote like it's your job over 3 years ago
Although these aren’t what would be considered high-brow filmmaking, my friends/coworkers endlessly quote: Anchorman, Kung-Pow, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
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Metropolis or Blade Runner. over 3 years ago
Blade Runner. To me, it’s the more complete package and IMO, has more replay value. I will say though that without Metropolis, Blade Runner probably would have been a much different movie.
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DE PALMA'S BLACK DAHLIA over 3 years ago
A big disappointment. I was fiending to watch it. I feel like it started off well but went downhill. I think the problem was mainly the script, it seemed to lack a definitive point and meandered a lot. I found myself bored and thought the ending could have been done a looooot better. I would recommend instead watching David Fincher’s “Zodiac” or “Hollywoodland”
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How important to you is the acting in a film? Can it take precedence over the contribution of the director? over 3 years ago
To me, nothing will take precedence over the script. Typically, without a good script I probably won’t even finish the film. There are some exceptions, such as Stan Brahkage’s films (since they are more experimental than narrative) but I’m not the type of person who will see a movie just because a certain actor is in it (the only exception being Kiera Knightley). But I will see a movie just by the name of the screenwriter or director alone. I love how actors bring a story to life but without the story itself, I feel like the actors would have nothing. Which is probably why I can’t get into those so-called “mumblecore” movies, because most lack a great script, even if they are mostly ad-libbing.
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I have lost faith in the majority of the younger generation. over 3 years ago
Look at it as a good thing, that you can show them movies with people they don’t know. Somehow, your heroes were introduced to you in a way so take advantage of that and YOU be the one to show them all of the films you like. If they end up not digging it, then fine, let it go. You can’t really fault someone for their tastes. Even if you think they have “bad taste” in film/arts/whatever, they are who they are and all you can do is try to help expose them to films that you think they would like.
And try not to classify “the majority of a younger generation”, it may just be where you live at. I stay in Nashville and most of the people my age are into classic foriegn films along with other great pieces of art. These people do exist out there, it’s just a matter of meeting them. See if there is a classic film meetup group in your area (at meetups.com). You may be able to talk to some people there.
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What's the greatest Western? over 3 years ago
The Good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Film School - Effect on you as a filmmaker over 3 years ago
Great topic. I second the DVXUSER comment, I have learned a tremendous amount from that website alone. As always, you don’t need a degree to tell you that you are a great filmmaker. If you are, then you are. From what I’ve heard from my friends who have attended film school is that in their experience, what they learned most was just tons of hands on with the equipment and the chance to work with a bunch of other aspiring filmmakers. But what they stressed is that all they do is make short films, which is something you can do on your own outside of the school. I think it just depends on your perspective.
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WHICH MOVIES...PUT OUT IN LAST 5 YEARS...DO YOU THINK WILL ONE DAY JOIN THE CRITERION COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
The Fountain (which Aronofsky flirted with the idea of putting out an expanded Criterion edition), There Will Be Blood, Sunshine
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Most Versatile Director over 3 years ago
Danny Boyle and Ang Lee. Darron Aronofsky is up there to (considering Pi, Requiem for a Dream, the Fountain, and the Wrestler are all vastly different films about completely different subjects)
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P.T. Anderson's Best Film? over 3 years ago
Magnolia. To me, it is completely perfect in every way and I am so glad that he did not cut one minute of it.
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Eclipse over 3 years ago
I wish “Mr. Freedom” and “The Steel Helmet” had their own separate releases from Criterion. I love Eclipse in the sense that you get to watch more movies for the money (compared to Criterion’s pricing for it’s movies) but if you really like one of the films you see, you don’t get to dive into bonus features or any other goodies for that matter. You win some, you lose some
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Sex in the movies: Disturbing? over 3 years ago
Sex is as basic to humans as eating, sleeping, and breathing. Since I do not have a problem with sleeping or eating in a movie, I do not have a problem with sex in a movie.
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The Long Goodbye over 3 years ago
My favorite Altman film (yup!). Completely wish Criterion would put this one out
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What Music Video Collections and TV Shows Should Be On Criterion over 3 years ago
Tattoed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills. That’s right I said it, and I’ll repeat it again: Tattoed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills
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How could such a great director make such a lousy movie? over 3 years ago
“The Fountain” is brilliant! I can’t wait until a decade passes and people watch that movie again, then they will see how timeless it is.
For me, it would have to be “Indiana Jones: KOTCS”. I was looking forward to it very much and was profoundly disappointed in it. Everybody knows Spielberg is great, and considering how much money the movie made you could say I’m in the minority. But still.
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Is Mumblecore worthy of Criterion over 3 years ago
No. The reason is because it is not an important contemporary movement. Besides that, there hasn’t been any real stand out mumblecore movies that has the quality to earn a Criterion release.
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who is the greatest living filmmaker? over 3 years ago
Jean-Luc Godard. Even though he is hiding out from everyone (although he certainly has earned the right to)
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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold over 3 years ago
Thanks for the recommendation. I saw it on Criterion’s site but didn’t think to much of it (since I’ve got the Agnes Varda box set I’m still going through, plus the Ingmar Bergman one). I’ll push this to the top of my list. I’m a huge James Bond fan but I’m also a big fan of gritty type stories (which is why the last two Bond movies are two of my favorites). Is it safe to assume that having said that, I will get more out of this film?
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Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" over 3 years ago
Hopefully him and Alejandro Jodorowsky can get their movies done soon. These are 2 legendary directors with new movies comming out that I simply cannot wait for, but have to remind myself that since they’ve been in development for so long that it’s realistic to say it won’t come out for a while longer.
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Where are you from? about 3 years ago
nashville
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What is your most memorable film going experience? (Only one per post please!) about 3 years ago
Watching the complete 3-hour version of “Grindhouse” when it came out initially in the theaters. It was a packed theater and everyone was completely into it. Everyone got that same type of humor that is shown in that movie and everyone seemed to be having a great time (along with myself). Not to mention the fake trailers brought the house down. It’s sad that the Weinsteins haven’t released the 3-hour version in America yet (thank God for the Japanese import though)
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Which directors have you seen every feature from? about 3 years ago
Quentin Tarentino, Darren Aronofsky, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inaratu off of the top of my head.
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