There are many great films that would be too spoilerific (love that internet slang) so here are some general ones;
“Planting the Tree” from THE PROFESSIONAL
“Wall-E tries to wake up Eve” from WALL-E
“A knock on the door” from CEMETARY MAN
“Whats that…a mall” from DAWN OF THE DEAD
“Needles to an End” from AUDITION
“Color Change Dress” from SLEEPING BEAUTY
“The Return” from BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED
Quantom of Solace (8/10): Must have liked the generational relaunch with Casino Royale as it is more of the same; which I quite liked. Interesting use of phobias but really bad use of “shakey cam”. It is time for tripods (non-War of the Worlds) to come back in style
Twilight (7/10): If a movie can be made for a specific audience, this is this the film. Very faithful to the novel and better with a packed & vocal house. Might recieve a lot of hate due to the “tweening” of vampires but an adaptation is an adaptation.
Great question and without the ability to grab a quick screen shot, I recommend “West Side Story” with special note to any of the opening dance scenes. I agree that capturing a still image is very important but I think that movement itself is right up there. They are called “moving pictures” for a reason… (love that quote)
“Do or do not; there is no try.” – Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
“Everyone!” — The Professional
“People are always telling you that change is a good thing, but what they’re really saying is that something that you didn’t want to happen just happened.” — You’ve Got Mail
“Childhood’s over the moment you know you’re going to die.” — The Crow
“And to stand with me this day, men, I thank you and if you should, in the middle of this battle, find yourself warm and feeling; rest assured that you are already in Vahalla and we will join you shortly”—Gladiator
I am a big fan of both films and movies as well a believing that there is both a difference and that many cool ones transfer between both categories. I long for the spellcheck feature on here and I am sorry if I make some errors. Hopefully my wall full of diplomas and sarcasm will allow me to be forgiven.
On a related note; if a 40% sale and this site beget Criterion moving some things to Kentucky…welcome to the Blue Grass state indeed!
In no particular order (although the internet is my main source besides Word of Mouth)
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) If you are down with Hoop Dreams; you are down with me!
Moriarty (aicn.com) The whole site is full of sellouts and attention whores but Scott Swan does a good job
Devin (chud.com) Devin Farci is loud, rude, and generally the “Angry Sportscaster” on internet movie reviewers, proudly wearing his hate on his sleeve so you know what his bias might be.
Interesting question and one that does not fit their “mission statement” but I do believe that there are still some quality shows that Criterion might be able to grab. I am sure it would be a liscening nightmare and with the various actors, directors, writers, not to mention recent problems with sound and music rights it would be quite an undertaking. I say stick with your mission statement but if uber-boss Big C did want to branch out into “boxed babysitter land”….
Max Headroom (as mentioned above….needs done)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (barely being released and bonus features could still be done)
STUDIO 90 era plays (as mentioned above…many deserve to be seen again and were filmed theater style)
I have not yet gone “blu” but I do think that the way that Criterion is releasing Blu-Ray titles is alright. You get some newer films and some more established titles as well. With identical price points and special features, it gives the consumer that has supported Criterion the chance to continue to do so in either format.
There are so many great choices and since I do not want to leave off anyone that mentioned many of the great ones, I will just add…
Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (docu-comedy/farce that has respect of those that can find it)
The Blair Witch Project (there has been enough time for a retrospective analysis especially with the “shaky cam” in tons of recent films)
Track 29 (A quality Roeg film)
I would also like a “Drive-In Collection” similiar to the excellent “Monsters and Madmen” box. This way deserving public domain classics like “Night of the Living Dead” can get decent editions and still sell well enough to warrent their inclusion.
I personally think that GBLT cinema in general provides a great outlet for expression, which is especially true within certain lesbian films. Films such as “Saving Face” which takes the lesbian relationship and throws in work, family expectations, and class warfare in for good measure and yes…it is a comedy about two people of asian decent falling in love.
I agree with Daniel in that I take “Vanguard” to mean the beginning of a movement or way of doing things and “Avaunt Garde” as a noteworthy example of a vanguard movement.
For example: I think that the usage of “shaky cam” to be a movement that had its current vanguard moment with “The Blair Witch Project” and an avaunt garde usage of shaky cam would be “The Bourne Surpremecy” as it used it to great critical and $ effect within the confines of an action sequel.
Yes, I too heard that a person fled Anchor Bay (which was bought out) to form Blue Underground much in the same way that the three gentlemen that formed RHINO sold out to Warners and then took their cash to start SHOUT! FACTORY.
Kim Ki-Duk, in my opinion, is one of the best filmmakers working today. The span of his work is amazing and although the male centered melo-drama is not the most popular catagory to be involved in I present two amazing selections:
3-iron
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter
The names of those two films might vary a little due to translation or which company puts them out but after laughing at the second title’s werid name and watching the first film…I was amazed.
Not to diss Park, Bong, Lee or many of the other awesome filmmakers but when presented with Park; I present Kim Ki-Duk
Ah, so this is the “I hate Juno/Crash” thread? Sort of figured since I agree with those thoughts. Not so much into the anti-Fight Club but I can understand that often times it is the culture that the movie inspired / predated then the movie itself. Now back to hating Juno…
Juno = I can understand that it is a “fresh take” on the teen preggo genre and I can buy that pop culture is what people often talk about but Juno’s refrences spanned at least thirty-five years of pop culture and since her parents were not that overtly poppy, where did she get all the refrences from? If there was a scene that showed her GOOGLING the web for culture or at the least showed her watching a marathon of VH1’s “I Love Employing Bad Comics” specials, I would buy it more. If she was so full of culture and empty in everywhere else, I could also get behind that but as it stood, I agreed that her character could not be the way she was.
Crash = Cronenberg owns that title and for that very reason until I get a Criterion of it, the other Crash goes down a few notches. I have also not watched the STARZ TV series based on said film. Now a Cronenberg TV series would be something to up my cable rate for.
Actually just got back from WVA and picked up six titles that someone traded in. The very kind store manager told me that there are basically a group of four guys that trade Criterions and what she deemed “odd films” in and another of the group buys them, thus the circle of life continues. I mentioned to her that it would be better served if the group just went to McDs and traded but then she looked sad so I said “sorry” as I bought a copy of Flesh for Frankenstein.
Music and movie go together and much in the way many have their favorites of films released this year, there are many great albums that have also came out in the last 365(+/-). Here are five albums that I really liked this year (thus far)
Opeth “Watershed” = great metal record from the guys that make exciting dour metal both accessible for fans and new listeners
NAS “Untitled” = social statements in rap music? The whole album is a exam on one very bad word and American culture itself as well.
In Flames “Sense of Purpose” = fast and loud, this record is only added to by the excellent making of DVD that shipped along with it.
Brian Wilson “That Lucky Old Sun” = what? He actually puts out music and you don’t have to wait thirty years? Wow on both accounts.
Rihanna “Good Girl Gone Bad” = yes, pop/r&b is addictive and this is full of drill your teeth goodness.
Very nice job everyone! Thanks for responding! Now if my math is correct…The Fleet Foxes self titled album has recieved the most votes thus far. I wonder if another challenger will rise up?
In response to the following post by Ed Gordon
_________________________________________________________________________
Ed Gordon
I love Annie Hall. Also, I really wish Farrell as Bush had been made into a full length movie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkqrI3IibYI
__________________________________________________________________________
According to the internet (cue music) Farrell and his director du jour Adam McKay were doing Farrell’s impersonation as a Broadway play counting down the fictional last days in office. So if this happens this is sort of like a Farrell/McKay version of Altman’s “Secret Honor”…just intentionally funny.
Also of note is the above mentioned “Modern Zorro Films” and Robin Hood, which has great fights to match its great sets, cast, plot, color palette, etc.
How long until a enlightened foreigner responsed? Well now it is time for me to get back on my red, white, and blue soapbox…
In response to David K’s above mentioned questioning of America’s overt love of violence and hidden love of fucking; I blame the pilgrams. Since they escaped the oppressive rule of England, or more specifically the Church of England, which only existed due to Vatician arguements of how to get rid of your wife, the very Europeans that founded the colonies were all fleeing a believed social moral decline. What they got when they arrived here was a very rude awakening in that the true Americans, the native people, could have been considered “indecent” if not only for their lack of a European religion but their own somewhat lax dresscode. Nudity to some was horrible and to others it was as natural as rain. Prim and proper vs. wild and free. Clearly there was much work to be done and the easiest tool in their arsenal, just like it is today, was violence. Pilgrams used violence to defend their culture from believed indeceny and America has embraced violence ever since. This was especialy true in land grabs, wars, and other events in which one had to prove whom had the bigger stick.
Now I will get off my soapbox and go see “Punisher: WAR ZONE” because Titus Pullo says so.
ABBA music in the collection? This would have to be Blu-ray as my regular DVD player would reject anything with a Criterion mark and “Dancing Queen”. All bad jokes aside, I do agree with your selections and wish to add…
The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human(1999) = so aliens are making a documentary about humans and mating? AWESOME
Sammy and Rosie Get Laid(1987) = punk, London, and a rather screwball plot = quality comedy plus with “Sid & Nancy” out, we need another London love story, speaking of which….
Love Story(1970) = talk about a bare bones release, throw some extras on here especially since this film and “The Godfather” helped save one of Hollywoods biggest studios. Putting this in the collection means never having to say you are sorry.
If we are going with the “modern” defination….then I have to throw another vote in for “The Blair Witch Project”. Simply one of the crux type films that ended the decade and previewed the one to come.
Seems like TV on the Radio’s “Dear Science” is getting a lot of votes as well. Those Fleet Foxes should watch out!
Oh, and love for Husker Du has no time frame. They are eternal just like vampires, Spam, and boy bands. Oh second thought, they are better then the previous three….put together!
Pilgrams, at least I believe, had to justify it to themselves that they would eventually run ruffshot over the natives and they did this by dehumanizing them most often by their outward appearances. Not cool pilgrams. Not cool.
favourite scene from any film over 3 years ago
Great thread and way to get started here…
There are many great films that would be too spoilerific (love that internet slang) so here are some general ones;
“Planting the Tree” from THE PROFESSIONAL
“Wall-E tries to wake up Eve” from WALL-E
“A knock on the door” from CEMETARY MAN
“Whats that…a mall” from DAWN OF THE DEAD
“Needles to an End” from AUDITION
“Color Change Dress” from SLEEPING BEAUTY
“The Return” from BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED
Go to Comment
Rate The Last Film You Watched over 3 years ago
Double Feature (Saturday Night at the Movies):
Quantom of Solace (8/10): Must have liked the generational relaunch with Casino Royale as it is more of the same; which I quite liked. Interesting use of phobias but really bad use of “shakey cam”. It is time for tripods (non-War of the Worlds) to come back in style
Twilight (7/10): If a movie can be made for a specific audience, this is this the film. Very faithful to the novel and better with a packed & vocal house. Might recieve a lot of hate due to the “tweening” of vampires but an adaptation is an adaptation.
Go to Comment
Still Image over 3 years ago
Great question and without the ability to grab a quick screen shot, I recommend “West Side Story” with special note to any of the opening dance scenes. I agree that capturing a still image is very important but I think that movement itself is right up there. They are called “moving pictures” for a reason… (love that quote)
All the best in your career as well!
Go to Comment
Film quotes you love over 3 years ago
“Do or do not; there is no try.” – Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
“Everyone!” — The Professional
“People are always telling you that change is a good thing, but what they’re really saying is that something that you didn’t want to happen just happened.” — You’ve Got Mail
“Childhood’s over the moment you know you’re going to die.” — The Crow
“And to stand with me this day, men, I thank you and if you should, in the middle of this battle, find yourself warm and feeling; rest assured that you are already in Vahalla and we will join you shortly”—Gladiator
Go to Comment
New to The Auteurs? You Belong Here over 3 years ago
Ahhhh……the welcome thread!
I am a big fan of both films and movies as well a believing that there is both a difference and that many cool ones transfer between both categories. I long for the spellcheck feature on here and I am sorry if I make some errors. Hopefully my wall full of diplomas and sarcasm will allow me to be forgiven.
On a related note; if a 40% sale and this site beget Criterion moving some things to Kentucky…welcome to the Blue Grass state indeed!
Go to Comment
Which Film Critics Do You Read? over 3 years ago
In no particular order (although the internet is my main source besides Word of Mouth)
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) If you are down with Hoop Dreams; you are down with me!
Moriarty (aicn.com) The whole site is full of sellouts and attention whores but Scott Swan does a good job
Devin (chud.com) Devin Farci is loud, rude, and generally the “Angry Sportscaster” on internet movie reviewers, proudly wearing his hate on his sleeve so you know what his bias might be.
Go to Comment
SHOULD THE CRITERION COLLECTION INCLUDE TELEVISION SHOWS? over 3 years ago
Interesting question and one that does not fit their “mission statement” but I do believe that there are still some quality shows that Criterion might be able to grab. I am sure it would be a liscening nightmare and with the various actors, directors, writers, not to mention recent problems with sound and music rights it would be quite an undertaking. I say stick with your mission statement but if uber-boss Big C did want to branch out into “boxed babysitter land”….
Max Headroom (as mentioned above….needs done)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (barely being released and bonus features could still be done)
STUDIO 90 era plays (as mentioned above…many deserve to be seen again and were filmed theater style)
Go to Comment
Criterion's lame blu-ray debut over 3 years ago
I have not yet gone “blu” but I do think that the way that Criterion is releasing Blu-Ray titles is alright. You get some newer films and some more established titles as well. With identical price points and special features, it gives the consumer that has supported Criterion the chance to continue to do so in either format.
Go to Comment
When I say "A Perfect Film", What One Film Pops Into Your Head First? over 3 years ago
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
___________________________
Sights, sounds, spectacle…old friends in newer clothes – this film has it all.
Go to Comment
Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
There are so many great choices and since I do not want to leave off anyone that mentioned many of the great ones, I will just add…
Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (docu-comedy/farce that has respect of those that can find it)
The Blair Witch Project (there has been enough time for a retrospective analysis especially with the “shaky cam” in tons of recent films)
Track 29 (A quality Roeg film)
I would also like a “Drive-In Collection” similiar to the excellent “Monsters and Madmen” box. This way deserving public domain classics like “Night of the Living Dead” can get decent editions and still sell well enough to warrent their inclusion.
Go to Comment
Gay and Lesbian Cinema over 3 years ago
As mentioned above: L.I.E and Mysterious Skin
I personally think that GBLT cinema in general provides a great outlet for expression, which is especially true within certain lesbian films. Films such as “Saving Face” which takes the lesbian relationship and throws in work, family expectations, and class warfare in for good measure and yes…it is a comedy about two people of asian decent falling in love.
Go to Comment
Vanguard versus avant-garde over 3 years ago
I agree with Daniel in that I take “Vanguard” to mean the beginning of a movement or way of doing things and “Avaunt Garde” as a noteworthy example of a vanguard movement.
For example: I think that the usage of “shaky cam” to be a movement that had its current vanguard moment with “The Blair Witch Project” and an avaunt garde usage of shaky cam would be “The Bourne Surpremecy” as it used it to great critical and $ effect within the confines of an action sequel.
Go to Comment
Blue Underground over 3 years ago
Yes, I too heard that a person fled Anchor Bay (which was bought out) to form Blue Underground much in the same way that the three gentlemen that formed RHINO sold out to Warners and then took their cash to start SHOUT! FACTORY.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/11/17/pop.culture.entrepreneurs.ap/index.html
Although if there is any doubt…
Criterion = Kings/Queens of the Hill
Go to Comment
Action Films over 3 years ago
“Commando” is a movie worthy of being called a film. So many great parts, scenes, mistakes, and the idea that it was actually made is awesome.
That being said, I enjoy the “action” films that Criterion has put out and hope that more continue.
Go to Comment
Help make The Auteurs totally awesome over 3 years ago
I Heart The Auteurs
although a spell check feature would be nice
Go to Comment
TV SHOWS over 3 years ago
Going with top five lists (and these are just some of the best)
American TV = Comedy
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Seinfeld
Arrested Devolpment
South Park
American TV = Drama (non-pay TV)
The X Files
The Shield
Dead Like Me
Pushing Daisies
LOST
American TV = Drama (Pay per view)
Deadwood
Curb Your Enthusium
The Wire
Dexter
The L Word
Go to Comment
What do you think about Park Chan-wook? over 3 years ago
Kim Ki-Duk, in my opinion, is one of the best filmmakers working today. The span of his work is amazing and although the male centered melo-drama is not the most popular catagory to be involved in I present two amazing selections:
3-iron
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter
The names of those two films might vary a little due to translation or which company puts them out but after laughing at the second title’s werid name and watching the first film…I was amazed.
Not to diss Park, Bong, Lee or many of the other awesome filmmakers but when presented with Park; I present Kim Ki-Duk
Go to Comment
Movies you hated that everyone else loves over 3 years ago
Ah, so this is the “I hate Juno/Crash” thread? Sort of figured since I agree with those thoughts. Not so much into the anti-Fight Club but I can understand that often times it is the culture that the movie inspired / predated then the movie itself. Now back to hating Juno…
Juno = I can understand that it is a “fresh take” on the teen preggo genre and I can buy that pop culture is what people often talk about but Juno’s refrences spanned at least thirty-five years of pop culture and since her parents were not that overtly poppy, where did she get all the refrences from? If there was a scene that showed her GOOGLING the web for culture or at the least showed her watching a marathon of VH1’s “I Love Employing Bad Comics” specials, I would buy it more. If she was so full of culture and empty in everywhere else, I could also get behind that but as it stood, I agreed that her character could not be the way she was.
Crash = Cronenberg owns that title and for that very reason until I get a Criterion of it, the other Crash goes down a few notches. I have also not watched the STARZ TV series based on said film. Now a Cronenberg TV series would be something to up my cable rate for.
Go to Comment
Criterion junkies here? over 3 years ago
Actually just got back from WVA and picked up six titles that someone traded in. The very kind store manager told me that there are basically a group of four guys that trade Criterions and what she deemed “odd films” in and another of the group buys them, thus the circle of life continues. I mentioned to her that it would be better served if the group just went to McDs and traded but then she looked sad so I said “sorry” as I bought a copy of Flesh for Frankenstein.
Go to Comment
Top Albums of the Year (aka What rocks your ipod) 2008 over 3 years ago
Music and movie go together and much in the way many have their favorites of films released this year, there are many great albums that have also came out in the last 365(+/-). Here are five albums that I really liked this year (thus far)
Opeth “Watershed” = great metal record from the guys that make exciting dour metal both accessible for fans and new listeners
NAS “Untitled” = social statements in rap music? The whole album is a exam on one very bad word and American culture itself as well.
In Flames “Sense of Purpose” = fast and loud, this record is only added to by the excellent making of DVD that shipped along with it.
Brian Wilson “That Lucky Old Sun” = what? He actually puts out music and you don’t have to wait thirty years? Wow on both accounts.
Rihanna “Good Girl Gone Bad” = yes, pop/r&b is addictive and this is full of drill your teeth goodness.
Go to Comment
Top Albums of the Year (aka What rocks your ipod) 2008 over 3 years ago
Very nice job everyone! Thanks for responding! Now if my math is correct…The Fleet Foxes self titled album has recieved the most votes thus far. I wonder if another challenger will rise up?
Go to Comment
favorite funniest movie over 3 years ago
In response to the following post by Ed Gordon
_________________________________________________________________________
Ed Gordon
I love Annie Hall. Also, I really wish Farrell as Bush had been made into a full length movie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkqrI3IibYI
__________________________________________________________________________
According to the internet (cue music) Farrell and his director du jour Adam McKay were doing Farrell’s impersonation as a Broadway play counting down the fictional last days in office. So if this happens this is sort of like a Farrell/McKay version of Altman’s “Secret Honor”…just intentionally funny.
Go to Comment
Best sword fight over 3 years ago
It is very hard to argue against the modern classic “The Princess Bride” but I will still throw “Sword of Doom” in the top spot.
Go to Comment
Best sword fight over 3 years ago
Also of note is the above mentioned “Modern Zorro Films” and Robin Hood, which has great fights to match its great sets, cast, plot, color palette, etc.
Go to Comment
Best title over 3 years ago
So many choices…
The Naked Kiss (it has nudity in the title and the possible question of what is behind it?)
Night of the Living Dead (timeframe and plot…enough said and said so well people are still using offshoots of the phrase)
Batteries Not Included (dares to have a negative in the title and use a famous phrase)
Let the Right One In (wait…who/what are the wrong ones?)
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (now that is a title with action in it plus it showed the growing mythology of the series)
Go to Comment
Sex in the movies: Disturbing? over 3 years ago
How long until a enlightened foreigner responsed? Well now it is time for me to get back on my red, white, and blue soapbox…
In response to David K’s above mentioned questioning of America’s overt love of violence and hidden love of fucking; I blame the pilgrams. Since they escaped the oppressive rule of England, or more specifically the Church of England, which only existed due to Vatician arguements of how to get rid of your wife, the very Europeans that founded the colonies were all fleeing a believed social moral decline. What they got when they arrived here was a very rude awakening in that the true Americans, the native people, could have been considered “indecent” if not only for their lack of a European religion but their own somewhat lax dresscode. Nudity to some was horrible and to others it was as natural as rain. Prim and proper vs. wild and free. Clearly there was much work to be done and the easiest tool in their arsenal, just like it is today, was violence. Pilgrams used violence to defend their culture from believed indeceny and America has embraced violence ever since. This was especialy true in land grabs, wars, and other events in which one had to prove whom had the bigger stick.
Now I will get off my soapbox and go see “Punisher: WAR ZONE” because Titus Pullo says so.
Go to Comment
suggestions: A COUPLE OF ROMANTIC COMEDIES FOR THE CRITERION COLLECTION...let me know if you agree... over 3 years ago
ABBA music in the collection? This would have to be Blu-ray as my regular DVD player would reject anything with a Criterion mark and “Dancing Queen”. All bad jokes aside, I do agree with your selections and wish to add…
The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human(1999) = so aliens are making a documentary about humans and mating? AWESOME
Sammy and Rosie Get Laid(1987) = punk, London, and a rather screwball plot = quality comedy plus with “Sid & Nancy” out, we need another London love story, speaking of which….
Love Story(1970) = talk about a bare bones release, throw some extras on here especially since this film and “The Godfather” helped save one of Hollywoods biggest studios. Putting this in the collection means never having to say you are sorry.
Go to Comment
WHAT MODERN...AMERICAN...HORROR FILMS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE CRITERION COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
If we are going with the “modern” defination….then I have to throw another vote in for “The Blair Witch Project”. Simply one of the crux type films that ended the decade and previewed the one to come.
Go to Comment
Top Albums of the Year (aka What rocks your ipod) 2008 over 3 years ago
EXCELLENT JOB EVERYONE….lots of great artists!
Seems like TV on the Radio’s “Dear Science” is getting a lot of votes as well. Those Fleet Foxes should watch out!
Oh, and love for Husker Du has no time frame. They are eternal just like vampires, Spam, and boy bands. Oh second thought, they are better then the previous three….put together!
Go to Comment
Sex in the movies: Disturbing? over 3 years ago
Pilgrams, at least I believe, had to justify it to themselves that they would eventually run ruffshot over the natives and they did this by dehumanizing them most often by their outward appearances. Not cool pilgrams. Not cool.
Go to Comment