I was working at a video store when I was 17, which incidentally is the greatest job for someone with a burgeoning interest in film, I would grab a stack of tapes at a time and indulge on images. One night I popped in the tape for Do The Right Thing and it just floored me. I immediately rewound the tape and started it again. I’d never seen a film that hooked me so into the enviroment of the characters, and then sucker punch me with that explosive ending. I have seen thousands of films since, some great, some not, but that was the first one I respected as art and showed me that anything is possible in the cinema.
I’m tired of Criterion rereleasing titles. Lets bring out some films that aren’t available. Letters from a Unknown Woman, Celine and Julie go Boating, Make Way for Tomorrow, and Voyage in Italy to name a few.
I have at least 20 all time fave directors, and Kubrick is certainly one of them. How can you compare what Kubrick is trying to do, to what Hitchcock, Chaplin, Godard, Fellini, or Welles is doing. Each one a particular voice, each one a genius.
I have to agree with Richard. For me Malik seems a more likely influence on that film while Boogie Nights and Magnolia have more of a Altman/Scorsese feel.
Yes indeed, I love my Malick. My palms sweat just reading that he’s working on a new film. I heard that this would’ve been Heath Ledger’s next role, tragic, the idea of him, Penn, and Malick sounded blissful. If you enjoyed The New World, I highly recommend the extended cut. It plays beautifully.
I’ll join the chorus on Sunrise, City Lights, Passion of Joan of Arc, and Pandora’s Box. I also love THe Cat and the Canary, Ingeborg Holm, CIty Girl, The Freshman, A Woman of Paris, and the work of Guy Maddin. BTW Why is Josef Von Sternberg’s silent work not available on disc? I’m talking Underworld, The Docks of New York, and The Last Command.
Oh yeah I forgot one, (and since nobody else wants to admit it)…….Triumph of the Will. Content aside, the capturing and cutting of images on this film have rarely been matched.
My Movie Collector count is at 5199. But I also have at least 400 transferred to disc from TCM. I have a large basement with my entire collection shelved for display. It’s sheer lunacy but that’s the agony and ecstacy of obsession.
The top two have to be Raging Bull losing to Ordinary People and 2001 not even being nominated for Best Picture??? Kubrick was nominated for best director but lost to Carol Reed for the musical Oliver.
— getting a job at a videostore when I was 17. New release were off limits to the staff, but otherwise the entire store was up for grabs.
—Siskel & Ebert were a huge influence. Smart, passionate, and respectful of film history. I still consider them the best teachers I’ve ever had.
— and in 1989. the Academy Awards began with an amazing montage of 100 years of the movies. For a kid who thought he knew everything to know about movies, I realized I hadn’t even scratched the surface of what was out there.
- and Myra - I completely understand your last comment. Being an avid film watcher for over 20 years now I have valiantly tried to open my friends to films (and were talking great films here) to no avail. For me being a cinephile has been a wonderful, educational, even spiritual, but ultimately a solitary experience.
If you want to see Karl Malden at his top try Elia Kazan’s Baby Doll with him and Eli Wallach trying to deflower 19 year old Carroll Baker.
Malden is absolutely hilarious, showing his less used comedic skills.
Since all my favorites are picked………Does anyone else think that Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” is about as close we’re going to get to American NeoRealism?
I remember reading a story about Adrian Brody going to see the premiere with his parents. He was so proud of his work in the film thinking he had one of the lead roles. When the film started and he realized that his performance had been cut to pieces he just shrunk down in his seat.
I would love to see any extended cut of this film. It was my favorite film of the year (much better than Pvt. Ryan) and it’s current running time flies by. Sometimes Final cut on a film requires a set running time . The studio says deliver it under 3 hours and you get to cut it your way, which might’ve happened in this case.
Anyways can’t wait for the Tree of Life this spring.
At least one movie a day, but on a day off can finish four.
I prefer to watch one new film every day and older ones
when they jump out for an average of ten a week.
Always on my TV. never on computer….ever.
I prefer watching foreign films first thing in the morning if I can, Hollywood driven movies at night.
Sundays are usually reserved for Westerns, War films, and Epics.
and I love popcorn with a movie, always have since a kid.
As for the cinema I have slowed down since my youth. I probably go about twelve times a year
For me Steven Soderberg is the commentary king. He always has someone join him which creates a more conversational atmosphere. His ongoing series with Mike Nichols is great and worth checking out.
I also love Altman’s tracks and ….Yes. the group commentary on Boogie Nights My favorite track ever. By the time you get to Mark Walberg talking about a unfortunate sexual encounter, you really can’t believe your ears.
Great thread. .. Instead of trying to pick a favorite film I’ll go for a doc about the movies. It’s called Cinema Europe – a fantastic 6 hour tour of Europe’s silent film industry. For anyone interested in exploring the beginnings of cinema it’s a teriffic primer.
what film or films may have made you into the fan/fanatic you are over 3 years ago
I was working at a video store when I was 17, which incidentally is the greatest job for someone with a burgeoning interest in film, I would grab a stack of tapes at a time and indulge on images. One night I popped in the tape for Do The Right Thing and it just floored me. I immediately rewound the tape and started it again. I’d never seen a film that hooked me so into the enviroment of the characters, and then sucker punch me with that explosive ending. I have seen thousands of films since, some great, some not, but that was the first one I respected as art and showed me that anything is possible in the cinema.
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Opinions of Van Sant? over 3 years ago
I actually liked….Gerry. That’s right I said it.
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Dear Criterion over 3 years ago
I’m tired of Criterion rereleasing titles. Lets bring out some films that aren’t available. Letters from a Unknown Woman, Celine and Julie go Boating, Make Way for Tomorrow, and Voyage in Italy to name a few.
Go to Comment
Who's better than Stanley Kubrick? over 3 years ago
I have at least 20 all time fave directors, and Kubrick is certainly one of them. How can you compare what Kubrick is trying to do, to what Hitchcock, Chaplin, Godard, Fellini, or Welles is doing. Each one a particular voice, each one a genius.
Go to Comment
KUBRICK'S INFLUENCE ON "THERE WILL BE BLOOD" over 3 years ago
I have to agree with Richard. For me Malik seems a more likely influence on that film while Boogie Nights and Magnolia have more of a Altman/Scorsese feel.
Go to Comment
Roger Ebert/ Worst Critic EVER! over 3 years ago
Sorry, but Ebert was one of the reasons I began to take a serious interest in film. I thinks he ranks among the best.
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Dr. Strangelove: All's Fair in What Now? over 3 years ago
It is my absolute favorite film.
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Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" over 3 years ago
Yes indeed, I love my Malick. My palms sweat just reading that he’s working on a new film. I heard that this would’ve been Heath Ledger’s next role, tragic, the idea of him, Penn, and Malick sounded blissful. If you enjoyed The New World, I highly recommend the extended cut. It plays beautifully.
Go to Comment
YOUR FAVORITE SILENT FILM, PLEASE. about 3 years ago
I’ll join the chorus on Sunrise, City Lights, Passion of Joan of Arc, and Pandora’s Box. I also love THe Cat and the Canary, Ingeborg Holm, CIty Girl, The Freshman, A Woman of Paris, and the work of Guy Maddin. BTW Why is Josef Von Sternberg’s silent work not available on disc? I’m talking Underworld, The Docks of New York, and The Last Command.
Go to Comment
YOUR FAVORITE SILENT FILM, PLEASE. about 3 years ago
Oh yeah I forgot one, (and since nobody else wants to admit it)…….Triumph of the Will. Content aside, the capturing and cutting of images on this film have rarely been matched.
Go to Comment
How Big Is Your DVD Collection? almost 3 years ago
My Movie Collector count is at 5199. But I also have at least 400 transferred to disc from TCM. I have a large basement with my entire collection shelved for display. It’s sheer lunacy but that’s the agony and ecstacy of obsession.
Go to Comment
Which Criterion film has the best commentary ? almost 3 years ago
The Third Man
Wes Anderson’s films
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Classic movies you can't get on d.v.d. almost 3 years ago
Leo Mc’Carey’s Make Way for Tomorrow
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If you could see any film again for the first time what would it be? almost 3 years ago
Star Wars. I was 10 years old the first time. I’m now 38. Would the magic that I experienced as a child still hold up as an adult? probably.
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Most impressive one-take tracking shot? almost 3 years ago
Raging Bull – When Jake enters the ring for his championship fight. Maybe not the longest track, but it’s technically flawless and very emotional.
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What film did not win an Oscar...but you felt it should have? almost 3 years ago
The top two have to be Raging Bull losing to Ordinary People and 2001 not even being nominated for Best Picture??? Kubrick was nominated for best director but lost to Carol Reed for the musical Oliver.
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Favorite bloopers that made it into films? almost 3 years ago
An obvious, but classic one is in Star Wars when the storm trooper clanks his head on the top of the doorway where the droids are hiding.
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What Got You Interested in Cinema? almost 3 years ago
Three big things for me-
— getting a job at a videostore when I was 17. New release were off limits to the staff, but otherwise the entire store was up for grabs.
—Siskel & Ebert were a huge influence. Smart, passionate, and respectful of film history. I still consider them the best teachers I’ve ever had.
— and in 1989. the Academy Awards began with an amazing montage of 100 years of the movies. For a kid who thought he knew everything to know about movies, I realized I hadn’t even scratched the surface of what was out there.
- and Myra -I completely understand your last comment. Being an avid film watcher for over 20 years now I have valiantly tried to open my friends to films (and were talking great films here) to no avail. For me being a cinephile has been a wonderful, educational, even spiritual, but ultimately a solitary experience.Go to Comment
Karl Malden dies. almost 3 years ago
If you want to see Karl Malden at his top try Elia Kazan’s Baby Doll with him and Eli Wallach trying to deflower 19 year old Carroll Baker.
Malden is absolutely hilarious, showing his less used comedic skills.
Go to Comment
TOP TEN OF NEO-REALISM almost 3 years ago
Since all my favorites are picked………Does anyone else think that Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” is about as close we’re going to get to American NeoRealism?
Go to Comment
Anybody Else Celebrate The 4th By Watching Jaws? almost 3 years ago
Nope , but i’m going to ….and i’m even Canadian.
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Which Director Would You Want As Your Father almost 3 years ago
This might be the strangest question on Forum yet……………………..a toss between John Huston & Raoul Walsh (and Kubrick, but only as a Uncle).
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Film Education for My Children over 2 years ago
The Wizard of Oz, The Thief of Bagdad, and Babe come to mind.
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WHICH DIRECTOR WOULD YOU WANT AS YOUR shrink? over 2 years ago
Buster Keaton. I just like the idea of him listening and taking notes.
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Movies about the love of cinema over 2 years ago
Forgotten Silver
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Thin Red Line- The Original Cut- RELEASE IT CRITERION?!!! over 2 years ago
I remember reading a story about Adrian Brody going to see the premiere with his parents. He was so proud of his work in the film thinking he had one of the lead roles. When the film started and he realized that his performance had been cut to pieces he just shrunk down in his seat.
I would love to see any extended cut of this film. It was my favorite film of the year (much better than Pvt. Ryan) and it’s current running time flies by. Sometimes Final cut on a film requires a set running time . The studio says deliver it under 3 hours and you get to cut it your way, which might’ve happened in this case.
Anyways can’t wait for the Tree of Life this spring.
Go to Comment
What is your favorite ending? over 2 years ago
I’m sure I have hundreds of options, but the first off the top of my head would be …………………………………..Annie Hall.
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Film watching habits over 2 years ago
At least one movie a day, but on a day off can finish four.
I prefer to watch one new film every day and older ones
when they jump out for an average of ten a week.
Always on my TV. never on computer….ever.
I prefer watching foreign films first thing in the morning if I can, Hollywood driven movies at night.
Sundays are usually reserved for Westerns, War films, and Epics.
and I love popcorn with a movie, always have since a kid.
As for the cinema I have slowed down since my youth. I probably go about twelve times a year
Go to Comment
Any Commentaries you've listened to more than once? over 2 years ago
For me Steven Soderberg is the commentary king. He always has someone join him which creates a more conversational atmosphere. His ongoing series with Mike Nichols is great and worth checking out.
I also love Altman’s tracks and ….Yes. the group commentary on Boogie Nights My favorite track ever. By the time you get to Mark Walberg talking about a unfortunate sexual encounter, you really can’t believe your ears.
Go to Comment
Best Purchase In Your Exstensive Career of Purchases over 2 years ago
Great thread. .. Instead of trying to pick a favorite film I’ll go for a doc about the movies. It’s called Cinema Europe – a fantastic 6 hour tour of Europe’s silent film industry. For anyone interested in exploring the beginnings of cinema it’s a teriffic primer.
Go to Comment