this film is just like Zodiac…. it grows on you. If this film had been made for less money and was not made with an american studio…..nobody would be debating it being criterion.
Yes they should release Safe and Velvet. I don’t even think Velvet is anamorphic. Velvet Goldmine screams out for special features. A doc about the soundtrack alone would be mind blowing. The soundtrack to that film has a life all to itself.
I believe two names never get the respect they deserve. Walter Hill and Stuart Gordon. They both haven’t had a hit in forever but I constantly find myself going back to their work. The “Long Riders” is one of my favorite westerns. I just watched “The Beyond” for the first time and was blown away by the energy in that flick. It seems that if you talk to anyone under the age of 25 they don’t know who these two guys are. That is really sad.
To Harry Long…. Sorry your right. I meant “From Beyond” and yes I loved “Stuck”. It’s a shame “Stuck” got such a lame release but I’m sure that in a few years it will find it’s following. I never check out “Dagon” but I will give it a shot. It’s funny you mention that film because Gordon talks about pitching “Dagon” to the producer who he eventually made “From Beyond” for on the dvd special features.
To Ben…. I agree the film does seem very incoherent at parts. I have a feeling that there is a longer cut out there. Such is always the case when working with Harvey and Bob. Hopefully on day will get a good re release on dvd or blu ray.
Generally when I think Criterion I think of films with no features or next to no features. A film like “The Thin Red Line” makes total sense. After Malick released “The New World” in a directors cut I got hopefully. There was so many great actors cut from that film. And to hear the an alternative audio track with the Billy Bob narration….. that would be amazing.
but I agree with alot of the other titles being mentioned like Crash. That one makes sense since Criterion released the laserdisc. They also released the laserdisc special edition of “The Fisher King”, “Carrie”, “Halloween” and “Tootsie”. I know these films have come out on dvd but none of them feature the Criterion special features.
Bay was recently on a BBC podcast and explained that a director shouldn’t read good reviews or bad reviews of his work. So what reviews does Bay read…. just the “average” ones?
Anyways his movies are always too long, too loud and have way too many cuts. That said they always have solid special effects. But he doesn’t know how to use “effects” during a big set piece like Ridley Scott. Compare “Black Hawk Down” vs “Pear Harbour” on an action level.
To Ahnmin….. I totally agree. I still haven’t seen “Transsiberian” but I love all the other films he has made. I think part of the problem is that all of his films get an awful release in cinemas. I met him after a Q+A in Toronto for “The Machinist” and he is a great guy. He explained in the Q+A how hard it is to pitch his ideas to major studios and that it’s just easier going the long road and gathering the money from foreign companies.
Opening of “Bonfire of the Vanities”. Say what you will about the film…. there is no denying that shot and what it seems up with the narration is awesome.
“The New Age” to my knowledge it’s not on dvd but if you can find it online or on vhs it’s worth the hunt. Peter Weller and Judy Davis are awesome in this.
Body Heat – Lawrence Kasdan
THX 1138 – Lucas
The Duelists- Scott
Seven – Fincher
Dark Star – Carpenter
In the Company of Men – Labute
Zero Effect – Jake Kasdan
A good film to set a mood is “Body Heat”. It has atmosphere to burn (no pun intended) and what women wouldn’t like William Hurt in that film? And what man wouldn’t kill for Kathleen Turner?
it’s always good to put on a score while reading or cleaning up your room. When a score is background to you doing something you always discover new parts of the music that you love.
Legend hands down. I’m a fan of Willow but Legend has stood the test of time better. The atmosphere in Legend is awesome and it has the finest depiction of Satan ever put on film. I would say Legend is the best fantasy film of the 1980s.
the first time I saw this film I thought it was pretty weak. But the second time I watched it I started to really dig some of the performances. James Caan came back from the dead for me in this flick. It was a Travolta come back. His introduction in the film is priceless and brought him back to his badass roles of the 70s. Del Toro was pretty good in this but remember this way the same year that “Traffic” came out…. which is another reason why this film is forgotten by the public. McQuarrie is very talented and I can’t wait to see him direct another film.
If you want to hear a great interview with McQuarrie you guys should check out the “Creative Screewriting” podcast for Valkyrie. It’s two hours long and is fascinating.
Godfather vs Godfather Part 2
Superman vs Superman 2
Blade vs Blade 2
Lethal Weapon 1 vs Lethal Weapon 2
it’s rare to have the quality so equally high on the first two films of a franchise. These examples are other classic debates of movie buffs. When I was younger I would have chosen Aliens but now…. I really think I would pick Alien. There is something about the tone of that film that gets better with age. I still love Aliens but it doesn’t get under my skin like Alien.
Philip Kaufman's Greatest film to date: about 3 years ago
He jumped the shark after “Rising Sun”.
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Criterion Coming Soon and Discussion about 3 years ago
The “Hit” is an nice little gem that critic’s seem to always forget. One of Stephen’s best films.
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Benjamin Button!?!? What the Hell? about 3 years ago
this film is just like Zodiac…. it grows on you. If this film had been made for less money and was not made with an american studio…..nobody would be debating it being criterion.
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Velvet goldmine- Todd Haynes greatest film? about 3 years ago
Yes they should release Safe and Velvet. I don’t even think Velvet is anamorphic. Velvet Goldmine screams out for special features. A doc about the soundtrack alone would be mind blowing. The soundtrack to that film has a life all to itself.
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Director's that are underated, and why? about 3 years ago
I believe two names never get the respect they deserve. Walter Hill and Stuart Gordon. They both haven’t had a hit in forever but I constantly find myself going back to their work. The “Long Riders” is one of my favorite westerns. I just watched “The Beyond” for the first time and was blown away by the energy in that flick. It seems that if you talk to anyone under the age of 25 they don’t know who these two guys are. That is really sad.
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Director's that are underated, and why? about 3 years ago
and I agree with Verhoeven but I think enough people respect him. Not the masses but the buffs.
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Director's that are underated, and why? almost 3 years ago
To Harry Long…. Sorry your right. I meant “From Beyond” and yes I loved “Stuck”. It’s a shame “Stuck” got such a lame release but I’m sure that in a few years it will find it’s following. I never check out “Dagon” but I will give it a shot. It’s funny you mention that film because Gordon talks about pitching “Dagon” to the producer who he eventually made “From Beyond” for on the dvd special features.
Glad to hear some kids at blockbuster have taste.
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Velvet goldmine- Todd Haynes greatest film? almost 3 years ago
To Ben…. I agree the film does seem very incoherent at parts. I have a feeling that there is a longer cut out there. Such is always the case when working with Harvey and Bob. Hopefully on day will get a good re release on dvd or blu ray.
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One time Criterion directors that deserve another shot? almost 3 years ago
Generally when I think Criterion I think of films with no features or next to no features. A film like “The Thin Red Line” makes total sense. After Malick released “The New World” in a directors cut I got hopefully. There was so many great actors cut from that film. And to hear the an alternative audio track with the Billy Bob narration….. that would be amazing.
but I agree with alot of the other titles being mentioned like Crash. That one makes sense since Criterion released the laserdisc. They also released the laserdisc special edition of “The Fisher King”, “Carrie”, “Halloween” and “Tootsie”. I know these films have come out on dvd but none of them feature the Criterion special features.
I would also love to see
-Badlands
-The Rain People
-1492
-The Keep
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Michael Bay says creating an "Art" movie is easy almost 3 years ago
Bay was recently on a BBC podcast and explained that a director shouldn’t read good reviews or bad reviews of his work. So what reviews does Bay read…. just the “average” ones?
Anyways his movies are always too long, too loud and have way too many cuts. That said they always have solid special effects. But he doesn’t know how to use “effects” during a big set piece like Ridley Scott. Compare “Black Hawk Down” vs “Pear Harbour” on an action level.
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Director's that are underated, and why? almost 3 years ago
To Ahnmin….. I totally agree. I still haven’t seen “Transsiberian” but I love all the other films he has made. I think part of the problem is that all of his films get an awful release in cinemas. I met him after a Q+A in Toronto for “The Machinist” and he is a great guy. He explained in the Q+A how hard it is to pitch his ideas to major studios and that it’s just easier going the long road and gathering the money from foreign companies.
Go to Comment
Most impressive one-take tracking shot? almost 3 years ago
Opening of “Bonfire of the Vanities”. Say what you will about the film…. there is no denying that shot and what it seems up with the narration is awesome.
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Movies For the Unemployed almost 3 years ago
“The New Age” to my knowledge it’s not on dvd but if you can find it online or on vhs it’s worth the hunt. Peter Weller and Judy Davis are awesome in this.
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Movies For the Unemployed almost 3 years ago
oh and I’m also unemployed Josh. I feel your pain dude.
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Movies For the Unemployed almost 3 years ago
To Loki… Red Rock West….. fucking great choice. Wouldn’t have thought of it but it works.
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Most impressive one-take tracking shot? almost 3 years ago
sorry I meant “sets up” instead of seems.
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Most impressive one-take tracking shot? almost 3 years ago
Paths of Glory.
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YOUR FAVOURITE "ROAD MOVIE" ? almost 3 years ago
Badlands
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YOUR FAVOURITE "ROAD MOVIE" ? almost 3 years ago
or Sugarland Express. Lets face it…. this was a genre of the 70s.
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Notable First Films almost 3 years ago
Body Heat – Lawrence Kasdan
THX 1138 – Lucas
The Duelists- Scott
Seven – Fincher
Dark Star – Carpenter
In the Company of Men – Labute
Zero Effect – Jake Kasdan
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Best heist movies almost 3 years ago
it’s sorta a heist flick….. “The Underneath” by Soderbergh. Very under rated flick.
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Best heist movies almost 3 years ago
to Mike 9.5….. totally agree with “Blue Collar”. It’s one of my favorite Scharder films. I’m dying for that to come out again on dvd….. Criterion?
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Movie to put on if you're trying to "score" almost 3 years ago
A good film to set a mood is “Body Heat”. It has atmosphere to burn (no pun intended) and what women wouldn’t like William Hurt in that film? And what man wouldn’t kill for Kathleen Turner?
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When do you listen to your favorite film scores? almost 3 years ago
it’s always good to put on a score while reading or cleaning up your room. When a score is background to you doing something you always discover new parts of the music that you love.
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Legend or Willow? almost 3 years ago
Legend hands down. I’m a fan of Willow but Legend has stood the test of time better. The atmosphere in Legend is awesome and it has the finest depiction of Satan ever put on film. I would say Legend is the best fantasy film of the 1980s.
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What directors cut of a film has had the most impact on you? almost 3 years ago
This question came up today with one of my friends. For me it comes down to “Kingdom of Heaven” or “Blade Runner”… Scott loves his directors cuts.
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THE WAY OF THE GUN almost 3 years ago
the first time I saw this film I thought it was pretty weak. But the second time I watched it I started to really dig some of the performances. James Caan came back from the dead for me in this flick. It was a Travolta come back. His introduction in the film is priceless and brought him back to his badass roles of the 70s. Del Toro was pretty good in this but remember this way the same year that “Traffic” came out…. which is another reason why this film is forgotten by the public. McQuarrie is very talented and I can’t wait to see him direct another film.
If you want to hear a great interview with McQuarrie you guys should check out the “Creative Screewriting” podcast for Valkyrie. It’s two hours long and is fascinating.
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Legend or Willow? almost 3 years ago
We are talking about Legend The Directors Cut here right?
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Alien vs. Aliens almost 3 years ago
Alien vs Aliens is similar to comparing
Godfather vs Godfather Part 2 Superman vs Superman 2 Blade vs Blade 2 Lethal Weapon 1 vs Lethal Weapon 2it’s rare to have the quality so equally high on the first two films of a franchise. These examples are other classic debates of movie buffs. When I was younger I would have chosen Aliens but now…. I really think I would pick Alien. There is something about the tone of that film that gets better with age. I still love Aliens but it doesn’t get under my skin like Alien.
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What was the first Criterion movie you watched? almost 3 years ago
Robocop…. to see it unrated was worth the 50 bucks!
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