MC's Criterion Challenge 2021 (by way of Letterboxd)

[megladon8]

The Letterboxd Criterion Challenge 2021 (https://letterboxd.com/bslaby/list/the-criterion-challenge-2021/) sounds like a lot of fun.

Jen and I are in, as are a few others so far.

Post in here if you'd like to take part in the weekly challenge. I'll keep this first post as a master list that I will update each week.

The rules are pretty simple and offer a lot of flexibility for those with less time, or less access to the collection...

There are 52 categories - one for each week. Watch any Criterion related film released on Laserdisc, VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, or on The Criterion Channel between 1/1/21-12/31/21. The films can be watched daily, weekly, or monthly, and in any order! I would like for all picks to be first time watches but will leave that up to you.

Week 1 1984. Watch a film released the year of Criterion's inception

Idioteque Stalker - Repo Man (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=631505&viewfull=1#post631505)
Zac Efron - Under the Volcano (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=631520&viewfull=1#post631520)
DFA1979 - Blood Simple (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=631523&viewfull=1#post631523)
Dukefrukem - Blood Simple (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=631670&viewfull=1#post631670)
megladon8 - Blood Simple (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=631955&viewfull=1#post631955)
Gizmo - Blood Simple (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632198&viewfull=1#post632198)
Mr. McGibblets - Love Streams (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632299&viewfull=1#post632299)


Week 2 Directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Idioteque Stalker - Stray Dog (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632036&viewfull=1#post632036)
Mr. McGibblets - Kagemusha (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632299&viewfull=1#post632299)
megladon8 - Stray Dog (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632451&viewfull=1#post632451)
Gizmo - Throne of Blood (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633353&viewfull=1#post633353)


Week 3 Directed by Jean-Luc Godard.


megladon8 - Every Man For Himself (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=632790&viewfull=1#post632790)


Week 4 Horror

Idioteque Stalker - Kwaidan (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633029&viewfull=1#post633029)
Zac Efron - Mad Love (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633042&viewfull=1#post633042)
megladon8 - The Uninvited (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633425&viewfull=1#post633425)


Week 5 Released on Laserdisc


megladon8 - 2001: A Space Odyssey (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633054&viewfull=1#post633054)
Idioteque Stalker - West Side Story (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633244&viewfull=1#post633244)
Zac Efron - The Lacemaker (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633317&viewfull=1#post633317)


Week 6 Made in Spain

Idioteque Stalker - Death of a Cyclist (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633674&viewfull=1#post633674)
Zac Efron - Las pirañas (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634242&viewfull=1#post634242)
megladon8 - The Spirit of the Beehive (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634907&viewfull=1#post634907)


Week 7 Wes Anderson's Top 10

Idioteque Stalker - Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634264&viewfull=1#post634264)
Zac Efron - Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634321&viewfull=1#post634321)
megladon8 - The Exterminating Angel (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635294&viewfull=1#post635294)


Week 8 Romance

Idioteque Stalker - They Live By Night (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634677&viewfull=1#post634677)
Zac Efron - Eva (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=634901&viewfull=1#post634901)
megladon8 - In the Mood for Love (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=638624&viewfull=1#post638624)

Week 9 A silent film

Zac Efron - The Rink (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635212&viewfull=1#post635212)
Idioteque Stalker - The Phantom Carriage (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635126&viewfull=1#post635126)
Mr. McGibblets - The Phantom Carriage (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635209&viewfull=1#post635209)

Week 10 1920s

Zac Efron - Hell's Heroes (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635215&viewfull=1#post635215)

Week 11 1930s

Idioteque Stalker - A Day In the Country / Zero for Conduct (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635908&viewfull=1#post635908)
Zac Efron - When Tomorrow Comes (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=635911&viewfull=1#post635911)
megladon8 - The Scarlet Empress (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636715&viewfull=1#post636715)

Week 12 1940s

Idioteque Stalker - Day of Wrath (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636613&viewfull=1#post636613)
Zac Efron - The Heiress (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636624&viewfull=1#post636624)
megladon8 - Leave Her to Heaven (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636665&viewfull=1#post636665)


Week 13 1950s

Idioteque Stalker - Elevator to the Gallows (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636908&viewfull=1#post636908)
Zac Efron - ...And God Created Woman (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636976&viewfull=1#post636976)
megladon8 - Fiend Without a Face (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=638693&viewfull=1#post638693)


Week 14 1960s

Gizmo - Charade (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=633344&viewfull=1#post633344)
Ezee E - Three Outlaw Samurai (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636596&viewfull=1#post636596)
Mal - The Color of Pomegranates (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=637301&viewfull=1#post637301)
Idioteque Stalker - When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=637253&viewfull=1#post637253)


Week 15 1970s

Mal - Thomasine and Bushrod (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=638025&viewfull=1#post638025)
Idioteque Stalker - Lady Snowblood (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=637954&viewfull=1#post637954)


Week 16 1980s

Mal - Five Corners (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=638036&viewfull=1#post638036)
Idioteque Stalker - True Stories (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=638332&viewfull=1#post638332)

Week 51 Watch a film featured in "Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits"

Ezee E - The Big Boss (http://matchcut.artboiled.com/showthread.php?8006-MC-s-Criterion-Challenge-2021-(by-way-of-Letterboxd)&p=636810&viewfull=1#post636810)

[Mal]

Into this!

[Idioteque Stalker]

Pumped for this. I went with Repo Man for week 1. It stuck out as a strange movie for Criterion to release, and after watching it... well, it's just a strange movie no matter how you slice it. Totally gonzo plot and dialogue, which was amusing for the most part. It moves so quickly, however, there's hardly enough time to enjoy the frequently awesome visuals. I'm not a car person or anything, but I'm having a hard time thinking of a movie with better looking driving scenes. One shot in particular (inside a car wash) took my breath away. There was one super-quick gag (Estevez uncovering his friend at a hospital but not caring in the least) that I had to rewind it was so perfect. Estevez is charming enough that it doesn't matter that he's not a great actor (I feel the same about The Breakfast Club). Stanton is underutilized. B-movies aren't really my thing, no matter how high quality, but I enjoyed myself. Three stars.

[megladon8]

I have never seen Repo Man and always wanted to.

Just signed up for Criterion Channel. Figure it's worth giving a shot. If it doesn't work with my internet, I can just cancel it within the first 14 days.

Actually went looking for Repo Man after seeing your post , and it's not on there. Which is frustrating because you made me really want to see it!

Right now I'm caught between Frears' The Hit, and Huston's Under the Volcano.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Huh. I would've assumed the Criterion Channel had every Criterion movie. I was going to rent Repo Man via Amazon, but it was only a dollar more to buy it. While I didn't love the movie, I do not regret the purchase. Could be a fun movie to put on for a certain type of houseguest.

[Ezee E]

What other Criterion movies are 1984?

[Pop Trash]

What other Criterion movies are 1984?

Paris, Texas. Stranger than Paradise. Blood Simple. Possibly an old laserdisc of Stop Making Sense. That probably counts.

[baby doll]

What other Criterion movies are 1984?Love Streams.

[Dukefrukem]

Making my list now. So I'll partake.

[Dukefrukem]

Preliminary list so far- https://letterboxd.com/dukefrukem/list/the-criterion-challenge-2021/

[Mal]

1. Under the Volcano - Albert Finney, Jacqueline Bisset - 5/10

[DFA1979]

1. Blood Simple-10/10

[DFA1979]

1984 is one of my all time favorite years for cinema btw.

[Dukefrukem]

1. Blood Simple-10/10

I picked this too. And was shocked to see it was HBO Max!

[Dukefrukem]

I picked this too. And was shocked to see it was HBO Max!

OMG so is The Hidden Fortress. 2 for 2.

[Dukefrukem]

OMG so is The Hidden Fortress. 2 for 2.

and Breathless! wait, is all of Criteron on HBO MAx? This thing is paying for itself.

[DFA1979]

I picked this too. And was shocked to see it was HBO Max!

Nice. I own it on Criterion although I watched it years ago. I think it was either via my local public library or Netflix in the mail.

[DFA1979]

and Breathless! wait, is all of Criteron on HBO MAx? This thing is paying for itself.

That's interesting considering Criterion already has a streaming service.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm excited to start this tonight with the wife. I have a feeling she isn't going to like 90% of the films I picked.

[megladon8]

I'm thinking the first post of the thread where I keep the master list of everything is going to get pretty messy and long with 52 weeks and multiple lines per week.

How does everyone feel about me leaving the header for each week then putting the week's list in a spoiler tag?

[Dukefrukem]

Finished Blood Simple. Been wanting to watch that for a long time.

[StuSmallz]

Finished Blood Simple. Been wanting to watch that for a long time.
What did you think of it?

[Dukefrukem]

What did you think of it?

It's a remarkable debut. I dont think it's as good as peak Coens (Fargo), but I love seeing their early work and how they build on their black humor. The 'dead end' bit should have been on screen more.

I also think the script is a little weak and unbelievable, mainly around the PI. But hey, my wife and I both liked it. So that's a win. 1/1.

[megladon8]

It's a remarkable debut. I dont think it's as good as peak Coens (Fargo), but I love seeing their early work and how they build on their black humor. The 'dead end' bit should have been on screen more.

I also think the script is a little weak and unbelievable, mainly around the PI. But hey, my wife and I both liked it. So that's a win. 1/1.

I'm thinking about watching this one for this week, too, 3ven though I have seen it before. But it has been at least 15 years so aside from a couple of images and actors, I don't remember a thing about it.

Do you prefer funny Coen's or serious Coen's?

[Dukefrukem]

I prefer Dark Humor Coens. So Less Burn After Reading and More Fargo. But I enjoyed both.

https://letterboxd.com/dukefrukem/list/coen-brothers-best/

[megladon8]

Seeing the poster for Intolerable Cruelty reminded me of two things:

1 - that movie exists

2 - the crush I had on CZJ was immense

[DFA1979]

I still have not seen that one.

[Dukefrukem]

Guys, how do you search for silent films Criteron? Struggling here.

[megladon8]

Guys, how do you search for silent films Criteron? Struggling here.

Probably best to just go by date, and go to the earliest ones.

There's probably only a handful of silent stuff in the collection that are outside of the 1910s/20s. Maybe some stuff by Guy Maddin.

[baby doll]

Guys, how do you search for silent films Criteron? Struggling here.Some recommendations, off the top of my head:

The Phantom Carriage (Victor Sjöström, 1921)
Body and Soul (Oscar Micheaux, 1925)
The Gold Rush (Charles Chaplin, 1925)
The Docks of New York (Josef von Sternberg, 1928)
La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1928)
Die Büchse der Pandora (G.W. Pabst, 1929)
À propos de Nice (Boris Kaufman/Jean Vigo, 1930)
I Was Born, but... (Ozu Yasujiro, 1932)
Every Night Dreams (Naruse Mikio, 1933)
Japanese Girls at the Harbour (Shimizu Hiroshi, 1933)
Window Water Baby Moving (Stan Brakhage, 1959)

It's a little surprising how many major silent directors aren't represented on the Criterion Collection at all: nothing by Dovzhenko, Feuillade, Griffith, Keaton, Kuleshov, Murnau, Pudovkin, Stroheim, and only sound films by Eisenstein, Lang, Mizoguchi, and Lubitsch (unless you count Das Fidele Gefängnis, which is included as a bonus feature on the DVD of Trouble in Paradise).

[Dukefrukem]

Some recommendations, off the top of my head:

The Phantom Carriage (Victor Sjöström, 1921)
Body and Soul (Oscar Micheaux, 1925)
The Gold Rush (Charles Chaplin, 1925)
The Docks of New York (Josef von Sternberg, 1928)
La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1928)
Die Büchse der Pandora (G.W. Pabst, 1929)
À propos de Nice (Boris Kaufman/Jean Vigo, 1930)
I Was Born, but... (Ozu Yasujiro, 1932)
Every Night Dreams (Naruse Mikio, 1933)
Japanese Girls at the Harbour (Shimizu Hiroshi, 1933)
Window Water Baby Moving (Stan Brakhage, 1959)

It's a little surprising how many major silent directors aren't represented on the Criterion Collection at all: nothing by Dovzhenko, Feuillade, Griffith, Keaton, Kuleshov, Murnau, Pudovkin, Stroheim, and only sound films by Eisenstein, Lang, Mizoguchi, and Lubitsch (unless you count Das Fidele Gefängnis, which is included as a bonus feature on the DVD of Trouble in Paradise).

Damn off the top of your head?

Thanks for this. Searching for variety has been hard.

[megladon8]

ZOMGZ Criterion Channel works for me!!!!

[Idioteque Stalker]

It's a little surprising how many major silent directors aren't represented on the Criterion Collection at all: nothing by Dovzhenko, Feuillade, Griffith, Keaton, Kuleshov, Murnau, Pudovkin, Stroheim, and only sound films by Eisenstein, Lang, Mizoguchi, and Lubitsch (unless you count Das Fidele Gefängnis, which is included as a bonus feature on the DVD of Trouble in Paradise).

That's quite a list of names -- I'd say more than a little surprising.

Also, I'd like to see Duke's review of Window Water Baby Moving.

[baby doll]

That's quite a list of names -- I'd say more than a little surprising.

Also, I'd like to see Duke's review of Window Water Baby Moving.Luckily there are other companies, notably Flicker Alley, that are committed to distributing silent films. (Incidentally, when Criterion does put out silent films, they're often re-issues of discs put out by companies in Europe: their box set of Ozu crime films, for instance, is a repackaging of a BFI set of the same films, and I'm sure there are other examples of this sort of thing.) Maybe this is a financial thing (Criterion decided at some point that silent films don't sell) or maybe it's a lack of expertise in this area. The real problem--and one reason I'm reluctant to sign on to a Criterion challenge, other than being busy--is that people talk about the Criterion Collection like it's all of film history, or at least all of film history worth knowing. I remember seeing a listicle (https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/black-filmmakers-criterion-collection-1234581949/) a few months back of classic films by black directors that aren't on Criterion but "should be," nearly all of which were available from other companies. Why do we need a Criterion edition a movie that's already available when we can't see Larry Clark's Passing Through or Bill Woodberry's Bless Their Little Hearts anywhere? [Correction: Woodberry's film is available from Milestone (https://milestonefilms.com/products/bless-their-little-hearts).] At the end of the day, it's just a brand.

[Mr. McGibblets]

I watched Love Streams for the first week.

I'm thinking of going with Kagemusha this week; it's been on my list to watch for over a decade and I always put it off.

[Dukefrukem]

Finished Blood Simple. Been wanting to watch that for a long time.

Second film is Wildlife, representing the 2010s. Wife gets to pick that category, so she's taking care of the low hanging fruit.

[megladon8]

Second film is Wildlife, representing the 2010s. Wife gets to pick that category, so she's taking care of the low hanging fruit.

How have I never even heard of this movie before now?

[Dukefrukem]

How have I never even heard of this movie before now?

I hadn't either until I showered her the 2010 list.

[Mal]

heh, I've been avoiding it. Don't care for Mulligan, especially don't care what Dano does for directing.

[megladon8]

Blood Simple

This was really like seeing it for the first time. I think I was 14/15 when I saw it and I remembered nothing except the presence of McDormand and Walsh.

But, I did remember not liking it much.

Happy to report that I kind of loved it this time. The Coens' dialogue is always so great. Snappy, full of character, wonderful moments of dark comedy.

I loved the moments that felt unscripted but were obviously carefully planned. One stand out is when Hedaya and Getz are speaking while Hedaya is sitting on the back porch, and an electric bug zapper snaps and crackles beside him. There are a couple of great uses of the zapper to both visually and audibly punctuate the drama of the conversation.

Walsh is a wonderful sleezeball. And true to form for him, he elevates everything he does. Fantastically gross, scummy and evil.

The tension of the finale is still so brutal. I loved it.

Great movie. Great start to this series.

[DFA1979]

Re: Blood Simple

That entire sequence where Hedaya gets buried alive is a masterclass in tension and is a great example of a horror movie scene in a non horror movie.

[megladon8]

Re: Blood Simple

That entire sequence where Hedaya gets buried alive is a masterclass in tension and is a great example of a horror movie scene in a non horror movie.

Agreed, that was horrific.

[DFA1979]

Agreed, that was horrific.

I love how Blood Simple and Raising Arizona both firmly represent the two sides of the Coen Brothers filmography before Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink made them really famous.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I went with Stray Dog for week two. Despite a few earnest (if flimsy) attempts to philosophically lump everyone -- criminals, law enforcement, civilians -- together into a big sweaty stew of people "just trying get by," this is one of Kurosawa's more boilerplate genre movies (in this case detective noir, not typically my favorite). Even still, not a scene goes by without some sort of visual brilliance: intricate blocking, dutch angles, and superimpositions galore. I was scared Mifune would spend the entire movie looking handsome and little else, but he's allowed some moments later on that add range to the performance. Very striking opening credits, weak final scene. Not top tier Kurosawa, but as far as I can tell the man never made a bad movie. Easy to recommend to fans of detective noir. Three stars.

[megladon8]

Wow that's weird. I was just coming in here to say that Jen and I selected Stray Dog for our Kurosawa title!

[Skitch]

Stray Dog is a badass film.

[DFA1979]

Week 2 I think I have to go with a classic: The Hidden Fortress. A truly entertaining and very influential movie.

Also makes me bummed that KF couldn't be around for this. He's one of the reasons I got into Kurosawa's work.

[DFA1979]

Stray Dog is cool. I haven't seen it in years so it begs for a rewatch. I still need to see The Bad Sleep Well and Throne of Blood.

[StuSmallz]

Blood Simple

This was really like seeing it for the first time. I think I was 14/15 when I saw it and I remembered nothing except the presence of McDormand and Walsh.

But, I did remember not liking it much.

Happy to report that I kind of loved it this time. The Coens' dialogue is always so great. Snappy, full of character, wonderful moments of dark comedy.

I loved the moments that felt unscripted but were obviously carefully planned. One stand out is when Hedaya and Getz are speaking while Hedaya is sitting on the back porch, and an electric bug zapper snaps and crackles beside him. There are a couple of great uses of the zapper to both visually and audibly punctuate the drama of the conversation.

Walsh is a wonderful sleezeball. And true to form for him, he elevates everything he does. Fantastically gross, scummy and evil.

The tension of the finale is still so brutal. I loved it.

Great movie. Great start to this series.
Yay! Also, its main theme is one of my favorites:


https://youtu.be/YRcNxbja-Lk

[megladon8]

Yay! Also, its main theme is one of my favorites:


https://youtu.be/YRcNxbja-Lk

Yes, the theme is nice. Definitely had it in my head the rest of the night.

[Skitch]

Hidden Fortress is incredibly entertaining. Throne of Blood as well. Kurosawa is just one of the best ever.

[Dukefrukem]

Hidden Fortress is incredibly entertaining. Throne of Blood as well. Kurosawa is just one of the best ever.

That's on my list and I'm not looking forward to watching it.

[baby doll]

That's on my list and I'm not looking forward to watching it.You don't like entertaining movies?

[Mal]

lol.

I've only seen Rashomon, Yojimbo, and Sanjuro. Kurosawa is a major blindspot for me.

[DFA1979]

lol.

I've only seen Rashomon, Yojimbo, and Sanjuro. Kurosawa is a major blindspot for me.

All quality flicks. I just saw Sanjuro last month.

[Mal]

All quality flicks. I just saw Sanjuro last month.

Nice, I haven't seen any Kurosawa since I was in college.

[DFA1979]

Nice, I haven't seen any Kurosawa since I was in college.Hmm prior to Sanjuro the last Kurosawa I had viewed was Rashmon back in 2014. So it had been a while.

[megladon8]

Anyone have thoughts / opinions on the films in the Dietrich and von Sternburg in Hollywood set?

Morocco, Dishonored, Shanghai Express, Blonde Venus, The Scarlett Empress, and The Devil is a Woman.

[Dukefrukem]

You don't like entertaining movies?

I'm not looking forward to 4 hour movies.

[megladon8]

I'm not looking forward to 4 hour movies.

Are you watching them back to back?

[Dukefrukem]

Are you watching them back to back?

Isn't the Hidden Fortress 4 hours long?

edit: I guess it's only 3

[baby doll]

Isn't the Hidden Fortress 4 hours long?

edit: I guess it's only 3Two hours and nineteen minutes.

[baby doll]

Anyone have thoughts / opinions on the films in the Dietrich and von Sternburg in Hollywood set?

Morocco, Dishonored, Shanghai Express, Blonde Venus, The Scarlett Empress, and The Devil is a Woman.You can't go wrong with any of them.

[Dukefrukem]

Two hours and nineteen minutes.

I guess I was confusing it with Seven Samurai

[megladon8]

You can't go wrong with any of them.

Awesome! Purchased!

If I don't enjoy them, you will hear from my legal team. Duke, Duke and Duke.

[DFA1979]

Awesome! Purchased!

If I don't enjoy them, you will hear from my legal team. Duke, Duke and Duke.

I thought I was part of your legal team. Oh wait I don't have any law degrees. Nevermind.

[megladon8]

I thought I was part of your legal team. Oh wait I don't have any law degrees. Nevermind.

Neither does Duke.

He just owns a gavel and one of those big white wigs. I thought he was legit.

[Skitch]

I guess I was confusing it with Seven Samurai

Hidden Fortress is wonderful. Seven Samurai (have you seen it yet?) is long, has some depressing moments, some sad moments...and is in my top ten of all time. Im in absolute awe every time I've seen it, and I've got the even longer uncut blu-ray on my shelf and I haven't watched it yet. I can't wait to see it, as the Criterion dvd (first run) I have hasn't aged well (as far as transfer). Bucket list would be to see this in a theater.

[Dukefrukem]

https://i1.wp.com/media2.giphy.com/media/3orieOPmJGswsJ7Ily/giphy.gif

[megladon8]

You guys would be amazed the places Duke has gotten into by wearing that getup.

[DFA1979]

Neither does Duke.

He just owns a gavel and one of those big white wigs. I thought he was legit.

Sweet. Definitely a solid legal move.

[Gizmo]

I'm going to fail at this, but I've put a list together.

First up was Blood Simple, like most of you. I thought it was decent, but slow and lacking the humor I've come to expect from the Coens.

Throne of Blood is what I've got on the docket for week 2.

[Dukefrukem]

First up was Blood Simple, like most of you. I thought it was decent, but slow and lacking the humor I've come to expect from the Coens.



You can totally feel their gears turning though. The culdesac bit and the water drip.

[megladon8]

I'm going to fail at this, but I've put a list together.

First up was Blood Simple, like most of you. I thought it was decent, but slow and lacking the humor I've come to expect from the Coens.

Throne of Blood is what I've got on the docket for week 2.

Woo hoo! Glad you're joining in!

https://i.postimg.cc/wMwsRyMv/giphy.gif

[Mr. McGibblets]

I'm going to keep my list in this post:

Week 1 - 1984 - Love Streams*** - watched January 8
Week 2 - Directed by Akira Kurosawa - Kagemusha*** - watched January 15
Week 3 - Directed by Jean-Luc Godard - Pierrot le fou** - watched January 23
Week 4 - Horror - The Devil's Backbone*** - watched January 31
Week 5 - Released on Laserdisc - Three Cases of Murder** - watched February 3
Week 6 - Made in Spain - Spirit of the Beehive*** - watched February 13
Week 7 - Wes Anderson's Top 10 - The Earrings of Madame de...**** - watched February 20
Week 8 - Romance - The Age of Innocence*** - watched February 28
Week 9 - A silent film - The Phantom Carriage**** - watched March 6
Week 10 - 1920s - Lonesome** - watched March 10
Week 11 - 1930s - La Bête humaine*** - watched March 15
Week 12 - 1940s - Le Corbeau**** - watched March 23
Week 13 - 1950s - Le Plaisir*** - watched April 1
Week 14 - 1960s - When a Woman Ascends the Stairs*** - watched April 12
Week 15 - 1970s - Don't Look Now** - watched April 17
Week 16 - 1980s - Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters** - watched April 23
Week 17 - 1990s - Safe** - watched April 30
Week 18 - 2000s - Bamboozled** - watched May 6
Week 19 - 2010s - Parasite*** - watched May 16
Week 20 - Directed by a woman - The Virgin Suicides** - watched May 23
Week 21 - A film featured in the "Pioneers of African American Cinema" series - Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.** - watched May 29
Week 22 - Documentary - Hoop Dreams**** - watched June 5
Week 23 - Comedy - Blithe Spirit** - watched December 23
Week 24 - Any film on The Criterion Channel - Summertime** - watched June 25
Week 25 - Martin Scorsese's Top 10 - Ugetsu*** - watched July 2
Week 26 - Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni - Blow-up**** - watched July 3
Week 27 - Directed by Federico Fellini - La Strada*** - watched August 25
Week 28 - The Merchant Ivory Collection - The Ballad of the Sad Cafe* - watched July 16
Week 29 - Oscar Winners - Great Expectations*** - watched August 2
Week 30 - Black and white - Au hasard Balthazar*** - watched August 7
Week 31 - Directed by Charlie Chaplin - Limelight*** - watched August 5
Week 32 - Watch any film featured in the Godzilla Boxset - Godzilla** - watched August 14
Week 33 - Western - Dead Man**** - watched August 19
Week 34 - Made in Italy - I Vitelloni*** - watched August 24
Week 35 - Made in the Soviet Union - The Cranes are Flying**** - watched September 14
Week 36 - Made in India - The Music Room*** - watched September 17
Week 37 - A film from the Eclipse series - Scandal** - watched September 21
Week 38 - Kelly Reichardt's Top 10 - Pather Panchali*** - watched September 27
Week 39 - Directed by John Cassavetes - Shadows** - watched October 4
Week 40 - Watch a film between spine #100-200 - The Firemen's Ball**** - watched October 17
Week 41 - Film Noir - Bob le flambeur*** - watched October 18
Week 42 - Samurai - Samurai Rebellion*** - watched November 3
Week 43 - A film featured in the "Queersighted: Queer Fear" series - Picnic at Hanging Rock*** - watched October 28
Week 44 - A film featured in the "New Korean Cinema" series - Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance** - watched November 9
Week 45 - Directed by Ingmar Bergman - Wild Strawberries*** - watched November 12
Week 46 - Directed by Agnes Varda - Cleo from 5 to 7*** - watched December 6
Week 47 - Based on a book - My Brilliant Career*** - watched December 8
Week 48 - Foreign-Language Oscar Winners - Mon oncle*** - watched June 13
Week 49 - Josh and Benny Safdie's Closet Picks - Il Posto**** - watched December 14
Week 50 - Spine #1000 or higher - Marriage Story** - watched December 21
Week 51 - Featured in "Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits" - The Way of the Dragon*** - watched December 27
Week 52 - Any Criterion film on your watchlist - This Happy Breed*** - watched December 31

[megladon8]

I'm going to keep my list in this post:

Week 1 - 1984 - Love Streams*** - watched January 8
Week 2 - Directed by Akira Kurosawa - Kagemusha*** - watched January 15
Week 3 - Directed by Jean-Luc Godard -

Well unfortunately this isn't a democracy, it is a meg-tatorship.

Your list will be added to the master at the beginning of the thread.

Resistance is futile.

[Mal]

2. Throne of Blood - 8/10
Its realllllly good. I definitely want to see it in a theater some day.

[megladon8]

2. Throne of Blood - 8/10
Its realllllly good. I definitely want to see it in a theater some day.

We might end up watching this one, too.

Our copy of Stray Dog seems to be missing. Very weird.

[megladon8]

We found our copy of Stray Dog!

What a great movie.

Feels surprisingly modern in both themes and execution. Mifune and Shimura are both exceptional, but that's not news to anyone.

Loved how the uncomfortable heat permeated the whole film. It feels sticky and gross. Characters all feel uncomfortable and miserable.

Very good. I think it is my first non-samurai Kurosawa film.

[Skitch]

Yep yep and yep!

[Mysterious Dude]

I rewatched Ikiru for the first time in six years. When Takashi Shimura's face appeared on screen, my first thought was, "huh, he's not that old." Which can only mean... I'm old.

[DFA1979]

Weekend is a mess. The only Godard I'm not a fan of so far. Look I get what he is going for and I understand the themes yet the movie lacks a stable narrative and is all over the place. Also I feel that it contains themes and political ideals he expresses in better ways in previous works.

[DFA1979]

So for me it is so far:

Blood Simple. Own it, love it.
The Hidden Fortress-Still rules, need to own it.
Weekend-Own it, not really a fan, of course I'm keeping it anyways.

[DFA1979]

For Week 4 I am going with a recent Criterion release that I love dearly and am so glad I own on Blu-ray: Night of the Living Dead. Still a masterpiece and more timely than ever. Also eerie that the little girl in this movie is named Karen. Go figure. A very recent rewatch only added to my continuing appreciation of George A. Romero, who's gifts to cinema shall forever be regarded by myself and others. Still my all time favorite horror movie. Well that, Carpenter's The Thing, The Horror Express and maybe a few others....

[Gizmo]

I think i'm breakign the rules, since I guess the concept was to actually watch a criterion version/disc and I'm going to stream all mine as I can find them. The only criterion I knowingly have access to is Chasing Amy, which I own.

[megladon8]

I think i'm breakign the rules, since I guess the concept was to actually watch a criterion version/disc and I'm going to stream all mine as I can find them. The only criterion I knowingly have access to is Chasing Amy, which I own.

No I don't think that's necessary at all.

[baby doll]

Weekend is a mess. The only Godard I'm not a fan of so far. Look I get what he is going for and I understand the themes yet the movie lacks a stable narrative and is all over the place. Also I feel that it contains themes and political ideals he expresses in better ways in previous works.That's a strange criticism of a film that is deliberately episodic and all over the place in order to show the absurdity of contemporary life (if the plot were more coherent, contemporary life wouldn't seem absurd and meaningless).

[Idioteque Stalker]

(if the plot were more coherent, contemporary life wouldn't seem absurd and meaningless)

I agree with this, and I enjoy Weekend mainly for the absurd humor (not a fan of the butcher scenes, however). That being said, it's this type of intellectual remove that generally keeps me and Godard at arm's length.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I think i'm breakign the rules, since I guess the concept was to actually watch a criterion version/disc and I'm going to stream all mine as I can find them. The only criterion I knowingly have access to is Chasing Amy, which I own.

Oh man, if I had to purchase physical media this would be a non-starter for me. I did subscribe to the Criterion Channel, and that's enough of a splurge.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I cheated a little this week by rewatching My Life to Live. My gut told me I might appreciate it more now than I did in high school, and my gut was right. What an odd, beautiful, heartbreaking movie. While Godard is certainly up to his usual tricks (the events of each of the twelve episodes are spoiled in title cards, faces are often obscured while speaking, the machine gun pan), he never loses sight of the heart of the film: Nana. Of course Anna Karina has her own gravitational pull -- I was enthralled early on watching her simply meander through a record store -- but the way in which we see Nana shift her approach to men, from brutal honesty to sly deceit to pure transaction and beyond, takes the performance over the top. Not sure about that ending, but regardless My Life to Live jumps up to my second favorite Godard movie behind Contempt. Four stars.

[Skitch]

I really should be doing this.

[megladon8]

I really should be doing this.

Yes please.

[Skitch]

I wish I could find a simple printable list, but I did find this spreadsheet.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-ctl5IGVUqfkCH48DFUbLx0iQai9r6B LG9NStMwxPSw/edit#gid=1332409659

[DFA1979]

That's a strange criticism of a film that is deliberately episodic and all over the place in order to show the absurdity of contemporary life (if the plot were more coherent, contemporary life wouldn't seem absurd and meaningless).Then maybe it should have been a mini series or a TV show instead. Btw Pierrot le Fou addressed much of the same topics and was a much superior movie from him.

[DFA1979]

I agree with this, and I enjoy Weekend mainly for the absurd humor (not a fan of the butcher scenes, however). That being said, it's this type of intellectual remove that generally keeps me and Godard at arm's length.

It's funny because I've liked all of the other Godard I have watched. Most of them I love, actually. I just didn't care for that one oh noes or whatever.

[DFA1979]

I think i'm breakign the rules, since I guess the concept was to actually watch a criterion version/disc and I'm going to stream all mine as I can find them. The only criterion I knowingly have access to is Chasing Amy, which I own.

The Criterion Channel is pretty cool I just don't have the time or the money for it right now.

[baby doll]

Then maybe it should have been a mini series or a TV show instead.I don't follow your logic. Since the narrative would be equally absurdist if it were broken up into smaller episodes and stretched out over a longer period of time, it doesn't seem to me there would be any artistic advantage in making it longer than it already is.


Btw Pierrot le Fou addressed much of the same topics and was a much superior movie from him.I like both, although in terms of plotting, Pierrot le fou isn't any more coherent, or less episodic, than Weekend. Why do you think the former episodic road movie is superior to the latter?

[megladon8]

I have suggested Breathless to Jen, for this week's viewing.

[Mal]

3. Every Man for Himself - 4/10 - eeeeehhhhhhh just not for me.

[DFA1979]

Are we on Week 5? I would have to Google what Criterions were even on LaserDisc.

[Mal]

Are we on Week 5? I would have to Google what Criterions were even on LaserDisc.

Week 4, but here’s the list for LD https://boxd.it/1362y

[Skitch]

Are we on Week 5? I would have to Google what Criterions were even on LaserDisc.

I only have one Criterion on Laser:

https://i.imgur.com/yKHm955.jpg?1

[megladon8]

If you're only gonna have one, that's a pretty awesome one to have.

[Skitch]

If you're only gonna have one, that's a pretty awesome one to have.

I didnt even have a player hooked up when I bought it. I couldn't pass it up.

[megladon8]

Turns out Jen had already seen Breathless, so we ended up watching Every Man For Himself for Godard week.

Will post thoughts tomorrow...

[DFA1979]

Week 4, but here’s the list for LD https://boxd.it/1362y

Ok. Thanks!

[DFA1979]

I only have one Criterion on Laser:

https://i.imgur.com/yKHm955.jpg?1

Hell yeah. I only own it on a SE DVD from Double Dragon.

[megladon8]

Every Man for Himself - Jean Luc Godard, 1980

Sex can be beautiful, but it can also be very ugly. We mostly get the latter in this film from Godard, which he called his "second first film", as it was his second foray into commercial filmmaking.

The lives of three people intrersect through the ugliness of abuse, divorce and prostitution. Paul and Denise are a couple who have been dating off and on since Paul's divorce, and are perhaps even more toxic than the relationship Paul had with his wife (and mother of his child). Isabelle is a prostitute who Paul sees once in the film, then runs into later through coincidence.

Paul is one of the most reprehensible characters I've seen in some time. From the opening frames he is an arrogant and deeply unhappy asshole. But when he and a friend begin openly discussing wanting to molest their own 11 year old daughters, I could barely look at him for the rest of the film.

Child molestation and rape is something that is approached several times in the film, but to what end I really don't know. Every man in the film is some kind of sexual predator of deviant - either a closeted child molester, or a physical abuser. And if I recall correctly, every father in the film either makes sexual advances towards his own daughter, or voices that he has fantasized about her.

It made me deeply uncomfortable at times.

Also interesting to note that the prostitutes in the film are arguably the most noble and wholesome characters in the film.

I have now seen three Godard films (this, Contempt, and Band of Outsiders), and feel I can firmly sya Godard is not for me.

However, I will say I disliked this one the least.

[baby doll]

this film from Godard, which he called his "second first film", as it was his second foray into commercial filmmaking.By my count, this was Godard's third "second first film" after Bande Ã* part (Godard reportedly told the film's backers he was making a sequel to À bout de souffle) and Numéro deux, and there may be other "second first films" that I've missed.

[megladon8]

I wish I could get more out of his films.

He occupies the same space as Michael Haneke for me. I don't find myself feeling the things I think he wants me to feel while watching his films.

[baby doll]

I wish I could get more out of his films.

He occupies the same space as Michael Haneke for me. I don't find myself feeling the things I think he wants me to feel while watching his films.If you felt deeply uncomfortable watching Sauve qui peut (la vie), I think it's safe to say you felt what Godard wanted you to feel. The film isn't exactly fun to watch because it's meant to shake the viewer up rather than comforting them (shock and disgust are characteristic effects of modernist art in general). The film's form and style intentionally make comprehension difficult in order to defamiliarize its subject matter and thereby, in Brecht's words, "free socially conditioned phenomena from that stamp of familiarity which protects them against our grasp." In other words, the point of the film in so many words is that capitalism is disgusting but everybody's gotten used to it, and everything Godard does stylistically is designed to make us feel how disgusting capitalism is by making us feel as if we were encountering it for the first time.

[megladon8]

But see, I didn't connect any of the events in the film with any kind of anti-capitalism message.

It felt much more interpersonal, and about sex and relationships.

Perhaps the fault is on me, the viewer, for not picking up on this.

[baby doll]

But see, I didn't connect any of the events in the film with any kind of anti-capitalism message.

It felt much more interpersonal, and about sex and relationships.

Perhaps the fault is on me, the viewer, for not picking up on this.I haven't seen the film in about five years, but the way I'm remembering it, the film is about what capitalism does to sex and relationships (hence, the emphasis on prostitution and other forms of domination: e.g., child abuse and domestic violence).

[Idioteque Stalker]

Wouldn't guess in a million years Every Man for Himself would be the most popular movie for Godard week.

[megladon8]

I don't see that connection at all. While it has been 5 years since you saw it, do you remember any specific scenes, situations, or lines of dialogue that communicated that as a theme?

That reads like something the director said about the film, and people just went with it.

The closest I can see is that we have women selling themselves for money, thereby cheapening the act of love making by making it a financial transaction. But even that seems thin as a reading.

[megladon8]

Wouldn't guess in a million years Every Man for Himself would be the most popular movie for Godard week.

Limited to what is on Criterion Channel.

In all honesty we started with 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her, and had to turn it off after about 20 minutes. Neither of us had any interest in going further.

[baby doll]

I don't see that connection at all. While it has been 5 years since you saw it, do you remember any specific scenes, situations, or lines of dialogue that communicated that as a theme?

That reads like something the director said about the film, and people just went with it.

The closest I can see is that we have women selling themselves for money, thereby cheapening the act of love making by making it a financial transaction. But even that seems thin as a reading.I was thinking particularly of the proto-human centipede scene.

[megladon8]

I was thinking particularly of the proto-human centipede scene.

Again, I don't see the connection between that and the film having an overall anti-capitalism message.

[baby doll]

Again, I don't see the connection between that and the film having an overall anti-capitalism message.The logic of money--and commercial filmmaking--is one of domination: I pay you and you do what I tell you to do (on camera). During the centipede scene, the rich guy says something to the effect of, "We have image. Now let's add sound," implicitly linking the cinematic apparatus to prostitution. Likewise, Paul's relationships are all based on him trying to control women, either through money (prostitution) or physical force (domestic violence and rape). In other words, the film implies that healthy relationships between men and women are impossible under capitalism.

[megladon8]

It could very well be that I couldn't connect with the material, due to having been on the receiving end of sexual abuse for a good chunk of 2019.

And no, it wasn't Jen. For those who didn't know, we split up for a long while during that year.

I found the film very icky, which as you said it was intended to be. But maybe I had a bit of a mental block in seeing past the surface.

[Skitch]

Damn dude, sorry to hear that.

[megladon8]

Damn dude, sorry to hear that.


Thanks. :)

But I honestly wasn't saying that to garner sympathy. Just talking about the film and how / why I might not have connected with it the way I was supposed to.

[Dukefrukem]

Holy revelation Meg.

Are you guys back together at this point?

[megladon8]

Holy revelation Meg.

Are you guys back together at this point?

Yep. Have been for over a year.

[DFA1979]

Well that's good at least. Still I had no idea, either.

[megladon8]

Didn't really want to advertise it.

Seriously guys, appreciate the support, but I wasn't attention seeking with my response to baby doll.

I was honestly just sort of "thinking out loud" about how and why that movie didn't work for me.

[Ezee E]

Catching up on 2020 movies and Sundance. Once I have that list crossed over, I'll play catch up, cause there's probably not a worthy 2021 movie for a while.

[megladon8]

I was pretty surprised looking at the list of Criterion laserdiscs.

I was expecting it to be like, 20 titles to choose from.

There's well over 300!

[Skitch]

There's an Akira criterion that I'm dying to get, but its always more than I want to spend.

Edit: Maybe its not a criterion. huh. I can't seem to find it. Well at any rate, I want an Akira laserdisc :p

Edit 2: oh wait, there it is. It does exist.

[DFA1979]

I was pretty surprised looking at the list of Criterion laserdiscs.

I was expecting it to be like, 20 titles to choose from.

There's well over 300!

Same here. It's crazy.

[megladon8]

So we might bend the rules slightly for this week's entry (LaserDisc).

Jen has never seen 2001: A Space Odyssey. With our new massive TV I think it's the perfect time.

I have seen it (many times) but it has been at least 10 years.

[Skitch]

So we might bend the rules slightly for this week's entry (LaserDisc).

Jen has never seen 2001: A Space Odyssey. With our new massive TV I think it's the perfect time.

I have seen it (many times) but it has been at least 10 years.

OH WOW

[megladon8]

And by bending the rules, I just mean with the fact that it's a repeat viewing for me.

I was surprised that most of Kubrick's films are on Criterjon laserdisc.

[megladon8]

Anyone else going to be watching a Godard?

Also, got this week and next mixed up. This week is horror, next is released on Laserdisc.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I went with Kwaidan for week four. It's an anthology of four short films about ghosts, adapted from Japanese folk tales. Similar to Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri, I was immediately enamored with the craft: elegant tracking shots lend a tangible sense of space to the theatrical set design, with the backdrops in particular leaning heavily into an artificiality which draws the eye and -- in the case of the second short, "The Woman of the Snow," in which the deep red-orange swirls of sunset resemble a hurricane, or possibly an all-seeing apparition -- lends the whole thing an uncanny quality that ever-so-slowly managed to thoroughly creep me out. The sound design too is remarkable; it seems to me the Japanese understand best how a musical note, or human shriek, gains impact from a surrounding quiet. I'll be on the lookout for Kobayashi's Samurai Rebellion next, and save the ten-hour Human Condition trilogy for another day. This dude is the real deal. Four stars.

[baby doll]

I went with Kwaidan for week four. It's an anthology of four short films about ghosts, adapted from Japanese folk tales. Similar to Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri, I was immediately enamored with the craft: elegant tracking shots lend a tangible sense of space to the theatrical set design, with the backdrops in particular leaning heavily into an artificiality which draws the eye and -- in the case of the second short, "The Woman of the Snow," in which the deep red-orange swirls of sunset resemble a hurricane, or possibly an all-seeing apparition -- lends the whole thing an uncanny quality that ever-so-slowly managed to thoroughly creep me out. The sound design too is remarkable; it seems to me the Japanese understand best how a musical note, or human shriek, gains impact from a surrounding quiet. I'll be on the lookout for Kobayashi's Samurai Rebellion next, and save the ten-hour Human Condition trilogy for another day. This dude is the real deal. Four stars.Black River and The Inheritance are also great.

[Mal]

4. Mad Love (1935) - 6/10 - Peter Lorre being a creepy, obsessive fucker for just about an hour. Great idea for a simple horror structure with enough impact in the brief runtime. Obviously left enough of an impression in history for other movies to be inspired by the material.

[megladon8]

We watched 2001 last night. Jen had never seen it, and I hadn't seen it in 10+ years.

Easily the best viewing of it I have had, and Jen was astounded. We have already spent well over an hour discussing, dissecting and speculating.

Just from an audio visual standpoint, the movie is almost second to none. I could play this on a computer and just have my finger constantly pressing the screencap key. My favorites were the images of the surface of the moon, and then passing by Jupiter and its moons.

Jen and I both commented on how we flat out don't understand how it is that many people find the movie boring. It has sections that move slowly, but it is far from ever being boring.

Our greatest conversation so far has been about the inciting incident with HAL - when HAL sends Dave out to repair a satellite on the ship, which ends up not being faulty at all. Did HAL make a mistake? Or was this part of some larger plan? I am inclined to think the former, that HAL made a mistake, then went homicidal in order to protect both its own existence and the mission. So, the only flaw(s) HAL had were the parts that were more man than machine.

I could write pages and pages about this film, but other much smarter and more eloquent people have already done so.

It's incredible.

[Skitch]

They answer that question in the sequel. As I recall, HAL was programmed as the mission being the most important thing, so when he perceived the humans as a threat to his mission, he reacted to serve the mission.

Oh, and also, I agree with allllll the love. I still remember the first time I watched it. I was blown away. And every viewing since, even though I know I love it, I find something new to jaw gape over.

[megladon8]

They answer that question in the sequel. As I recall, HAL was programmed as the mission being the most important thing, so when he perceived the humans as a threat to his mission, he reacted to serve the mission.

Oh, and also, I agree with allllll the love. I still remember the first time I watched it. I was blown away. And every viewing since, even though I know I love it, I find something new to jaw gape over.

I can't believe the level of detail in the effects. When space ships fly past the camera and we can see in the windows, people working and computer monitors and such.

The movie looks better than 99% if what comes out today. Even the stuff that is a touch clunky/aged looks a million times better than bad CGI.

[Skitch]

The floating pen is still amazing.

[megladon8]

Oh and tonight Jen and I will be watching The Uninvited for our horror entry.

IS - I have owned Kwaidan for about 15 years but still havent seen it. I know Jen has (that's why she bought it for me). We must get around to it at some point. I'm especially intrigued by your saying how genuinely creepy it is.

ZE - I've never even heard of that one. Have you seen M?

[Mal]

Yup, M is great

[Skitch]

I think I own a non-Criterion Kwaidan that I also have owned for over a decade and not watched lol.

M is great. That Criterion dvd I do own.

[megladon8]

Yup, M is great

Was surprised by how icky Lorre was allowed to be in the role.

I guess I often (wrongly) assume that movies from that period will always play things safe.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I get why it might be hard to pull the trigger on Kwaidan. It's over three hours long. That's why this challenge is cool -- it gives me incentive to watch something I may have been sitting on for a while. (Being an anthology, Kwaidan splits nicely in half by the way.)

[megladon8]

I get why it might be hard to pull the trigger on Kwaidan. It's over three hours long. That's why this challenge is cool -- it gives me incentive to watch something I may have been sitting on for a while. (Being an anthology, Kwaidan splits nicely in half by the way.)

I didn't realize it was that long!

Man, I love horror anthologies.

[Skitch]

I honestly don't know a single thing about that movie. Runtime, plot, nothing.

[megladon8]

I honestly don't know a single thing about that movie. Runtime, plot, nothing.

3-1/2 hours of Japanese people describing how much they hate Skitch. And Akira.

[Skitch]

3-1/2 hours of Japanese people describing how much they hate Skitch. And Akira.

and in the vault it shall remain, unwatched. I can take the heat, but you leave Akira alone, fuckers.

[baby doll]

3-1/2 hours of Japanese people describing how much they hate Skitch. And Akira.It's a convention of Japanese horror movies for the characters to say, "スキッチとアキラが嫌いですよ," and then cover their mouths and giggle.

[DFA1979]

Kwaidan and M are both great. As fantastic as 2001 is you have to read the book, too, since it is a fine companion piece and explains some things further.

[Idioteque Stalker]

After putting it off my entire life, I went with West Side Story for week five. I don't often fall for film adaptations of plays or Broadway musicals, but I gotta hand it to Robert Wise and company -- this thing was cinematic as hell: snappy editing, playful camera movement/placement (those low-angle shots!), and cinematography so unabashedly colorful it's almost psychedelic (favorite moment: when Tony and Maria first lock eyes, everything else begins to blur until soon enough the lovers appear to be dancing in the black vacuum of space, with droplets of color trickling down around them). Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim prove why they enjoy legendary status. Bernstein's compositions are surprisingly odd/difficult to perform (it's telling that the musical's most famous song, "Maria," utilizes the notoriously unpopular tritone interval, and I was flabbergasted by the largely atonal "Cool"), while Sondheim's lyrics inject no small amount of cutting social commentary (most notably "America," which has aged wonderfully, and "Gee, Officer Krupke," which sadly has not). The choreography feels as natural as can be, which is impressive considering all the dance-fighting. The ensemble is perfectly in sync. Most impressive is Rita Moreno, who steals every scene she's in (and, I discovered, won the supporting actress Oscar that year). Kind of a dud of an ending, sadly. And it's shame about the brown face. But overall I'm kicking myself for putting it off so long. Four stars.

[Dukefrukem]

Wow that was a first watch for you? Epic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBmCKeMbgKw&

[megladon8]

I have never seen West Side Story and it honestly doesn't appeal to me at all.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I hear you meg. It's one of those stone-cold classics I've had little to no interest in seeing. But this week I embraced the "challenge" part of the thread, and I'm glad I did.

In unrelated news, I just watched that American Dad clip five times in a row.

EDIT: Make that eight times.

[Skitch]

I have never seen West Side Story and it honestly doesn't appeal to me at all.

Me either.

[Mal]

I have never seen West Side Story and it honestly doesn't appeal to me at all.
... this was me before I saw it in a theater. It is magic.

[baby doll]

I have never seen West Side Story and it honestly doesn't appeal to me at all.You don't like entertaining movies?

[megladon8]

You don't like entertaining movies?

Not the biggest fan of musicals. Let alone ones that push 3 hours in length.

When my folks watch My Fair Lady, I would rather sit in a dark silent room.

[Skitch]

"Entertaining" is subjective.

I don't know the how or why it became a thing that people randomly breaking into song and dance and all knowing the words to song theyre inventing was normal. Its bizarre to me.

[megladon8]

"Entertaining" is subjective.

I don't know the how or why it became a thing that people randomly breaking into song and dance and all knowing the words to song theyre inventing was normal. Its bizarre to me.

That doesn't bother me at all. To me that's the same leap you have to make watching Superman movies. It's impossible in 9000000 ways, so you just have to accept the logic or don't.

My problem is more that every musical I've ever seen has 2 or 3 good songs, and the rest I want to skip entirely.

So a 2-1/2 hour musical with that ratio of good/bad music is like, a waste of 2 + hours.

[Skitch]

It could also be that my sister used to watch Grease 5 times a day while singing along and dancing in front of the screen and I wanted to burn the house down.

[Dukefrukem]

I hear you meg. It's one of those stone-cold classics I've had little to no interest in seeing. But this week I embraced the "challenge" part of the thread, and I'm glad I did.

In unrelated news, I just watched that American Dad clip five times in a row.

EDIT: Make that eight times.

If it's one two things I love about Seth McFarlane, it's his commitment to a bit, and his appreciation for music.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoq1RtpOPUY&ab_channel=dirgiklis

[Skitch]

Hilarious. Even when I'm not laughing, he doesn't stop until I give in.

One could say Mcfarlane...insists upon himself. :D

[Mysterious Dude]

West Side Story is better than most musicals because it has murder in it.

[Idioteque Stalker]

The Rose is the perfect song for that bit because it's super cheeseball but still a great song. It plays during the credits of Only Yesterday and I tear up every time.

[Idioteque Stalker]

It could also be that my sister used to watch Grease 5 times a day while singing along and dancing in front of the screen and I wanted to burn the house down.

I pity you my friend. The day may come when I sit down and watch Grease front-to-back for the first time, but today is not that day.

[Skitch]

Its awful. I was ranting about it years ago and my daughter said "but what if I'm in musical Grease for school?" I said "I'll come support you and on that day you will know the depth of my love for you."

[Idioteque Stalker]

The sacrifices we make for our kids... I declare you a truly noble man.

[StuSmallz]

If it's one two things I love about Seth McFarlane, it's his commitment to a bit, and his appreciation for music.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoq1RtpOPUY&ab_channel=dirgiklis
Heck yeah:


https://youtu.be/-00SNaWTGv8

[Mal]

5. The Lacemaker - 7/10 - Starring Isabelle Huppert
A very subtle story of a young woman finding love while tagging along with her heartbroken friend on vacation. She's quiet, shy... goes along with whats happening around her. The compelling details come when conflict arises. Isabelle Huppert is her typical wonderful self, being captivating in every frame til the very end.

[megladon8]

5. The Lacemaker - 7/10 - Starring Isabelle Huppert
A very subtle story of a young woman finding love while tagging along with her heartbroken friend on vacation. She's quiet, shy... goes along with whats happening around her. The compelling details come when conflict arises. Isabelle Huppert is her typical wonderful self, being captivating in every frame til the very end.

Never even heard of that, but I must check it out. Really enjoy a good romance. Maybe I will watch this one for Romance week.

[Mal]

Never even heard of that, but I must check it out. Really enjoy a good romance. Maybe I will watch this one for Romance week.
Its more of a relationship drama than a romance. I went for it because I'd never heard of it, luckily despite it not streaming anywhere, found it on youtube in decent quality. Subtitles are ok, not exactly perfect, but your brain can figure out what they're actually saying easily.
https://youtu.be/pDMkBGOxfo8

[Morris Schæffer]

This morning I saw the 4k restoration of silence of the lambs. Criterion did a Stellar job. Much better than the old blu-ray. Ordered Great Escape too.

[Idioteque Stalker]

The Lacemaker sounds neat. I'm down for it.

What are people thinking for week 6 (made in Spain)? I'll likely end up playing it safe with Almodovar or Bunuel, but I'm curious where others are looking. In terms of world cinema, I lag behind when it comes to Spain.

[megladon8]

Are we saying literally made IN Spain? Or will just a Spanish director cut it?

Just wondering because weren't some of Almodovar's films made stateside?

[Idioteque Stalker]

I guess it depends on how strict you want to be with the rules. The wording of the challenge is "Made in Spain," so that's what I'm going with. This would mean Luis Bunuel's Viridiana would qualify, but Belle de Jour would not.

EDIT: One might say "any Spanish language film should count," except that isn't so simple as it may be for many other languages since Spanish is the primary language of so many countries. So Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth and The Devil's Backbone would qualify (Mexican/Spanish co-productions), but Cronos would not (Mexican production).

EDIT 2: I haven't actually checked to see if any of these movies were released by Criterion haha. So that's another thing to consider obviously.

[baby doll]

Victor Erice's El espÃ*ritu de la colmena is very Spanish and very great (more substantial to my mind than anything I've seen by Almodóvar, even Habla con ella). Juan Antonio Bardem's Muerte de un ciclista is also very much worth seeing.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Victor Erice's El espÃ*ritu de la colmena is very Spanish and very great (more substantial to my mind than anything I've seen by Almodóvar, even Habla con ella). Juan Antonio Bardem's Muerte de un ciclista is also very much worth seeing.

Nice, thanks. I saw The Spirit of the Beehive long ago -- that may be a movie I watch again some day. Death of a Cyclist sounds promising. I'll probably choose between that, Viridiana, and Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

[Mal]

Criterion’s website for discs allows you to find films in the collection by country
https://www.criterion.com/shop/browse/list?country=Spain

[Idioteque Stalker]

That's super helpful. Fewer options than I imagined, and I sure didn't expect an Orson Welles movie to qualify.

[Gizmo]

In the spirit of the rules of "watch in any order", I jumped ahead and got week 14 out of the way, with Charade. I love me some Hepburn and Grant, and this one was a great mix of action, comedy, and some suspense (though I pretty much predicted the conclusion pretty early on). This one may be good enough to crack my top 100 if I ever got around to rethinking about that.

[Skitch]

I love Charade. That was a blind watch for me, and I was hooked. Skip the remake.

[Gizmo]

Week 2: Throne of Blood

I started this one last week at one point, but it was slow going and I was tired, so I only made it about 30 minutes in. Rewatched today, and after the slow first 40 some minutes, it picks up a bit, and speeds to a conclusion that was inevitable. I thought the framing was great, the story good, and the acting was pretty solid for the most part, though I found Asaji to be way over the top. Solid all around, but still prefer Ikiru and Seven Samurai of the 3 Kurosawa's I've seen.

[megladon8]

It may be my favorite telling of Macbeth.

[megladon8]

Week 4 - The Uninvited.

The Uninvited begins with a brother and sister buying a gorgeous seaside mansion for $1800.

Things get even scarier from there.

Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey play the starring brother sister duo in this 1944 chiller. Rumors of ghosts and other phantasmagoria float around this suspiciously affordable seaside estate. As Milland tries to romance the granddaughter of the home's previous owner, an Agatha Christie-like murder mystery takes shape.

Beautifully photographed, with some images that are quite spooky. And what I thought was a very cool primitive portrayal of ghosts on film.

Some beautiful music, too. A piece that Milland plays on the piano while woo-ing the aforementioned granddaughter very obviously borrows from Casablanca's legendary "As Time Goes By", and works well for the scene.

I'm being purposely vague about the film because the mystery is so effective and absorbing. I would love for more to see this one.

Come 10-1/2 months from now, it could very well be a contender for the best film I saw this year.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Juan Antonio Bardem's Muerte de un ciclista is also very much worth seeing.

This is what I went with for week six. Good looking out BD. The titular death occurs during the opening credits, and the tight 88-minute runtime deals expressly in the aftermath of scheming, guilt, and paranoia. Like the best film noir it is an onslaught of gorgeous b&w visuals, but director Juan Antonio Bardem (uncle of Javier Bardem) and editor Margarita Ochoa further spice up the craft with plenty of unexpected cuts; I'm not sure how it would fit into his film theory, but I imagine Sergei Eisenstein would've had a good chuckle at many of the more ironic/associative edits in this film (there's also a bravura sequence during a flamenco performance that has no dialogue but turns darting eyes, lip reading, and fidgeting hands into a key narrative moment -- the high point of suspicion in an already anxious film -- through exceptional editing). Bardem was a communist, and his disdain for the upper-class is apparent in every scene. At points it's almost a black comedy of manners, featuring beautiful people (Lucia Bose was a literal beauty queen) as they repeatedly bungle their attempts to navigate the rituals of high society while covering up their manslaughter and sordid affair. It started to lose me for a bit in the second half, once the wily art critic storyline gives way to a university subplot in which a student is far too quick to change her tune on the professor who did her wrong (and said professor develops a groan-worthy habit of staring pensively into space while saying something vague, like, "There is something I must do... something that will fix everything"). But I was won over again by how everything resolves. The ending is just killer, and solidifies Death of a Cyclist as essential noir. Four stars.

[Mal]

6. La boutique [Las pirañas] (1967) - Somewhat amusing relationship comedy between a silly man and his wife, manipulating back and forth to get what they want. The actors are good, story isn't anything special. 5/10?

[Idioteque Stalker]

I went with Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters for week seven. More biopics should attempt this type of free-flowing structure (the “four chapters” subtitle is a little misleading since each chapter further contains three distinct sections -- Mishima’s present, his past, and a dramatization of his work); the buckshot of conceptually-but-not-chronologically-related biographical details is a promising and surprisingly untapped method of tackling the nigh-impossible task of capturing an entire lifetime within a feature-length film (Peter Watkins’ Edvard Munch is a potential touchstone, except it was originally released as a television miniseries and pushes the limits of “feature-length” at nearly four hours). But it’s simply too all-over-the-place -- I’d rather trust connective tissue exists at an atomic level than bother myself with getting out the microscopes and particle accelerators necessary to examine it for myself. As one might expect, the Philip Glass score arpeggiates ceaselessly, as if in a desperate attempt to compensate for the film’s lack of narrative thrust. Still, Paul Schrader’s ambition, Mishima’s writing, and most notably Eiko Ishioka’s production design (seriously, the minimalist look of the dramatizations alone is enough to carve out a place in cinema history) make it easy to become dizzy with appreciation on a moment-to-moment basis. Ultimately the film comes across a bit like Mishima’s ill-received garrison address: the ideas are all there, and the commitment is unquestionable, but one walks away uncertain of exactly what was said. Three stars.

[Mal]

7. Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) - Hey, I'm the same age as this movie. Immaculate, artful, vibrant, haunting. This is probably something I'll pick up during the next Criterion sale. This doesn't play like any ordinary Schrader film on the surface, yet the "story of a man against the world" familiarity is all there. Start-to-finish captivating while never utilizing conventions. 8/10, though I'm sure it'll improve on a second watch.

[megladon8]

Sorry I've fallen behind maintaining this for a couple of weeks. Will catch up tomorrow :)

[Idioteque Stalker]

I went with They Live by Night for week eight. Honestly I don't have much to say -- I like Nicholas Ray but, considering the reverence with which most people speak his name, I find myself deflated each time I don't fall head over heels for his movies (which, aside from In a Lonely Place, has happened consistently). Props for being among the first doomed-lovers-on-the-run movies, but if I'm being honest I tired of the "genre" long ago. There's little to complain about and little to praise outright. I would've been totally indifferent if not for Cathy O'Donnell, who early on is guarded to the point of near-silence (but can kill with a glance) before blossoming into a woman whose face alone signals a young person totally, tragically in love. Three stars.

[Mal]

8. Eva (1948) - It came up under romance and it has some romantic bits. However, this is also a film from a script by Ingmar Bergman, so we've got some complex human issues at hand regarding innocence, marriage, and death. Somewhat expected revelations, though I enjoyed it without much work. 6/10

[megladon8]

For week 6, we watched The Spirit of the Beehive.

Still stewing in my mind. First observation is that it is one of the most beautiful films I've seen in some time. Every single shot is perfectly composed and framed. One particularly impressive shot of a woman arriving at a train station on her bicycle, done in one take, everything just perfectly balanced and tracked for the entirety of the shot. Beautiful.

Strange to me that the film is qualified as a "fantasy" on both IMDb and Criterion. Aside from a very brief hallucination, everything in the film was matter of fact and occurred in reality.

The film had a nice balance between being a melancholy tale of the innocence and purity of childhood (when we are watching the story from the adults' point of view), and both sad and frightening when we see how that purity and innocence can be the source of deep misunderstanding of the violence that adults are capable of.

Great movie. Will be thinking about it for a long time.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I went with The Phantom Carriage for week nine. This movie's main reason for existing is to point out the special existential torment awaiting those who wantonly cough in other people's faces. I've been saying it for the past year, but The Phantom Carriage said it a century ago! Truly ahead of its time. Also, the drowning scene is magnificent. Three stars.

[Mr. McGibblets]

I also watched The Phantom Carriage which I think is now the earliest feature that I've seen. I was stunned by how modern it was and how much technique went into it.

[Mal]

9. The Rink (1916) - Chaplin and rollerskates. Not very memorable.

[megladon8]

9. The Rink (1916) - Chaplin and rollerskates. Not very memorable.

Just to show how tired I've been lately, I 100% thought this said "The Ring".

And I was so excited thinking "wow, Charlie Chaplin did a version of The Ring? I must see this!"

[Mal]

Shit son, get some sleep.

[Mal]

10. Hell's Heroes (1929) - Went with an old Wyler film. Bunch of bank robbers find themselves having to shape up and take care of an orphan. Its a quick bite of filmmaking style and story, enjoyed the characters and cinematography. 7/10.

[megladon8]

10. Hell's Heroes (1929) - Went with an old Wyler film. Bunch of bank robbers find themselves having to shape up and take care of an orphan. Its a quick bite of filmmaking style and story, enjoyed the characters and cinematography. 7/10.

Ooohhh this sounds good. I must check it out. Haven't seen any of Wyler's stuff from that early.

Have you seen The Heiress? It is SO. DAMN. GOOD.

[Mal]

I have not. Will do!

[megladon8]

Trying to decide what to watch from Wes Anderson's Top 10, and nothing is really jumping out at me to be honest.

Might put all the titles on the wall, cover my eyes and throw a dart.

[Skitch]

I tried to help. I haven't seen a single one of those films.

[megladon8]

Was interested in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, but it isn't on Criterion Channel.

Currently trying to decide between The Exterminating Angel and The Insect Woman. Leaning towards the former.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Currently trying to decide between The Exterminating Angel and The Insect Woman. Leaning towards the former.

I almost went with those as well. Seem like solid choices.

[Mal]

Au hasard Balthazar is, imo, the best movie on Wes' list.

[baby doll]

Currently trying to decide between The Exterminating Angel and The Insect Woman. Leaning towards the former.Why not watch both (and Madame de... and Au hasard Balthazar and Pigs and Battleships and La Prise de pouvoir par Louis XIV)? I haven't seen The Friends of Eddie Coyle but the book is a masterpiece.

[megladon8]

Watched The Exterminating Angel, and loved it.

Just as relevant today as its set time period, with stuff rich aristocrats satisfyingly taken down several notches.

"He took off his jacket? What poor etiquette!"

I loved the central mystery, and its Twilight Zone-esque moral commentary (not to mention an ending that felt like it could have been penned by Serling himself).

Was nothing at all what I expected. Very pleasantly surprised. Can't wait to watch it again.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Nice Meg. Yeah, a friend of mine watched it as well and had a similar reaction. I might bump it ahead of Viridiana as my next Bunuel movie.

[megladon8]

Nice Meg. Yeah, a friend of mine watched it as well and had a similar reaction. I might bump it ahead of Viridiana as my next Bunuel movie.

I think this was my first from Buñuel.

I'm loving this Criterion Challenge (despite being a bit behind). I've now seen 3 movies I may never have otherwise, and all 3 have been great viewings.

Also, the Criterion Channel is a godsend.

[baby doll]

I think this was my first from Buñuel.For your second, you might want to check out Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie, which is a sort of companion film to El ángel exterminador. In his autobiography, Buñuel expressed a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the earlier film, which he had originally planned to make in England (where the kind of aristocracy portrayed in the film actually existed), and the film is a bit shaky technically in comparison with his later European films (there's a visible boom mic in one shot). Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie is a much more polished piece of filmmaking with bigger stars, although in the areas that count, it's actually not that much more interesting and successful.

[Idioteque Stalker]

After sitting on a DVD my grandma bought me over a decade ago, I went with Lonesome for week 10. The human condition is politely declining your friends’ invitation to Coney Island (“I’m afraid I have too many things to do”) just to sit alone in your apartment filing your nails and flipping through magazines. Don’t listen to the haters who say the spoken dialogue ruins the film -- I mean it’s terribly awkward, sure, but the entire movie is such a chaotic and silly romp (complete with bonkers carnival attractions, an arrest for “picking up girls,” and more confetti than you’ve ever imagined) that the occasional thirty-second early-sound clip simply becomes another sideshow attraction in this non-stop Roaring Twenties jamboree. This Pal Fejos cat is full-steam-ahead with the cinematic trickery, too: plenty of multiple exposure shots (like a clock superimposed over images of our leads at their jobs, a constant reminder of their menial work), some truly gorgeous color tinting (most remarkably a magical realism dance sequence that surely inspired West Side Story and La La Land), and an incredibly mobile camera that careens overhead, flips upside-down, and attaches to the front of a roller-coaster. One of the earliest in its genre, Lonesome is one of the rare rom-coms in which the lovers’ delight in each other is equaled by a delight of craft and tone. Four stars. Thanks grandma.

[Idioteque Stalker]

For your second, you might want to check out Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie, which is a sort of companion film to El ángel exterminador.

This might explain why I've always confused them.

[megladon8]

For your second, you might want to check out Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie, which is a sort of companion film to El ángel exterminador. In his autobiography, Buñuel expressed a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the earlier film, which he had originally planned to make in England (where the kind of aristocracy portrayed in the film actually existed), and the film is a bit shaky technically in comparison with his later European films (there's a visible boom mic in one shot). Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie is a much more polished piece of filmmaking with bigger stars, although in the areas that count, it's actually not that much more interesting and successful.

Thank you for the recommendation!

I was reading that Buñuel was disappointed that the budget budget Exterminating Angel didn't allow him to go as far as he wanted. His original intent was to have the people devolve into cannibals.

I think I prefer what we got. Do you think the film would have been stronger if it went that direction?

[megladon8]

Idioteque, you've sold me on Lonesome.

I'm looking forward to seeing more silent stuff with this challenge. I see multiple opportunities to watch things that have been on my radar for years and just never gotten around to them.

My favorite is still The Phantom of the Opera from '25. Freaking gorgeous production, that is. Chaney kills it. Love it to death.

[Yxklyx]

10. Hell's Heroes (1929) - Went with an old Wyler film. Bunch of bank robbers find themselves having to shape up and take care of an orphan. Its a quick bite of filmmaking style and story, enjoyed the characters and cinematography. 7/10.

Where did you see it?

[Yxklyx]

It's a remarkable debut. I dont think it's as good as peak Coens (Fargo), but I love seeing their early work and how they build on their black humor. The 'dead end' bit should have been on screen more.

I also think the script is a little weak and unbelievable, mainly around the PI. But hey, my wife and I both liked it. So that's a win. 1/1.

For me, Blood Simple and Fargo are about tied. I love both of them equally. They are their two masterpieces. As for Buñuel, I'm not a big fan. I think his best work is at the start when his movies were more surreal as with Un Chien Andalou and L' Âge d'or - he sacrifices too much with narrative in his later films and I don't think they've aged well - in contrast to Jodorowsky.

[megladon8]

Rewatching O Brother Where Art Thou? recently was great. I was never very fond of it, but loved it this time.

I was just too young to get most of the humor, having been like 13 when I saw it.

Also Raising Arizona is a darn masterpiece.

[Yxklyx]

Au hasard Balthazar is, imo, the best movie on Wes' list.

Stroszek or Au hasard Balthazar? - Kurt Cobain

[baby doll]

Thank you for the recommendation!

I was reading that Buñuel was disappointed that the budget budget Exterminating Angel didn't allow him to go as far as he wanted. His original intent was to have the people devolve into cannibals.

I think I prefer what we got. Do you think the film would have been stronger if it went that direction?It's hard to say; a lot would depend on the execution. Still, the film works so well without the characters resorting to cannibalism it's hard to imagine that it would be much better if they did.

[baby doll]

As for Buñuel, I'm not a big fan. I think his best work is at the start when his movies were more surreal as with Un Chien Andalou and L' Âge d'or - he sacrifices too much with narrative in his later films and I don't think they've aged well - in contrast to Jodorowsky.Personally I've always considered L'Age d'or one of Buñuel's lesser films. It doesn't do anything that Un chien andalou didn't do better in less time. Rather than sacrificing anything, it seems to me that Buñuel's later films are enhanced by their narratives which provide a context for their surrealist elements so that they register more forcefully. By contrast, it's the more freeform (read: undisciplined) films of Jodorowsky that strike me as relics of the '60s counterculture in their compulsion to pile one outrageous image on top of another at the expense of any sustained narrative, as a result of which a film like El topo is ultimately less than the sum of its parts.

[Dukefrukem]

Watched Rebecca for the #12 item. (https://letterboxd.com/dukefrukem/film/rebecca/)

Average for Hitchcock.

[megladon8]

Watched Rebecca for the #12 item. (https://letterboxd.com/dukefrukem/film/rebecca/)

Average for Hitchcock.

If I tell Jen this this will cry.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Yeah, not my favorite Hitch either.

[Dukefrukem]

If I tell Jen this this will cry.

It's hard for me when Rear Window is the benchmark. How could anything come close to that?

[Skitch]

Hmmm...favorite Hitchcock is a tough one, especially when I haven't seen half his filmography. Probably a toss up between the 39 Steps and North by Northwest.

[megladon8]

It's not my favorite Hitch but I still think it's wonderful.

Rear Window is indeed great but probably not in my top 3.

1.) Psycho
2.) North by Northwest
3.) Rope

[StuSmallz]

Watched Rebecca for the #12 item. (https://letterboxd.com/dukefrukem/film/rebecca/)

Average for Hitchcock.
https://i.ibb.co/8MkQQMC/giphy.gif (https://imgbb.com/)

[megladon8]

I think we are going to do The Irishman for the 2010s. Really looking forward to it.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I think we are going to do The Irishman for the 2010s. Really looking forward to it.

Enjoy. It's awesome.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Stroszek or Au hasard Balthazar? - Kurt Cobain

Wait, what?

[Idioteque Stalker]

I doubled up with two shorter French films for week 11. A Day In the Country had lovely pastoral visuals and a bad story, but maybe the story would've been better if the film had been finished. Zero for Conduct had visuals that were less lovely (save for a magical slo-mo pillow fight scene) but also a better story that probably connected with 20th century French audiences more than it did with me. Both get three stars. The 30s continue to be an uphill battle for me.

[Mal]

11. When Tomorrow Comes (1939) - Lady falls for a dude who seems like a catch. But lo and behold, he has a wife! The romance works here, though the execution of the conflict felt a little lacking. 6/10

[megladon8]

I doubled up with two shorter French films for week 11. A Day In the Country had lovely pastoral visuals and a bad story, but maybe the story would've been better if the film had been finished. Zero for Conduct had visuals that were less lovely (save for a magical slo-mo pillow fight scene) but also a better story that probably connected with 20th century French audiences more than it did with me. Both get three stars. The 30s continue to be an uphill battle for me.

A few of the decades have their best stuff outside of what this challenge allows, I find. And the 30s is one of them.

Universal monster movies, a plethora of fantastic crime films, stuff from Frank Capra and Leo McCarey. King Kong.

[megladon8]

11. When Tomorrow Comes (1939) - Lady falls for a dude who seems like a catch. But lo and behold, he has a wife! The romance works here, though the execution of the conflict felt a little lacking. 6/10

This one has been on my list for a long time. Darn.

Watch The Heiress, dag nabbit.

[Mal]

This one has been on my list for a long time. Darn.

Watch The Heiress, dag nabbit.
Have you seen Sirk's Interlude? It's the same story. I'll be checking that out.
And 1940s are week #12, definitely time for The Heiress!

[Yxklyx]

Wait, what?

Wasn't Stroszek the last film Kurt Cobain watched before he killed himself. Au hasard Balthazar has got to be just as soul-sucking.

Movies to watch before killing yourself:

1. Au hasard Balthazar
2. Stroszek
...

[Idioteque Stalker]

Wasn't Stroszek the last film Kurt Cobain watched before he killed himself. Au hasard Balthazar has got to be just as soul-sucking.

Movies to watch before killing yourself:

1. Au hasard Balthazar
2. Stroszek
...

That's so depressing...

I'll add Synecdoche, NY and Dancer in the Dark.

[Yxklyx]

It's hard for me when Rear Window is the benchmark. How could anything come close to that?

Vertigo

[megladon8]

That's so depressing...

I'll add Synecdoche, NY and Dancer in the Dark.

House of Sand and Fog.

[megladon8]

Have you seen Sirk's Interlude? It's the same story. I'll be checking that out.
And 1940s are week #12, definitely time for The Heiress!

I haven't, no.

Actually, looking at Sirk's filmography...I don't think I have seen a single film of his.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Day of Wrath or I Know Where I'm Going! for week 12... I'm leaning Day of Wrath.

[baby doll]

Day of Wrath or I Know Where I'm Going! for week 12... I'm leaning Day of Wrath.I'd go with Day of Wrath. I Know Where I'm Going! has never been one of my favorite Powell and Pressburger films.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I'd go with Day of Wrath. I Know Where I'm Going! has never been one of my favorite Powell and Pressburger films.

Plus I recently watched Black Narcissus for the first time but it's been a while since I've seen something new from Dreyer. Day of Wrath it is.

[megladon8]

I have not seen any Powell and Pressburger.

Jeez I have some massive blind spots in my movie watching.

[Skitch]

I have not seen any Powell and Pressburger.

Jeez I have some massive blind spots in my movie watching.

I don't think I have either, but I'm aware of them. Its a shame I carry.

[Idioteque Stalker]

The Red Shoes is one of the best movies I’ve ever fallen asleep in multiple times, and Black Narcissus is pretty good too. They both have incredible third acts.

[megladon8]

The Red Shoes is one of the best movies I’ve ever fallen asleep in multiple times, and Black Narcissus is pretty good too. They both have incredible third acts.

That should be a quote on the poster.