Criterion

by Ari

Criterion has been - and continues to be - the single most important company in the history of the home video format. They have the most diverse and sophisticated collection of films, offering a library of international cinema both classic and contemporary. The depth of their collection is unlike any other - mixing obscure film with historic accomplishments, and providing a deep and serious focus on quality, artistic filmmaking. Their collection works wonderfully as an introduction to film-history and the great masters of the last century for young and passionate film-lovers, while also providing collectors and scholars the films they demand. Criterion was the heart and soul of laserdisc, and now they’ve doubled their efforts for DVD with enhanced visual and sound quality and fascinating, often times brilliant supplemental material, most notably their excellent commentaries. Looking for insight into Powell and Pressburger’s Tales of Hoffmann? Switch on the commentary by Martin Scorsese. How many DVD’s have introductions by Bernardo Bertolucci? Not many, but Criterion’s Fists in the Pocket does. Have you seen their new, 3-disc edition of Kurosawa’s masterpiece, Seven Samurai? It’s quite possibly the greatest DVD ever released, with astonishing technical qualities and phenomenal special features, including a two-hour conversation with the iconic director. The list goes on and on and on. Criterion offers the most profound films with the most profound care. Eventually I’d like to have a full archive of reviews for the Criterion collection, which is no small task considering how many films there are. Each article of this new feature will list five Criterion DVD’s and short reviews for each film.

Criterion DVD’s already reviewed on the site:

Hands Over the City

Kicking and Screaming

Bad Timing - Nicolas Roeg

Bad Timing is one of the most wrenching, viscerally emotional and shocking films of the 80’s. The story documents the passionate relationship between a psychoanalyst played by Art Garfunkel and the young, beautiful object of his desire (Theresa Russell). Their relationship turns from romance to obsession as their lives fall apart and descend into madness. When Russell’s character is rushed to the hospital and on the verge of death, an Inspector (Harvey Keital) pieces together the events of their past, eventually leading to the disturbing, unforgettable conclusion. Roeg’s intense use of cross-cutting is fairly remarkable, and the fearless performances by Garfunkel, and especially Theresa Russell, display the highest caliber of film-acting. Bad Timing is an ugly and brutal experience, but its power is undeniably masterful.

The Long Good Friday - John Mackenzie

This seminal crime drama features Bob Hoskins in a raw, villainous performance as a London gangster who opens war against the IRA and slowly witnesses the demise of his business and friends. Helen Mirren is his girlfriend and partner in one of her great performances, and Pierce Brosnan is the nameless killer in one of his first roles. The gritty photography, bursts of strong violence, and generally malicious behavior create one of the darkest and realistic crime epics of the 70’s. The final, extended close-ups of a beaten, defeated, and plain enraged Hoskins are classic. While this DVD is now out of print, the film was a great selection by Criterion.

The Most Dangerous Game - Ernest B. Schoedsack/Irving Pichel

A thriller ahead of its time. Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks) lives in a remote castle on an uncharted Island. His main interest is hunting, something he proudly announces to his guests. Joel McCrea, Fay Wray, and Robert Armstrong are among the unfortunate people stranded on Zaroff’s Island and forced into his twisted games. Zaroff’s pleasure is hunting his guests, leaving his targets little hope for survival. The film is lean and suspenseful, with expertly staged set-pieces for 1932. Schoedsack and producer Merian C. Cooper followed The Most Dangerous Game with King Kong, even using many of the same sets. This is classic Hollywood entertainment at its finest.

Orpheus - Jean Cocteau

Imaginative retelling of the Orphic myth demonstrates Cocteau’s visual elegance and innovative filmmaking techniques. A married poet falls in love with the princess of the underworld and looks to her for creative inspiration and success. As the princess collects souls from the real world, her love for the poet puts both of them in danger from the greater forces that govern both realms. The special effects are particularly effective and impressive for 1949, the atmosphere is sensual and poetic, and the performances are excellent across the board. The great François Périer co-stars as Heurtebise, the emotional center of the story.

The Samurai Trilogy - Hiroshi Inagaki

One of the great epic masterpieces of cinema by the enormously talented and underrated Hiroshi Inagaki. Toshiro Mifune stars as Musashi Miyamoto in arguably his best performance. Inagaki chronicles the life of Miyamoto from aspiring youngster to master samurai, following the warrior on his many journeys through battle and love. The trilogy presents stunning photography, theatrical performances, and incredible emotion. The scope of The Samurai Trilogy is reminiscent of David Lean, an extraordinary feat only the best filmmakers can accomplish. A masterpiece of adventure and romance with breathtaking vision. The trilogy concludes with one of the most famous duels in film history.

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