The Criterion Collection
Production Notes
Nov 23, 2006 — I first met Robert Altman in person in 1999, when I was producing a series of video introductions featuring contemporary directors discussing their favorite Janus films. Altman was the first Criterion director to respond to our request. We had sent...
Essays
Apr 19, 2004 — “Floating weeds, drifting down the leisurely river of our lives,” has long been a favored metaphor in Japanese prose and poetry. This plant, the ukigusa (duckweed in English), floating aimlessly, carried by stronger currents, is seen as emblematic of our...
Essays
Nov 23, 1998 — Paul Morrissey’s cult classic has obvious appeal for the lover of Grand Guignol—but it equally addresses the thoughtful.
A groundbreaking visual stylist, this iconic American director has captivated generations of film lovers with his meticulously crafted epics about war, violence, and history.
The writer and director returns to the Criterion Closet, where he talks about a moment from Black Narcissus that’s ingrained in his memory, shares what he loves about Max Ophuls and The Earrings of Madame de . . ., and...
The actor shares what he loves about Preston Sturges and Alfred Hitchcock, recommends Brief Encounter and other intimate works by David Lean, and selects films featuring favorite actors like Claude Rains and Carole Lombard.
The actor, screenwriter, and comedian reminiscences about showing Shaun of the Dead to George A. Romero, shares the many reasons why he loves Quadrophenia, and praises the way David Lynch’s films lend themselves to interpretation.
The actor talks about feeling immersed in The Tree of Wooden Clogs, praises Small Axe as an “extraordinary piece of work,” and suggests that all film lovers see every film by Akira Kurosawa.
The actor reminisces about watching Crossing Delancey with her grandparents, selects Godzilla vs. Biollante to share with her son, and shouts out performers she loves, including Harry Dean Stanton and Barbara Loden.