THE FIRST SOUND

Oct 15, 2050 — Voice-over narration has existed since the beginnings of cinema and has been an integral part of some of the great masterworks of narrative film, from The Magnificent Ambersons to Double Indemnity to Jules and Jim to Taxi Driver. It spans...

Apr 12, 2021 — Chloé Zhao widens her lead in the Oscar race.

Jun 21, 2018 — The American philosopher was an early proponent of cinema as a subject worthy of serious study.

May 17, 2024 — We’re reading about Chris Marker and Hiroshi Shimizu and listening to conversations from Cannes.

Jun 21, 2018 — Repertory Picks Fritz Lang’s first sound film, M, remains perhaps the most influential serial-killer movie in the history of cinema. Next Wednesday, it comes to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Cinematheque as part of an ongoing series showcasing the film’s star, Peter Lorre....

May 6, 2018 — Cannes 2018 One of the major highlights of the ongoing, year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ingmar Bergman will be the presentation of a 4K restoration of The Seventh Seal (1957) as part of this year’s...

Aug 9, 2016 — The acclaimed writer-director discusses his early days growing up in New York, his transition from acting to screenwriting, and his unique creative process.

Nov 11, 2015 — There’s an infectious energy and excitement that radiates from the French actor and filmmaker Mathieu Amalric. This is palpable in his performances on-screen or on the stage, and it was in full force when he visited Criterion recently.

This trio of siblings—Alexander, Zoltán, and Vincent—made many classic-Hollywood and British films that were unique for their epic storylines, lavish production design, and globe-trotting adventures.

Nov 7, 2019 — Two of the most spellbinding scenes in any Hollywood movie: In the first, Judy Garland, bedecked in a cinched, blue-and-white-striped dress, and topped with a long, auburn wig, sings of her longing for “the boy next door,” her adorable, ginger-peachy...