The Seventh Seal

The Seventh Seal (1957)
Ingmar Bergman
Swedish
Criterion 11

An knight, exhausted and on his return from the Crusades, encounters death and challenges him to a game of chess.

James - A good film, with bits of comedy and art weaving through the dark story. I will definitely need to see this again to fully understand all of the minutiae. But I think I'll enjoy that. B+

Britney - I watched this film reluctantly, and finished it... reluctantly. There was never a point where I was compelled or inspired, though I found the Swedish language beautiful. A tale of religious questioning, the plague, and hovering, imminent death does not interest me, but it was thought provoking and had strong dialogue. D+

Criterion Collection: The Seventh Seal

Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (1996)

Wes Anderson

Criterion 450

Three friends plan their life of crime, but are sidetracked by love and dissension.

James - A truly complete film, with every piece put there intentionally, Anderson's first film is a work of art. A character showpiece from the start, the Texas backdrop provides a superb canvas for their development.

A+

Britney - Not Wes Anderson's best film but an excellent addition to the Criterion Collection. It reminded me of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas- but better! I don't usually like plots that take place in a Texas desert, but I enjoyed this one. 

A 

Criterion Collection: Bottle Rocket

Under the Roofs of Paris

Under the Roofs of Paris
René Clair
French
Criterion 161

A love story of poor Parisians and the man that tries to get between them.

James - At times, this still felt like a silent movie. There was very little soundtrack and the dialogue was strangely placed. However, the actions did tell a lot, and the story was good. It was just too drawn out.
C

Britney - The story was not admirable. Ugly women were pushed around and stolen from, and the beautiful woman was shallow and a tease. The camera work, however, was well done, especially for its time. I also like the costumes.

C-

Criterion Collection: Under the Roofs of Paris

Guest Reviewer!

Today, we have 2 brand new reviews by James' old roommate, Kerry. He watched many a film with us while we were at school, and insists that we watch a few horror movies that are part of the Criterion Collection. Here are his reviews:

Rushmore (1998)

Wes Anderson
Criterion 65

Kerry - Many of the characters in this film have an individual and original charm that will do three things for you: impress you, entertain you, and allow you to laugh during moments where you're not so sure you should (but love the fact that you did anyway).

A

Our Review of Rushmore

Scenes From A Marriage (1973)

Ingmar Bergman
Swedish
Criterion 229

Kerry - I wouldn't look to this mini-series for any sense of satisfaction or contentment. If you are to truly watch these scenes as I have, you'll come to realize that these life and love experiences are more or less what you may want to see.

C

Our Review of Scenes From A Marriage

Mala Noche

Mala Noche (1985)
Gus Van Sant
English/Spanish
Criterion 407

A liquor store clerk falls in love with a teenage Mexican immigrant.

James - This film is real. The light and dark, the close-ups with the tops of heads cut off, the sound and sweat and skin, are all real. But that does not necessarily make for a compelling story. A beautiful use of the camera and sound, but not the most original tale; homosexuality is its only edge.
B-

Britney - The narrator's voice will stick in your head for hours after watching. I enjoyed the black and white driving scenes through the country, but was totally detached from the characters. Interesting camera work, but the film left me wanting more.
B

Criterion Collection: Mala Noche

The Only Son

The Only Son (1936)

Yasujiro Ozu

Japanese

Criterion 524

A mother sacrifices so that her son can go away to school. Years later, she visits him in modernizing Tokyo but finds that he has not lived up to her expectations.

James - This film, the director's first picture with sound, uses many photographic shots. However, the symbolism (the baby, the hanging cloths, the charm) is beyond me. The artistic talent might come after many viewings, but it did not capture me this time.

D+

Britney - The saddest moments are when this family smiles, yet you know they are feeling great disappointment in themselves and others. Much repetition and timely landscape/room shots, and an easy story to follow.

C-

Criterion Collection: The Only Son/There Was a Father [Box Set]

The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson
Criterion 540

The story of 3 brothers reuniting in India a year after their father's death.

James - Another beautiful Anderson entry, this film makes India a character to rival Wilson, Brody, and Schwartzman. It makes me want to travel India by train, making plans as I go along. Then again, it makes me realize that that is the cliché, and I don't need to travel to India to "find myself." Also, the soundtrack fits the movie like no other.
A+

Britney - No one does color better than Anderson. Casting and soundtrack are perfect. But do not watch without the prerequisite-Hotel Chevalier-which is just as wonderful as the main feature.
A+

Criterion Collection: The Darjeeling Limited

That's all, so far...

Those are all the movies we've watched so far. We have Only Son, The Battle of Algiers, and Under the Roofs of Paris from the library, and Seventh Seal on our instant queue on Netflix. So if you want to watch with us, feel free.

The 400 Blows

The 400 Blows (1959)
François Truffaut
French
Criterion 5

Watch as a troubled boy struggles to find his place in the world while everything is working against him.

James - Perhaps bland, this film is definitely able to capture the angst and fear of youth. The appeal of this film is lost on me at this moment, maybe, because I'm so used to this. There is some of that in every boy.
B-

Britney - Never has a film hit so close to home. I loved everything about it, from the paris cityscapes to the naughty children scenes. I just loved this film.
A+

Criterion Collection: The 400 Blows

Jules and Jim

Jules and Jim (1962)
François Truffaut
French
Criterion 281

The story of two men's mutual love for a woman who manipulates them.

James - An interesting movie with beautiful landscapes and a true feeling for the characters. I also liked the historical aspect.
B+

Britney - I went into this film thinking I would hate the "love triangle" scenario, but the film was great because, though it completely centered on the theme, it was still was still bigger than the film.
A-

Criterion Collection: Jules and Jim

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (1966)
Roberto Rossellini
French
Criterion 456

An accurate account of Louis XIV's early rise to power.

James - A valuable in only its seemingly accurate portrayal of Louis XIV. This movie is bland and ugly. Its only possible redemption is France's palaces and scenery but those are foregone to focus on fat actors.
F+

Britney - I obviously hated it. The history bored me and the ugly actors too. Even France looked ugly- which I thought was impossible. Is this really Criterion?
F

Criterion Collection: The Taking of Power by Louis XIV

Knife in the Water

Knife in the Water (1962)
Roman Polanski
Polish
Criterion 215

A wealthy couple picks up a hitchhiker and brings him aboard their sailboat. The mens' masculinity clash as they fight for Krystyna's attention.

James - The characters are the showpiece of this film. I don't know quite what to say about it as a Criterion because I was learning too much about sailing.
B

Britney - Amazed by the tranquility of the Polish language. The dialogue fit the film though so some may be lost in translation. Overall, lovely and thought provoking.
B

Criterion Collection: Knife in the Water

Playtime

Playtime (1967)
Jacques Tati
French
Criterion 112

Tati uses Hulot to give his take on modern Paris and what it's become: touristy and chintzy.

James - If a film student had the budget, this would be the film made. The camera does a lot of work and does it well, but more is needed.
C+

Britney - Well, you definitely know this is Tati-slow and silly with little plot. We were excited to watch this film but more excited when it finally ended. Good, not great.
C-

Criterion Collection: Playtime

Mon Oncle

Mon Oncle (1958)
Jacques Tati
French
Criterion 111

An uncle struggles against new technology and class distinctions to become part of his sister's family.

James - A really beautiful depiction of what appears to be Tati's idea of modernity. I'm amazed that a story was told with so few words.
A-

Britney - Hulot and his nephew are a sweet kind of silly. The film really took its time showing the depths of characters and the repetition of daily life.
A-

Criterion Collection: Mon Oncle

Diary of a Chambermaid

Diary of a Chambermaid (1964)
Luis Buñuel
French
Criterion 117

A Parisian maid takes up a post in the countryside where she is courted by men and uses her desirability to help solve a murder case.

James - Interesting but frivolous. Lacked the qualities of other Criterions, however, the story was fun and easy.
C

Britney - I have a soft spot for films of gossip, beauty, and money, yet I wasn't very wow-ed. Fun, though.
C

Criterion Collection: Diary of a Chambermaid

Pierrot Le Fou

Pierrot Le Fou (1965)
Jean-Luc Godard
French
Criterion 421

The husband to a rich woman flees with the babysitter. Their love is tested as they try to survive on the run.

James - A film that showcases what Godard can do with color. It lacks a compelling storyline, however, it is beautiful.
B

Britney - What a silly french film! Choppy dialogue and choppier soundtrack, but an absolute pleasure to watch. Stay on your toes for any opportunity to break out into song-becuase they will do so.
B-

Criterion Collection: Pierrot Le Fou

M

M (1931)
Fritz Lang
German
Criterion 30

The police and the mob fight to find the child murderer first.

James - Innovative cinemotography, however, against modern film, this lacked a good tempo for the story telling. Issues raised were compelling but disjointed from the story.
C+

Britney - You can tell this film is German, with an analytic plot instead of love and emotion. Fantastic ending, but it too forever to get there. Great Costumes.
C-

Criterion Collection: M

Scenes From A Marriage

Scenes From A Marriage (1973)
Ingmar Bergman
Swedish
Criterion 229

Scenes from a deteriorating marriage.

James - A beautiful film capturing the depth of human emotion, however as a t.v. mini series, it was drawn out.
B-/C+

Britney - My heart breaks again and again for this couple. No matter how loud they shout and how awful the words, the Swedish language sounds so sweet. A Film to watch broken up into a few sittings.
B-

Criterion Collection: Scenes From A Marriage

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Terry Gilliam
Criterion 175

A sports journalist is sent to cover a motor cycle race in the Las Vegas desert. He and his lawyer think drugs will lead to better journalism.

James - A great portrayal of drugs in journalism. I identify it as a great influence on my teenage years.
A

Britney - Had a fun time watching this film I really looked up to the lifestyle they lived in my early teen years. I also love Johnny Depp.
B

Criterion Collection: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Band Of Outsiders

Band Of Outsiders (1964)
Jean-Luc Godard
French
Criterion 174

Two men meet a woman in English class and plot to steal her uncle's illegitimate fortune.

James - Much like Breathless, this film has part silly dark humor, part crime, and part romantic love story. However, this film lacks the compelling story line which detracts from character development.
B-

Britney - Some parts, like the cafe dancing, were wonderful but much too long and drawn out. The simpler parts, like talking on the Metro and flirting in class were my true favorites.
B-/C+

Criterion Collection: Band Of Outsiders

Rebecca

Rebecca (1940)
Alfred Hitchcock
Criterion 135

When a naive young woman marries a rich widower, she finds the memory of his first wife haunting her.

James - A great use of film to tell a story, however, it was confusing in its intricate story line.
C

Britney - The very creepy maid and flip-flopping husband makes for a classic horror film. Great movie to watch on a thunder-storming night, but maybe just on rental.
C-

Criterion Collection: Rebecca

Breathless

Breathless (1960)
Jean-Luc Godard
French
Criterion 408

In Paris, a young French car thief kills a policeman and tries to convince an American girl to run away with him.

James - A true romance where you fall in love with the characters falling in love. First film I liked without knowing why I liked it.
A+

Britney - I am very in love with both Michel and his fat cigarettes as well as the charming American, short haired girl. Paris in 1960 is beautiful.
A+

Criterion Collection: Breathless

Rushmore

Rushmore (1998)
Wes Anderson
Criterion 65

A rebellious teenager from a prestigious private school falls for a first grade teacher.

James - First and foremost, a reason to love Bill Murray. Also, a great showcase of Wes Anderson's directing talent.
A-

Britney - A wonderful, not so predictable story of a boy coming into age. I just love Max Fisher.
A

Criterion Collection: Rushmore

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Wes Anderson
Criterion 300

Steve Zissou, an aquatic documentarian tries to find the shark that killed his beloved friend.

James - Bill Murray at his best. The creative design in this film surpasses its undeveloped plot. Some of my favorite scenes ever.
A

Britney - A fantastic addition into the silly films in the Criterion Collection. It makes me think of endless blue water and endless supply of red caps.
A

Criterion Collection: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Brazil

Brazil (1985)
Terry Gilliam
Criterion 51

The tale of a totalitarian bureaucrat who breaks out of the system to follow his love in an Orwellian society.

James - A more accessible and darkly humorous entry into the totalitarian cannon with Orwell, Huxley, and the rest.
A+

Britney - I was incredibly and utterly confused by what I was watching. The fantasy story was told in a creative way that I can admire, but I just don't like this type of genre.
C

Criterion Collection: Brazil

The Royal Tenenbaums

The Royal Tenebaums (2001)
Wes Anderson
Criterion 157

The banished Royal fakes stomach cancer to reunite with his family.

James - My favorite movie, truly great because everything, from actors' performances to the framing to the soundtrack, are perfect. They create a sense of reality that is unmatched, beyond true life.
A+

Britney - This film is colorful and always aesthetically aware. I love the cartoon-y characters. Lovely soundtrack and hidden romances.
A+

Criterion Collection: The Royal Tenenbaums

The Reason for Rating

Your Reviewers

On our first summer away from college, realizing that we are stuck once again in the place we were so excited to leave, we started this project. Our goal is to watch as many Criterion Collection films as possible, with an emphasis on the Foreign selection at our local library. 


We developed a rating system to gauge these films:
A - Own, recommend to everyone, watch repeatedly, universal
B - Deserves to be watched again, recommend to film enthusiasts
C - Glad I watched it, might watch again, would not buy myself, recommend to genre-specific people
D - Indifference, would likely not recommend, would not own
F - Waste of time, surprised to see in Criterion


With each film, there is first a synopsis, followed by each of our personal and amateur reviews and a rating based on the scale above.