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