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