Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

[yoloswegmaster]

I hope that Arsenic and Old Lace is getting a release. Here's something for all the naysayers who have been bemoaning a release:

Spoiler

[swo17]

Streets are saying the '44 is Arsenic. I long for death.

I haven't seen this many people overreacting since my last time watching Arsenic and Old Lace!

[Maltic]

At Criterion HQ when Arsenic is finally announced:

[Finch]

Janus's own page for Lost Highway is inconsistent about the country of origin: the front page says France but the press release PDF says US when the film was a co-production between both countries (Ciby 2000 and Asymmetrical Pictures). My money is on it being the US 1997 title.

Very long shot for the French film: 1997's Genealogies of a Crime, Raul Ruiz, shot and produced entirely in France, starring Deneuve and Piccoli. Strand released in the US in 2005 on DVD. No idea if an up to scratch HD master exists though.

The reason for the delay to Monday is their designer needs to put the finishing touches to an appropriately hideous cover for the US 1944 film, especially if it's a comedy.

If Cure doesn't get a UHD, I'll fly into NYC and stalk Criterion's offices day and night with a giant X on my back until they re-consider (as they seem to have with Uncut Gems).

[FrauBlucher]

I hope that Arsenic and Old Lace is getting a release. Here's something for all the naysayers who have been bemoaning a release:

Spoiler

The thought of watching Capra's worst film and Grant's worst film in one fell swoop

[Big Ben]

Oh come on guys the film can't be that bad?

[ryannichols7]

yeah I was trying to hold off on commenting on it but the hate for this movie is wild. I feel like I'm reading a thread about Monsoon Wedding or something. I thought you guys liked Capra!

whoever suggested the Matthieu Kassovitz movie for 1997 France - I like where your head is at, but I presume La Haine would see a UHD, since it already has one elsewhere..now that's a nice prospect

[therewillbeblus]

It's a film pitched at such a high key of mania that people are either going to get swept up in it or be exhausted by it. The first time I saw it I was in the former group, and now I'm firmly in the latter, and I have no desire to endure two hours of that octave again to chance a return

[Calvin]

Very long shot for the French film: 1997's Genealogies of a Crime, Raul Ruiz, shot and produced entirely in France, starring Deneuve and Piccoli. Strand released in the US in 2005 on DVD. No idea if an up to scratch HD master exists though.

It was restored and released on Blu in France some years ago.

[cdnchris]

I probably would have once jumped on the bandwagon because I used to really dislike Arsenic and Old Lace WAY back in the day, but I found it has grown on me through the years, acting and all. So bring it on.

[black&huge]

whoever suggested the Matthieu Kassovitz movie for 1997 France - I like where your head is at, but I presume La Haine would see a UHD, since it already has one elsewhere..now that's a nice prospect

I didn't even think about this and now I want that clue to be this and will blame everyone here if it's not.

[domino harvey]

It wouldn’t be, it’s a 1995 film. And there’s like zero chance the clue is for his follow up regardless of whether it’s on the Criterion Channel

[Dansu Dansu Dansu]

Not to dissuade anyone from the "1997 Japan" clue meaning Cure, but I was wondering what the possibility there would be of it being Shohei Imamura's The Eel, especially since it is the film that Imamura won the Palme d'Or for (together with Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry)

I don’t want to ruin the Cure party, either, but there is a solid chance it could be Suzaku as well. The Channel recently highlighted several of Kawase’s films, and as her most-acclaimed work (winning the Caméra d’Or), it is the logical first choice for a spine number. Also, Kawase would introduce a new female auteur into the Collection. Finally, if Japan 1997 is Cure, October would be the rare month without a woman-directed film unless the U.S. 1997 film is Eve’s Bayou.

Also, 1968 could be Petulia (please). Unfortunately, given their increased fondness for Dad Movies, it could just as easily be that other SF-set film in need of an upgrade, Bullitt.

[DRW.mov]

Just here to remind the room that Janus’ website attributes LOST HIGHWAY to France....

(as it was a french produced film)

[Pavel]

It's a film pitched at such a high key of mania that people are either going to get swept up in it or be exhausted by it. The first time I saw it I was in the former group, and now I'm firmly in the latter, and I have no desire to endure two hours of that octave again to chance a return

Would it then be fair to say that someone who adores an exhausting comedy like Wilder's One, Two, Three (which I know you and other people here also hate) is likely to enjoy Arsenic?

[dustybooks]

It's a film pitched at such a high key of mania that people are either going to get swept up in it or be exhausted by it. The first time I saw it I was in the former group, and now I'm firmly in the latter, and I have no desire to endure two hours of that octave again to chance a return

Would it then be fair to say that someone who adores an exhausting comedy like Wilder's One, Two, Three (which I know you and other people here also hate) is likely to enjoy Arsenic?

I personally find Arsenic considerably better and less exhausting than One, Two, Three but I do like both films so it seems like a healthy barometer.

[FrauBlucher]

I probably would have once jumped on the bandwagon because I used to really dislike Arsenic and Old Lace WAY back in the day, but I found it has grown on me through the years, acting and all. So bring it on.

I try. It was on TCM recently. That last 20 minutes or so I find so grating.

I thought you guys liked Capra!

I like Capra fine. But why must I like everything Capra. Isn't that the definition of fanboy. I love Ford, Hawks and Hitchcock but they all have films I never want to see again.

Oh come on guys the film can't be that bad?

Part of it is that Laura and the two Preston Sturges are much better choices by far.

[swo17]

Well I still like Arsenic and One Two Three and Some Like It Hot and Tootsie though I recognize why many here find fault with them. The films' flaws factor into my feelings, but every response is a balancing act of generosity toward certain elements and intrigue, predisposition, or intolerance for others

[therewillbeblus]

I don't love those, but I do like manic comedic films that exhaust others, so I don't know if there's a good litmus test for what will land for who

[DeprongMori]

I don't love those, but I do like manic comedic films that exhaust others, so I don't know if there's a good litmus test for what will land for who

On my first watch of One Two Three about 10-15 years ago, I found it more exhausting than enjoyable. On a recent rewatch I felt largely the same, but with a slightly greater appreciation for it yet find it still one of my least favorite Wilder films. Similarly, Arsenic and Old Lace, but with even less of an appreciation for it this time.

I love Preston Sturges’ films, but found Miracle at Morgan’s Creek exhausting when I first saw it some 20-30 years ago, but on a recent rewatch was entirely on its wavelength and loved it.

[swo17]

This may be a cop-out but I'm also trying to evolve to a point where I don't hate anything anymore. There are certain things I gravitate more toward than others, sure, but I'd rather focus my energies on exploring those things. I mean, I used to define myself by how much I hated Forrest Gump and Titanic but then what was I supposed to do when domino came out and said they were actually good? Murder him? Vote for Trump? Those were literally the only two options

[therewillbeblus]

Well if you exposed him to Arsenic and Old Lace again he might die

[senseabove]

I love the Wilder, didn’t like Arsenic the first time in a college film class and couldn’t make it more than twenty minutes during the Grant project, and Miracle has been a smash hit with all the dozen or so people I’ve shown or recommended it to. That’s comedy for ya!

[FrauBlucher]

Haha swo, I can't wait for domino's response.

For me it's about time. Movie viewing takes up a lot of time. So, why waste time on films that you don't like, find interesting or even hate. The main thing is you enjoy what you like. But there is no problem debating the qualities of films. That's why we also enjoy reading critical film theory. If people get mad at me or someone else for expressing an opinion where we dislike something they like I can't help that. And it shouldn't define anyone.

[swo17]

Eh, other than things I haven't seen yet, I actually find myself devoting more time to things I didn't like or get the first time as a challenge to expand my horizons. So if anything, me compartmentalizing something as "I've seen it a couple times--it was pretty good" is probably the surest way to keep me from ever watching it again!