Criterion Reflections: Recent Episodes
David Blakeslee
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guest William Remmers review Come On Children, directed by Allan King. This episode also includes a discussion about the film that David had in 2012 with Rob Nishimura and Josh Brunsting from his former podcast, The Eclipse Viewer. The film is included in the Eclipse Series box set The Actuality Dramas of Allan King and is also available in the Criterion Channel’s streaming library.
EPISODE LINKS:ALLAN KING* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Letterboxd * Wikipedia * Allan King Films Collection (official site) * The Guardian * The Independent * Los Angeles Times * Slant * Tenk
COME ON CHILDREN* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * CriterionCast (David’s review from 2012) * Back Row Handy * Durrell Bowman * MovieChat * Nursing Shorelines * Reddit * Rush Forum * Tenk * The Gear Page
PREVIOUSLY:GODZILLA VS. MEGALONUP NEXT:SCENES FROM A MARRIAGEMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * William Remmers [ Instagram / Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guests Richard Doyle and David Seeley review Godzilla vs. Megalon, directed by Jun Fukuda. The film is included in the Criterion Collection box set Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films (Spine #1000) and is also available in the Criterion Channel’s streaming library.
EPISODE LINKS:JUN FUKUDA* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Letterboxd * Wikipedia * Wikizilla * Godzilla Cineaste * Toho Kingdom * David Milner (1994 interview with Fukuda)
GODZILLA* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Monster Wiki * Daisuke Beppu (7-part video series) * Den of Geek * Kaijucast * Vulture
GODZILLA VS. MEGALON* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Wikizilla * Gojipedia * Letterboxd * Allusions of Grandeur * B & S About Movies * Moria * Toho Kingdom * Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) – link to Criterion Reflections episode * Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) – link to Criterion Reflections episode
PREVIOUSLY:HARD TRUTHS / HARD LABOURUP NEXT:COME ON CHILDRENMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * David Seeley [ FilmSwap Podcast ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guest Ethan Magnan review Hard Labour, directed by Mike Leigh. The film is part of the Criterion Channel streaming library and included in Mike Leigh at the BBC, a bundle of eight teleplays he directed for the British Broadcasting Corporation between 1973-1984. David and Ethan also discuss Hard Truths, also directed by Mike Leigh, which premiered at festivals in 2024, opening in the USA and the UK in January 2025.
EPISODE LINKS:MIKE LEIGH* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Actorhub * BFI * The Guardian * IndieWire
HARD LABOUR* The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Internet Archive * YouTube * BFI ScreenOnline * Lights in the Dusk
HARD TRUTHS* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Film Comment * Hammer to Nail * The Independent * Jacobin
PREVIOUSLY:PAPER MOONUP NEXT:GODZILLA VS. MEGALON
MORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Ethan Magnan [ X ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guests Richard Doyle, Eric Grant, and Joshua Wilson review Paper Moon, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. The film was released on 4K UHD and Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection in November 2024.
EPISODE LINKS:PETER BOGDANOVICH* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Letterboxd * Wikipedia * BFI – Where to Begin with Peter Bogdanovich * Directors Guild of America * IndieWire * LA Weekly * MassLive * Salt Lake Tribune * Senses of Cinema * Shepherd Express * TCM (podcast) * Vulture * New York Times (obituary)
PAPER MOON* The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * AFI (American Film Institute) * Boston Phoenix (1973) * Cavalier Daily (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Reeling Back (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Village Voice (1973) * Cinema Retro * Cinepassion * Common Sense Media * CriterionCast (David’s review from November 2024) * Culled Culture * Derek Winnert * Dreams Are What Le Cinema Is For * Every 70s Movie * Nighthawk News * Slant * TCM
Trixie Delight Shares Her Philosophy of LifePREVIOUSLY:THE LONG GOODBYEUP NEXT:HARD LABOURMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd / BlueSky ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Eric Grant [ Website / BlueSky / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * Josh Wilson [ BlueSky / Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guests Richard Doyle and Robert Taylor review The Long Goodbye, directed by Robert Altman. The film has streamed on the Criterion Channel several times, most recently in early 2024 as part of a bundle showcasing cat movies.
EPISODE LINKS:ROBERT ALTMAN* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * BFI – Where to Begin with Robert Altman * Cinema Dailies * Consequence * Film Comment (1974) * IndieWire * Senses of Cinema * TSPDT * Vanity Fair (2006) * New York Times (obituary)
THE LONG GOODBYE Kino Lorber * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Boston Phoenix (1973) * New York Magazine (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Roger Ebert (2006) * Village Voice (1973) * Battleship Pretension * CageyFilms * Cats on Film * Cereal at Midnight * Cinepassion * CriterionCast (2010) * Dennis Schwarz * Every 70s Movie * The Movie Waffler * The Robert Taylor Odyssey* * Rock! Shock! Pop! * Scopophilia * Slant * ZekeFilm
THE LONG GOODBYE SOUNDTRACK – Music Composed and Conducted by John Williams (20 Variations on a Theme)PREVIOUSLY:LOVE AND ANARCHYUP NEXT:PAPER MOONMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd / BlueSky ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Robert Taylor [ Website ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a discussion about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. In this episode, David and guest Richard Doyle review Love and Anarchy, directed by Lina Wertmüller. The film streamed on the Criterion Channel in 2019 as part of a bundle showcasing her films.
EPISODE LINKS:LINA WERTMÜLLER* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Film Reference * Cineaste * Lenny * New York Times * Roger Ebert
LOVE AND ANARCHY* Kino Lorber * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * JumpCut (1974) * New York Times (1974) * Parallax View/Movietone News (1975) * Another Gaze * Blu-ray.com * DVD Savant * Every 70s Movie * Filmotomy * High-Def Digest * Off Screen * Strictly Film School * The Film Experience
PREVIOUSLY:DON JUAN, OR IF DON JUAN WERE A WOMANUP NEXT:THE LONG GOODBYEMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David reviews Don Juan (or if Don Juan Were a Woman), directed by Roger Vadim and starring Brigitte Bardot. The film streams on the Criterion Channel as part of their permanent collection.
EPISODE LINKS:ROGER VADIM* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * The Guardian (obituary) * New York Times (obituary)
BRIGITTE BARDOT* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Brigitte-Bardot.fr (Official) * Getty Images * New Wave Film * Vogue
DON JUAN (OR IF DON JUAN WERE A WOMAN)* The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * AV Club * The Critical Eye * DVD Savant (2009) * DVD Talk (2001) * DVD Talk (2009) * Flipside Movie Emporium * The Spinning Image * This Island Rod
PREVIOUSLY:THE GAME OF CLONESUP NEXT:LOVE AND ANARCHYMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ]
This special episode of the podcast steps away from the usual coverage of films with a Criterion connection to discuss The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1, a recently released box set from Severin Films. The set includes the 2023 documentary Enter the Clones of Bruce, plus 12 (or 14) more martial arts films originally released between 1973-1985 that all feature one or more of the actors who were cast for both their fighting prowess and their physical resemblance to Bruce Lee, whose death in 1973 created a void that these movies sought to fill. This episode features a conversation between host David Blakeslee and Michael Worth, who is featured prominently throughout the box set as he gives brief video introductions to each film, provides several commentary tracks, and written essays in the lavishly illustrated booklet that includes dozens of archival posters from his personal collection. Michael’s decades-long enthusiasm for these films was a major factor in pulling this project together and its publication is nothing less than the realization of a dream. David also has an appearance in the set as he provided a commentary track for Cameroon Connection (1985) starring Bruce Le. Listen in as Michael and David fill you in on how this collection of rare and long-neglected films was assembled, Michael’s experiences as he tracked down film elements and creative contributors from all around the world, and how Enter the Clones of Bruce, the documentary he helped to produce, was received during its run through the festival circuit since it premiered in late 2023.
LINKS:* Severin Films (official site, and only source for the full edition featuring an 8th bonus disc!) * The Bruceploitation Blog * The Bruceploitation Bible (Facebook page) * The Clones Cast (hosted by Michael Worth and Matthew Whitaker)
REVIEWS:* Blu-ray.com * Dead Pit Radio (YouTube) * The Fanatical Dragon (YouTube) * Fu for Thought (YouTube) * Martial Arts Theater (YouTube) * Reddit * Rock! Shock! Pop! Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4
MORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ Website / TikTok / Facebook / Letterboxd / Instagram/ Twitter ] * Michael Worth [ Twitter / Instagram / The Pearl River Collection / The Bruceploitation Blog ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David is joined by Robert Cioffi to discuss Charlotte’s Web, directed by Charles Nichols and Iwao Takamoto. In 2020, the film streamed on the Criterion Channel in a limited engagement and is currently available on Blu-ray and DVD and through numerous streaming services.
EPISODE LINKS:HANNA-BARBERA PRODUCTIONS* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Cartoon Network Wiki * Hanna-Barbera Wiki * Illustration History
CHARLOTTE’S WEB (film)* The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Village Voice (February 1973) * Village Voice (March 1973) * Common Sense Media * Derek Winnert * Every 70s Movie * Moria * The Spinning Image * Spirituality & Practice * Tips from Chip
CHARLOTTE’S WEB (book)* Harper Collins * Clever Academy (Original Text PDF) * Wikipedia * New York Times (1952) * The New Yorker (1999)
PREVIOUSLY:THE HARDER THEY COMEUP NEXT:DON JUAN (OR IF DON JUAN WERE A WOMAN)MORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Robert Cioffi [ Facebook ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle, Josh Hornbeck, Brad McDermott, and James Merritt to discuss The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzell. In 2000, the Criterion Collection published the film on DVD as Spine 83. It is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel and available on Blu-ray and DVD in editions published by Shout! Factory.
EPISODE LINKS:PERRY HENZELL* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Caribbean Beat * Jakes Hotel * Jamaicans.com * RastaStudio * ReggaeZine * The Guardian (obituary) * New York Times (obituary)
THE HARDER THEY COME* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Shout! Factory * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Boston Phoenix (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Variety (1972) * Cinepassion * Cole Smithey * Criterion Confessions * Criterion Contraption * Every 70s Movie * Fanboy Nation * Midnight Only * Rock! Shock! Pop! * Salon * San Francisco Chronicle * Slant * Spinning Image * TCM
PREVIOUSLY:BLACK CAESARUP NEXT:CHARLOTTE’S WEBMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Josh Hornbeck [Website / Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * Brad McDermott [ Instagram / Letterboxd / Gallery ] * James Merritt [ YouTube / Instagram / X ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle and James Merritt to discuss Black Caesar, directed by Larry Cohen. In 2022, the film streamed on the Criterion Channel in a limited engagement and is currently available on Blu-ray and DVD in editions published by Olive Films and through numerous streaming services.
EPISODE LINKS:LARRY COHEN* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Larry Cohen Filmmaker (official) * Greasy Kid Stuff * The Ringer * Hollywood Reporter (obituary)
BLACK CAESAR* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Boston Phoenix (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Village Voice (1973) * 1000 Misspent Hours * 2500 Movies Challenge * Attack of the 50 Ft. DVD! * Blood Brothers Films * Cinepassion * Classic Film & TV Café * The Devil’s Reviews * DVD Drive-In * DVD Talk * Every 70s Movie * Expelled Grey Matter * Lessons of Darkness * Misan[trope]y * Obsessive Movie Nerd * Q Network * Dennis Schwarz * Shameless Self Expression * The Spinning Image * World Film Geek
PREVIOUSLY:WATTSTAXUP NEXT:THE HARDER THEY COMEMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ YouTube / TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * James Merritt [ YouTube / Instagram / X ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David is joined by guests Richard Doyle and James Merritt to discuss Wattstax, directed by Mel Stuart. In 2022, the film streamed on the Criterion Channel in a limited engagement and is currently available on DVD through Warner Archive and numerous streaming services.
EPISODE LINKS:MEL STUART* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Directors Guild of America * International Documentary Association * The Guardian (obituary)
WATTSTAX* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Los Angeles Times (1973) * New York Times (1973) * AV Club * DVD Talk * Every 70s Movie * The Guardian * MonsterMovieMusic * New Directions in Music * Panorama of the Mountains * Public Transportation Snob * Shameless Self Expression * The Spinning Image * Martin Teller * Shaun Watson
PREVIOUSLY:THE BOSSUP NEXT:BLACK CAESARMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * James Merritt [ YouTube / Instagram / X ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David discusses The Boss, directed by Fernando Di Leo. In early 2023, the film streamed on the Criterion Channel in a limited engagement and is currently available on Blu-ray through Raro Video in partnership with KinoLorber. The video clip below was recorded in ??? 2024, and the supplemental podcast episode was recorded in ??? 2024 with guest Richard Doyle.
EPISODE LINKS:FERNANDO DI LEO* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Kanopy * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Collider * Film Comment * New York Times * Parallax View * Rock! Shock! Pop! * ScreenAnarchy * Slant
THE BOSS* Kino Lorber/Raro Video * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * 10K Bullets * Alex on Film * Cinematic Revelations * Comeuppance Reviews * Confluence of Cult * Keith and the Movies
POLIZIOTTESCHI* Wikipedia * Letterboxd * CrimeReads * Film Lifestyle * Furious Cinema * Grindhouse Cinema Database * IndieWire * Little White Lies * Multiglom * Perisphere * Strange Vice
PREVIOUSLY:LUDWIGUP NEXT:WATTSTAXMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this episode, David discusses Ludwig, directed by Luchino Visconti. In 2022, the film streamed on the Criterion Channel in a limited engagement and is currently available on Blu-ray through Arrow Video. The video clip below was recorded in January 2024, and the supplemental podcast episode was recorded in February 2024 with guest Brad McDermott.
EPISODE LINKS:LUCHINO VISCONTI* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * BFI – Where to Begin with Luchino Visconti * IndieWire * New York Times * Senses of Cinema * TIFF * TSPDT
LUDWIG* Arrow Video * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Boston Phoenix (1973) * Cleveland Press (1973) * New York Times (1973) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Village Voice (1973) * Arts Journal * Criterion Confessions * Derek Winnert * Eternality Tan * Film Comment * French Films * Good Efficient Butchery * Movie Steve * Rock! Shock! Pop! * Slant * The Spinning Image * Village Voice (2017) * The Wee Review * Werk.re
PREVIOUSLY:THE AGE OF THE MEDICIUP NEXT:THE BOSSMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Brad McDermott [ Instagram / Letterboxd / Gallery ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of Season 5: 1973 features a short video clip in which David offers a few thoughts about films that were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint, whether published on physical media or made available on their streaming platform. These clips will occasionally be accompanied by lengthier podcast episodes including other guests for films that call for more in-depth coverage. In this first episode of Season 5, David discusses The Age of the Medici, directed by Roberto Rossellini. The film is available on DVD in the Criterion Collection’s Eclipse Series and also streams on the Criterion Channel. The video clip below was recorded in January 2024. A segment from a past episode of The Eclipse Viewer featuring David and Trevor Berrett’s discussion of The Age of the Medici recorded in October 2014 is also included here.
This essay is an update of David’s 2011 review of the film published on this site.
Upon winning the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Award in 1959 for Il Generale Della Rovere, the artistically ambitious yet self-deprecating director Roberto Rossellini soon afterwards expressed ambivalence toward that film, despite its indisputable success. It wasn’t too much further along into his career that the great pioneer of Neorealism, after proving that he could crank out a hit movie if he really wanted to, finally turned his back on commercial aspirations, choosing instead to produce films on his own terms that attempted to elevate the consciousness and inform the intellect of his audience, or at least those who chose to make the effort to follow wherever his vision led.
That decision resulted in a radical shift in direction for Rossellini for the final phase of his life’s work. From that point forward, Rossellini focused on films that sought to capture the essential ideas, technological breakthroughs and cultural milestones of centuries long past that continue to wield a powerful influence on our contemporary world. Three of those films are presented to us in Eclipse Series 14: Rossellini’s History Films – Renaissance and Enlightenment. They’re among his last productions, all shot and released in the early 1970s. In this clip, I’ll focus on the longest of the set by taking a pilgrimage in time, back to The Age of the Medici.
If you’re new to these films, here’s what you’re in for: a drily performed, historically detailed and highly literate re-enactment of pivotal episodes in the unfolding of European civilization, especially in regard to the development of the “big ideas” that shaped the modern society we now take for granted. True to the convictions of a man who could state sincerely that “cinema is dead,” Rossellini makes no attempt in these films to stir our emotions through conventional plot devices or hook us in via charismatic personalities, dramatic narrative twists or any of the usual ploys that gratify the crowds. He knew, with supreme confidence, that the subjects of his study were important in their own right, with little need for manipulative embellishments. If that significance was not readily self-evident to members of his audience, he was content to let them go their own way, distracting themselves with their banal entertainments until they were capable of recognizing the value of the hefty substance he placed before them. And if that sounds haughty, arrogant, pretentious to you, then go ahead and stop reading right now. You’re simply not ready to dig into The Age of the Medici, let me be the first to tell you.
Of course, summing up the conflicts of an era as complex and multi-faceted as the emergence of what we now refer to as The Renaissance in 15th century Florence, Italy requires a large canvas, which is why Rossellini delivers this history in a video approximation of one of the favored artistic formats of that era, the triptych. The Age of the Medici is a three-part TV miniseries, each episode focusing our gaze on an important element of a larger story. Part 1, “The Exile of Cosimo,” chronicles the rise of Cosimo de Medici, head of a prominent merchant family whose uncanny business sense enlarged his fortune to the point where he was able to wield massive power and influence, not through the authority of the church or by brandishing the raw military might of monarchs, but through the uniquely persuasive effects of cold hard cash. The series opens with Cosimo attending his father’s funeral, learning the terms of his inheritance, and then swiftly setting in motion the machinations to put that money to work, advancing his personal leverage to steer the course of his own destiny, and in the process, shape the future of European civilization. The Medici were forerunners of today’s ultrarich, able to bend the forces of law, politics, religion, art, culture and even science in ways that favored their ambitions and solidified their grip on power.
Of course, no would-be giant among men makes his way to the top without facing his share of formidable obstacles, and Cosimo found his adversary in Rinaldo degli Albizzi, head of the rival Florentine clan who mistrusted the Medicis’ motives and sought the means to cast them as disreputable, or even criminals, if they could only find appropriately damning evidence to back up their suspicions.
But before we get into a necessarily brief recap of the storyline, a few words are in order about the verisimilitude with which Rossellini captures the spirit of old Florence. As the screencaps show, he had to resort to some creative-but-cheap special effects that some might find cheesy, but I consider admirable. Clearly working on a limited budget, Rossellini had no ability to build suitably convincing replicas of either the Florentine skyline circa 1430 or the several stages of progress achieved in Cosimo’s lifetime on the facade and dome of the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore. He resorted to hand-painted 2-D mockups that don’t really convince anyone, but they’re brave efforts in any case. Watching the cathedral transition from rough wooden structure to something resembling the ornate extravagance we’ve come to associate with the Renaissance over the course of four and a half hours is one of the small pleasures I enjoyed. And don’t worry, there are more than enough authentic examples of period architecture and costumery to satisfy Renaissance purists. Though Rossellini doesn’t allow his camera to revel in the scenery the way a director like Franco Zeffirelli did, I have no complaints; the settings are often quite wonderful to behold.
A main theme of the series is the slipperiness and malleability of supposedly eternal principles like law and ethics. This dialog-heavy script requires some close listening and even supplemental reading in order to pick up all the nuances it contains. The gist of it though is how increasingly sophisticated (or you could say, hypocritical) the various powers-that-be are forced to become in order to maintain the appearance of respect for ancient religious traditions (for example, the prohibitions against usury) while crafting legal loopholes such as those allowing merchants to operate pawn shops. Those who have agreed to pay a financial penalty and assume the social status of moral reprobates are signified by a red drape on their storefront, in effect given legal permission to break sacred law, reaping tidy profits for both entrepreneurs and the city fathers, and leaving matters of conscience to the individual shopkeepers to sort out for themselves.
Building on such evasive tricks so neatly woven into the emerging economic order, the stage is set to observe how Cosimo maneuvers his way through the legal, religious, and political snares set before him. When his capitalistic instincts lead him to oppose a conflict between Florence and a neighboring city-state (because war is bad for business), he’s scapegoated by the Albizzis after the battle goes poorly and the Florentine forces are routed. Cosimo is summoned to appear before the Signoria, the local council of magistrates, where he faces certain arrest, imprisonment, and possible execution. But Cosimo unwaveringly faces his accusers, intently pursuing a high-stakes experiment to see if his economic clout is able to produce the result he thinks it ought.
And so it turns out that, even within the confines of his lonesome prison cell, Cosimo somehow has the means to arrange for a messenger to visit his captor and drop off a gift, a simple leather bag stuffed with gold coins. And wouldn’t you know, in the very next scene, prisoner and magistrate are seated at the same table, passing knives back and forth to each other, warmly negotiating the terms of a settlement bound to disappoint those who thought they’d seen the last of Cosimo as a free and living man.
It may be worth pointing out that The Age of the Medici was broadcast in 1973, the same year that Francis Ford Coppola released The Godfather. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the stories of these two prominent Italian families, known for using both legitimate and ruthless means of establishing their fortunes, both came out around the same time? There’s certainly enough of a Mafioso flavor in Cosimo’s smooth criminality to make the mental connection for many viewers, especially in a scene when the word vendetta is used to describe the punishment meted out on a poor soul who broke the code of honor by sharing silk-weaving secrets with others outside their ancient and notoriously secretive guild.
And just as central as economics and politics are to Rossellini’s ideas, so also art figures prominently in the story of the emerging Medici dynasty. Episode 2, “The Power of Cosimo,” depicts his return from exile in Venice, more coldly calculating and relentlessly ambitious after a few years spent plotting his ever-so-respectably applied revenge. Though Cosimo’s not beyond enforcing compliance through the administration of pain, he’d much rather get his point across building sublime monuments and establishing himself as a prominent patron of the arts. And what a time to be in that business, as the Italian Renaissance was about to burst into full bloom. Masaccio’s “Expulsion from Eden” and Donatello’s statue of King David are just two of the famous masterpieces put into historical context, enabling us to see the works as something beyond merely fancy ornaments as they’re often regarded nowadays. The locals respond to them with indignation and confusion, unsettled by innovative, sensual details that call older traditions into question. We’re reminded that progress in the visual arts is not simply an exploration of aesthetic vanities, then or now. Each breakthrough, each shifting perspective in the portrayal of the human figure, carries with it larger implications about how we regard and value life, and how we understand our place in the cosmos.
But before we lose ourselves entirely in ponderous highbrow musings, Rossellini injects moments of visceral brutality to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground. Art, architecture, philosophy, and religion may all seek in their own way to inspire heavenly meditations, but there’s still a dark, dirty, competitive world we each live in that has to be reckoned with as well.
Episode 3 shifts the focus away from Cosimo (though he still plays an important part) and on to another important Renaissance figure, “Leon Battista Alberti: Humanist.” This final installment is the most philosophically dense of the three, and one that I recommend to anyone who’s looking for a well-rounded overview of the mindset of that era. Here Rossellini really indulges his appetite for extended rhetorical exchanges, with characters routinely tossing out profundities and speculations that are worth pausing the film to ponder a bit before proceeding on to the next priceless nugget of insight. Of course, some of the philosophical musings that so preoccupied these men (and this is, for sure, a man’s world on screen; women are almost entirely silent during the scarce moments when they even appear) may not be so relevant for many viewers, but for those whose taste in movies runs toward the cerebral and analytical, I think there’s a lot to chew on here, and it makes these discs very rewatchable if you’re into that sort of thing.
One thing I will add here is that even though the default setting for the DVD and streaming presentations of these films is Italian, there’s absolutely no reason why an English-speaking viewer should watch it with subtitles instead of the dubbed English audio track, unless you just enjoy the sound of people speaking the language native to that setting. The program was originally filmed in English, in the hopes that it could be sold to a forerunner of today’s PBS TV network. That plan fell through, so they dubbed an Italian language track over the top, and then re-dubbed an English track later on when it eventually was picked up for American distribution. The net effect is that the English dub actually syncs better with the actors’ mouths than the Italian does. The subtitles really only help if you need them to follow the progression of the dialog. Unfortunately, the streaming version only includes the Italian audio track, so if you want to hear the film in English, you’ll have to get access to the Eclipse Series DVDs.
So yeah, these late Rossellini’s are definitely not among the thrillingest, sexiest, awesomest offerings to be found either in the Eclipse Series or on the Criterion Channel, there’s no arguing that. But they do serve as important and unique specimens of what film can accomplish and preserve for the sake of a small but appreciative audience. Maybe even more significantly, they represent a lost utopian possibility for what one visionary director hoped the medium of television could become. Rossellini’s desire to provide solid, historically informed visualizations of defining moments in our cultural heritage, without either the dumbing down of content or the hyping up of conventional potboiler gimmicks deemed necessary to win a mass audience, hasn’t shown itself to be all that commercially viable. It’s fair to speculate that if Rossellini himself hadn’t established his reputation so profoundly in the 1940s and 50s, films like those he made in the late 60s and 70s might not even be revisited today. Still, watching The Age of the Medici makes me mourn just a bit for the wasted potential of commercial cable TV and what an entity like the History Channel might have become, if had we more directors of Rossellini’s singular integrity and intelligence working behind the cameras.
EPISODE LINKS:ROBERTO ROSSELLINI* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * JustWatch * Far Out (Beginner’s Guide) * Senses of Cinema * TCM * Through the Clutter (41 films, ranked) * TSPDT
THE AGE OF THE MEDICI* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * New York Times (1979) * Cinepassion * Criterion Confessions * Dennis Grunes * Dennis Schwarz * DVD Talk * What I Watched Last Night
PREVIOUSLY:Intro to Season 5UP NEXT:LUDWIGMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ]
After six years as a podcast, preceded by eight years as a blog, my long-running project Criterion Reflections once again takes a new turn to become… a short form video clip YouTube kind of thing! After I wrapped up my coverage of Criterion-connected films of 1972 in Season 4 of my podcast last year, I felt another change was in order, just to keep it fresh and make sure it stays fun. Of course I continue to enjoy making podcasts, drawing great satisfaction from digitally capturing a lively and smart conversation about film with my friends that I can share with other friends and even revisit myself somewhere down the road. But this 10 minute video offers an explanation of my reasons and a preview of some of the movies I’ll be watching in the months ahead as I investigate the best that cinema had to offer the world in 1973.
FILMS MENTIONED:* The Age of the Medici * Ludwig * The Harder They Come * Godzilla vs. Megalon * Come On Children * Shall We Go to Your Place or My Place or Each Go Home Alone? * Scenes from a Marriage * Zatoichi’s Conspiracy * Visions of Eight * Day for Night * Fantastic Planet * The Holy Mountain * The Friends of Eddie Coyle * A River Called Titas * Enter the Dragon / Bruce Lee: The Man and the Legend * Touki Bouki * F for Fake * Dry Wood / Hot Pepper * Mean Streets * The Spirit of the Beehive * Don’t Look Now * Badlands * World on a Wire * Flesh for Frankenstein * Lady Snowblood * Amarcord
Besides the titles listed above, I plan to include quite a few others that currently stream on the Criterion Channel and maybe a few others that the Channel featured in the past. I look forward to continued exploration and hope you’re able to check in with me here from time to time to see and hear my latest progress report!
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this, the final episode of Season 4, David is joined by Trevor Berrett and Brad McDermott to discuss State of Siege, directed by Costa-Gavras. The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection and is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel.
Episode Links:COSTA-GAVRAS* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Directors Guild of America * DW * Film Lifestyle * The Guardian * Huffpost * TCM
STATE OF SIEGE* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Boston Phoenix (1973) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Vancouver Province (1973) * Village Voice (4/19/1973) * Village Voice (4/26/1973) * Battleship Pretension * CageyFilms * Cinepassion * Eternality Tan * QNetwork * Jerry Saravia * Slant * Spirituality and Practice
PREVIOUSLY:CRIES AND WHISPERSUP NEXT:???MORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Trevor Berrett [ Twitter / Website ] * Brad McDermott [ Website / Letterboxd / Instagram ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Brad McDermott, Derek J. Power, Daniel Humphrey, and first-time guest James Bogdanski to discuss Cries and Whispers, directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection and is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel.
Episode Links:INGMAR BERGMAN* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * IngmarBergman.se (Official) * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Britannica * Senses of Cinema * TCM
CRIES AND WHISPERS* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * IngmarBergman.se * Screenplay/Scenario written by Bergman * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * New York Times (1972) * The New Yorker (1973) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Roger Ebert (1973) * Village Voice (1972) * 1001 Movies * Alternate Ending * Basement Rejects * Bill’s Movie Emporium * The Criterion Contraption * Critical Popcorn * Dennis Schwartz * Every 70s Movie * The Film Corner * The Film Sufi * Filmotomy * The Guardian * History of the Academy Awards * In Their Own League * Reel Views * Roger Ebert (2002) * Slant * Sonic Cinema * Spirituality & Practice * Through the Shattered Lens
PREVIOUSLY:DON’T PLAY US CHEAPUP NEXT:STATE OF SIEGEMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Brad McDermott [ Website / Letterboxd / Instagram ] * Derek J. Power [ Website ] * James Bogdanski [ Facebook / X / Instagram ] * Daniel Humphrey [ Website / Book: Queer Bergman – Sexuality, Gender, and the European Art Cinema ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle and Aaron Strand to discuss Don’t Play Us Cheap, directed by Melvin Van Peebles. The film was released in the box set Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films, and is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel.
Episode Links:MELVIN VAN PEEBLES* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Letterboxd * Wikipedia * Black Film Archive * BlackPast * Directors Guild of America (video interview) * Film School Rejects * The History Makers * Ohio Wesleyan University (MVP’s alma mater) * Pop Matters * Red Bull Music Academy (2008 lecture) * TCM * Third Man Books * Variety – Ten Essential Works * New York Times (obituary) * Behind the Slate (podcast series on Melvin Van Peebles) * Criterion Reflections Episode 50 – Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song
DON’T PLAY US CHEAP* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Playbill (original Broadway theatrical program) * AV Club * Cinepassion * Department of Afro American Research Arts & Culture * Every 70s Movie * National Review * Pop Matters * Slant * Behind the Slate
PREVIOUSLY:HANZO THE RAZORUP NEXT:CRIES AND WHISPERSMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Aaron Strand [ Website / Instagram (personal) / TikTok / Podcast / Instagram (podcast) ]
We discuss Shintaro Katsu's "life after Zatoichi" project, three films about a principled cop in Edo-era Japan, renowned for his fighting skills and infamous interrogation techniques.
David dissects Brian De Palma's breakout thriller with Richard Doyle and first-time guest Robert Baum.
https://criterioncast.com/wp-content/uploads/1682/24/Criterion-Reflections-Episode-135-Eight-Hours-Dont-Make-a-Day.mp3Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Josh Hornbeck, William Remmers, and David Seeley to discuss Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day, directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Episode Links:RAINER WERNER FASSBINDER* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Letterboxd * Wikipedia * JustWatch * Fassbinder Foundation * Slate * TSPDT
Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Fassbinder Foundation * CriterionCast (2018 Theatrical Review) * ArtForum * Cagey Films * Cinetarium * DiscDish * Film Comment * Film International * Ion Cinema * New York Times * The Mookse and the Gripes * PopMatters * Slant * Village Voice * World Cinema Review * World Socialist Website
PREVIOUSLY:LAST TANGO IN PARISUP NEXT:SISTERSMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Josh Hornbeck [ Website / Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * William Remmers [ Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * David Seeley [ Facebook / Podcast / YouTube ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss Last Tango in Paris, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.
Episode Links:Bernardo Bertolucci* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Far Out * Senses of Cinema * They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They? * Guardian (obituary)
Last Tango in Paris* + The Criterion Collection + Wikipedia + Letterboxd + New Yorker (Pauline Kael, 1972) + Roger Ebert (1972) + New York Times (1973) + Pittsburgh Press (1973) + Village Voice (Molly Haskell, 1972) + Village Voice (Andrew Sarris, 1973) + 1001 Movies + A Potpourri of Vestiges + Cinepassion + Cinesthesia + Cole Smithey + Dennis Schwarz + Derek Winnert + Every 70s Movie + Film Fanatic + Movie Magazine International + Scoopy + Slant + Wide Screenings
PREVIOUSLY:THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENSUP NEXT:EIGHT HOURS DON’T MAKE A DAYMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Stephanie Conti [ Website / YouTube / Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * Josh Hornbeck [ Website / Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss The King of Marvin Gardens, directed by Bob Rafelson.
Episode Links:Bob Rafelson* BobRafelson.com (Official Site) * The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * American Cinematheque * Dartmouth Alumni Magazine * The Guardian * Hollywood Reporter * New York Times * TCM * Variety
The King of Marvin Gardens* The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * New York Times (1972) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Village Voice (1972) * The Guardian (1999) * Basement Rejects * BFI * Cinematic Revelations * Cold War Film & Culture * Dennis Schwarz * Derek Winnert * Film Comment * Filmycks * Grand Classics * Spirituality and Practice * The Stop Button * Talkhouse * TCM
Criterion Reflections Reviews of AMERICA LOST AND FOUND: THE BBS STORY* HEAD * EASY RIDER * FIVE EASY PIECES * DRIVE, HE SAID * A SAFE PLACE * THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
PREVIOUSLY:LOVE IN THE AFTERNOONUP NEXT:LAST TANGO IN PARISMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Matthew Gasteier to discuss Love in the Afternoon, directed by Éric Rohmer.
Episode Links:Éric Rohmer* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Senses of Cinema
Love in the Afternoon* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * Boston Phoenix (1972) * New York Times (1972) * Roger Ebert (1972) * Village Voice (1972) * Cinepassion * Spirituality & Practice * Steemit * Yellow Barrel
Six Moral Tales (links to David’s earlier reviews)* THE BAKERY GIRL OF MONCEAU * SUZANNE’S CAREER * LA COLLECTIONNEUSE * MY NIGHT AT MAUD’S (1) * MY NIGHT AT MAUD’S (2) * CLAIRE’S KNEE
PREVIOUSLY:THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIEUP NEXT:THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENSMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Matthew Gasteier [ The Complete Podcast ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this fourth season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1972 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Derek J. Power, Travis Trudell, Brad McDermott and Dave Eves to discuss The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, directed by Luis Buñuel.
Episode Links:Luis Buñuel* The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * The Art Story * Far Out * Film Comment * Roger Ebert * Senses of Cinema * TCM * Wrong Reel (podcast episode with guest Dave Eves) * New York Times (obituary)
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Letterboxd * New York Times (1972) * New York Times (2022) * Pittsburgh Press (1973) * Roger Ebert (1972) * Village Voice (1972) * Criterion Confessions * The Criterion Contraption * Dennis Schwarz * Every 70s Movie * The Guardian * Images Film Journal * Moria * Parallax View * The Pink Smoke * The Reprobate * SFGate * Slant * Spirituality & Practice * The Stop Button * Inside the Box – Episode 9 – Three Films by Luis Buñuel
PREVIOUSLY:SOUNDERUP NEXT:LOVE IN THE AFTERNOONMORE!* Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US:* David Blakeslee [ TikTok / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Dave Eves [ Twitter ] * Brad McDermott [ Website / Letterboxd / Instagram ] * Derek J. Power [ Website ] * Travis Trudell [ The Complete Podcast ]
This adaptation of a youth fiction classic earned 4 Oscar nominations, popular acclaim and some critical backlash. We discuss all that, and also share our reactions to the new Sight and Sound list.
The 24th film in the series finds the Blind Swordsman venturing down the bleakest and most nihilistic pathways. Zatoichi gets no darker than this!
We discuss this infamous and polarizing film in which Krug and company commit sex crimes of the century that inevitably lead them to a brutal night of vengeance.
David is joined by Aaron West from Criterion Now to discuss this blaxploitation/horror mash-up from July 1972.
Films discussed include GREASER'S PALACE, CIAO! MANHATTAN and BONE - all streaming on the Criterion Channel.
David and guests discuss the middle installment of Pasolinin's Trilogy of Life, an adaptation of the bawdiest chapters in Geoffrey Chaucer's classic medieval text.
David and guests take a deep dive into this massively successful and influential disaster-movie blockbuster that established genre standards for the decades that followed.
Daisuke Beppu, Robert Taylor and Richard Doyle join David to discuss this strange diversion from the usual form that made Merchant Ivory Productions an Oscar-winning powerhouse in 80s and 90s cinema.
We discuss a late entry in Hammer Films' Dracula series at a time when the beloved studio's reign of terror perilously approached the breaking dawn of a new era in cinematic horror.
David and guests discuss Fassbinder's emotionally intense and visually compelling chamber piece, exquisitely crafted and impeccably performed, a superb artistic achievement for everyone involved.
David and guests discuss this mixed bag of schlock comedy, drippy sci-fi, goopy horror and vintage early 70s kitsch. Don't say we didn't warn you!
David and guests talk about the second installment in the SHAFT franchise and also discuss TOP OF THE HEAP, both currently featured in the Criterion Channel's "Beyond Blaxploitation" bundle.
David is joined by Michael Worth and Richard Doyle to talk about the last film Bruce Lee starred in during his lifetime, his only directorial effort, the climactic battle with Chuck Norris, and more!
Two obscure genre flicks from May 1972 that were given brief limited runs on the Criterion Channel are the focus of this episode.
Come listen and be entranced by our enchanted conversation about this overlooked folk horror fairy tale set in the tragic era of the Black Death.
David and guests discuss the delightful flavors and occasional bad taste of Hitchcock's penultimate film, a debate that ends in a tie.
Rossellini's distinctive approach to portraying history on film focuses on the French polymath, a innovative genius in mathematics, science and philosophy.
Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges and Susan Tyrell star in this remarkable adaptation of Leonard Gardner's classic novel set in the riff-raff boxing milieu of Stockton, California.
In this barbed satire of aristocratic elites, Peter O'Toole's manic pivot from beatific flower child to merciless killer ranks as one of his greatest on-screen roles.
Pialat's second feature film won a Best Actor award at Cannes in 1972 for its portrayal of the terminal phase of a doomed and codependent love affair.
David is joined by Brad McDermott to talk about Robert Altman's overlooked excursion into psychological horror, featuring an award-winning lead performance by Susannah York.
This episode covers the last three films in this classic series: Baby Cart in Peril, Baby Cart in the Land of Demons and White Heaven in Hell.
David and guests embark on the demon path to hell as they discuss the first three films (and Shogun Assassin too!) in this classic saga of ronin & child in feudal Japan.
David wraps up his miniseries on Godard as he and his guests interrogate JLG's final collaborations with Jean-Pierre Gorin as part of the Dziga Vertov Group.
David is joined by Jon Laubinger to discuss Le gai savoir and the Arrow box "Godard + Gorin: Five Films 1968-1971", released during Godard's period of politically-charged cinema as a member of the Dziga Vertov Group.
David is joined by Jon Laubinger to discuss MADE IN U.S.A., 2 OR THREE THINGS I KNOW ABOUT HER, LA CHINOISE and WEEKEND, four films that marked the end of the nouvelle vague phase of Jean-Luc Godard's filmography.
Listen in as David makes his tentative entry into the seductive and traumatizing milieu of giallo cinema, ushered in by guests much more experienced in this realm.
David is joined by Michael Worth, Richard Doyle and Jason Beamish as they battle shaky VOIP connections and emerge triumphant to discuss this kung fu masterpiece starring Bruce Lee.
David and guests spend 3 1/2 hours contemplating a luminous pulsating oceanic mind and the dazzling phantoms it projects into our collective consciousness.
David and guests have a tasty treat made just for you, served up nice and warm, straight from our own little oven!
For the 100th episode, David has a conversation with Alexander Cormier about Dennis Hopper's ill-fated magnum opus, and also does a bit of reflecting on his experiences in podcasting and blogging about the films of the Criterion Collection.
David is joined by William Remmers to talk about Sidney Poitier's directorial debut and the suppressed history that this film brings to our attention.
David and guests take on the role of tourists as they accompany Fellini on an impressionistic travelogue dedicated to his adopted home.
David teams up with Richard Doyle, Brad McDermott and Robert Taylor in a star-studded low-budget brawl to talk about a kaiju film matching that very description.
Spend some time with us as we talk about two films that celebrate tasty food, soul stirring music and the joys of simple living.
David and guests commiserate under the table as they seek to unravel the twists and turns of this madcap comedy classic starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal and Madeline Kahn.
David is joined by Josh Hornbeck, Jon Laubinger, Trevor Berrett and Phil DeKane as they settle in to discuss the conclusion of Jan Troell's migratory epic, hoping to find a few golden nuggets along the way.
David is joined by Jim Tudor from Zekefilm.org to discuss this recently restored document of the National Black Political Convention of 1972, now showing on the Criterion Channel.
David is joined by Jason Beamish to discuss two Italian films of 1972 with a decidedly leftist political tilt.
David is joined by Dave Eves and Richard Doyle as they talk about Episode 23 in the Zatoichi franchise to launch Season 4 of this podcast.
David and guests discuss nine films involving notable directors like Ingmar Bergman, Agnes Varda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Hollis Frampton, Stan Brakhage and more in this final episode of Season 3.
David and guests sing out their thoughts on this beloved cult film that kicked off Hal Ashby's excellent cinematic run through the 1970s.
David and his coven of weird brothers meet upon the blasted heath to share their strange intelligence about Shakespeare's timeless and most timely tragedy.
David is accompanied by his guardian protectors Robert Taylor and Michael Worth as they embark upon a perilous, transcendent exploration of this magnificent wuxia classic.
David and guests discuss Truffaut's somewhat overlooked and deeply personal film, his follow-up (of sorts) to JULES ET JIM.
David and guests celebrate Christmas in July as they discuss The. Best. Canadian. Film. Ever.
David is joined by Jordan Essoe and Robert Taylor as we sink our teeth into the fresh and ripe first fruits from Fassbinder's exploration of Sirkian melodrama.
David is joined by Josh Hornbeck, Jon Laubinger and Robert Taylor in a discussion that focuses on Shinoda's, Scorcese's and Endo's distinctive interpretations of this compelling portrayal of faith and purpose under intense persecution in medieval Japan.
David and guests step into the fray and survive the siege as they discuss this complicated portrayal of emotional, physical and sexual violence.
David is joined by Stephanie Conti and Savanna Lanausse of the Purple Noon podcast to discuss GROWING UP FEMALE, JANIE'S JANIE and JOYCE AT 34, as featured in the Criterion Channel's collection, "Tell Me: Women Filmmakers, Women's Stories".
David Blakeslee and David Seeley discuss this early Herzog documentary that focuses on the the extraordinary story of a woman's effort to connect with people afflicted with deafness and blindness.
David teams up with Michael Worth and Richard Doyle to discuss Bruce Lee's breakout role that established his status as a martial arts superstar.
David and guests go deep and long in discussing the music, the movie, the theatrical production and the overall phenomenon of this timeless classic and cultural landmark.
David and guests team up to form the greatest podcasting machine the West has ever known!
David is joined by Richard Doyle to talk about the complicated man, that no one understands but his woman... recently (and temporarily) added to the Criterion Channel.
Breathe deep! David and Derek and Brad come to grips with this freewheeling, brazenly confrontational and life-affirming exploration of our driving forces and the repressive mechanisms that bottle us up.
David is joined by Richard Doyle to talk about a couple of lively heist flicks that just broke into the Criterion Channel.
David and guests cast their long, soulful, emotive gaze at this timeless American classic (from an appropriate distance of social isolation, of course.)
David is joined by Jordan Essoe and Derek J. Power to bring some appreciative attention to one of the most overlooked titles in the BBS Box Set.
David and his ensemble cast talk about Rainer Werner and his ensemble cast as they discuss this pivotal work in Fassbinder's early career.
David is joined by Aaron West and William Remmers to discuss the cinematic coming-of-age of one Laurent Chevalier.
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by David Seeley and William Remmers to discuss Brother John, directed by James Goldstone.
Episode Links: James Goldstone * Wikipedia * Variety
Sidney Poitier * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Studs Terkel (1959 interview) * Achievement.org * Encyclopedia Britannica * HarperCollins * Hollywood Reporter * Hyena Productions * NewsOne * New York Times (2019) * Oprah.com * Oscars.com * Vanity Fair
Brother John * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * New York Times (1971) * Digitally Obsessed * DVD Talk * Every 70s Movie * Jerry Saravia on Cinema * NUMM Theory * Rusty White’s Film World * Scopophilia * Through the Shattered Lens
PREVIOUSLY: GET CARTER UP NEXT: MURMUR OF THE HEART MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * David Seeley [ Facebook ] * William Remmers [ Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by David Seeley and Richard Doyle to discuss Get Carter, starring Michael Caine and directed by Mike Hodges.
Episode Links: Mike Hodges * Wikipedia * Mulholland Books * Screen Daily * Senses of Cinema
Michael Caine * The Criterion Channel * Official Site * Wikipedia * The Guardian (ranking of his 50 best films – Get Carter is #3)
Get Carter * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * New York Times (1971) * Roger Ebert (1971) * Criminal Movies * Dennis Schwarz * Every 70s Movie * The Guardian * The M0vie Blog * Wolfgang Suschitzky (cinematographer) * Newcastle in the 60s and 70s
PREVIOUSLY: THX 1138 / THE OMEGA MAN / A CLOCKWORK ORANGE UP NEXT: BROTHER JOHN MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * David Seeley [ Facebook ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this special emergency episode, David is joined by Adam Spieckerman, David Seeley and Jason Beamish to discuss THX 1138 (directed by George Lucas), The Omega Man (directed by Boris Sagal) and A Clockwork Orange (directed by Stanley Kubrick).
Episode Links:
THX 1138 * The Criterion Channel * Official Site * Wikipedia * Original Cut * Roger Ebert (1971) * Cinema Blend
The Omega Man * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Roger Ebert (1971) * Moria Reviews
A Clockwork Orange * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Roger Ebert (1972) * Pauline Kael (1972) * BFI
PREVIOUSLY: GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH UP NEXT: GET CARTER MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Jason Beamish [ Film Ruminations / Twitter ] * David Seeley [ Facebook ] * Adam Spieckerman [ Letterboxd / Best Picture rewatch project / 2019 Criterions watched ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle, Ryan Gallagher and David Seeley to discuss Godzilla vs. Hedorah, directed by Yoshimitsu Banno.
Episode Links: Godzilla * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Monster Wiki * Wikizilla on Godzilla / Hedora * Gojipedia on Godzilla / Hedorah * Daisuke Beppu (7-part video series) * Den of Geek * Kaijucast * Vulture
Godzilla vs. Hedorah * The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Wikizilla * 1000 Misspent Hours * And You Thought It Was… Safe(?) * Big Action Bill * EOFFTV Review * Film School Rejects * Horror Critic * Horror Cult Films * Kaijucast * KinderTrauma * Life Between Frames * Million Monkey Theater * Moria * Our Culture * OZY * TCM * Up From the Depths
PREVIOUSLY: TWO-LANE BLACKTOP UP NEXT: THX 1138 / THE OMEGA MAN / A CLOCKWORK ORANGE MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Ryan Gallagher [ Twitter ] * David Seeley [ Facebook ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Cole Roulain, Ericca Long, Richard Doyle and Phil DeKane to discuss Two-Lane Blacktop, directed by Monte Hellman.
Episode Links: Monte Hellman * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * AV Club * Birth.Movies.Death * Camera in the Sun * Cashiers du Cinemart * Directors Guild of America * The Irish Times * The New Yorker * TSPDT * Variety
Two-Lane Blacktop * The Criterion Collection * Wikipedia * Roger Ebert (1971) * New York Times * Acidemic * Audio Video Revolution * Battleship Pretension * Big Other * Birth.Movies.Death * CineOutsider * Criterion Confessions * Criterion Reflections * Every 70s Movie * GoombaStomp * IndieWire * New Yorker * Not Coming to a Theater Near You * Only the Cinema * PopOptiq * Row Three * This Distracted Globe
PREVIOUSLY: SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY UP NEXT: GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Cole Roulain / Ericca Long [ Website / Twitter / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Phil DeKane [ Twitter / Facebook / Letterboxd ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Josh Hornbeck and Robert Taylor to discuss Sunday Bloody Sunday, directed by John Schlesinger.
Sunday Bloody Sunday (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
Sunday Bloody Sunday (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
$21.04 $39.95
in stock
9 new from $13.99
4 used from $20.17
as of February 3, 2022 8:51 pm
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Last updated on February 3, 2022 8:51 pm
Episode Links: John Schlesinger * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Roger Ebert (1975 Interview) * BBC Desert Island Discs (1991 audio interview) * The Hollywood Interview (2000) * BFI * Cinephilia & Beyond * IndieWire * Senses of Cinema * The Guardian (obituary) * The Independent (obituary)
Sunday Bloody Sunday * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Cleveland Press (1971) * New York Times (1971) * Roger Ebert (1971) * Film Quarterly (1972) * AV Club * Battleship Pretension * Chicago Tribune * Cinema Retro * Cinema’s Fringes * Cinema Scope * Every 70s Movie * Old Yorker * PopMatters * Scopophilia * Slant * The Wild Reed
PREVIOUSLY: WALKABOUT UP NEXT: TWO-LANE BLACKTOP MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Twitter / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Josh Hornbeck [ Twitter / Website / Letterboxd ] * Robert Taylor [ Website ]
Criterion Reflections is David Blakeslee’s ongoing project to watch all of the films included in the Criterion Collection in chronological order of their original release. Each episode of this third season of the podcast features conversations with a variety of guests offering insights on movies that originally premiered in 1971 and were destined to eventually bear the Criterion imprint. In this episode, David is joined by Richard Doyle, Brad McDermott and William Remmers to discuss Walkabout, directed by Nicolas Roeg.
Episode Links: Nicolas Roeg * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * Wikipedia * Jump Cut (1974) * 25 Years Later * Another Man * Bright Lights Film Journal * BFI * Film Comment * Frieze * The Irish Times * New Statesman * The Ringer * Senses of Cinema * Variety
Walkabout * The Criterion Collection * The Criterion Channel * CriterionCast Episode 30 (2010) * Wikipedia * Roger Ebert (1971) * The Telegraph (1971) * Village Voice (1971) * A Sharper Focus * Cinepassion * Criterion Confessions * The Criterion Contraption * Every 70s Movie * Images Journal * moviediva * PopMatters * Reel Rundown * Scopophilia * Slant
PREVIOUSLY: THE DEVILS UP NEXT: SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY MORE! * Criterion Reflections blog (1922 – 1967) * Criterion Reflections columns on CriterionCast (1968) * The Eclipse Viewer * A Journey Through the Eclipse Series
CONTACT US: * David Blakeslee [ Twitter / Website / Facebook / Letterboxd ] * Richard Doyle [ Letterboxd ] * Brad McDermott [ Website / Letterboxd ] * William Remmers [ Twitter / Instagram / Letterboxd ]