Joyce Chopra: Smooth Talk
This week The Criterion Collection released Joyce Chopra's 1985 film Smooth Talk, an adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been."
Ramin Bahrani: Man Push Cart and Chop Shop
The Criterion Collection is releasing two films by Ramin Bahrani today: Man Push Cart and Chop Shop. They are each very much worth your attention.
Ousmane Sembène: Mandabi
Ousmane Sembène's second feature, 1968's Mandabi, explores the perilous state for older generations in post-colonial Senegal. It's an important film. The Criterion Collections has released a new home video edition this week.
Larisa Shepitko: The Ascent
Larisa Shepitko's The Ascent is a film that is as beautiful as it is harrowing. The Criterion Collection released a stacked Blu-ray home video edition today, and I give it my strongest recommendation.
Three Films by Luis Buñuel
The Criterion Collection is starting 2021 with a magnificent release: Three Films by Luis Buñuel, a box set featuring Buñuel's final three films: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972), The Phantom of Liberty (1974), and That Obscure Object of Desire (1977).
Claudia Weill: Girlfriends
Claudia Weill's 1978 film, Girlfriends, was recently released on home video by The Criterion Collection. I strongly recommend it!
Stephen Frears: The Hit
Stephen Frears's 1984 crime film The Hit makes its way onto Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection this week. It's a great vehicle for its two stars, Terence Stamp and John Hurt, and a film that surprised me again and again.
Henry King: The Gunfighter
This week The Criterion Collection is releasing Henry King's 1950 Western, The Gunfighter, starring Gregory Peck. It's well worth your time.
Abbas Kiarostami: Taste of Cherry
Here are some of my thoughts on Abbas Kiarostami's 1997 film, Taste of Cherry, which has just been re-released in a new home video edition by The Criterion Collection.
Preston Sturges: The Lady Eve
This weeks The Criterion Collection is releasing a Blu-ray upgrade of the classic screwball comedy The Lady Eve. Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, it's a delightful film and a welcome release.