Alexander Payne’s Closet Picks

[@willt.9654]

Love him to death, but he definitely comes off like someone who's made a movie about wine tasting.

[@yohanakago582]

Really now....

[@HugoSoup57]

Will Thompson Sideways was a great movie.

[@whyimarko]

that's very funny - 'oh, le pleasure...' lol

[@hd-xc2lz]

Because he offers decent pronunciation for the foreign titles chosen? If he has some fluency in the language should he fake poor pronunciation to please American populists?

[@cinemaking9887]

Sideways is my favourite film

[@UlrichUlrich]

Do invite PT Anderson to do one of these!!

[@everyvillainislemons7583]

UlrichUlrich PT Anderson and his wife, Maya Rudolph

[@TheBasaltHorogium]

Invite PT Anderson, Wes Anderson, and Paul W.S. Anderson (wearing a paper bag) so that we'll all get confused.

[@lthewitt]

@@TheBasaltHorogium Don't forget Roy Andersson.

[@heleneh.6055]

All the Anderson’s!

[@boppob1343]

PTA gives off the vibe that he is too pretentious to do one of these. Think about how pretentious that is lmao

[@MechaGodzilla]

I love that like 90% of the people who get to do these pick Salò.

[@winthiscar]

I wish Alexander Payne could stay like one hour in that closet to speak about the movies he likes and got inspired by. He has such a unique and human voice that you’d wonder his sources. I love “Sideways”, “Election” (glad that Criterion’s releasing it) and “The Descendants”.

[@Re-AttachedRetina]

Sideways and Election were very good. The Descendants was sentimental and contrived.

[@ggthewhale]

Sideways and the Descendants were great, i wouldn't give Election a Criterion release

[@Nicobornico]

I love Election, Sideways and About Schmidt. Nebraska was depressing but very very good

[@tomroe30]

He likes Hal Ashby stuff. And it shows. Did a short interview on The Last Detail blu ray.

[@franzchick66]

I want more of alexander payne pronouncing italian and spanish titles!

[@cappuccino04]

the italian ones were actually surprisingly quite on point!

[@fungifago]

pronunciation on point!

[@jayr7965]

Every closet guest guiltily mentions something as an "obvious choice" and proceeds to pick up some classic I've shamefully never heard of :P Love this series so much.

[@samfilmkid]

I had never heard of 3 Women before this video, picked it up immediately from Barnes and Noble, was not disappointed! Thanks Alexander!

[@TheBluRayCritic]

"Sideways" needs the Criterion treatment, love that film! One of Payne's finest works.

[@mirazusta2002]

TheBlueRayCritic Absolutely agree, and in my view, the same would apply to "About Schmidt", and "Nebraska"

[@basbah8249]

I wish I had friends I could talk about Salo with

[@Clay3613]

Salo is crap, pun intended.

[@lolizorz]

Clay3613 I find it pretty fascinating.I actually had a boner during some parts of the movie.

[@thatguy2949]

You got a friend in me.

[@thevoid99]

same here. i bought the dvd a few years ago and man, it fucked me up. given the times we're in. i think it's appropriate to watch it again.

[@marshmallowlover97]

I think Salo is great. It's fucked up but that's why it has this lasting impact on you.

[@memorandom7484]

Can we _please_ get more Criterion releases in the UK/Europe? Seriously.

[@NoirFan84]

Memorandom Night Of The Living Dead is on its way, excited for that one. I'm hoping for Broadcast News, Days Of Heaven & Blow Up to come soon because we don't have any of those available in the UK on BluRay & I love them.

[@Potatobrains_]

I think we need to just abolish region codes, Europe gets a lot of Region B locked releases (not necessarily Criterion but releases in general) that I would love to own but I don't feel like shelling out $250 for a region free player.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Carl Rees Barry Lyndon and Following too please as well as the rest of Wes Anderson

[@NoirFan84]

Jake MacDonagh I got Barry Lyndon in my Kubrick Collection boxset but I'd still buy a Criterion version mainly for the extra features.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Carl Rees Yeah but I really don’t like boxsets plus I already own most of Kubrick’s movies and don’t wanna buy them again

[@jasonyu5030]

This guy knows his stuff

[@ianjohnson458]

Sideways is one of my all-time favorite comedies. Perfect film

[@DuBziDriFT]

Never clicked on a video so fast

[@rong7496]

About Schmidt and Sideways should be on Criterion Blu-ray and 4K.

[@DungeonStudio]

Downsizing looks to be a interesting flick. And kudos to Criterion for issuing Election, which is a unsung gem!. One recommendation I would suggest to Alex and Criterion - 'Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia' by Sam Peckinpah. Amazing movie that really needs the Criterion touch I'd say.

[@gnalkhere]

Arrow's release of BMtHoAG is already phenomenal as is, but it has the Sam Peckinpah doc that's already on Straw Dogs. HOWEVER, it has the 10-HOUR version of that same documentary on a separate disc, so that's pretty neat

[@EoghanMcCarthy900]

I always think of Payne as the 'rich man's' David O. Russell, fucking love The Descendants!

[@SeAsombije]

Eoghan900 I think you mean David O Russell is a poor man's Alexander Payne Hahaha

[@EoghanMcCarthy900]

Same thing isn't it?

[@SeAsombije]

Touché.

[@MatthewGeoffino]

Eoghan900 I think that was a very intentional jab at Russell, whose movies have gotten progressively worse and populist over time.

[@EoghanMcCarthy900]

You got me :p

[@tommywiseau4224]

Sideways is still one of the best films this century.

[@ceeryle]

Yours is better, Tommy Wiseau.

[@nicholasholder6925]

Oh hai Tommy!

[@HugoSoup57]

Tommy Wiseau Agreed

[@seanmatyas3938]

I got A Special Day as part of a lot off of eBay. No idea what it was but was blown away by the film. I love that the speeches provided a sort of soundtrack to the film making it seem claustrophobic (like they cannot escape even inside the apartment)

[@ChrisAlders-eh7cq]

Just watched About Schmidt again recently. Absolutely brilliant!

[@downrodeo2112]

Three Women is amazing

[@waynej2608]

I'd like to know what Payne thought of it. I would assume he had a favorable review, as it's such a gem. Imho.

[@alexandragillie-hardy7422]

He sounds like Robert California

[@Threadbroken]

I may have seen Sideways at least 100 times, twice in the theater for sure. Also a huge fan of Election and Nebraska. It’s a pleasure to hear his recommendations.

[@SkinnyEMedia]

If I was obtaining my Criterion Collection titles, they would be the following: FANTASTIC MR. FOX, VIDEODROME, WATERSHIP DOWN, LE HAVRE, LA HAINE, TOIVON TUOLLA PUOLEN (OTHER SIDE OF HOPE), etc.

[@andrewhanson1270]

I love how he went straight for Salo; 120 days of Sodom HAHAHA

[@DarrinBentley]

And use Trump as an excuse to throw it in his bag. Oy vey.

[@Lucholosabe]

His italian and spanish pronunciation are near perfect.

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

I can confirm his spanish is pretty spot on.

[@Horror-Man]

Sideways. Election. Citizen Ruth. Nebraska. About Schmidt. The reason people don't respect comedy as a genre as much as others is because they're not watching THESE films.

[@RyderDavis]

Love ABOUT SCHMIDT, but SIDEWAYS is a masterpiece.

[@terenceheesch8351]

I'm gonna be honest...I only bought "Salo" because of its "notorious history" with the Criterion Collection (the bootleg scandal, one of the first to go out of print, etc.)...I got the Blu-ray 3, almost 4, years ago.. it's STILL sitting on my shelf, wrapped in it's original plastic...that's a movie you got to muster up some courage for...

[@Theomite]

Take your time. Not everyone has the benefit of advanced warning on something like that. I did when I was younger and I dove right in. It was...foolish.

[@lampad4549]

​@@Theomiteit was okay bit overrated

[@rwited9250]

His film Election is a masterpiece

[@SCW031992]

Red Beard is one that definitely needs an upgrade!!

[@kevinkoch6900]

Hopefully Criterion will remaster No Country for Old Men. Just a very well done film with tremendous acting.

[@benkata]

YOU GUYS HAVE TO SUBTITLE THE MOVIES THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT !!! I can't catch what they're saying !

[@FrancoisDressler]

Please get James Gray in here. I could hear that man talk about film for days.

[@agostonhajnal9807]

Yes!!! Una giornata particolare! It's an incredible film that is not being talked about nearly enough. I'm glad Payne likes it too.

[@clumsydad7158]

Sideways in my all-time Top 10, luv it !!

[@whatevershebrings]

Payne dispensed more film/industry knowledge and conveyed more genuine presence in a few scant minutes than most of his Criterion 'closeted' peers. Hire him already!

[@FairyAl]

his pronunciation of italian and french surprised me !

[@andreaprodan5616]

Berlanga and Manfredi. Powerhouse pic!

[@cinnamon4605]

Who agrees? Tarantino could pick whole closet!

[@c.d.cabascangosanchez3687]

Tarantino's taste is so generic.

[@classicmikestar]

Payne makes me proud to be a Greek Director!

[@gnalkhere]

I love Alexander Payne and everything his films have been so far, but CHRIST ALMIGHTY was Downsizing a massive letdown. The first half is hilarious, but the second half is a preachy shit-show. also yay ballad of gregorio cortez is on criterion now

[@otherwaiting8197]

The Holdovers was the best movie of last year.

[@thebreedinghousewife8818]

I’m curious what the parallel between salò and trump’s presidency is. I have yet to see it, I know very little about it

[@doublequack]

Love nebraska and the descendant

[@MrRichDavid]

I love you Mr. Payne! Your films are wonderful...You are such a smart Greek gentleman. I will always go see any of your films!

[@conservativeneurologyb4999]

Four recommendations: Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) and Mule (Clint Eastwood) and Akeelah and the Bee (Basset and Fishburne)...and The Accountant (Ben Affleck).

[@lamecasuelas2]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I don't why would you have movies just for the sake of it,

[@Theomite]

Umberto Eco had more books than he could read when he died. His argument was that it wasn't having read everything, but making sure that you always had something new to read. A collection is more than the sum of your accomplishments.

[@CameronBrooks]

It’s funny to think I had a speaking role in one of the last scenes of The Descendants.. but my scene was cut out of the theatrical release! I hope I wind up on a criterion release one of these days.. ;)

[@gabe8935]

Came to see the comments after the Rose McGowan allegations. How long until deleted?

[@pinetree1616]

Salo is a joke. It's goofy. It's filmed in such a way that if the intended effect was to jolt the audience then the director miserably failed.

[@LunaTheKitty0]

Why doesn’t anyone ever take the blu ray copies but only the DVD’s ? Does directors hate blu ray ?

[@KameronArcher]

I’ve never seen three women either Alexander

[@crush3095]

salo needs no context it IS context for the original writing by the marquee de sade salo is always a brutal indictment before you watch it.. I said brutal

[@wrestlingloverslikeme4932]

Salo is by far one of the sickest movies out there

[@Jonesaustin]

hat was good with the DVDs lol

[@savedfaves]

Criterion, next time can you write the date of the film (in brackets) after the title? It would be very handy. Thanks

[@BruceWayne-pm6co]

I'm never watching Salo.

[@AleksandarBloom]

stick with batman

[@BruceWayne-pm6co]

H. Bloom I like Batman, it's a good film but I hope you weren't trying to imply that I don't watch Criterion films, because you'd be wrong.

[@Theomite]

I both understand and tsk-tsk you sir.

[@aszox]

I watched it the day I found out my father died. (It helped, in a way.)

[@ezekielyu4294]

Despite the gross, explicit material, it's pretty dull, actually. I wouldn't recommend it.

[@lucvaillancourt8580]

Get Red Beard on bluray damnit!

[@kalopsia7115]

get greta gerwig on here PLEASE

[@DarrinBentley]

Definitely went down a few points in my book after such a stupid comment. I guess that was his only excuse to rewatch such a depraved and disgusting film? Sad.

[@tonyseybert8068]

I’m curious. Can Conservative Media say anything so stupid that even you won’t believe it?

[@DarrinBentley]

@@tonyseybert8068 “I’m curious. Can the liberal propaganda media say anything so stupid that even you won’t believe it”? There, fixed it for ya.

[@beatboxbandit9842]

shout out from Nebraska we love you alex

[@HopeMonkey]

55 Michael Bay fans gave this a thumbs down 😂

[@217vigilante]

Wtf does Salo have to do with Trump?

[@antoinemelanson9955]

,,,,,,,,,cauze he fascist, DUH??!

[@217vigilante]

I can't tell if your'e joking.

[@Theomite]

Because it's a classic story about the graphic indulgent sadism of a ruling autocratic class. So...pretty fitting.

[@217vigilante]

You mean Democrats right?

[@Theomite]

+JDHMathews Hold on, lemme check *Googles ethical traits of GOP members* Nope. Not at all.

[@classicartfoundation639]

The best director in the world

[@MrKvane77]

Love these videos

[@cineastasolaris]

Alexander is one the best Directors. It really seems that he like History, Those are the ones who worth see their work. I wish Someday I could know him.

[@danieljimenezjofre2441]

Ace in The Hole... love it!!!!

[@alforte1970]

El Verdugo!!!!! Peliculón!!!!!!!

[@bibip12345]

Invite Liv Ullman have you?

[@juanaltredo2974]

He has well traveled and very insightful opinions about movies and other cultures, pretty impressed with him, but still not watching Saló. I admire Pasolini's ideas but this movie has always intimidated me, which is silly because I've seen pretty fucked up stuff.

[@AbominableQueer]

I’ve heard he’s hung 👀

[@peterperez6529]

pick flick!!!!

[@paoloparisini8624]

So honest admitting he never saw 3 Women. What a gap, mr. Payne :-P

[@raymondrambert]

He is a very honest guy, he admits on the Election DVD commentary that he cast Matthew Broderick even though he never saw Ferris Bueller's Day Off!

[@AaronTheSilver]

Ay si, Ay si

[@nickfromCO]

If John Oliver had an American brother.

[@joshuaklein8465]

I like Payne's films but that seems a bit TOO nice

[@waynemcckn]

I def need to see Red Beard

[@nicholasholder6925]

Saló, There Will Be Blood, and The Cook,The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover are all good films to watch since Trump became president.

[@desertoasistx]

I drink your milkshake!

[@ZombieZifiction]

How so? Did Trump introduce something new that makes these films "good to watch"? I thought Criterion fans were intelligent, but it seems like these comments are riddled with morons.

[@nicholasholder6925]

Zombie

[@NoirFan84]

There Will Be Blood is good to watch any time. The best film so far released this century. Or certainly my favourite.

[@FrancoisDressler]

Carl Rees Agreed. I hope it gets a 4K restoration soon.

[@Mr06261984]

really, trump america is like salo. c'mon, grow up

[@HBICTiff]

Extreme libs are pretty dramatic.

[@flamingocupproductions5329]

@@HBICTiff there are rumors made about him, lol

[@jamorains]

Trump and Salo??????? STREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTCCCCCCHHHHHHH...........stretch.

[@Theomite]

*points to Roy Moore on the internet* You still sure about that?

[@jamorains]

Turning sexual harassment into a partisan issue????That's not going to work out for you.

[@Brandon-rb4sm]

Rewatch Salo since Trump has become president 😂😂

[@TheUnforgiven8694]

A trump comment. 😑 Can it be helped for one moment.

[@technodroog]

no, it can't

[@TheUnforgiven8694]

Culprit LA whether you like him or not. You go to a criterion video to hear about that

[@dickpole2607]

No, it's literally his explanation for getting the movie.

[@jodythomas4324]

Love Paynes films but I just can’t shake the feeling that this guy is probably an insufferable prick to be around in short order.

[@davidsanderson5918]

He can't sing the simplest film theme ever.

[@mred2071]

Not a huge fan but Election is pretty great and Ace in the Hole is a perfect choice

[@danielstartek1497]

Who the Who the F is Alexander Payne?

[@rodrigocampos1225]

He is surprisingly boring

[@apc9079]

Boring zzzzzzzz.

[@incessantmurkysmuggler]

The Holy Mountain restore please!

[@tatehildyard5332]

Chris Higgins I think Abko (the movie that made Holy Mountain) is still withholding distribution rights. And considering they already have their own restored edition of the movie out, I'm not counting on them giving up the rights.

[@MrFloopaJoopa]

A Jodorowsky box set would be most excellent.

[@BlunderB]

@@MrFloopaJoopa arrow video just released one this month! Sadly it's only in Europe and its region locked :(

[@NancyAllensToiletSeat]

Gotta get that anti-President Trump bullshit in there!

[@TheSpiritOfTheTimes]

Lol why bullshit? He's presiding over a reactionary aggressive admin that is a threat to human survival. Gotta pretty fucking stupid to be quiet about his evils as to not offend.

[@puremadness]

how dare he share his opinion!

[@kraszyfox]

I was an extra on his new movie The Holdovers and it was such a cool experience especially because I got to shake his hand, and talk to him about film since I make short films of my own overall very amazing experience

[@marshmallowlover97]

Well, he says you don't wanna have too much crap in life and then he takes Salo.

[@MrRazorblade999]

I see what you did there

[@rohandas3573]

😂😂

[@Theomite]

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought it.

[@with-inreason]

Officially the best youtube comment Ive ever read

[@akajkyt]

Theomite he’s not saying the film is bad it’s just in context of what’s in the film...

[@NoirFan84]

Sideways was brilliant.

[@MrRazorblade999]

His best, by far.

[@65g4]

Love Sideways and his other films

[@richfictionfighter]

Sideways is in my all-time Top 5

[@randmiller88]

Nice shout-out to Red Beard. Waiting for the Blu-ray, guys!

[@royceyun2600]

Third

[@tomroe30]

3 Women YES!! Maybe my favourite Of Altman's alongside The Player. And two great actresses at the top of their game.

[@shmackatrotsky5394]

I would agree with your picks, and also include The Long Goodbye (my fave Altman film). Short Cuts is also incredible, imo.

[@tomroe30]

@@shmackatrotsky5394 Not seen either of them in a long time. Remember thinking The Long Goodbye was interesting, and maybe better on a second viewing? Some films can definitely benefit from a second or even third viewing. I don't know if I struggled with Short Cuts a bit, but will give another go. I suppose I quite like strange unusual films and 3 Women is, as well as having a soft spot for Shelley Duval - just such a unique actor I think (and Specek maybe to a lesser degree). Love satire too (The Player).

[@shmackatrotsky5394]

@@tomroe30 I need to give 3 Women a second viewing myself. Altman films tend to get better and better the more times you watch them. Btw, Shelley Duval's turn in Thieves Like Us is absolutely astonishing. I thought the film dragged a bit in the middle, and was too predictable, but some scenes were extraordinary and the acting and dialogue was top notch. Peoples tastes in Altman films are very subjective, I've noticed. For instance, I didn't care at all for Nashville, but the film has a rabid fanbase that consider it his ultimate masterpiece. Same goes for Short Cuts. Many love it, and many loathe it. The Long Goodbye was highly divisive when it came out, subverting all expectations, and went on to become a cult classic that heavily inspired The Big Lebowski. Maybe that's the mark of a genius. I feel like Altman was making movies primarily for himself, and did not care what the audience wanted or thought of the films. A true artist.

[@tomroe30]

@@shmackatrotsky5394 Can you believe it she's just died.

[@shmackatrotsky5394]

@@tomroe30 sad news, indeed. i was surprised to hear the news so soon after posting about her here, and having been on a roll with watching her films. just last week, i had discussions with my wife and my mother-in-law about how wonderful her acting is. and i really hadn't talked about Ms Duvall in my life prior to that. strange coincidence. RIP Shelley, and thanks for being so authentically you.

[@MatthewGeoffino]

I want this man to be my film professor.

[@csjcsj2906]

This dude signed my "Election" Criterion Blu-ray, after Kent Jones' "Diane" Q&A.

[@SaskatchewanICE]

So Jin Choi is he a pretty nice guy?

[@eliasmata8855]

Who in the hell would say L'Avventura is dated?

[@adamprince5547]

L'Eclisse is better

[@TheTachy0n]

and La Notte even better than L'Eclisse ;)

[@Zeptasom]

me

[@MrRazorblade999]

The Passenger is his best.

[@NoirFan84]

D'Ascoyne Blow Up.

[@gannonk.8165]

2:49 Did he turn into Hal Rudnick for a second?

[@samanthaulatowski5507]

I'll sign up for Alexander Payne's film history class yesterday.

[@stockvaluedotcom]

L'Avventura is a brilliant, unforgettable movie. I wonder if people are put off because it is viewed as a ponderous "art" film. It is anything but IMO.

[@augustmoviereviewer]

Tell Alexander Payne that Downsizing isn't as bad as critics, say it's really awesome