Barry Sonnenfeld’s Closet Picks

[@JoelMMathis]

"I'm not a film buff." (Silences Werner Herzog ringtone.)

[@rmharris2001]

I wanted to hear Werner Herzog!

[@tomgun8146]

Flim buffer move.

[@rockhero2274]

Interesting! I have a Klaus Kinski ring tone.

[@drewcordes1246]

"I love this movie. It makes me so depressed." Relatable.

[@MrRazorblade999]

It's actually brilliant! I'm gonna use it from now on.

[@joshua2814]

All his picks are kind of downers, even the comedy. And they’re all brilliant.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

Relatable.

[@redefinitive]

Yep, as soon as he said it my reaction was "Oooh I gotta this out"

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

As opposed to Wild Wild West, which I hate and makes me very happy.

[@koomo801]

I'm only half way through this video, and I am 100% certain that this is the best Closet Pick video that's ever been done, and I've watched them all.

[@sheahart7305]

Absolutely the best in a while.

[@DLundgren22]

I just listened to Barry’s memoir on audiobook, he’s a real treasure of filmmaking knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories. Very self-deprecating and does not hold back when blasting some of the people he’s worked with over the years. Worth a read/listen.

[@MrElliotc02]

Completely agree...

[@Bo_Lew]

Barry, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for Get Shorty.

[@SquabbleBoxHQ]

Yes.

[@nikitamcconnell8027]

he did a lot of good stuff! he's movies are like him - fun, witty, open-hearted

[@thatadamwhitley]

Barry is on a vanishingly small list of cinematographers whose style is so unique you can tell who it is within seconds. He’s worth a barge of fireworks.

[@christophersouza3159]

He was one of the few DPs who successfully transitioned into a full time director

[@kevinkoch6900]

What a Breath of Fresh Air this Guy Was. Lol.

[@al201103]

With absolute honesty and certainty I can say that I could listen to Barry Sonnenfeld telling stories about movies for hours. This was bliss.

[@SB0780]

Love this guy. His two Addams Family movies have the best kind of dark humor and are beautifully shot. Thumbs up!

[@Roset03]

Gomez: "Lurch...that poor girl. Was she in the cake before you baked?"

[@mmayer1558]

"you don't have to motivate light to make something look beautiful" wow such a wonderful phrase. That's deep

[@vittoriostoraro]

Not original. Classic Hollywood DP's and Directors did it all the time.

[@mightisright]

Roger Deakins ruined a generation of DOPs by telling mediocre people without his knowledge not to try. No! YOU need help. He doesn't.

[@jcole4517]

One of the best closet videos in years! Great stories, sharp humor.

[@tommyt1971]

So far this is my favorite closet guest. Barry’s a lot of fun and he picked a bunch of my own favorites.

[@bored1ca]

Great picks and I love that Albert Finney story! 🤣

[@tobyhart]

a sharks tale

[@matayolandas]

Having Werner Herzog voice as a ringtone is the most film buff thing… like in ever?

[@johnta17]

Joel and Ethan Coen's DP before Roger Deakins. I loved that he showed up just to divulge anecdotes, that's the way it should be.

[@michelcamino6290]

I remember seeing Barry interviewed on the Tonight Show many years ago and I found him to be the one of the funniest guest I’d seen up till then and since.

[@bogohotdogz]

"my wife Sweetie (Susan Ringo)" Sheesh. Already huge respect for this guy. Now I'm head over heels. ❤

[@ambskater97]

What he said about not letting cast and crew know they're in a comedy was very insightful.

[@CineMadame]

Forgot to say "Also, don't cast Peter Sellers"

[@conditionone2320]

Reportedly, the cast of Beyond The Valley of the Dolls would give comedic line readings and Russ Meyer would be so gravely serious that they would like apologize then do them dramatically.

[@chadhahn6113]

He says that GCS almost ruins it with his over the top acting, but I've heard that Kubrick used the those takes over the more restrained ones Scott wanted to use.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

I wonder if he told anyone Wild Wild West was supposed to be a comedy.

[@Mondo_panico]

I love Barry! Addams Family values is a masterpiece.

[@roncinephile]

Hell, Men in Black holds up really well, Get Shorty too, the dude made a damn fine name for himself in the 90s.

[@thevoid99]

i do love the "addams family" films he did as well as "get shorty". the less about "wild wild west" the better.

[@tommysmith4117]

Just rewatched Millers Crossing again on Criterion Channel. The lighting is great just like Barry says.

[@davidcantrell6536]

This was one of the most interesting, informative, and entertaining Criterion Closets I've seen. Very enjoyable.

[@dreamterry]

This is one of my favorite closet visits of all time. Thank you, Barry ... Thank you Criterion!

[@peoplevrobot]

I love Barry's work especially his work on comedies. He knows how to add depth to the work through beautiful cinematography. When Harry met Sally is beautiful to watch, and he is a big reason why the city becomes a character in the movie.

[@timmeadows970]

Bless you Barry for the wonderful films. I know you are reading this.

[@mkaye818]

He's simply great and so spot on with his observations. "I love this movie. It makes me so depressed." Classic.

[@browe]

I've enjoyed so many of these... This might just be my favorite. Brilliant and human.

[@pete49327]

IMO one of the all time best Closet guests.

[@Bringmethehorizondude]

“Will he ever fucking resolve this chord,” maybe me laugh so uncontrollably loud

[@stevenmackay8053]

I need to record that as *my* ringtone.

[@matthewrobinson6872]

died laughing

[@curtisebear1568]

Expected breezy closet picks, got a six minute film school! Give this man a podcast.

[@SodiumWage]

Absolute legend: Enters the Criterion closet, picks his own movies, and, oh yeah, Dr. Strangelove. I love Barry so much!

[@ArchieAndy27]

Thank you, sir! Sonnenfeld is an absolute legend. These Criterion Closet picks are very often an education in themselves and this has to be one of the most educational and informative visits ever! 😊

[@alfredpoopykins8264]

Definitely my new favorite Closet video. Super super informative and funny!

[@azohundred1353]

I'm happy Fail Safe got that shoutout from Barry. Henry Fonda was fantastic in, as was Walter Matthau. Yes, it is essentially "Strangelove played serious," but Sidney Lumet makes it his own worthy take on the topic.

[@nomnomnomJon]

I love this movie, it makes me so depressed.

[@robertholik8300]

He seems so sweet and genuine, I love that, because I love his movies. The Albert Finney story is amazing.

[@davidekstrand8544]

This is the director of Men In Black (1997) and RV (2005).

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Barry Sonnenfeld never gets his dues. This guy has been involved with the making of a couple of the greatest films ever made with Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, Miller's Crossing, Big, Misery, Three O'Clock High, The Addams Family movies and Men in Black.

[@bitplaya7432]

His memoir is pretty good

[@MihaiAfloarei]

None of the films you mentioned are great..none

[@chrisburton339]

Oh, for God’s sake…

[@vittoriostoraro]

Where are the "some of greatest films ever made" on that list?

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

If you don't think Blood Simple, Raising Arizona and Miller's Crossing are 3 of the best movies ever made.... then I think I really am allowed to say you DON'T know enough about movies! 🤣

[@ashmaterial]

GET SHORTY IS MASTERPIECE. dont let anyone tell otherwise

[@thelastshogun3913]

It really is!

[@cynthia4326]

Spot on about Dr. Stragelove, including his note about George C. Scott.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Cool episode! Barry is a great storyteller. Loved the Albert Finney's story!

[@brandothecatmeow]

That story about Miller's Crossing and Albert Finney is very interesting and gives a whole new perspective on that film.

[@rmharris2001]

Thank you SO MUCH for Miller's Crossing

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

This gentleman knos a lot about film for someone who claims not to be a film buff. What refreshing humility in this modern world. What a great personal story he shares.

[@SquabbleBoxHQ]

Get Shorty is worthy of Criterion. Yes, I mean it. I've watched it a ridiculous number of times and I'm convinced it's one of the best studio comedies/satires.

[@nikitamcconnell8027]

it's a great adaptation. it's the same as the book, even kinda better. perfect illustration.

[@CraigMcfly1985]

This man is legend!!!!

[@tylerdalton6212]

Barry if you ever get around to reading this, Get Shorty was incredible and I also loved Big Trouble. Thank you for all of your work.

[@multilegolover]

My family watches RV every year when we go camping, and we quote it constantly year round. It's a seriously underrated comedy with lots of visual flair.

[@mightisright]

Turn to the right

[@squidundertheinfluence]

I’m sorry, but if you mention Werner Herzog as a ringtone then we must hear that ringtone. It’s the law!

[@chadhahn6113]

I made a text tone of him saying Here Comes Honey Booboo. I'd like the hear what he uses as well.

[@hughramirez6467]

Thanks for picking Errol Morris I watched the fog of war

[@deeg8849]

Now that is what I call a perfect closet perspective filled with interesting tips, facts and personal stories.

[@OldBluesChapterandVerse]

This might be my favorite closet video ever.

[@Donald_McE]

Mr. Sonnenfeld is such a joyous Criterion-Closet visitor! I love his sense of humor. And "Miller's Crossing" is my favorite "gangster" movie. What a cast! It's a shame he didn't share his story about working on a porn film that was shot in a dentist's office (Sonnenfeld worked BEHIND the camera, btw.). It's one of the craziest stories imaginable. Peace.

[@jeroen_vz]

If you know Barry from interviews, you also know he's on the verge of tears the moment he started the story about his wedding. He never really recovers after that, haha. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

DR. STRANGELOVE - beyond amazing and creative.

[@scottboswell6406]

Just set up Criterion Story Time with Barry Sonnenfeld as its own channel! By the weight of his bag, it looks like he spent at least 30 mins. in the Closet, I could have watched all of it!!

[@michaelminch5490]

Yeah, that looked like more than five films.

[@Pat_Springleaf]

@@michaelminch5490 we need the director’s cut of Barry Sonnenfeld’s closet picks

[@TheJohnDoeLibraryRoom.]

Pretty sure Peter Sellers knew it was a comedy. This is a great closet visit.

[@mericastrata]

Love his work! Big Trouble is an underrated gem!

[@isaacmartinez6904]

I am surprised that this is the man who directed Men In Black. Love his movie choices and personal storytelling.

[@nicklager1666]

Anyone that habeen blessed with working with the Coen brothers is truly good in my book. Love the cinematography of both raising arizona and blood simple.

[@evanmichael3153]

Barry was an ACE cinematographer 🤘♥️🤘

[@occasionalfeelgood23]

Hands down the greatest Closet segment yet. Can we get a Criterion of Raising Arizona with the Coens and Sonnenfeld doing their telestrator segment again? Sonnenfeld is right, that bonus feature is one of the greatest bonuses ever on a Bluray.

[@willtijerina5149]

I could listen to him all day.

[@garnerbrown1077]

This man's a legend. Thanks Criterion!

[@Dr.Thirteen-bb1ub]

I still remember when Barry was doing an interview about the first Men in Black movie and said Will Smith was a jerk and an overall pain to work with.

[@robinemanuel5238]

I love the Finney story

[@marymitchell8625]

LOVE Albert Finney! RIP, Sir 🎉

[@PinakKashyap42]

Recently watched "Get Shorty". Way ahead of its time.

[@richardthurston2171]

He’s spot on about Dr. Strangelove.

[@GalZiv]

I love Barry, he is great, you can learn from him so much.

[@amosperrine1909]

Marvelous. One thing always bothered me about ALL the home video releases of Miller’s Crossing, they all show Byrne in the background of the opening scene. Whereas in the theatre the background was dark, you could not initially see him, but gradually he came into the light out of the shadows. A marvelous visual metaphor, one that grabbed me and I knew then that slight attention to detail, despite the inspirations and allusions to other pictures, was going to be great. My fav Coen until The Man Who Wasn’t There, which remains the best Jim Thompson movie, albeit not based on one of his books, but rather the spirit and letter of his books. Back to back those two pics are the pinnacle of their work and modern modern movie making. And, btw, this episode of the Closet is great.

[@isaacgraham5727]

Very rarely does someone pick only films that I have personally seen and loved (without a single exception) in these segments, but this is one of them.

[@tbarton00]

Love the Errol Morris story

[@danielgudinojuarez6729]

The man behind Nine Lives

[@robertnopickle]

Great picks, great stories. I was a bit distracted after I noticed he wears two watches.

[@uhustics9650]

It was the style at the time.

[@Pat_Springleaf]

he explains why in a few interviews - I don’t remember what his reasoning is, but he definitely addressed it on Jo Firestone’s podcast!

[@sgtpointeblank]

NICE. Lets now push for a 4K release of Miller's Crossing.

[@davidekstrand8544]

Well, we have had directors Barry Sonnenfeld and Terry Gilliam shop in the Closet. I wonder what Quentin Tarantino would pick?

[@will5150]

Barry is a very unsuspecting heavy hitter. his filmography is kinda amazing.

[@boudusaved4719]

Barry has shot many great films, but I think my favorite, in terms of the cinematography might be Three O'Clock High.

[@felidiazbo]

"I love this movie, it makes me so depressed" same

[@matthewrobinson6872]

Barry is so insightful

[@spinlok3943]

Okay, we all deserve to hear what the Werner Herzog ring tone sounds like.

[@cruxofthecookie]

Strangelove is my favourite flick too :)

[@toneriggz]

Miller’s Crossing 🔥🔥🔥

[@slyasleep]

Great to learn about another, generous, Albert 😁

[@angieidol9785]

"I'm not a film buff" - Talks with passion and immaculate detail about every pick.... What a liar! Such a cutie patootie

[@scottjendersee8247]

Barry Sonnenfeld. So good, sooooo fucking good!

[@marcthorner8338]

Thank YOU Barry!!!!

[@jackreed7287]

Can Criterion release Addams Family, Get Shorty and Men In Black so that Barry can pick them also?

[@ReyntiensDanny]

Hilarious and really super advice about comedy!

[@brianohare9607]

Millers Crossing A+++…amazing dialogue as well as cinematography…Jon Polito just wanted everyone to be ethical

[@mattponikvar4944]

Legitimately a great Albert Finney story

[@DanHemsath]

Hey man, we need more musical scores with slide whistles, IMHO. (Imma need to go hear that convo on Blood Simple ASAP.)

[@escapeinto4khd319]

Great , one of the best

[@benrankins4446]

Mike, I have that first Trojan comp. It's fantastic. Love Is All I Bring has beautiful artwork. Paris In The Spring looks interesting. I Iove that era of French pop. I have a compilation just of that Japanese band you mentioned called The Spiders. Great fun. Steve Carlson needs to pick up that Waves Of Distortion album. I have that Acid Nightmares too. I'm pretty sure at the time I was just sold on the cover without knowing much about the music. The cover turned out to be a perfect representation of the tunes. Speedy Wonderland has all you could want with the current UK indie resurgence. Nice selections Mike. Cheers...Ben

[@irish66]

I will search youtube for more Barry Sonnenfeld.

[@mightisright]

Barry Sonnenfeld is my hero.

[@ryanbarrett5355]

This may be the best closet experience.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

Can't believe I enjoyed movie selections from the guy who directed Wild Wild West.

[@TheSpecsShow]

For all the hate, I remember enjoying WWW the time I saw it as a kid

[@kevinwhelan9607]

BF: what a great guy! Joy to the world❤❤❤

[@thefunshow2024]

This should have a Barry Sonnenfeld commentary on it

[@jackofhearts1056]

Epic picks.

[@Zegeebwah]

Incredible hilarious insight here

[@tommyt1971]

Btw Barry, LOVED your cameo in MIB2.