Charlotte Gainsbourg’s Closet Picks

While perusing our collection, the acclaimed actor and singer-songwriter linked some of her favorite films to memories of her family.
Her picks:
- THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
- BELLE DE JOUR
- BEING JOHN MALKOVICH
- GREEN FOR DANGER
- ANTICHRIST
- THE COMPLETE FILMS OF AGNÈS VARDA
Shop Charlotte's Closet Picks:
www.criterion....

[@cqtaylor]

I could hear Charlotte Gainsbourg speak for hours. Such a beautiful serene voice.

[@stefanocontardi8302]

Me too. Love her voice.

[@amneziak]

Same. These videos are always too short.

[@steepzy00]

watch nymphomaniac

[@ctrl_altesc]

No kidding..

[@dante666jt]

Yes

[@kingmj87]

1. A movie that reminds her of her dad. 2. A movie that inspired her. 3. A movie that she can show her kid. 4. A movie that reminds her of her grandma. 5. A movie by someone she loved working with. 6. A movie that reminds her of her mom.

[@gustavoVAla]

It would have been interesting to hear her say about a movie that would remind her of the loss of her sister who committed suicide...

[@judeinfante1447]

To much

[@whatevershebrings]

@@gustavoVAla No more 'Lemon Incest' for her, eh?

[@oversensitivenipples]

she is a cancer after all.. same birthday as me actually july 21st

[@Whoa802]

She seems like a really nice lady.

[@sohomdas3205]

Charlotte's collection: 1. The Night of the Hunter (1955) - Charles Laughton 2. Belle de Jour (1967) - Luis Bunuel 3. Being John Malkovich (1999) - Spike Jonze 4. Green for Danger (1946) - Sidney Gilliat 5. Antichrist (2009) - Lars von Trier 6. The Agnes Varda Collection

[@edisonescobar8549]

Based list

[@chriswright4677]

You don’t have to type out her picks! You ruin the surprise.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

@@chriswright4677 some people dont want to wait it out

[@valeryplotain]

voilà !

[@patr70]

Yaawwwnnnn..

[@williamwoods2547]

The second disc with the Criterion's "Night of the Hunter" is "Charles Laughton Directs Night of the Hunter", which is every bit as good as the movie itself. When Laughton directed he didn't cut between takes, but kept the camera rolling, told the actors what he wanted them to do differently and had them return to their marks, then repeat the scene, sometimes numerous times until he was satisfied. When the movie was edited the best take was used and the other takes were cut up but miraculously saved. Years later the 100s of pieces of film without any scene or take identification were painstakingly pieced back together to show how Laughton directed his only film. Fascinating and highly recommended.

[@maximea4135]

Thank you for this recommendation

[@ConnieLynchitzWhoElse]

@@maximea4135 Seconding this. I need to reappraise this film.

[@markmorgenstern]

YES I totally second this. If you didn't mention it, I would have. It's the best teaching thing ever, you actually hear how an experienced actor talks to other actors, sometimes with a loving push that directors who haven't been actors would not dare - or would not have earned the relationship for. I don't know if she knows about the second disk yet, but of course she'll love it too. It's also beautiful and sad that his wife preciously kept the rushes - which no studios ever do. This is a unique and incredible set.

[@harvey1954]

That may explain why he only ever directed one film.

[@williamwoods2547]

@@harvey1954 Charles Laughton's method of directing the cast was not the problem. It was economical in terms of time and and Laughton created a great film. The problem was on the studio's end. They didn't know how to categorize or market the film, and they let it die. Laughton was discouraged and he never got a second chance. It wasn't until decades later that Night Of The Hunter was recognized as a great film. It's hard to calculate what Laughton might have created had the studios had as much imagination as Laughton and given him additional opportunities.

[@VeryNotSober]

Imagine having Agnes Varda make a documentary about your mother. Must be awesome.

[@kingoftheducks]

So she saw The Night of The Hunter aged 9 and is watching Being John Malkovich with her 10 year old!? Really makes me reassess having to sit through Sing 2 with my 6 year old...

[@Njbear7453]

Lol

[@johnbrowne3950]

She'll probably show her kid Antichrist when he's 12.

[@whatevershebrings]

It's better than being forced to watch Swedish Erotica #27 at age 8, believe me!

[@nelisezpasce]

Is your goal to raise a politically correct person? A free soul?

[@kingoftheducks]

@@nelisezpasce It was just a joke about Sing 2 being shit.

[@davidfraser6950]

Man i could listen to her voice all day. Soothing.

[@Cadinho93]

Nothing brings me more joy than seeing people go to the criterion closet and acting like a kid in the candy store. 🎥👌

[@Johnny-kp9bj]

YOU POST THIS ON EVERY VIDEO. WE GET IT CADINHO.

[@whatevershebrings]

Dude, you need to get out more often. : )

[@emmanueltolteca]

she’s amazing as an actress but her work as a musician is just as great, loved her last album, truly a gem, i love her sm ❤️

[@NoirFan84]

Nice. Big fan of hers. Up there with the best actresses throughout the last 30 years having taken on some of the most challenging & intense of roles in that time. She rarely does mainstream films though so doesn't get the recognition she deserves but an amazing & daring actress for sure. Great picks too. 👍

[@toddpinkstonisgod]

@REGGIE JOHNSON …yeah, that sounds rational, Reggie.

[@orbitaljunkie]

@REGGIE JOHNSON Weirdo

[@wendyd_darling]

@@toddpinkstonisgod lol ikr

[@paulb111]

Aren't we required to say Actor now for women?

[@davidsheriff9274]

@@paulb111 anyone that works with Lars Von Trier is not interested in political correctness.

[@PentameronSV]

0:12 - *THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER* _dir. Charles Laughton_ (1955) 0:55 [shout-out] - *BELLE DE JOUR* _dir. Luis Buñuel_ (1967) 1:32 - *BEING JOHN MALKOVICH* _dir. Spike Jonze_ (1999) 2:06 - *GREEN FOR DANGER* _dir. Sidney Gilliat_ (1946) 2:34 - *ANTICHRIST* _dir. Lars von Trier_ (2009) 3:19 - *THE COMPLETE FILMS OF AGNÈS VARDA* [Collector's Set] _dir. Agnès Varda_ *VARDA BY AGNÈS* (2019) *LA POINTE COURTE* (1955) *CLÈO FROM 5 TO 7* (1962) *DAGUERRÈOTYPES* (1975) *LE BONHEUR* (1965) *LES CRÈATURES* (1966) *UNCLE YANCO* (1968) *BLACK PANTHERS* (1970) *LIONS LOVE (. . . AND LIES)* (1969) *MUR MURS* (1981) *DOCUMENTEUR* (1981) *ONE SINGS, THE OTHER DOESN'T* (1977) *VAGABOND* (1985) *JANE B. PAR AGNÈS V.* (1988) *KUNG-FU MASTER!* (1988) *JACQUOT DE NANTES* (1991) *ONE HUNDRED AND ONE NIGHTS* (1995) *THE GLEANERS AND I* (2000) *THE GLEANERS AND I: TWO YEARS LATER* (2002) *FACES PLACES* (2017) *AGNÈS DE CI DE LÀ VARDA* (2011) *THE BEACHES OF AGNÈS* (2008)

[@babadook4404]

I love how she talk about showing her son Being John Malkovich now that he's ten years old! I was that age the first time I saw the film, too. My mom didn't censor much of anything that I saw and I'd often watch movies with her. I'm so grateful for that.

[@BaronBirchum]

Showing Being John Malkovich to a 10-year-old is next level cool parenting.

[@lukess.s]

Like 3 or 4 years too young to really get into it but sure

[@milanr.kundera5515]

my dad showed it to me when I was ten, kind of traumatic actually. but a fond memory now.

[@BaronBirchum]

@@milanr.kundera5515 I was 13 and I found the whole experience too overwhelming. One of my favourites now, thought

[@milanr.kundera5515]

@@BaronBirchum lolol. it’s a pretty depressive movie. I picked up on that as a kid. it took the disappointments of adulthood for me to appreciate the humor.

[@ColombianThunder]

I mean, she is European, and Europe is pretty chill about sexual content. They don't take it very seriously. In terms of themes though, yeah it's pretty heavy

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

The movies she’s done… That’s an actress where getting a look at her tastes is fascinating.

[@nickschultz3259]

I don't know if it's available anywhere to watch, but she did a film when she was just a kid called L' Efrontee, and she's the main character, and it's just incredibly good. It's got kind of a more subtle Welcome To The Dollhouse vibe, or something. Highly recommended!

[@lavinder11]

It's so rare when someone mentions Night of the Hunter. I watched it with my granny and fell in love.

[@Nietzsche_K_Gote]

I just discovered her on spotify like a month back , shes amazing and so is her work.

[@liambrannelly45]

Charlotte needs to start doing audio books! I could listen to her voice until the end of time!!! also, a wonderful, wonderful actor; I've seen many movies with her and she shines pretty much everywhere!! I don't share her enthusiasm for Lars von Trier though, always found him pretentious LOL

[@TheTurkaderr]

I'm so glad that so many of these actors pick NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. It truly shows a level of talent when they recognize the brilliance of a director who only made one film but made a film that has made such a lasting impression on so many. I was laughing through the rest of the video because two of my favorite films, that I might pick were I in there, are in the foreground the entire time: A FACE IN THE CROWD, and THE VIRGIN SUICIDES.

[@robertluna5737]

Fearless actress. I wish she and Isabelle Huppert would star in a film together.

[@Advent3546]

You would think they would have by now

[@user-df1ns1ob8y]

They should remake Heat starring those two

[@ErenTheWarcriminal]

Yeah I'm thinking something with nuns

[@63MGB1]

Wow... I'd go see it!

[@arianeoudry8653]

I asked Isabelle Huppert once, she said that she would love too !

[@mlxlmewq7733]

She smiles like a child at the end. Lovely woman

[@georgerafael]

A delight as ever. So nice to see someone pick Bunuel.

[@Celestialrob]

I adore her as an actress. Green For Danger, what a pick, we so need a Blu Ray. Her excitement is intoxicating.

[@craigco6480]

Glad to see one of my favorite actresses doing a criterion closet pick

[@pam0626]

Out of all the Jane Eyre iterations throughout the years, I loved Charlotte’s performance the best. Her interpretation was so haunting and beautiful.

[@pam0626]

@@maxim.j22 The way she chose to played the role.

[@lukess.s]

@@maxim.j22 she interpreted the character in a certain way. shut UP dude

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

@@maxim.j22 he was right the first time he’s not talking about the body he’s talking about the character

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

@@pam0626 I think maxim thinks he’s smart or something

[@jexes23]

No way. Mia Wasikowska was the best by far.

[@Goldenwhatever]

Her voice is so soothing.

[@SouthdownsJohn]

One of my favourite people. I could just listen to her for hours. Wise, intelligent, beautiful person

[@peteradaniel]

Charlotte Gainsbourg at the Criterion collection is like someone accessing their home movies.

[@dk60ish]

"Green For Danger" IS incredible, one of the greatest mystery films ever!

[@harvey1954]

A prequel to Foyle's War TV series.

[@lukewarm5356]

Wonderful actor, quite right to be proud of Melancholia. And Night of the Hunter is of course completely amazing

[@TheTurkaderr]

So many of my friends hate Melancholia, but it's one of the few Lars films that I loved from beginning to end. That one and DOGVILLE, for completely different reasons.

[@CarmelaRoseRosse]

Charlotte Gainsbourg is the most greatest talented actress who can play any character and so believable. love her work!

[@kellenleee]

her voice is so calming to listen to

[@connorveach5986]

The fact that she’s going to show Being John Malkovich to her 10 year old is amazing. I can’t imagine they’d have any point of reference for it

[@burlcummings5753]

I have both a ten year old and a DVD of Being John Malkovich, so I'm going to try it and see what happens.

[@omelashomelas]

Did any of us have a point of reference when we first saw BJM?

[@ajdmd9526]

@@omelashomelas My thoughts, precisely. Sometimes an absence of context or a deficit of experience allows a person (of any age) to be moved deeply, since all the usual milemarkers are not present.

[@connorveach5986]

@@ajdmd9526 good point. And to be fair it’s arguably the best thing Malkovich has done anyways. Oh, except his performance as Emperor Galbatorix in Eragon…

[@hermes_job_observer144]

I love the movie, but showing it to a ten year old seems like a bad idea. It's the type of "adult" film that gains from points of reference and having gone through life at least a bit for it to properly resonate. Plus, if i remember correctly, there are some rather adult situations, including many of a sexual nature that would add nothing to a child's life but are interesting as an adult to pontificate. I couldn't see anything of substance sticking in a childs mind from this type of not just deep but dark content, except some creativity in the presentation. Might as well make it a double feature with Synecdoche New York, lol! (P.S., i also love this movie, but there is a time and a place for everything).

[@LXS1303]

She is so wonderful. Totally unique in her industry. Beautiful actor! I love her in DA's films, especially.

[@MovieMan-qe3hr]

Jesus. That Agnes Varda set is HUGE!!!!!

[@tomjolliffescreenwriter]

She's the definition of lovely. Exceptionally talented as well.

[@63MGB1]

All great picks! As soon as my kids were old enough I played Night of the Hunter for them. I think it was a memorable experience for them because it was an occasional topic long after they saw it.

[@BuffaloBuffalo-uc6zp]

What's very nice about Charlotte is that she comes across in a very unassuming way, and she doesn't feel the need to try unnecessarily to impress others, or people that might be around her in any given situation or setting. !

[@charlesknowlton7198]

Great little stories for each of her pics. She appears to be as charming in real life as I thought she would be.

[@NewtracksVideos]

They should include an onscreen text list in the bottom left corner of all of the film picks as they happen.

[@Hoogsniv420]

Greatest actress of all time

[@zamiadams4343]

Such an amazing Actress. Great selection.

[@leonkane8570]

In most of her interviews she comes as a bit shy but here you can see she was having the best time, this was too short

[@txemanovelo]

Kung Fu Master is such a great film, and Charlotte’s performance as a teen is superb! Great picks!

[@Rubin4749]

There is something about her that just *EXUDES* sexuality to me, I think she has an amazing persona and then on top of it she's intelligent.

[@ivbagbroke]

🤨🤨🤨

[@hamcheese9859]

Agreed. She’s one of the most sexiest women I’ve seen.

[@thomasfranche6770]

Charlotte is really lovely. I first saw her in 21 grams and I had never heard of her and thought she seemed liked a stuffy British woman, coincée and uptight. I didn't know she was French too. Then I saw her in the Science of Sleep and when she speaks French, she's like a whole different person. I really like her in French. Then I discovered that she has a whole career in French.

[@Haze_OneX]

So nice to hear her love for Melancholia. I adore that movie also.

[@luc7937]

Her hair, jacket, white t shirt, everything is so paris.

[@dreamterry]

I love you, Criterion! Thanks for bringing more fascinating female perspectives to the closet!

[@vector8310]

Basically, I would love to kiss Charlotte. She is just so alluring.

[@ItsTristan1st]

There is something really special about Charlotte Gainsbourg

[@CRAEager]

Loved, loved, loved you in Jane Eyre!

[@leo-wi9cn]

Shes the best nepobaby in the world

[@MSYNGWIE12]

I adore her voice! Merci, what an iconic lady. I still listen to Serge and Jane. Merci Charlotte for your films too! Love from Canada. I shall check out Green for Danger...Namaste

[@darlavillani]

If there's ever a bio pic on Patti Smith, she'd be perfect casting.

[@hamcheese9859]

She resembles Patti smith physically

[@reynaldkurniawan9424]

Nice to know Jane Birkin will now have an Agnès Varda box set with a Jane B. par Agnès V. inside

[@ManfromuncoolBlogspotstars]

Charlotte has a really lovely presence. Nice work Criterion.

[@Purplenpinkk]

I've only seen one other video of her, and she is speaking French. I've always liked her mom, and she is just as lovely. I see a lot of comments here about what a great actress she is - I will have to check her movies out.

[@matthewhardy5610]

Your mother was an icon - thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

[@ZelindraArkathius]

I never click on these. But this one I just HAD to.

[@2Pii]

you should click on these, Francis

[@ToastersChannel]

Click on Agnes Varda's one.

[@patrickmartineau1008]

Watching Night of the Hunter at a young age will leave a mark. Great movie.

[@lawsonj39]

Just watched a Bernard Tavernier film, Daddy Nostalgia, starring Charlotte's mother, Jane Birkin. Love both of them.

[@1997residente]

I recently saw 21 Grams. She has such a distinctive voice. 50% french 50% british. It´s actually kinda cool.

[@rnoro]

The one in the very right front: The Virgin Suicides, a very nice film. For sure I love Charlotte very much. Antichrist, love it!!

[@蔡彩君]

Instantly, she reminded me of her mother.

[@jarthur5094]

Melancholia one of my all time favorites

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

Her voice is perfect for ASMR! I love that british-French accent…

[@joeomalley2835]

I love Night of the Hunter. Both book and film are excellent.

[@andrewmonge4915]

I stopped everything I was doing to watch this. Hell yeah

[@andrewwilson3365]

I can't wait till Carol Reed's 'The Third Man' is back in the Criterion Closet 😁

[@MIOLAZARUS]

If I ever make a movie I want Charlotte in it. She is amazing🙏🏻

[@Sitting8ull]

I didn't think I liked Ms. Gainsbourg, but I actually find her quite appealing. 💖

[@adr.marius5636]

I just love how she says ”Anies”

[@jeffreystrain2651]

One of my favorite actresses.

[@brandothecatmeow]

Always loved her as an actress had no idea the legacy behind her.

[@Robert-yj2fu]

Lovely to see her ! 🤩

[@DeCapitanOG]

Pretty self involved choices.

[@mishagasparovsky196]

Well, she definitely knows what good film is

[@littleghostfilms3012]

Charlotte is touched by some special magic. Just a beautiful human being. Voila!

[@shinobistar2550]

Phenomenal actress and singer

[@generalmorose3523]

Charlotte is one of my favorites, so beautiful and cosmopolitan. "Melancholia" and "Sundown" are terrific.

[@alfiesolomons2385]

2 seconds in and I have to stop and say I love Charlotte Gainsbourg...

[@Retropangolin]

A Great selection form Charlotte , She's a Class Act ~

[@SurlyInsomniac]

Agnes Varda's Cléo from 5 to 7 is a wonderful movie.

[@doublelxp]

Agnes Varda is just generally wonderful.

[@hildamontes6146]

Wonderful picks Charlotte i love all of them nice to see you and some great insights into the films you are cloesest to. More pkease soon and longer.

[@awcv1]

dear Criterion these are so qonderful and moving in a way. What a LOVELY idea !

[@YeeSnarky]

I love that Charlotte lives these films, and not just picks great films that are impersonal.

[@RK-rf8rc]

She has such a beautiful accent and manner of speaking

[@ejderavc8568]

We need a ''Quentin Tarantino's Closet Picks'' video

[@zelmo7330]

Cement Garden - highly recommended with C. Gainsbourg.

[@burritogamer3984]

underrated for sure, it's the first film I saw with her in it and she has such an amazing screen prescence, that story sticks with you and also envelops you with its atmosphere, sad and alienated

[@galgaro]

what a gentle person! Love her!

[@kjswhathappened1837]

What a lovely personality she has, adorable.

[@JoaoPedroCanhenha]

She's truly luminous!

[@soonerfanjim]

I can see “A Face in the crowd” and that is a great movie!!!

[@chrisgullo3893]

The way she said Criterion made me all warm and fuzzy inside

[@killroy123]

My celeb crush. No question 😍

[@francescodamato3426]

Years go by, but you are still the same, authoritative, intriguing, sweet and beautiful. Your fan forever.

[@weinerschnitzelrock1]

Thanks for sharing ! It's nice you're looking for films your six- year old can see !

[@whatevershebrings]

Next on the list for her child is ' Ma Mere'...

[@filmmaker610]

Antichrist “Just for Lars” lol. Love it.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

I like how Bell du jour just ends, all buñuel films just end. Belle du jour ends on ringing bells.