Barry Jenkins’s Closet Picks

Back in November, director Barry Jenkins stopped by Criterion for a visit while in New York promoting his sophomore feature, MOONLIGHT.
Barry's Picks:
Ingmar Bergman's FANNY AND ALEXANDER
Satyajit Ray's THE APU TRILOGY
Andrew Haigh's WEEKEND
John Cassavetes: Five Films
Krzysztof Kieślowski’s DEKALOG
Mathieu Kassovitz's LA HAINE
Joel Coen's BLOOD SIMPLE
Catherine Breillat's FAT GIRL
Mira Nair's MONSOON WEDDING
Lynne Ramsay's RATCATCHER
David Gordon Green's GEORGE WASHINGTON
Akira Kurosawa's RASHOMON
The Essential Jacques Demy
The Complete Jacques Tati
Shop Barry's Closet Picks:
www.criterion.com/shop/collec...

[@inthemoodformovies309]

Finally someone did what every fan would've done. Just take EVERYTHING!

[@royoncelluloid4813]

In the Mood for Movies it was very cathartic to see

[@bennoclassico]

Yup. Fuck it, bring a trolley with you.

[@TriplicateGuy]

Totally agree! He's an independent film maker. Even with his Oscar nominations, he's still probably poor as dirt, putting everything he has into his projects. Until he gets a million dollar paycheck, he deserves everything he took. Thanks to Criterion for giving him this wonderful gift.

[@michaelrobenalt5193]

You should watch Alfonso Cuaron's closet visit. It's just him and Pawel Pawlikowski not addressing the camera as they stock up and talk to each other. It's very funny.

[@Rocketscienceshorts]

yuppp

[@Wired4Life2]

*"This is a bit overwhelming; there's too much good shit here..."*

[@Vintagestylewins]

BlueFox94 literally me

[@rees4232]

The Pirate Bay is just here, round the corner ➡️

[@inyostudio]

Embarrassing lol, I would have taken so much more.

[@creatorstory9916]

I think to some degree that's what everyone who goes into the Criterion closet feels.

[@CinemaRockPizza]

"This embarrassing. This is really embarrassing..." Love for cinema is not embarrassing, Barry. We'd have gone insane too in that closet.

[@cl759]

You said it! I'd be doing the same.

[@facu_avm]

I think he meant that taking too many films from the closet was embarrassing cuz it may look very arrogant to take advantage on such an offer. That means a lot, Barry must be a very humble guy :3

[@3star4life]

lmaoooo I'm thinking of how much the safie brothers took XD

[@ToddBVick]

I can completely relate. There'd be nothing left if I was allowed in the closet.

[@Dorypowa]

"ok i'm done, ok i'm done..." *grab the complete Tati set* so funny !!

[@davidparker7216]

like a scene from tati himself

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

I wanna get Scorsese in here so we can get a 14 hour video of him going through every film in the closet.

[@slc2466]

Only 14 hours? He'd make his next movie in there.

[@djstarsign]

I remember watching Martin Scorcese's "Journey Through Cinema" (I can't remember the name exactly) but he talked in detail about the films that left a deep impression and I was captivated. One of cinema's most ardent and passionate fans.

[@joliecide]

Scorsese in the Criterion Closet should be a Criterion boxset of its own!

[@conansmith5164]

I would die if that happened

[@xmenlover92]

The only two I know he would very likely choose are The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus.

[@klausweasley]

FUN FACT: Damien Chazelle thought he was supposed to be here and was already with a bag but then there was a mix-up since they actually intended to get Barry Jenkins originally.

[@GBincProductions]

Years later, and this is still hilarious.

[@goreycinema]

Poor guy. Lol.

[@bruhmomento6691]

Well I hope he gets that chance haha

[@hugopatino-cano672]

Wow. They should have just brought both of them and let them do it together. Especially since they were the front runners for Best Picture.

[@vishnu2407]

Yuck, Chazelle

[@kinodino2200]

3:05 "I am done. I'm not taking anymore. Okay, I'm only taking one more." *Grabs the 100$ Tati Collection* "Okay. Now I'm done. Alright?" Barry you're the best xD

[@EpicBeard815]

I'm jealous of Jenkins for getting his choice of Criterion films, but I'm jealous of Criterion because they get to hang out with such a brilliant director.

[@mostrecommendedmovies]

0:07 THE APU TRILOGY - Sayyajit Ray. “I can’t even describe how good this series is.” 0:16 WEEKEND - Andrew Haigh. "“Love this movie.” 0:25 FIVE FILMS - John Cassavetes. “Foundational” 1:05 LA HAINE - Matthieu Kassovitz. “When I was in film school this was the film… you got together on a Sunday afternoon, you drank a few beers and you watched this over and over.” 1:22 RATCATCHER - Lynne Ramsay. “The first criterion I ever owned.” 1:44 GEORGE WASHINGTON - David Gordon Green. “The second criterion I ever owned.” 2:26 RASHOMON - Akira Kurasawa. “I’ve seen this too many times, but, out of respect for the form, I can never see it too many times.”

[@thePANDEMlC]

I haven't even seen Moonlight yet and I already love this guy. Every time I see him in anything he just comes off as so genuine, smooth and likable.

[@Meesterlijker]

Have you gotten to it? If not, please watch it if you can. If you did, I'm curious to hear your opinion!

[@CaioAraujoRibeiro]

lol. I love that he kneeled to pick up the movies, and found some more to pick down there

[@slc2466]

"I am done, I am done. . ." then he sneaks one more box set in from around the corner- great direction, Barry.

[@monkeyboss4259]

Or now you’re making me think he kneeled down just as a cover up to look at the films at the bottom lmaoo

[@VideoCop]

Man Berry Jenkins seems like the calmest and nicest dude ever. Seems like the perfect guy to hang out with

[@slc2466]

Or to pick up a few blu rays for you.

[@thetramp123]

Jenkins is the best. I like how he acknowledges that he's just taking a little TOO much but then just can't help himself. I would have grabbed those boxsets too. Apu, Tati, Demy, amazing stuff.

[@slc2466]

Jenkins has good taste- he took three of the four Criterion Blu-Ray box sets I own.

[@bennoclassico]

I think this is all of them: FANNY AND ALEXANDER (1982, Ingmar Bergman) PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (2002, Paul Thomas Anderson) THE APU TRILOGY - PATHER PANCHALI (1955, Satyajit Ray) - APARAJITO (1956, Satyajit Ray) - APUR SANSAR (1959, Satyajit Ray) WEEKEND (2011, Andrew Haigh) JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILMS - SHADOWS (1959, John Cassavetes) - FACES (1968, John Cassavetes) - A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE (1974, John Cassavetes) - THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (1976, John Cassavetes) - OPENING NIGHT (1977, John Cassavetes) THREE COLORS - THREE COLORS: BLUE (1993, Krzysztof Kieslowski) - THREE COLORS: WHITE (1994, Krzysztof Kieslowski) - THREE COLORS: RED (1994, Krzysztof Kieslowski) DEKALOG (1988, Krzysztof Kieslowski) LA HAINE (1995, Matthieu Kassovitz) BLOOD SIMPLE (1984, Joel Coen) FAT GIRL (2001, Catherine Breillat) MONSOON WEDDING (2001, Mira Nair) LA CIÉNAGA (2001, Lucrecia Martel) RATCATCHER (1999, Lynne Ramsay) GEORGE WASHINGTON (2000, David Gordon Green) RASHOMON (1950, Akira Kurosawa) THE RIVER (1951, Jean Renoir) A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY (1991, Edward Yang) THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001, Wes Anderson) BREATHLESS (1960, Jean-Luc Godard) ECLIPSE SERIES 21: OSHIMA'S OUTLAW SIXTIES - PLEASURES OF THE FLESH (1965, Nagisa Oshima) - VIOLENCE AT NOON (1966, Nagisa Oshima) - SING A SONG OF SEX (1967, Nagisa Oshima) - JAPANESE SUMMER: DOUBLE SUICIDE (1967, Nagisa Oshima) - THREE RESURRECTED DRUNKARDS (1968, Nagisa Oshima) THE ESSENTIAL JACQUES DEMY - LOLA (1961, Jacques Demy) - BAY OF ANGELS (1963, Jacques Demy) - THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964, Jacques Demy) - THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967, Jacques Demy) - DONKEY SKIN (1970, Jacques Demy) - UNE CHAMBRE EN VILLE (1982, Jacques Demy) THE COMPLETE JACQUES TATI - JOUR DE FÊTE (1949, Jacques Tati) - MONSIEUR HULOT'S HOLIDAY (1953, Jacques Tati) - MON ONCLE (1958, Jacques Tati) - PLAYTIME (1967, Jacques Tati) - TRAFIC (1971, Jacques Tati) - PARADE (1974, Jacques Tati)

[@prans2persona]

Thanks a lot man.. i was unable to find the names from some dvd covers.

[@bennoclassico]

Not before I posted them, and didn't list all of them anyway

[@louiso.4325]

They're not all there. It's missing the River for example.

[@lyricsfromsweden]

At 2:48 you can also see Clouds of Sils Maria between Fanny and Alexander & Blood Simple.

[@aforementionedhysteria3455]

velocirapta

[@Eueu]

Fanny and Alexander The Apu Trilogy Weekend (2011) John Cassavetes: Five Films Punch-Drunk Love I Am Curious... Box Set Three Colors Trilogy Dekalog La Haine Blood Simple Fat Girl Monsoon Wedding La Ciénaga Ratcatcher George Washington Rashomon The River Breathless Eclipse Series 21: Oshima’s Outlaw Sixties The Essential Jacques Demy The Complete Jacques Tati Clouds of Sils Maria A Brighter Summer Day The Royal Tenenbaums

[@LeoCurbeloFilms]

Got it, need it, seen it, got it, need it, haven't seen, got it, need it, got it, need it, need it, got it, haven't seen, seen it, need it, seen it, need it, haven't seen, got it, seen it, haven't seen, seen it.

[@PlanetTristan]

don't forget La Ciénaga

[@vb2388]

eueu...From the films he chosed I have seen only 8 of them

[@lyricsfromsweden]

Hold up! What's the one between Fanny & Alexander and Blood Simple at 2:48?

[@lyricsfromsweden]

Yeah, that's Clouds Over Sils Maria!

[@erzascralet48]

3:12 -- Every Criterion Collector when they come home from a Barnes & Noble Criterion sale.

[@ninnaaaaaaaaaa]

erzascralet48 Lmao yes

[@jakepeterson1121]

This comment really makes this video even more special in simply recognizing that when the July sale hits that dormant Criterion collectors thinking they'll just pick up a couple end up having a major relapse buying so many that they have to decide with shame which utility they won't pay for or which kid won't be going to college.

[@Fisk4life]

Yup! Speaking of which I wonder when the next sale is?

[@salvadorsalazar9409]

Fisk4life November - December 3

[@oldmoviemusic]

@@salvadorsalazar9409 wait, the sale's on now?! what???

[@DashPari]

He's like a child in a candy store. This video made me smile all the way through

[@katecurtis-hawkins6476]

Barry Jenkins is all of us if we were in that closet. That last shot, "this is embarrassing, this is really embarrassing" is comedy gold.

[@calebw3353]

"I can take however many I want?" After Moonlight, I'd be fine with Barry Jenkins doing anything

[@Lucols4]

like a kid in a candy store

[@brandonkashinsky9222]

Yep agreed

[@MichaelChapman18]

I love how he owned his greediness. Fucking earned those and the nominations he got today. Shine Moonlight. Shine.

[@LightYagami-wt1jw]

Haha wonder what you have to say now after 2 years

[@gottalight3574]

@James Schultz * Est.1982 is overrated

[@Kieslowski1989]

@@LightYagami-wt1jw Moonlight is too good nevertheless.

[@jameskane8428]

Come on people, it's out of respect for the form. Respect for the form...

[@Theomite]

That's gonna be our new excuse for every greedy thing we do from now on, you know.

[@michaelotis223]

@@Theomite Hahahahahaaa imma use that the next time I visit the nearest vinyl shop

[@seanmatyas3938]

I like how "Yes" is all that is needed to describe why a film needs to be watched.

[@Calcuttaboy1889]

I'm glad he picked The Apu Trilogy. There is a connection between the trilogy and Moonlight - both are poetic portrayals of the journey of a boy from the wonders of childhood to the mysteries of adolescence and then finally into the responsibilities of adulthood.

[@filmreviewsandsht6862]

YES! I love that he dumped his bag on the floor.

[@DuBziDriFT]

Film Reviews and Sh*t like a kid that just came back from trick-or-treating.

[@TriplicateGuy]

Exactly! I thought it was gloriously funny. I am jealous, but totally untalented, so I will never visit The Closet. But good for Barry! So deserving.

[@Lgg130]

@@TriplicateGuy we are all extremely talented at something. unfortunately most people don't get to find it in them. or they do but it's something unappreciated by their current times.

[@perspicaciouscritic]

His enthusiasm is infectious.

[@douglasharris4295]

Gotta love thorough appreciation of classic cinema

[@balls3444]

I swear Barry Jenkins is such a fascinating person. You can tell how much passion he has for film and how much he commits himself to his craft.

[@mymothergeorge]

I think this is my favorite one so far. Barry Jenkins, we get you.

[@EvelioandZgroup]

1:27 took a while, but they got Ratcatcher now on Blu-ray. EDIT: And he got to write an essay for the film included in the Blu-ray!

[@flamingoseatshrimps1361]

0:58 “You can't make something that's 10 hours” *Makes The Underground Railroad*

[@slc2466]

Love that look and exhale after he asks "I can take as many of these as I want?" You can tell he's gonna go for it.

[@Durbikins]

I don't think he took enough to be honest.

[@labotamysausagedog]

Yeah but, you can never really take enough

[@BaileeWalsh]

This is basically the only thing that's in the comments but I'm here to reiterate that this is all of us! "That's it! I'm done! I'm done! I am done! I am done. I'm not taking any more." [Proceeds to take more.]

[@birk3nstock]

This is probably my favorite one of these.

[@CB12455]

This video remains the gold standard for this series. Flawless taste, lovingly detailed explanations, and a childlike joy. Barry is wonderful.

[@StolenPvP]

I'm so looking forward to this man's future work. Moonlight was great.

[@klausweasley]

He gets nominated for a couple of Oscars *AND* he raids the Criterion closet?!? Some guys have all the luck.

[@Vintagestylewins]

klausweasley well why not ? That's what happens when true art gets recognised ....

[@arhvn]

You're talking as if getting nominated for an Oscar takes no effort at all

[@monwhooperinvasive8064]

klausweasley that's not luck sir... that's hard work

[@littleafterall]

Yes, most of the time it takes effort, but not creativity.

[@tommaccammon7158]

He's in there because of being nominated and his Artistry - why do you think Criterion owes DVD's to anyone?

[@RyanKhanna]

This was hilarious and awesome at the same time

[@Capgungoesbang]

I already loved this man but the fact he pulled out Fat Girl, Ratcatcher and George Washington just made me love him even more. Moonlight was the best movie of 2016 and one of the best movies I've ever seen, I'm so thankful for the work put into it.

[@MrHrc0]

He seems like a such cool dude. Glad he got The nomination!

[@joshuaprice3965]

Anyone else get "My precious" vibes when he's crouched on the floor at the end?

[@Clincalyabrasiv]

"I'm Done!" *Grabs "The Complete Jacques Tati""* My man

[@seanmatyas3938]

To be fair his hand was on the set as he was saying he was done 😅

[@farragutspikes1]

A true film fan. Take it all! You've earned it!!

[@debrajdas4527]

His picks truly reflects world cinema.

[@Anotherroom]

This is the most wholesome Criterion Closet episode I've seen.

[@michaelrobenalt5193]

My favorite Criterion closet visit so far. I mean how do can you not love him!?

[@Rsma77]

Barry Jenkins is me every time there's a Criterion sale. I'm about to leave the store then I see something else I need. I'm so glad he had a chance to grab some stuff from the Criterion Closet. I hope both him and Moonlight raid the Oscars like he raided the closet.

[@ivanjongentolizo]

Barry Jenkins: “You can’t make anything that’s 10 hours” Lav Diaz: Yeah, sure.

[@pablocontrerassanchez8111]

This guy seems so authentic. Moonlight is perfect. I can't wait for the Criterion edition of that!

[@andrijamp]

Please, please, please make more of these!! Your closet picks videos are one of my favourite things ever, I watch them over and over again! So fascinating

[@Dontuween]

Great taste and congrats to Barry Jenkins on his Oscar nomination for Best Director (Moonlight).

[@puremadness]

There's something so great watching great directors geek out over other directors

[@carayverson]

He literally just took every Criterion box set that I own. My God I'd love to have a drink with this guy.

[@Eternelspotlessmind]

My favorite closet ever! I have rewatched it at least....10.000 times !!!!!

[@PeterEvansPeteTakesPictures]

I love when he spills them out of the floor like a kid counting his presents again under the Christmas tree. Bless.

[@samfilmkid]

okay that's it, I'm done. I'm not taking anymore, I'm done. Except i'm not. Not ever.

[@dedket7777]

John Cassavete is so underrated. Loved the picks here as well as Barry's childlike enthusiasm for film.

[@tyrannosaurusburke]

Every filmmaker I've seen so far in this series has chosen the Jacques Tati box set. That's some good word-of-mouth advertising there.

[@raid4000]

Get Paul Thomas Anderson to do one when he's promoting for his next film please!!!

[@armandogalindo7412]

Well i guess it will never happen

[@jarxsjarx4422]

@@armandogalindo7412 soggy bottom is being filmed plus he'd know criterion since PDL got a criterion

[@armandogalindo7412]

@@jarxsjarx4422 ok this is embarrassing, but for some reason I thought Paul Thomas Anderson was Daniel Day-Lewis 😂. Pardon my stupidity

[@mymyope]

I just want to be a mildly known filmmaker hoping that , perhaps one day, criterion would invite me into this closet.

[@Ardakapalasan]

The complete Tati set... I literally drooled on the keyboard

[@futuropasado]

This man made two masterpieces in 3 years. He deserves that! Most talented new director out there.

[@jamesmarchment6659]

Remember watching La Haine for my French final exam and being blown away

[@thunderwood]

I love these videos. Such great insight into what inspires some of our favorite filmmakers. Thank you!

[@ushasibandyopadhyay2087]

I love how almost everyone gets the Jacques Tati box-set!

[@YouHaveBeenWatchingFilms]

Barry's reaction of being able to pick out those films (great picks btw!) is great, it's so awesome just seeing another person's enthusiasm for the films he's picking out. I can't help but think I'd be similar in picking out almost everything there!

[@AEscala024]

1:28 “Blu-ray for this one, please.” Just announced today! Finally happening!

[@gnalkhere]

And he's writing the 2nd essay

[@AEscala024]

@@gnalkhere Indeed he is! Only fitting.

[@neworleansguy10]

He’s right. John Casavettes was an amazing Director, particularly Love Streams and A Woman Under The Influence. He was crazier than batshit, as is Gena Rowlands, but brilliant. Rowlands remains, IMHO, one of the best living actresses never to win an Academy Award.

[@noahlasher9724]

Hands down my favorite closet video, he’s so passionate about these movies and has some amazing picks.

[@kitjeab]

Thanks for giving us the titles of their picks AWESOME

[@karenzielke9387]

Thank you for listing the titles; couldn't read many of them that Mr. Jenkins held up.

[@BeefBronson]

Well it took them 4 years, but they’re finally putting Ratcatcher on blu-ray 🥰

[@robert_ravel]

0:57 and 4 years later he made a story in 10 hours: the underground railroad

[@loonylaura85]

I know! 😆 I saw someone else mention that somewhere. 😊

[@emptylikebox]

This shows how he loves cinema, he can't get enough of Criterion. Hahaha.

[@thegoodthebadtheoffended6548]

THIS! This is what I wanted other people's closet picks to be like in this wonderful closet full of incredible films! Grab EVERYTHING you like!

[@jssl-1515-peace]

I wish he would have talked more about the movies he selected.

[@majorhobo]

I really want to hear his take on Brighter Summer Day, since he took it.

[@petertaylorarts]

Love when he's on the floor like a kid at Christmas. Oh to be able to do this!! Great choices too

[@damagorleprauchan1504]

If Moonlight doesn't win best picture I will go insane.

[@scouts1998]

Get ready to go insane, there is a 95% chance of La La Land winning

[@Personofel]

I would be content with either of them winning

[@rbriggs89]

I should win, but it most likely wont.

[@ZombieZifiction]

la la land is ba ba better

[@sophieisthewalrus]

brandon thompson I really didn't think La La Land was very good... why does everyone love it so much? did I miss something?

[@jetblach]

Congratulations again Barry! Ratcatcher will be released on Blu Ray October 2021.

[@JrFootballStar]

possible Moonlight criterion???? yes please 🙏

[@MrKJ444]

every A24 film criterion is my dream

[@MichaelChapman18]

MrKJ444 A24 boxset please.

[@MichaelChapman18]

MrKJ444 A24 boxset please.

[@KMO325]

Make it a Moonlight/Medicine for Melancholy double!

[@dkelly26666]

The two films from last year I hope get into the Criterion Collection eventually are Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" and Martin Scorsese's "Silence"

[@richardyasushiii3848]

"My grandmother would be so angry right now...." HAHAHA. Great.

[@JosephGervais]

Barry Jenkins is just all of us grabbing everything off the shelf. Except he's one one of this generations best filmmakers

[@ZombiesvRobots]

I got that same Rashomon, but I also got it because of Kent Williams cover. I saw a poster size version of it once, but that wasn't for sale. Williams studies on Rashomon are amazing.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

He has some great taste in films 👍

[@binkytube]

I've only seen half of these amazing films. Thanks for Closet Picks!

[@RTA_productions]

I love this video, watch it at least 2 times a month

[@IPhonola]

Barry Jenkins, I can't wait to see your next film. Congratulations on your nomination.

[@craigparsons6776]

Barry Jenkins is the best! Can’t wait until his films make it into the Collection.

[@boppob1343]

I come back to watch this all the damn time

[@rosebudlime]

Probably the best moment, is realising what we would all do. hope he got them all.

[@bearcubd3900]

Moonlight was amazing and reilly stayed with me long after the credits rolled , That last seen kinda broke my heart a bit .

[@cowsaysboo]

I just want to say how amazing 'Moonlight' is. In my opinion the best movie of the last decade. Just incredible

[@MAronson]

There's so much joy and respect here. AND he's right. Can we get a RATCATCHER BLURAY?!!

[@SleepFan771]

Already love Barry Jenkins for directing Moonlight. He's amazing here too!

[@brimonet7453]

LOVE this man and his humble ways.

[@PatrickWDunne]

I love how he takes all the box sets. Smart moves.

[@djnkosi]

Love Jenkins! Every now and then I'll come back and rewatch this vid just to vibe off the mutual love of cinema. Ditto with many of the great comments in the comments section. Film lovers unite! And If Beale Street Could Talk is another Jenkins masterpiece!

[@MrDrawingboard1]

i am surprised he didn't bring up Punch-Drunk Love cause its the only PTA film in the collection and Jenkins called it one of his all time favorites.