Nathan Lane’s Closet Picks

[@michaelminch5490]

"I'm not gonna make any closet jokes. It's too easy." Proceeds to immediately make two closet jokes. I love this guy!

[@HobGungan]

He's a national treasure

[@adambob3123]

I didn’t get the jokes. Can you explain them please?

[@ambskater97]

@@adambob3123 He's gay.

[@roycastanon5754]

@@adambob3123 probably some film snob joke

[@nicholasferrara5222]

@RoyCastanon They most certainly are not!😂 "The Closet" is a term for a LGBTQIA+ person who is not open about their sexuality/gender. That is what the expression "coming out of the closet" refers to. Nathan Lane is an openly gay man, he is "out of the closet." So, when he refers to himself being "back in the closet" he is saying he is no longer openly gay. The joke about Liberace is suggesting he was a "closeted" homosexual. I'm sure other people could phrase this better, but for now, does that clear things up!

[@opal817]

All alone in a closet, and he's still doing schtick. Legend.

[@brooksashmanskas4516]

Indeed, love him❤️😍🙏

[@seanmatyas3938]

Wouldn't expect anything less from him

[@flamingoseatshrimps1361]

Probably the most energetic man who has been in this closet

[@gabefranco6572]

Nice profile picture btw. I’m so stoked for Last Night in Soho

[@brooksashmanskas4516]

Nathan Lane (my crush). I love him so much. Fantastic actor, he's so awesome in every genre he plays : The Birdcage, Mousehunt, Guys And Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Love! Valour!Compassion!, The Lisbon Traviata, Odd Couple, The Producers, The Iceman Cometh, The Nance (❤️), Angels in America (👏👏), The Good Wife, American Crime Story or Penny Dreadful City of Angels (One of it's best role on TV).

[@mattmontada8539]

So true. Love his energy, passion, and humor in this video hehe 😁 PS: i am in love with your profile picture 🤩. Last Night In Soho is my most anticipated film for the rest of the year.

[@edgarfriendly8808]

And now he's out of the closet 😝

[@hank1519]

He's so lovable!

[@markfadness9204]

The other female director Nathan couldn't recall was Dorothy Arzner, the first woman in the director's guild (1936). She remained the only woman until 1949 when Ida Lupino became the 2nd woman admitted into the director's guild.

[@technodroog]

knowledge dropped. Thanks!

[@champagnesocialist3716]

Yes! I was looking for this comment. She also invented the boom mic!

[@stevennieto9898]

Wow.........you know your shit!

[@stevennieto9898]

@@champagnesocialist3716 Woah, so do you! 😂 Cool to know she invented the boom mic.

[@TheTurkaderr]

I love that he was so kind even if he didn't remember. Some people would just say " oh,I can't remember " and move on, but he genuinely acknowledged that she must have been amazing in her own right even if he couldn't remember her name. A classy man.

[@FPOAK]

They should get Steve Buscemi on here

[@Madbandit77]

Absolutely.

[@Orangeflava]

Stat!

[@stargirl8444]

YES

[@FramesPerSecond]

How do you do fellow kids

[@ferstnaimlaastnaim6732]

Yes.

[@annehere8604]

"'Banned in cities around the world.' I'm SOLD!" Hilarious and entertaining as always! Thanks, Nathan!

[@an645]

I laughed when he said that. When I see the word 'banned' on anything I gotta have it. I refuse to be censored.

[@mohammedashian8094]

@@an645 same

[@nicholasguadagnino8128]

I love how his tone completely changes when talking about The Night of the Hunter.

[@TheTurkaderr]

As well it should, it's f'ing brilliant, so glad he notices. So many actors today have never heard of it. I think it should be required viewing for any serious actor.

[@donlitos]

Oh be quiet

[@0axel078]

the coziness this video radiates...

[@scmkar]

Its his clothes

[@HobGungan]

@@scmkar Particularly that scarf

[@dukeofmars4847]

0:19 The kid 0:24 Rififi 0:45 Bitter rice 0:57 I am curious/yellow 1:25 Night of the hunter 1:50 Sweet smell of success 2:09 Valley of the dolls 2:35 Odd man out 2:49 Micky and Nicky 2:33 The in-laws 2:40 Heaven can wait 3:50 Here comes mr jordon 4:19 Being there

[@flaggerify]

Heaven can Wait is 3:40

[@mariabaumgartel766]

Thank you

[@donlitos]

Get a life

[@vivianamora7505]

“Being There” would be a great musical 🎵

[@bored1ca]

I loved what he said about that and yes I think it would be awesome!

[@andymassingham]

Took me a moment but, yes. A solid idea. And now I can see glimmers of the rest of it. It certainly wouldn’t diminish the film.

[@RichYouTube]

What a great concept!

[@dbarker7794]

If I'd heard that concept anywhere else I would've thought "how absurd." But he really sold that idea.

[@Mooseman327]

Yeah, he sold me with his concept. Too bad Sondheim didn't agree.

[@nomisnomovie]

I love hearing people talk about Elaine May

[@Melancthon7332]

But for real - when will we ever get A New Leaf on Criterion? It's one of the best comedies ever made.

[@diannadarling699]

Elaine May co-wrote Heaven Can Wait, 1978…

[@fettfan91]

“‘Banned in countries across the world.’ I’m sold!” Nathan Lane is a national treasure!

[@NoirFan84]

Mikey & Nicky is an absolute gem. Best performance I've seen Cassavettes give.

[@tommysmith4117]

Yoooooo, I was just randomly thinking about Nathan Lane doing one of these and now it finally happened.

[@spaceo8568]

This man is a national treasure.

[@LifeBoatSinking]

Agreed

[@shards0fwords]

A universal treasure 😊

[@uglybetty8747]

Absolutely!!!!

[@jwelch5742]

Nathan Lane won 2 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for playing Timon in Timon & Pumbaa (TV series): Season 1 and Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for playing Spot/Scott in Teacher's Pet (TV series).

[@joshkresnik6402]

An absolute legend

[@arthurprado1369]

I want to see his version of Being There NOW!

[@supermarcona]

I don't think I've seen anyone look more comfy than Nathan Lane in this here video.

[@NachoNarwhal]

That Being There idea was brilliant. It would be a unique spin on the film that would help exhibit one of its main points; "singing at him" is essentially what ever character is doing already

[@musics4me]

When gay people say "respect your elders", we are referring to icons like Nathan

[@WillScarlet16]

*Pulls out Criterion copy of Noel Coward in 'In Which We Serve'*

[@christophergerety1263]

Elders?

[@zvimur]

@@WillScarlet16 also Laughton's Night of the Hunter. Or did you mean that NC was known for not being respectful, maybe?

[@WillScarlet16]

@@zvimurI mean there are gay elders who go way back before Nathan Lane.

[@zvimur]

@@WillScarlet16 That could have been said intentionally. Self aware irony on the side of Lane.

[@BudFuddlacker]

Nathan has officially transitioned into an a sweet old lady

[@WillScarlet16]

With a wicked sense of humor;

[@3506Dodge]

Who tells naughty jokes!

[@beefcakesupremeforce4539]

Mousehunt, The Birdcage, Frankie and Johnny, and most importantly... The Lion King 1 1/2

[@frankirons9337]

Mathematically and artistically, The Lion King 1½ > The Lion King!

[@PoliciesOfArt]

When is that going to be in the Criterion Collection?

[@loriannnoguchi5610]

Dig a Tunnah is an iconic song!

[@musics4me]

YES!! Justice for Lion King 1 1/2!!!!

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

1.5 was robbed of a proper theatrical run. ROBBED.

[@SpencerLevey]

Nathan is such an underrated actor, his roles in Mouse Hunt and The Birdcage are sooo good.

[@TheTurkaderr]

He's one of the few reasons why I would re-watch BEAU IS AFRAID. He finds a way to ground every role of his in humanity and humor.

[@brazinterma1900]

In Birdcage Nathan Lane did something very difficult: being on the same level of humor with Robin Williams because in comedies the late star always took the film to himself.

[@DrMcMoist]

Well, Williams was playing the straight man in the Birdcage. Which is ironic. Lane was absolutely fantastic though. Their dynamic was superb to watch.

[@sirmount2636]

Robin Williams was a rocket but he was also quite a generous actor as well. Look @ his performance in that episode of Whose Line is it Anyway. Fantastic.

[@margo3367]

Love that movie.

[@uglybetty8747]

Dat movie is a comedy masterpiece. All the mature actors were impeccable !!

[@lovelylovelylauren]

Him, Nathan and Hank Azaria were the perfect trifecta!

[@gabefranco6572]

Wow he picked both Night of the Hunter and Being There. The man has taste

[@gabefranco6572]

@Randy White I haven’t seen those yet but I’ve heard a lot of people mention them. Gotta check em out!

[@glyph2011]

This was the most wonderful closet I’ve ever seen. The man’s a global treasure. How many people can casually say “I asked Sondheim” :-0

[@azhybekaitaliev4576]

Please keep shooting Closet Picks handheld style

[@jwelch5742]

Nathan Lane won 2 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for playing Timon in Timon & Pumbaa (TV series): Season 1 and Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for playing Spot/Scott in Teacher's Pet (TV series).

[@benshultz7201]

Really was hoping he’d pick up the original French Birdcage, but oh well.

[@jessicaclivio4846]

I was very depressed but seeing this man in that fantastic sweater brightened up my day a bit

[@ToxicSpiker]

Mouse Hunt by Gore Verbinski starring Nathan Lane is a modern masterpiece, he can play the leading man alright

[@mattyboyanderson]

The spirit of Laurel & Hardy imbues Lane and Lee Evans in Mouse Hunt. Absolutely an overlooked masterpiece. The bomb vaporizing the entire floor, and (IIRC) the two leads' wordless reactions afterward, is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Just a brilliant film. EDIT: I went back and looked. The wordless reactions come after the absolutely hysterical "GAAAAAS" bit.

[@SC-ew2fc]

And an awesome score by Alan Silvestri!

[@sirmount2636]

I was just thinking of that film when he mentioned being a leading man. Fantastic film, great mixture of slapstick comedy, dark humor meaningful drama & even a few good creepy moments. Superb work really.

[@Hysteria98]

Aah, the comment section I was looking for. The film introduced me to this wonderful character whom i dearly wished would have done more, but I can see why the Stage was his calling. Always struck me as so bizarre that this Broadway actor and an English stand-up comedian were paired for a wholly bizarre Live Action Tom & Jerry film. I still love it dearly, definitely underrated/under-viewed.

[@Hysteria98]

@@SC-ew2fc Spot on. One of the few films I can distinctly remember music from because of him. The theme is just as memorable as the likes of Star Wars, to me.

[@mekurri2007]

My Favorite so far and i have seen nearly all the closet picks, hes just so naturally witty.

[@erinashby8162]

A friend of mine took me to see Night of the Hunter at The Egyptian here in Hollywood years ago and now I can't stop recommending it to everyone. Top five.

[@radbikeadventure]

After all these years, I still love Nathan Lane so dang much.

[@lomoTgod]

A Being There musical is a great idea.

[@lilivonshtup3808]

Nathan Lane does great standup during casual conversation every time I see him. I would definitely invite him (and his husband of course) to my famous people dinner party. He picks great movies too.

[@TheCinematicPackrat1]

I want his sweater. It just looks so comfortable.

[@TheBluRayCritic]

DVD’s? It’s time to buy a Blu-ray player, Nathan.

[@tommyt1971]

RIFIFI!! One of the greatest heists ever put on film! My brother told me I had to watch that flick and that the heist was so cool, and About 3 yrs ago I was in Athens and I trekked up a hill into the south side of the city to see Jules Dassin's grave and pay a little tribute.

[@donlitos]

That’s nice for me to poop on

[@j.wporter1309]

Okay, Being There would be an amazing musical and it needs to be done. Please, SOMEBODY.

[@dctrevett]

Nathan Lane is an underappreciated legend! Thanks for this!

[@dbarker7794]

This might be the best one yet. Lane's intro was great, and his choice of movies was terrific. Especially Rififi and Night of the Hunter.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

The awesomeness level of this man has still not been reached.

[@lamecasuelas2]

Yes! This Man has set the bar real high for any future guest

[@mostrecommendedmovies]

1:25 NIGHT OF THE HUNTER - Charles Laughton. “You should all see night of the hunter.” 1:50 SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS - Alexander Mackendrick. “Best dialogue ever.” 2:49 THE HEARTBREAK KID - Elaine May. “It’s genius.” 2:33 THE IN-LAWS - Arthur Hiller. “It still holds up. It’s still one of the funniest movies ever made.” 2:40 HEAVEN CAN WAIT - Ernst Lubitsch. “If I see it I have to watch it ’til the end.” 4:19 BEING THERE - Hal Ashby. “Peter Seller’s greatest performance.”

[@catherinepowers2750]

I thought so. I am entertained just by hearing Nathan’s voice.

[@sifatshams1113]

Elaine May is soooo underrated. The Heartbreak Kid and Mikey and Nicky are fucking masterpieces!!!

[@moeron13]

Honestly, turning "Being There" into a musical is a genius idea.

[@noisepuppet]

I could watch Only Murders in the Building just for Nathan Lane's performance. What a presence.

[@wmrphotography7349]

It's amazing how many of these have the movie 'Being There' on the list. I saw it when I was younger in the theater, didn't get it back then. But now that I am older..... its amazing.

[@lisawilliams2013]

Sweet Smell of Success deserves the accolades it’s received for the script alone. It helps that the performances were outstanding, the actors did the script justice. The film didn’t get the love it deserved from moviegoers at the time it was released, and I don’t think it received one Oscar nod. On an unrelated note, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Nathan’s sweater and scarf ensemble is absolutely perfect. He’s so adorable!

[@sebeckley]

I'm so glad to see one of these with the list in the description, and with someone who doesn't just hold up the case, at an unreadable angle, and say "This one!" Those should not even be posted since it's just someone picking out movies. I 💝💗💖 Nathan!

[@hyzenthlayrose2176]

I'm dying to see that musical version of Being There become a reality now.

[@pwatersnh]

The best Criterion Closet video ever!

[@sarita423]

We loved The In-Laws as a kid. We used to run around zig-zaqgging screaming "Serpentine! Serpentine!"

[@steveschmitz2839]

we yelled "Serpentine Shell, Serpentine" lol

[@seriesscratchx9807]

Sweet Smell of Success and Being There are two of my favorite films! Being There is my top comedy film of all time.

[@matts9064]

My new favorite closet video! Nathan Lane is a treasure!

[@AtriumComplex]

So many gems in this video but I would encourage anyone who loves noir to watch Odd Man Out. Nathan is in for a real treat.

[@gavinhenderson7250]

Man this might be my new favourite picks video.

[@CRtrain]

This man is a treasure. Saw him as Nathan Lane in Guys and Dolls on Broadway in the early 90s. He's great in everything - "Birdcage" - "People vs OJ Simpson".

[@alexandercampbell7903]

The Ernest Lubitsch film Lane is recommending is Heaven Can Wait with Gene Tierney, Don Ameche, and a host of colorful character actors like the froggy Eugene Palette and the witchy Marjorie Main.

[@jackofhearts1056]

Agreed. The Night of the Hunter is epic.

[@Dylanbolton69]

“Look at this, this looks very gay” I love this man

[@sienabrown2612]

Oh my god THANK YOU I just finished watching the playlist of these closet picks!

[@kenr.9177]

Nathan was partially just shopping for things he hadn't seen, versus picking and commenting on his favorites. Hilarious!

[@anthonyscully2998]

loved your work in the goodwife. i did not expect so much restraint from a theatrical actor

[@connordoyle460]

Oh God. I was never a huge fan of "Being There" but hell I would pay money to see that musical!

[@fstarkb]

After this, I have the energy and the motivation to work so I can watch more movies as I used to do. What a nice guy!

[@joshkresnik6402]

Every time I hear this guy speak, I hope and pray that at some point he breaks out in song, and whenever he does my day is set, I’m good, nothing could disappoint me for the rest of the day, but when he doesn’t sing I’m let down just a little bit

[@mangalife100]

I can't begin to express how much I love this man. He brings so much joy!

[@kadenduiffard2388]

A fabulous video. Informative and entertaining. Nathan Lane is a genuine delight.

[@mattmontada8539]

Never expected Timon to be in the Criterion Closet 🤩 Easily one of the best and funniest ones you guys have done! 😂 PS: love his picks 😄

[@rfbarrington]

This is the single most wholesome video Criterion has ever posted.

[@allys744]

These are some good picks! I love Night of the Hunter, Being There and the underrated Valley of the Dolls. Also, another reason why Charles Laughton never made another film again was because he died shortly after the film was released.

[@nondescript2892]

Night of the hunter : 1955.....Charles laughton died in 1962 Bit of a stretch .......

[@bighustle6848]

Nathan lane is a national treasure

[@pigfarts992]

It frustrates me to watch them grab DVDs all the time

[@inigo137]

@Randy White just use a ps3, lol

[@iain2080]

@@inigo137 ah yes I'm sure Nathan Lane will fire up his ps3 to watch a movie lmao

[@man.6618]

@@iain2080 of course he would, everybody knows lane is a huge uncharted fan

[@inigo137]

@@iain2080 that was the entire joke, lol

[@pa3997]

Especially with old or older people, the DVD is still the medium. And prominent older people are probably no different.

[@AlexHolmes.]

We love you Nathan! Thankyou Criterion!

[@williamklumpenhower1188]

Love that The In-Laws is on here! You rarely see that hilarious film get its due.

[@DTSsince2016]

When he yells "In the bag!", he kinda sounds like JonTron

[@Isabella-je9yu]

I wish this was longer, I love him!!

[@benitojuarez5190]

Now that it’s pride month you should invite Celine Sciamma

[@amphitheatre]

i wish i could see petite maman

[@zaineridling]

What a delightful six minutes this was. Thank you, Nathan! 💕❤️💕

[@erikhovdahl]

Excellent picks! Excellent performance, or should I say, excellent being himself!

[@paperking_real]

We got Timon in there, now all we need is Pumbaa.

[@pussypasta64]

agreed, lets get Seth Rogen in there asap

[@iain2080]

@@pussypasta64 I can't believe people watched that awful remake. Pumba is Ernie Sabella and no one else.

[@pussypasta64]

@@iain2080 cant believe they roped in Barry Jenkins to work on the sequel, i wish this was a joke..

[@acrophobe]

"all will be well in the garden" has become one of my favorite phrases to use in daily conversation

[@mf1932]

That Being There idea is genius.

[@iamgoingtodeckyoutwo5966]

Love him, look at the guy taking chances. Funny as hell.

[@tubejohn27]

Oh NO NATHAN!!! Do not retire from musical theatre🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@herrdwabash]

I'm sold. There should definitely be a musical version of "Being There"!!!!!!! And Sondheim would have been perfect to do the music.

[@Bigal1982]

I just closed my eyes and just imagined Timon picking lol excellent picks top video 👏🏻👏🏻

[@xmobius0ne]

Glad I wasn't the only one!

[@roystonlodge]

I think this is the only time I've seen the guest pick so many movies they never seen before. Good for you, Mr. Lane!

[@brunopestanalopes2304]

Now I can only think about that “Being There” musical adaptation. Sondheim really sounds like a great choice to bring it to life. And Nathan Lane would have been wonderful, I just know it.

[@judacia]

RIP Sondheim

[@nathancox5316]

I think his idea for a Being There musical is great! You should do it Nathan.

[@fluffylee]

Thank you sir for being there to make us laugh!!!

[@davis0730]

I'm here for Nathan Lane picking out DVD's while also looking like my Grandmother.

[@evansmith9377]

Rififi is one of my all time favourites, great random grab!! Your Man will be stoked!

[@johnfeer9609]

I think that third woman in the Director's Guild might've been Stephanie Rothman who was mostly known for low budget drive-in fare...her best film would be "Terminal Island" (1973). She was a protege of Roger Corman, and I've always been fascinated by her work.

[@pazuzu126]

I so love Nathan Lane! Where has he been?

[@psf334]

When the stage version of 'The Producers' played in London in 2004, British reporter Toby Young was assigned by Vanity Fair magazine to interview Nathan Lane, the star of the show. Young opened the interview by asking Lane whether he was Jewish. After a long pause, Lane snapped, "Yes, yes, what of it?" Encouraged by the answer, the reporter's next question was, "Are you gay?" Lane responded by getting up and walking out of the interview. When Young returned to his office, he was confronted by his irascible editor, Graydon Carter, who had already gotten an earful on the incident. "What were you thinking?" stormed Carter. "You can't ask celebrities whether they're Jewish or gay. In the future, just assume they're all Jewish and all gay, OK?" www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Is-Nathan-Lane-Jewish

[@eyeopeningexp]

Loved the idea for Being There the Musical

[@evolvetrooper]

I would love to be there and get my picks from this beautiful closet.