Mike Leigh’s DVD Picks

[@KERSTEN27]

At the top of my favorite contemporary filmmakers. He is nothing short of a national treasure for Great Britain

[@theeab1993]

honestly, this is the best one so far. Leigh actually gives interesting things to say about the movies.

[@til_thasmokeclearz853]

this should be the standard practice

[@Snapcase-yr1nw]

theeab1993 agreed.

[@theolks]

Exactly, a natural storyteller!

[@Beraksekebon21]

Unlike Cuaron who just steal and run,its a shame i want to hear his take on evwry movie he picks

[@chopin65]

Yeah. He is a director, so, he makes movies.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 / 0:26 - *BICYCLE THIEVES* _dir. Vittorio De Sica_ (1948) 1:10 / 1:23 - *VIVRE SA VIE* _dir. Jean-Luc Godard_ (1962) 2:05 / 2:22 - *A HARD DAY'S NIGHT* _dir. Richard Lester_ (1964) 3:05 - *LATE SPRING* _dir. Yasujiro Ozu_ (1949) 3:43 / 3:49 - *JUDEX* _dir. Georges Franju_ (1963) 4:27 - *THE FIREMEN'S BALL* _dir. Miloš Forman_ (1967) 5:12 / 5:25 - *BERLIN ALEXANDERPLATZ* _dir. Rainer Werner Fassbinder_ (1980) 5:54 / 6:01 - *JULES AND JIM* _dir. François Truffaut_ (1962) 6:57 - *DIVORCE ITALIAN STYLE* _dir. Pietro Germi_ (1961)

[@purpledyeimmortal4119]

thank you!

[@PentameronSV]

@@purpledyeimmortal4119 Glad to help.

[@jacob8949]

These comments you make are a perfect accompaniment to the videos. Thank you!

[@MaximTendu]

Last but not least, the hilarious Divorzio All'Italiana dir. Pietro Germi (1961) The man has good taste, doesn't he?

[@PentameronSV]

@@MaximTendu Added. Thanks for noticing!

[@thevoid99]

mike leigh rules. i hope criterion release all of his early films into a box set.

[@lololFilip]

the latest couple of DVD Picks videos have been great and really insightful! having Herzog in the closet would be the dream!

[@superstimulatedminotaur3681]

Honestly, I don't think he would end up talking about the movies. He'd probably tell some really weird existential story, change into a chicken suit, hop onto his horse, and then ride off into the sunset with his DVD's...

[@Jake-kn3xg]

Paul Thomas Anderson would be a good one.

[@Onmysheet]

Tarantino probably too.

[@marcinb4647]

+Caffa Jake +Onmysheet No.

[@Ax18NY]

I met Mike Leigh at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). A delightful man. Loved talking about film with him. Cheers Mr. Leigh.

[@nox5870]

Naked 1993 by Mike Leigh would for sure be one of my picks if I was there.

[@jarbackk447]

I could feel some sort of subconscious inspiration from Vivre Sa Vie in that film. This explains a lot actually.

[@darenkelly1386]

Mike Leigh-Thank you for PETERLOO. I saw it in Cleveland last spring. Don't know how it fared worldwide , but I appreciated your care to give us a bleak & obscured episode in UK history. And Bravo encore' for Topsy Tervey, and Mr. Turner. You've earned your place in the Criterion Collection .Thank you.

[@jacklong1290]

The first film he picks up is Bicycle Thieves and that is truly a timeless masterpiece. One of the greatest films ever made!

[@thetramp123]

Living legend Mike Leigh. I could listen to him talk about films for hours.

[@David-sp9vd]

Maker of the best films ever made, no joke, he is legendary..

[@Catholicophobia]

I'm upset with myself for only seeing a few of these. I love his films, they've moved me emotionally like few things ever have.

[@K0m30ng]

I just found out Mike Leigh after accidentally found Happy Go Lucky because I was just searching what else Sally Hawkins had done and that was an amazing film. Then dig in to his filmography, I honestly never knew how amazing of a filmmaker he is and since he's a senior now yeah he's a legendary filmmaker

[@buffery333]

Bicycle Thieves (De Sica) Vivre Sa Vie (Godard) A Hard Day's Night (Lester) Late Spring (Ozu) Judex (Franju) Also mentions director Louis Feuillade Fireman's Ball (Foreman) Berlin Alexanderplatz (Fassbinder) Jules and Jim (Truffaut) Divorce Italian Style (Germi)

[@Steve-no2hh]

buffery333 Thank you!!

[@Theomite]

buffery333 See, JULES ET JIM surprises me. I'd have thought for sure he'd have picked THE 400 BLOWS instead.

[@Theomite]

+buffery333 I have to agree with you about that. I don't think you can watch JULES ET JIM and not see the influence on Wes Anderson at least in sensibility. But I don't think Truffaut contributed as much to Anderson's visual sensibility as much as Tati would have, but I can't remember if Anderson considers Tati to be an influence.

[@Snow_Karl]

you gay

[@Sp0nge5]

*Forman

[@TV-fu1ec]

Thanks so much. My late husband used to hunt up a lot of great foreign and art movies. I've found it difficult to get to the really good ones now. I always loved Mike Leigh movies and plays. We saw one in a small venue in Berkeley years ago where all the actors smoked clive cigarettes. Anyway. So pleased with these great recommendations. Also, the fact it's not too hard to find them. Thanks again

[@DeanOfDVD]

Bicycle Thieves is an awesome film, and the Criterion release remains the definitive release of the movie.

[@hermanmelville3871]

The man is a born storyteller. Even his raiding a closet for free swag turns into a series of brilliant and insightful anecdotes.

[@joehughey3213]

YES Vivre sa vie is spectacular! Doesn't get the attention it deserves

[@s.a.l.1974]

I can relate to what he says about Anna Karina

[@cujobyte]

Now I need to rewatch all of Leigh's films. I wish I could go into that closet! Would be a dream!

[@WOLVEOVSIBERIA]

He is a phenomenal filmmaker.

[@LastBankJob]

I absolutely love this man.

[@SanshoTheBailiff]

I could listen to this guy talk for eternity.

[@nextabe1]

Saw this just after seeing the Safdie bros raving about Mike Leigh's Meantime and also picking Bicycle Thieves, neat.

[@betulceyhan8519]

I never thought I’d see “A hard day’s night” on these videos. Touches my beatlemaniac heart.

[@johnp515]

To be fair, A Hard Days Night was praised by film critics from the start

[@marichristian1072]

I'd appreciate a list of picks for each of these videos in the intro. It's not always easy to hear and see what has been chosen. If I were in the closet I'd certainly grab a handful of Mike Leigh's films. He's brilliant beyond words!

[@jimjamjones5335]

"I wish they would make a film about real people." That...literally sums up all his films.

[@corrosivevinyl]

It definitely was informative viewing, you can see his enthusiasm and knowledge.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

"I used to sit in the cinema thinking 'Wouldn't it be great if you had a film where the people were like real people'. " I love that Mike Leigh spent his lifetime making films his young self would've fallen in love with. Vera Drake is still one of the most incredible films I've ever seen, with performances so real they're sublime.

[@RolandDeschain1]

I'll never forget first seeing LIFE IS SWEET. I'd never seen anything like it and I was riveted.

[@cathalmacsiurdain7762]

My favourite British director. He gets oscar-winning performances from all his actors. Love his work.

[@dustanjhlady]

Just watch Jules and Jim while I worked out today. I love Truffaut. The ending was so crazy. I didn't expect it.

[@ryancoulter4797]

Would love to know where Paris, Texas is in that closet

[@jakewestbrook3214]

it blows my mind that I also saw my first entirely non english and subtitled movie when I was 17 as well- and I'm only 19(the movie was Incubus by the way). Though in my childhood I did see some foreign movies like The Gods Must Be Crazy and some sort of Foreign titles like the Babe movies as well.

[@calebw3353]

If you gave me 10 minutes inside that closet I swear....just 10 minutes...

[@hd-xc2lz]

Or you could drive down to your local B&N where they have a long shelf devoted to Criterion.

[@eduardohuang7636]

Just 10 minutes, I will clear whole closet by exactly 8 minutes.

[@hd-xc2lz]

@@eduardohuang7636 Are you wheeling in a dumpster?

[@tgreen9804]

@@hd-xc2lz Honestly, there are five B&N stores in what I would consider driving distance of my house and only one of them has Criterion movies (or really any movies at all).

[@BlownMacTruck]

T Green There’s this thing called the “internet” where you can order things and they’re shipped to you. Dunno if you’ve heard of it.

[@AmandaEm7]

GrownUps is here on YT, one of his BBC Plays, it's hilarious great acting in it. I love his films, reality, humour and pain in all ❤️

[@tonybennett4159]

Divorce Italian Style! My God, I thought that had disappeared for ever. Hope this is available in the UK. Like Mike said, it's great.

[@robinferris3116]

Fans of Mike Leigh should check out 'nuts in may'. It was an episode of a british anthology show. Very hard to find but i think you could get it in a Mike Leigh box set or perhaps online. I have a pirated copy.

[@hank1519]

It's available on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6Hbf2V4dql7rc0

[@account9434]

1. Bicycle Thieves (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_Thieves) 2. Vivre Sa Vie (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Life_to_Live) 3. A Hard Day's Night (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hard_Day%27s_Night_(film) ) 4. Late Spring (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Spring) 5. Judex (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judex_(1963_film) ) 6. The Firemen's Ball (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Firemen%27s_Ball) 7. Berlin (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Alexanderplatz_(miniseries) ) 8. Jules and Jim (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_and_Jim) 9. Divorce Italian Style (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce_Italian_Style)

[@holgerhn6244]

I like what Leigh has to say about movies of Godard: they are 'very constructed', nevertheless remain vivid, even 'raw' all the same. This captures nicely Godards unique talent, I think. There are many (rightful) critics of Godard the man or the political 'artiste engagé'. But his best films still speak for themselves.

[@KurdishHeritage]

Everyone calling for Criterion turning these DVD picks into a formula / series; I disagree. Actors, directors are all unique. The way it is done is perfect. It gives them maximum freedom. If they want to talk a lot, let them. If they want to keep it short, let them. What they pick or talk about is up to them, no pressure. I like it best this way :).

[@kanacubana827]

Man, I hope to be just like this when i'm in old age

[@spacetragedy]

Thank you, will take a look at all the recomendations from master Leigh👍

[@joeyodonnell123]

WOW!! Love Criterion, and love this man!

[@NuageAuSol]

I really enjoyed "Mr Turner", he's an interesting director.

[@johnprovince5304]

Lucas Pellarin Check out Topsy Turvey

[@FungusMossGnosis]

I wish 'All or Nothing' had a Criterion release. Terribly underrated movie.

[@MAQUIYA]

He's one of the masters of today's cinema

[@hank1519]

@@johnprovince5304 Seen it so many times! A real favorite of mine!

[@w.iraheta3769]

buffery333 He is referring to Loius Feuillade Who made the original "Judex". Great filmaker pretty much the french Counterpart to D.W. Griffith. He made some amazing films that were originally realesed as seriels Such as "Les Vampires","Fantomas"and Tin Minh"

[@seanmatyas3938]

Most people come here and just take movies. This is my favourite of these videos because i leave wanting to actually check out some of the ones i havent seen.

[@relinquis]

What a lovely man.

[@gonzocinema599]

Please make a DVD Picks with Leos Carax

[@brutusalwaysminded]

“That’s (lust) a very important aspect of films.” Thank You for admitting that, Mr. Leigh. Wish more “cineastes” were honest about it.

[@lizholmes5801]

I love that, films about real life, and different aspects about people and situations

[@conormclaughlan772]

Get Shane Meadows in please!!

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Wow ! great choice Thank you for sharing.

[@Hellastreet700]

I recently rewatched most of mikes films some early ones id not seen before and no one dose kitchen sink tis grim up north like Mr Leigh , Il always revisit his movies as the years go on .

[@Onmysheet]

Hope Criterion do a Blu Ray transfer of Bleak Moments soon.

[@aaronsmith3869]

These things he's saying about these movies seem like things I might say about his movies

[@jimisi7424]

Jesus! Just imagine finding out that mike Leigh loves all of your films.no greater compliment exists

[@raoulmontefiore4803]

I'd happily listen to him talk about films all day.

[@cameronobrien5992]

I could listen to him speak all day

[@TheEleatic]

Jules and Jim has never held any appeal for me. I prefer the 400 Blows much, much more. I just watched Meantime by Leigh, and found it penetrating and compassionate. I think Naked is his greatest achievement. Most of his films are "my kind of films".

[@harelbaz3744]

the best episode from the best director who made my favorite film. (Naked)

[@theeab1993]

I think I spot 'Samurai Rebellion' towards the right side of the screen, sitting next to the blue case that sticks out slightly. Great fucking movie

[@PenProd]

What’s it like to work in the Criterion office and have a legend saunter through the door?

[@jigmedorjeyoung]

Why don't you cutaway to clips from the films? It might a cool way to give people a taste of the films.

[@lizclegg7556]

What's so great about Vivre Sa Vie (apart from the end)?

[@joemaison3597]

Is Criterion releasing more Bicycle Thieves and 81/2 blu rays?

[@theogoldberg8919]

#criterioncollection a movie by Mike Leigh is a spark in the dark a reminiscence of our vulnerable humanity in times of darkness and wilderness.

[@ernstremer8110]

Berlin Alexanderplatz MASTERPIECE !

[@simonwoods7112]

Why is the camera so much higher quality here than in any of the other closet videos?

[@vollsticks]

"...doesn't half get down to it" Mike Leigh, 2014

[@aaronshouting588]

Yes. Finally a video where someone takes Bicycle Thieves. Such a beautiful movie!

[@bencheshire]

Mike didn't take any freebies? He has all of those?

[@oo88oo]

The criterioncollection ppl videorecording these HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING about the glare off the dvd cases!

[@markydark8286]

I love mike leigh!

[@RCXDinferno]

What a fantastic man

[@patrykk.1983]

could be louder :)

[@matthewreed2614]

you need to subtitle or have the list in the notes, shabby production!

[@tonyrobles2696]

Great, LEIGH💜🍏

[@eastwoofer]

hi, can you tell me what camera was used to film this?

[@sclogse1]

How about a Criterion release of........The Crimson Pirate?

[@johnta17]

You should give Quentin Tarantino a whole hour in this closet.

[@timothyw98]

Hard days night works because of its kitchen sink like realism, it's as much a musical as it is about working class

[@malachickisawesome]

I’ll allow it

[@damianodebiasi5894]

Maestro

[@uranderson]

Jesus, somebody needs to make a movie out of Fassbinder's life, his wikipedia page is one wtf after another.

[@eaglesnake4921]

If you don't know about this guy, watch 'Another Year'.

[@lukess.s]

Weird pick to recommend for people who don't know him

[@vitod7425]

I want to know where he got that jacket.

[@cars.796]

He didn’t even take any?? And he didn’t mention the beatles when talking about hard days night lmao

[@albertstock85]

Maybe he thought he could not take them.

[@mrmogford8117]

Maaaagggggieeee!

[@Beatrice7822]

I wish you could read my book Mike about child abused & still going on today so many children suffering.!,,

[@vladbishbosch]

what a cutie

[@georgemasseysmusic8824]

Gave and gave, and didn't take a single one

[@nk-salinger]

the greatest

[@kushanshah8040]

Does he not know that he can keep them?

[@naynaynay324]

Why is he putting the movies back on the shelves?

[@FloydPink23]

I doubt he has a blu ray player lol

[@HeIsNakedLunch]

Am pleased to know it is not that kind of movie but sure a little respect is good. The Kinks, forever.

[@HeIsNakedLunch]

As you say that, I think of Vertical Ray of Sunshine…

[@9114SouthCentralAv]

Vera Drake is a masterpiece.

[@lindaleh6371]

Yes - and Secrets and Lies

[@til_thasmokeclearz853]

damn, this man could have his own review channel

[@rnw2739]

Would be a godsend to all the insomniacs out there..

[@JackMellor498]

With you on that, like a Rick Beato for film, for example instead of What Makes This Song Great, it’s What Makes This Movie Great! Love this guy!

[@pendorran]

Criterion should seriously consider turning these into a full episode series like BBC Radio's "Desert Island Discs".

[@brendantaylor3570]

This is a great idea.

[@pucis111]

He makes such wonderful human movies, I met him and I wanted to cry how genuine and good this person is, he thinks everybody is important so he treats everybody nicely and this is what we all should do!

[@Whoa802]

Him and Sean Baker are probably the two filmmakers who make the realest yet kindest movies at the same time.

[@shiladitya1991]

Michael Haneke, Kim Ki-Duk, Wong Kar Wai are three filmmakers who I would want to see in the closet picking out their favorites.

[@Onmysheet]

Can't believe only Code Unknown is the only Haneke film to get a criterion release.

[@M3rkTv]

Onmysheet the piano teacher is coming out in september

[@0791oettam]

I love Haneke but he'd probably just glare silently at the cameraman for a truly uncomfortably long time

[@hiigghhggg9150]

Secret Guy last year Funny games got the criterion treatment. (Hanekes original Austrian funny games, not his American remake of his own film.

[@manoharbirdi769]

I Think wong kar wai once came in the closet but they didn't shoot the video of him picking

[@ffsf739]

My favorite director! Another year, Secrets and lies, Life is sweet, Naked... So many masterpieces!

[@RachelIn179]

Naked is hard to watch at the same time a masterpiece.

[@briandelaney9710]

Life is Sweet is one of my most favorite films. Love Mike Leigh