Mike Leigh’s DVD Picks

Mike Leigh (NAKED, ANOTHER YEAR) stopped by the Criterion Collection production office and DVD closet!
Shop Mike's Closet Picks! www.criterion.com/shop/collec...

[@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.

[@15Candles]

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

[@KERSTEN27]

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

[@msjoanofthearc]

Berlin AlexanderPlatz et Jules et Jim...BRILLIANT!

[@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.

[@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.

[@briandelaney9710]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@michaelleigh8114]

you gay

[@Sp0nge5]

*Forman

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jacksonwright5145]

I love that he's pulling films that aren't even his favorites, but more like honorable mentions, so that anyone out there can maybe discover it as a favorite of their own. Probably my favorite of the Closet Picks series.

[@alexcamacho4880]

For him to say Yasujiro Ozu knows how to capture the family experience and relationships is quite the complement coming from Mr. Leigh considering he directed one of the best family crisis movies ever (Secrets and Lies).

[@TheMikenanners]

To be fair Ozu is pretty much a God to most directors.

[@thevoid99]

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

[@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.

[@mynie]

I've watched about a dozen of these and he's the only one who puts them back on the shelf. Sign of a very, very good dude.

[@paulschultz7955]

He’s obviously seen them all already

[@ml5444]

Lol, James L. Brooks grabbed like 20.

[@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.

[@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

[@sonicgrub]

I adore Mike Leigh. Topsy Turvy is phenomenal. And so are Naked - Secrets and Lies - Life Is Sweet - Vera Drake and on and on.

[@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.

[@jacklong1290]

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

[@Arsenaloid]

He is amazing ! I saw all of his movies, at least 5 times each movie. And what makes me love his work is ''His will to tell us that we are nothing more than humans '' . He does it perfectly ... All or Nothing is made of heaven , others as well !

[@neworleansguy10]

Ard Secrets And Lies and Another Year are my faves. He’s such a humanist.

[@WOLVEOVSIBERIA]

He is a phenomenal filmmaker.

[@adrianpatterson5776]

This should be the standard for every DVD closet video.

[@SekhmetMorgan]

To me, he is one of the greatest living directors and it's always fun to see one of those commenting the films that they saw as kids, teenagers, students. No many surprises there, but a few expression "this is life", "great look at family" are all meaningful to his own work.

[@vernonallen3370]

Nice to know Mike Leigh can appreciate A Hard Days Night and not just high brow stuff. Mike is a British institution.

[@cujobyte]

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

[@DeanOfDVD]

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

[@alyciamarrison2916]

He's just such a wonderful man, his eye for real people & situations is iconic & always thought provoking. I so wish he was a politician because he really cares about what matters & is important in life.

[@BuffaloBuffalo-uc6zp]

He projects his energy and enthusiasm in such away that it becomes very contagious. And this is certainly a lesson in how to reach or resonate with your target audience.. ! Thanks for being so interesting and enlighing on all levels...

[@jaredcollier7938]

Oh, sweetheart, darlin' we need more Mike Leigh in the collection. Literally any and every film that isn't in already will do (but, preferably, Secrets & Lies, sweetheart).

[@hermanmelville3871]

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

[@filcat13]

Well, if you noticed he is the only one who puts the dvds BACK in the shelf instead of putting them in his bag! This is the generation who did not prioritize buying, owning or consuming things but were really concerned about the thing itself - film art and their memories about it in this case. (Varda was another one)

[@technodroog]

A lovely installment of this series. I wish more of your guests would take the time to delve into all the reasons they are picking the films that they are and not just hastily grab a bunch, muttering the titles under their breath (i'm looking at you, Alfonso Cuaron).

[@LastBankJob]

I absolutely love this man.

[@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

[@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)

[@Snapcase-yr1nw]

Genuine guy and filmmaker. One of the greats.

[@lonestar6709]

One of the cleverest and most unique directors ever. To work without a script and basically 'wing it' defies belief. That's Mike Leigh. A true visionary. 'Nuts in May' being my favourite. _"I'LL KNOCK YOUR HEAD OFF!"_ Brilliant.

[@hlcepeda]

His "Grown Ups" is hilarious. I can't look at stairways anymore without thinking of that one.

[@yurijedi49]

I loved Mike Leigh's films, have watched a few Ozu flicks but couldn't articulate what I liked so much about them, then the man here comes and helps me. Thanks, Criterion!

[@Njbear7453]

Watched naked for the first time two days ago and it stuck with me and hit me hard .. especially the ending

[@nonameslefttotake]

I love these Criterion Closet videos. I particularly enjoy how differently each person approaches their opportunity. For instance, Mike Leigh pulls a title, talks about it, and then puts it back. Whereas Tavi Gevinson absolutely robbed them blind and walked out of the closet with, it looked like one of every title in there...

[@RolandDeschain1]

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

[@sambitnes]

Thank you so much for this series

[@gainal9080]

What a fucking icon. He's a genius. Definitely one of the best directors working today.

[@corrosivevinyl]

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

[@nextabe1]

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

[@DanielSalad]

Why are all these videos so satisfying and relaxing?

[@MrRazorblade999]

Best Criterion closet video so far.

[@justwilliam01]

For such an excellent filmmaker his descriptions/analyses of other films just don't cut it. No need to say 'great' so many times, we know you like the film because we can see it in your hands.

[@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

[@ryancoulter4797]

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

[@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.

[@finnblu3002]

A legend- With time to provide insights and context to the presented selections... Bravo.

[@cathalmacsiurdain7762]

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

[@noahsong3865]

Loved the comment about his own flat being in A Hard Day’s Night! Definitely one of the better closet picks for sure.

[@nikosvault]

Nice that he mentions Georges Delerue. One of my favorite composers.

[@jimjamjones5335]

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

[@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!

[@DeanOfDVD]

My favorite of these is still the guy saying "BAG" each time he adds a movie to the bag he brings with him to hold his haul...lol

[@leeroygreene85]

Lol yea i think that was Alfonso Curan

[@xavier.mauricio]

That's Guy Maddin, pretty fantastic filmmaker. That video is gold.

[@hd-xc2lz]

Except that the taking of dvds from the closet is just a dumb gimmick, no one is taking anything. Appreciate Mike Leigh for being a pragmatist.

[@DeanOfDVD]

h d you’re wrong. They do take the discs,. Why would you say they don’t??

[@richardking3206]

I’ve never seen Mike Leigh talk like this before, and I’ve seen him on lots of programmes, mainly on films. Talks with directors like this (and John Sayles version and Ken Loach in the flesh) are just so enlightening about themselves, the films they make and those that have influenced them. More like this, please, less of the shelf raiders!

[@SanshoTheBailiff]

I could listen to this guy talk for eternity.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

One of the best directors of all time. The consummate humanist.

[@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.

[@ronbock8291]

Dear Mr. Leigh. You are everything.

[@spacetragedy]

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

[@dustanjhlady]

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

[@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 :).

[@Pirate7X]

Criterion consider adopting some editing techniques from Amoeba Records "What's In My Bag?" series where they speak to artists. When each subject shows a dvd, they show a quick clip from that film so the audience can understand it's significance to that artist. I liked this one with Leigh but the static shot is boring and causes me to drift off. Add more action with the scenes and I'm sure the audience will enjoy it and probe deeper into checking Criterions rich vault of film special editions.

[@janetchambless3242]

Yes, great idea.

[@Bob27Fat]

+Pirate7X "Add more action with the scenes" What are you, a marketing executive? These are videos about these artists. I don't see how anyone could be bored with Mike Leigh, or William Friedkin, or Bill Hader, or Laurie Anderson, etc. etc.

[@Zakarum420]

+Pirate7X You know, I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@Potatobrains_]

I think Criterion are quite unapologetic when it comes to the closet format, they put the person on camera, give them the floor to talk about whatever they please and cut when they're finished. I've never had any problem with the way it is.

[@ArchieMoore]

It should be 10mins uncut - like a full reel of 35mm in one take a la Tarkovsky et al.

[@ellenn6246]

Just saw Secrets & Lies for the first time, my first film by Mike Leigh, and loved it! So came here to see some of his recommendations.

[@ieatgremlins]

He is so fantastic, what a revolutionary and truthful filmmaker.

[@AmandaClody]

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 ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@wetfart1387able]

Bill Murray Patti Smith Get those two in the closet!!!

[@LewisOsborne]

I would watch anything Patti mentions

[@technodroog]

love Bill Murray but my impression is that his general movie taste wouldn't skew in the Criterion direction

[@americanzero]

Perhaps Creature Features host John Stanley?

[@hd-xc2lz]

Pass on Bill Murray, will be little but 5 minutes of studied irreverence.

[@twod0ves]

Bill Murray doesn't deserve to come and pick Criterion movies lmao

[@joeyodonnell123]

WOW!! Love Criterion, and love this man!

[@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.

[@petertaylorarts]

Late Spring is a favourite. Love love love

[@nicknewman7848]

I asked him for directions once. I was in a serious hurry and trying to find a cut through a little street in Soho to Tottenham Ct Rd and checking I wasn't about to hit a dead-end and make my situation worse. A man and a women were coming towards me and I briefly stopped and asked if I could cut through. He was very helpful. As he was speaking, my brain was going "wtf that's Mike Leigh". After I jogged off my brain also went "You should have said 'thanks for the direction'.." I'm glad I didn't.

[@christianmakesfilms]

Very smart and insightful guy. So glad he came to the closet, my favorite besides William Friedkin.

[@roberttownson9459]

Yes! Jules and Jim ... with an amazing score by the great Georges Delerue!

[@hlcepeda]

Leigh is one of my favorite directors. Excepting his latest (yet to watch), I've seen all of his films (incl. his shorter films for TV). His 'trademark' static shots in tight locations (doorways and hallways) very closely mirrors Ozu's interior setups. I'm not sure if that's just a coincidence (since -- especially in Leigh's earlier works -- he filmed in actual homes and such...and, therefore, was forced to work in close quarters) or if he was influenced by Ozu's camera setups.

[@richardfarrell2051]

My fav by him is naked, saw it when I was at uni, had a big effect, virtuoso stuff from thewlis, savage stuff

[@Deepurplerain]

Very interesting and reminded me to that i have to watch Firemen's ball again too. Ps: thanks Mr Leigh,and your Psycho joke in the powerful Naked cracked me up.

[@harelbaz3744]

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

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Wow ! great choice Thank you for sharing.

[@gaitrysharma-bhogal5583]

I love Late Spring too! Great to share

[@Zehahahaa]

What amazing Descriptions ! 👍🏻

[@isaacfidler937]

This may be my favourite one

[@kanacubana827]

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

[@relinquis]

What a lovely man.

[@fosterch11]

Leigh himself is an absolute favorite.

[@hd-xc2lz]

Leigh is one of the sensible few to pass on the gimmick of filling a bag with films from the closet.

[@1coopjsn]

Naked changed my view of film and cinema. Absolutely pitch perfect. I showed this to a group of friends in college and the whole room was mesmerized.

[@lizholmes5801]

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

[@martincurran5281]

How is Secrets & Lies not on Criterion yet?

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Yes, and 'High Hopes', 'All or Nothing', 'Another Year'... so many masterworks by the gentle genius Mike Leigh.

[@waynej2608]

@@FungusMossGnosis Yes. Leigh is a favorite of mine too. He's got a great eye for familial relationships. Another Year is a masterwork! Side note- his dvd picks are inspired. I have to look for his flat, next time I watch A Hard Day's Night. Lol

[@LectroBer]

It is now

[@timothymorris870]

Glad to see that title is now on criterion and in the UK , great film , blethyn won a golden globe , everything so perfect so real , spall in the final scene , the secrets and lies of family life , and strife 😢

[@conormclaughlan772]

Get Shane Meadows in please!!

[@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

[@stephennoonan8578]

Extraordinary how they manage to fit all those films into that tiny little cupboard.

[@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"