The Criterion Collection: More “Top 10” Recommendations

2:17 SCANNERS (Spine No. 712)
8:16 49TH PARALLEL (Spine No. 376)
12:09 VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (Spine No. 835)
15:25 JEANNE DIELMAN, 23, QUAI DE COMMERCE, 1080 BRUXELLES (Spine No. 484)
18:38 CANOA: A SHAMEFUL MEMORY (Spine No. 862)
21:32 GIMME SHELTER (Spine No. 99)
24:51 NAKED (Spine No. 307)
28:30 THE COMPLETE MR. ARKADIN (Spine No. 322)
33:04 YI YI (Spine No. 339)
36:37 ERASERHEAD (Spine No. 725)

[@MarkAS56]

Never cared to see Valley of the Dolls until I was laughing at you laughing at it 😂. Great stuff, I'm going to search it out now

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much. This comment has made my day!

[@jogalac]

When are you writing a book or opening a museum?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Haha! What a great comment! I WISH!!! Thank you so much for comment, John Liga. It means a lot!

[@m.e.5313]

dude you are a natural born film historian and or curator.. if there were such a job title

[@emilys.7953]

@@m.e.5313 Pretty sure that's what peter bogdanovich was doing before he made last picture show. Think i read that in easy riders raging bulls.

[@leoinsf]

Daisuke, man your observations are deep! I am astounded by your eye for what makes a film great! Your detail is almost miraculous and your facility with vocabulary is astonishing! What I found is your passion for a film infects the audience to want to get your experience. I think the point is that we need to rediscover the films we see and don't dispatch the film with one seeing. Intellectually, you could look at any movie and find something astounding about it. You are unique. Being 84, I am buried in movies of my time. 49th Parallel was actually one of my favorites and I always felt I was exaggerating its virtues when I talked about it. I am happy you liked it.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are so kind as always my friend! Thank you so much for such a moving comment!

[@dakotaplaysvhs8039]

Eraserhead is my favorite film of all time. Hearing you speak about it with such admiration is heartwarming as people seem to brush it off for being too “abstract”. I discovered your channel through your takeshi kitano reviews (my favorite director) and you have now become my favorite film channel.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and wow.. I am honored. Yes, Eraserhead... it is elemental and so fundamental to cinema I think. In heaven, everything is fine. And thank you! I am planning to upload a video about OUTRAGE: CODA very soon. By the way, what are some of your favorite Kitano films? Cheers my friend and I hope you have a wonderful new year.

[@dakotaplaysvhs8039]

@@DaisukeBeppu my absolute favorite is boiling point, followed closely by Sonatine and Hana-bi (both tied for second). I’ve been meaning to get Outrage so I could see how I like that trilogy.

[@dakotaplaysvhs8039]

@@DaisukeBeppu and a Happy New Year to you as well! Cheers from the U.S

[@qalliub]

Great videos, Daisuke! Thank you and keep it up please!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear qualliub, thank you very much for your kind comment!

[@inco9943]

Such a calming voice and presence - subscribed

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are very very kind. Thank you so much. Have a nice weekend and hopefully talk to you again very soon.

[@RichardReads]

I loved hearing your thoughts on these! Scanners and Eraserhead are on my wishlist for the next Criterion Sale that is later this year. I might have to pick up a couple of the other films also if they are there! I can't wait to watch some of these!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much, RichardReads. If you manage to get a hold of Scanners and Eraserhead and you watch them, please let us know what you think! You can make a video and put it up on your channel! I would love to see it, my friend. And if you have any recommendations for me, I would love to hear them (Criterion or non Criterion is OK!). Best regards from Tokyo.

[@mondonaut9382]

Great videos, Daisuke! The Criterion release that has blown me away recently was Paris, Texas. I think it was a perfect time to expose myself to it (father to a 2 and a half year old.) I've picked up both Edward Yang films this B&N sale prior to having seen your recommendations. You've made me more jazzed to see them.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh yes, Paris, Texas! This is a key film, is it not? Just one of those all-round special film experiences. And to watch it from the eyes of one who is a father or who cares for a child is certain to affect one's viewing of the film all the more I should think. And, yes, Edward Yang! It is my hope that his name comes to be mentioned in the same breath as Ozu and Welles and Kurosawa, etc. As in belonging to the pantheon of all time greats. For he truly is. He left us too early, for he would have graced us with many more of his cinematic miracles I am sure. I would love to hear your reactions to YI YI and A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY when you have had a chance to see them. And trust me: they go by so fast, and so do not be concerned about the running time. Best regards.

[@culturefan]

Thanks Daisuke. I've seen Scanners, Eraserhead, Gimme Shelter, and Naked. I've not seen Valley of the Dolls, but have seen Beneath Valley of the Dolls, and enjoyed it for what it was. I'll have to look into the rest.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much Culture Fan for commenting on this video!! I am very honored!

[@leocoh89]

Great recommendations, I did recently get a French bluray of 49th parallel which is a very good print. Glad to hear a matter of life and death is getting a Blu-ray criterion collection release soon

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I can't wait for that blu ray release of A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. That film means so much to me. Also, I heard from another viewer about that French blu ray of the 49th PARALLEL, and it looks great. It is a wonderful and complex film, is it not!

[@RiderRated18]

Only heard of Scanners but again the rest I’ve never heard of, I’ll try and track down some of these, you’re always great at recommending different movies like these Daisuke 👍

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you my friend! I hope you are doing well. Yes, if you have a chance, please check these out and let us know what you think of them!

[@jdseaton3386]

Great selection :) Would love to see an updated list of Top 10 from 2018-21 :) Valley of The Dolls is a brilliant film! great video :)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you again JD Seaton and wow, what a great suggestion!!!

[@Sude1089]

Daisuke, I know this is an older video, but I just wanted to leave a comment as a sort of way of channeling thoughts in anticipation of this upcoming Criterion sale. I had previously watched your other top ten recommendations video prior to the Summer 2020 sale and I was highly influenced by Picnic at Hanging Rock as well as A Brighter Summer Day. Side note: I have Dekalog sitting here ready to be watched but am sort of scared of the daunting task of that. I am writing in regards to the suggestions in this video sounding so amazing and how they sound so much better with your great passion for each. I will never forget your compelling speech championing A Brighter Summer Day as to being what convinced me to purchase that film. I will always think of it when I think of that movie and I look forward to your equally passionate recommendations here influencing my next sale haul. Particularly Jeanne Dielman, Canoa and Yi Yi. Your infectious passion and love for movies that you bring in every video you publish is what has made me such a fan of your channel. Keep up the good work. Cheers, amigo🍸

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow... thank you for commenting on this older video. I still stand by the list that I mention here... and thank you for mentioning some of them in your comment here. I am very very moved by this. Cheers to you for your deep kindness. I wouldn't be able to do this channel without the kindness of friends like you, Seth.

[@tylerr3740]

your description of Yi Yi is absolutely perfect, and I agree Edward Yang is unbelievable.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow, thank you so much for such a nice comment! I am so happy to be talking to another person who loves the cinema of Edward Yang.

[@MovieChatter01]

Excellent choices. I heard Greta Gerwig speak so eloquently about Jeanne Dielman, and how one frame in her movie Lady Bird was a tipping of her hat to that entire movie- I bought it that day. The scene was when Laurie Metcalf, who played the mother, was sewing a dress-house chores. You're right, there's that one scene when we just know-something major is happening. Fantastic choices- I recently picked up Yi Yi and Naked. Now I have others to investigate. Really enjoying your channel and your passion for film.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh what a great connection you make to Lady Bird! I just very recently watched this film and it was amazing. I would love to hear your reactions to Yi Yi and Naked when you have a chance, perhaps as another video on your amazing channel. Wonderful. Thank you my friend!

[@kothgames]

Great video, I like how detailed of an explanation you give for each one. I just picked up Mishima: a life in four chapters after seeing your last video

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh, thank you! I hope you enjoy MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS! I certainly did! Even if you don't like it, that is perfectly OK as well! If and when you see the film, and if you don't mind, I would love to hear what you think about it! Is that OK?

[@kothgames]

Daisuke Beppu I just saw it last night and it’s an amazing movie. The way the different stories are told and structured is different than anything I’ve seen before. I liked how the depictions of the novels didn’t always create an entire set in a scene, almost like it only showed what was described in the book and nothing else.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

koth thank you for your comment. I am so happy that you had a chance to watch MISHIMA. It is a one of a kind experience. It feels like a film that sounds on paper like it should not work, but it really works in execution. Yes, those dramatization sections are so overly stylized and theatrical... just so compelling. But it is that music and the towering performance by Ken Ogata that push this film into masterpiece status for me. What did you think of Ken Ogata as Mishima? And what did you think of the music by Philip Glass?

[@kothgames]

Daisuke Beppu The acting was great. I’m glad they did the whole movie in Japanese with mostly a Japanese cast and crew. I saw the Last Emperor and was disappointed that it was in English despite taking place in China. The score was great too. It was really powerful

[@DaisukeBeppu]

koth, I am on vacation now, but you made the comment about MISHIMA and so I just had to comment! It is amazing to think that Paul Schrader was director on this production, which was mainly a Japanese crew and cast. And the film was in Japanese, which is astounding to me. Yes, it is oftentimes not the case to have the language be in the native language, which is what makes MISHIMA all the more fascinating and worthy of discussion. I am so glad you reacted the way you did. It is a unique viewing experience! koth, thank you again. And if you have any recommendations for me and the rest of us, please let us know! They can be Criterion or otherwise! Anything is fine with me! Best regards.

[@mementomoriadam]

Wonderful picks... Certainly you love Beyond the Valley of the Dolls? The TRUE masterpiece. Always a joy to listen to you talk through these films.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much, mementomori. It is very nice of you to say so. So, yes, I also very much adore BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, but VALLEY OF THE DOLLS is its own film, and were I to put the films into the same group I would fear that one might overshadow the other. So, I think I will discuss the great BEYOND, but separate from VALLEY as I think they are equally worthy of discussion. And thank you so much for your kind compliment!

[@matthewledoux9662]

Daisuke this is the type of top 10 list of Criterion Collection movies I was looking for. I just started watching your videos and your love of film is contagious. Keep up the great work! Great list too and I'm just about to watch part 2 of your Criterion Collection recommendations. It's almost impossible to come up with a top 10 list for me but here it goes 1. A Woman Under the Influence 2.Paris, Texas 3. McCabe & Mrs. Miller 4. Walkabout 5.8 1/2 6.The Friends of Eddie Coyle 7. Stalker 8. Yi Yi 9.The Naked Island 10. On the Waterfront I have yet to watch A Brighter Summer Day but it is on my short list for sure. Anytime you want to talk movies I'm a sucker for a good conversation lol. Have a great day and take care!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear matthew ledoux, thank you so much for your kind and very thoughtful reply. There is a lot here! So, first of all, you are so kind and generous with your compliment. It is very kind of you. Thank you so much! I totally get how the Criterion Collection is vast, and so I think a "top 10" list is so hard to come up with. However, it can also serve to help start a conversation among people about cinema, and so if that is the case then I am totally in favor of these top 10 lists, because it means I am able to meet people like yourself. Thank you! Now, as to your own list... gosh it is a great one. I am immediately struck and thrilled by the inclusion of THE NAKED ISLAND and the FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE! These are wonderful films and, though highly regarded among Criterion and film enthusiasts, do not often come up in a conversation about "top 10 favorite Criterions", and so this is wonderful to see. I am also happy to see A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE at No. 1. I have yet to tackle Cassavetes in my videos, though I plan to. This film affected me so thoroughly that I still have yet to sift through my feelings about this film. But I just love how all the characters are so likeable and irritating at the same time, and when I say "irritating" I mean that with the utmost respect and compliments, because to me that means that those characters are living and breathing and are who they are, rather than "created" within the prism of a forced narrative that would have a character be who he/she is in order to service a narrative or to feed into a preconceived notion or cliche. And this is so powerful to me about this film, as well as FACES and SHADOWS and (though it is not in the CC) HUSBANDS. Cassavetes and Rowlands and Falk and others trust their instincts and emotional responses so much and so intelligently that they give their characters the utmost respect as human beings... it is really remarkable, is it not? Do you have any other favorites among the works of Cassavetes? And you mention also one of my favorite films of all time 8 1/2. I truly love this, though I did not always. I think it became so important to me as I became older. It is hard to explain, except to say that perhaps it speaks to me about manhood and dealing with one's past in a way that resonates with me as I age. If this is your top 10 list, I wonder what your top 20 list must be! Because this is truly excellent!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing, and I am sorry for my lengthy reply! If ever you want to talk more, please let me know! I would love to hear your responses to the film A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY, if ever you have the chance. Best regards. Daisuke

[@matthewledoux9662]

Daisuke thank you so much for your reply. Don't worry about the length of your reply please, I love talking about film especially with someone as well versed in the history of world cinema as yourself. I truly believe these films can change the world(Criterion Collection in particular) if given a chance to be seen by people who are willing to open their minds and see the world in a light that they've never seen before and to truly understand the dynamics of the human condition by experiencing a revelation. That's what all of the truly great films have in common and the Criterion Collection has done such of a fantastic job of making these in my opinion the most sensory art form available for everyone. Anyway enough of my ramblin here's the rest of my top 20 #'s11-20. Even 20 is difficult it's incredible. 11. The Apu Trilogy- (I really don't have a favorite of these they are all too beautiful) 12. 3 Women 13. 12 Angry Men 14. Ace in the Hole 15. Do the Right Thing 16. Tokyo Story or Good Morning- (or any Ozu really. He was truly a beautiful spirit.) 17. Westfront 1918-( just recently saw this, has horrible audio but the story truly takes a hold over you in my opinion when the Karl returns home. It's absolutely terrifying and beautifully played by Gustav Diessl and I think one of Pabst best films.) 18. The Emigrants / The New Land 19. Pigs, Pimps, and Prostitutes (another set I can't pick a favorite from) 20. My Dinner with Andre Now Cassavetes is on the pinnacle of directors for me because the things he was able to accomplish with what he had and the performances from his actors I don't think have ever been duplicated in film. And he was also one of the most compassionate and loving human beings who ever lived according to all of the interviews I've seen about him. My top 10 list has A Woman Under the Influence at no. 1 but I could easily put the next five films he has on the Criterion Collection on the list but I figured for the sake of the almighty top ten list just one is good lol. But if I had to put the rest of his films in order from the Criterion Collection and yes I agree with you on Husbands what a fantastic film as well here's 2-6 for me on Cassavetes 2. Faces 3. Love Streams 4. Shadows 5. Opening Night 6. The Killing of a Chinese Bookie the 1978 version I'm sorry about the long reply as well Daisuke but like you said it's nice to find someone who has the same passion. I would love to talk more and as soon as I watch A Brighter Summer Day I will give you my full analysis and tell me what you think. I look forward to it. All the best, Matt

[@DaisukeBeppu]

This is great, Matt! Are you on Facebook? If so, please feel free to drop me a line or private message me. I'd love to talk to you some more about this. I was just talking to someone the other day about Cassavetes which got me into rewatching those CC box set films again... and I realize more and more just how great SHADOWS is... I was in fact planning on doing SHADOWS as part of my latest 5 X CRITERION video, but I decided at the last minute not to because I wanted to wait and make sure my comments were more crystallized in my mind before I commented on the film, which I love very much. Your top 20 by the way is awesome.

[@RogerMars]

I am really enjoying your channel. It gives me some much needed guidance to navigating the Criterion Channel on Filmstruck. I watched Canoa last night. Wow! I felt physically uncomfortable at times. It eerily reminds me a lot of what is happening here in the United States regarding the mob mentality. Fortunately, we haven't gone that far yet.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for watching CANOA. It is certainly not for everyone, and it is a really unforgettable viewing experience, is it not? But for those who can handle such an intense film, it is such a vital and shocking work. I am very happy that you managed to watch it on FilmStruck. I wish more people get a chance to see it. As you say, it might be well to draw parallels with the modern day. I am not a subscriber to FilmStruck as it is not available here in Japan, but it sounds like it is a fantastic resource for Criterion lovers. If you come across any films that you want to recommend, please let me know! I would love to hear about them. Best regards from Tokyo!

[@lucalone]

I don't know if someone already mentioned it but your english is really very good !

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much. Cheers.

[@TheHilavitkutin]

Regarding Eraserhed, which you talked about in this video, I'll share my own story about that particular movie. So, my wife and I just had our first child In 2014 and I was very anguished about the whole new situation (to my surprise) of there being three of us now. One night, when I could not sleep, I decided to pop on the blu ray of Eraserhead (not knowing anything else, other than It was just the last Lynch movie, that I hadn't seen yet.) so, as you might probably guessed, It didn't really make me feel any better 😂 A few years later, I watched It again, when my life had settled down a bit and absolutely loved It. The moral of the story I guess: Don't watch Eraserhead, when you've just had a child. Because to me, at least, It was horrifying..

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear DikkiSoosi, thank you for sharing this story about Eraserhead! It is a rather intense film, especially when looking at it through the lens of fatherhood. That is for sure. Still, you are a great film fan to have revisited it like you did. Well done for doing that!

[@TheHilavitkutin]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thanks for replying, again! I'm amazed, how you find the time to answer all these comments. I really appreciate It, and don't take It for granted. Keep up the good work man! Been watching since june 2018, but never commented, because I didn't have the courage.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

DikkiSoosi not at all. It is my pleasure to talk to you! And please feel free to comment at any time my friend. Really, the pleasure is all mine. Take care and have a nice weekend.

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

Actually, Eraserhead was based partly on Lynch's fears of fatherhood.

[@jcanada9405]

The Stones have been my fave band since a friend introduced me to their 1981 concert film Let's Spend the Night Together back in 1988. I've seen them seven times in total since 1994. Gimmie Shelter was first was put on my radar while watching their carrier spanning doc up to 1989, called 25x5 (still the best doc about them), which included a bit on Altamont. Of course, we rented the vhs of the film as soon as possible. I ended up buying the vhs and later the dvd - I still need to get the bluray as it been years since I re-watched it. I used to show it to as many people as I could as it such a great moment in time, not only in the Stones' carrier and late 60's culture, but it perfectly highlights everything that was wrong with too much societal freedom

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much my dear friend!! You like the Rolling Stones!!!! Wow!! Fantastic my friend. I don't go to karaoke anymore because of the current crisis situation, but before, when ever I would go, I would always sing Stones songs.

[@n0d0yuna]

I was glad to see Canoa in here! It's amazing that my national cinema is reaching other places in the world, it is definitely a horrifying story and it's actually true, the director was even able to shoot in a lot of the locations where the real life tragedy happened so it's not just a fantastic film and interesting watch, it's also a pretty disturbing and accurate portrait of real events. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the film!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you so much for commenting on this very old video of mine! Yes, Canoa is so powerful. Even now.... its effect is very deep and it resonates. Thank you so much my friend, and I hope you are well.

[@n0d0yuna]

@@DaisukeBeppu I'm very glad to have recently found your channel, I love all your content and it's great to hear other perspectives on movies I love and also discover new films, thank you for all your content and I hope you're well too.

[@abhaymishra30]

Great video Mr. Beppu! I always love knowledgeable people passionately talking about their loved cinema, but I have never seen anyone as elegant, graceful and thorough as you are in your ruminations. In the 10 or so Criterions I have seen in my 17(almost) year old life, I have found my all time favourites: 1. Close-Up (or any other film by Abbas Kiarostami) 2. Y to Mama Tabian (I love Children of Men too) 3. Bicycle thieves What do you think about these? I can't wait to see any of your recommended movies, especially "Brighter Summer Day", "YI YI" and "Decalogue". And what do you think about "Salo" , I know a lot many people love it, but knowing what all is shown in it, I'll probably never watch it. You are an inspiration and keep doing the great work!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Charolastra, thank you very much for your kind comment. This is very kind of you to say. And you are very young, much younger than I, and so I think this is a very exciting time for you and your film journey. Please enjoy this time! As for the films you mention, my goodness, you have such an interesting taste in cinema. I am a big admirer of these films, and to hear you mention them is very interesting indeed. Also I notice your KZbin picture, and so Close-Up is obviously a film you really admire! Do you like the other films of Kiarostami? And what about the films of Makhmalbaf? Are there other films that you have discovered, Criterion or otherwise, that you especially like?

[@abhaymishra30]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you for your complement. Abbas Kiarostami is one of my all time favourite directors. Close up is my all time favourite movie, and the last sequence with Sabzian and Makhmalbaf riding a pillion through Tehran with Kiarostami following them and complaining about the broken mike is my absolutely favourite sequence ever, and of course the freeze frame (my profile picture) is very peaceful and graceful. Kiarostami's Koker trilogy is an epitomy of how good filmmaking, can so beatifully replicate (and add) to the real world. Though under-appereciated, the film I like most from his Koker trilogy is "Life, and Nothing More..." (1992). Ten was another great film with a novel way to show a novel place (for foreign audiences). Kiarostami=beauty in simplicity I plan on seeing "Gabeh" and a "Moment of innocence" from Makhmalbaf. But I have to postpone due to academics. "Come and See" is one film that surrounded my and completely warped me into the psychology of the main charachter. Throughout the film the expression on my face was ditto that of the boy. Where the other films dealing with genocide force you to just acknowledge what they show happened, "Come and See" forces you to experience it. "Waltz with Bashir" is another favourite that deals with these themes in a very different way. "Grave of the fireflies" and "Apocalypse now" too. Thank you for responding I'm Indian so I'd like to know think of Indian Cinema(not necessarily the trite Bollywood fare) and what are your favourites from my land? Edit: By the way Charolastra is not my name, its a reference to what the guys in "Y tu mama Tabian" call each other, "Space-cowboys". I am Abhay.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

@@abhaymishra30 Thank you for your great comment, Abhay. That is very nice of you. So, you may have already heard, but, based on rumor and also based on the New Years drawing from Criterion, it is very VERY likely that the Koker Trilogy will be released by the Criterion Collection. I am not sure when exactly of course, as this is still merely speculation on my part, but I would not be surprised if such set were released later this year. We shall see, of course. Also, "Come and See" has also been heavily rumored for some time to be coming to the Criterion Collection, though I am not sure. I agree with you about the film. It is very devastating and a brutal, yet vital and important work. When you speak of Indian cinema, are you thinking of any specific region? I know only the major voices of, for example, West Bengal like Ray and Ghatak. In particular, Ghatak's film that was released on the Criterion Collection under the English title "A River Called Titas". Also, there is a film that was available on a BFI DVD called "The Cloud-Capped Star" which I love so very much, and which has one of the most shocking and moving endings I have seen in any film, which I understand is a very famous moment. It is one of my hopes to be able to explore the works of Sen, hopefully this year if I can get my hands on some of the films. As far as other regions of the cinema of India, I am not at all an expert, though, during my younger days as a student, I have seen only a handful of films from other regions, from for example Telugu cinema, Punjabi cinema, and only a few from the "Bollywood" cinema. As you may know, Ray has been given much attention by the Criterion Collection, and so perhaps for many film lovers in North America will be very familiar with his works. In particular, as you may know already, the Apu Trilogy is on a great Criterion box set release.

[@alexmontana2131]

Great video! I'm mexican, and I love the Criterion Collection realeses. But, the problem is: in Mexico it's hard to get the blu-rays, because the stores dont sell them, and the price is too expensive. I only have one blu ray, it is Breaking the waves by Lars von Trier. So, wich one of the 10 that you say, you recommend me more? Because I think buy other, is too sad have only one jajaja. Sorry for my bad english jajaja.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much, Alex. And as for your question, it is very difficult to answer, because I think that everyone has his or her own favorite films and the like. So, I think that if you are interested, you can check out the Criterion website directly, for descriptions of the films (and many many others). www.criterion.com And when reading them, if you find something in particular that you think is interesting, then maybe you can check that film out. I think that the beauty of a cinema journey is that each person has his or her own journey based on his or her own tastes. And, if you find any film that you particularly like, please let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Cheers.

[@Freddy-Da-Freeloadah]

@37:34 Eraser Head is like Le Samurai, in that it uses repetition. Similar to music, which uses A LOT of repetition. These films use repetition in a "Deja Vue" sense, as music like repetition would not work. But both are recorded mediums that activate memory. They kind of "Load In" to our memories... IMHO

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this really excellent insight. Very interesting take on the concept of repetition.

[@benvanasse3397]

A wonderful list showing such a range of films. I have so much to explore. Thank you for sharing your love of Scanners which was my entry into Cronenberg. I totally agree with you that in this film the director's ideas were so much bigger than what he could realize on film which makes the clunky storytelling inconsequential. The only other title that I have seen from your list is Eraserhead. That one I saw in the theater and it was my introduction to David Lynch. Needless to say, I was blown away by his vision and have followed all the subsequent releases by Lynch.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Do you have a particularly favorite Lynch work? And do you have a favorite Cronenberg work? Yes, thank you for agreeing with me about the story of SCANNERS... I didn't want to mention too many details because I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is a point where I just give up trying to make sense of the story... especially the corporate intrigue element... but as you say, I think that stuff does not take away from the overall power and effectiveness of the film, and thus the "plot" is inconsequential.

[@benvanasse3397]

Favorite Lynch work would be his Twin Peaks opus (including FWWM) - what seismic shift in what a recurring show could be. I also really love Wild at Heart (mainly for the wonderful Laura Dern). I have most of Cronenberg on physical media and the two titles I keep going back to are Videodrome (see ya in Pittsburg) and The Dead Zone which gives The Shining a run for its money as the best Stephen King adaptation.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh, man.. don't get me started on VIDEODROME and THE DEAD ZONE! I am so enamored by them! And, yes, Twin Peaks! I am a huge Twin Peaks fan. Hell of a way to kill a tick!! I assume you have seen the recent series, right? I am waiting for the Wild at Heart blu ray from Shout Select! I can't wait for it to arrive! I really love that film. I'M MAKING MY LUNCH!

[@benvanasse3397]

Crispin Glover is a genius

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes he is!

[@goodfellatim7018]

Criterion needs to give The Wrecking Crew a release

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much!!

[@nosuchthing8]

Wow, have to see valley of the dolls.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

It is a very memorable experience.

[@BigE8718]

I literally just bought Eraserhead on the sales last day, I can’t wait to watch it!!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh that is great. Please let me know what you think of it when you get a chance to see it. I would love to know. Cheers.

[@BigE8718]

@@DaisukeBeppu Will do, cheers my friend.

[@isakdahl7054]

Have you watched it yet? :D

[@BigE8718]

@@isakdahl7054Yes I did, I currently own it on criterion. At first view I was shocked at what I just watched, but after thinking about the film critically, it may be one of my favorites.

[@BigE8718]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you again, Daisku for the recommendation. This piece of art may be one of my favorite films.

[@orus68]

Valley of the Dolls is a favorite of mine. I have a few other DVD releases of it and the original Soundtrack on record from its original release. Quirky all over the place fun film. I wish Criterion would release Wong Kar Wai Ashes of Time.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! And as to your second point, yes, there could have been something as well to talk about with the Wong Kar Wai set last year if Criterion had been able to release Ashes of Time with it.

[@orus68]

Rouge starring Anita Mui would be another Criterion Release as well as a Chinese Ghost Story set of all 3 films.

[@nosuchthing8]

Wow, this ep is worth it just for the story about being scanned.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are very kind!

[@nosuchthing8]

Love the warnings, scanners is good but so disturbing

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you!

[@systemBuilder]

I am here because criterion collection blue-rays are 50% off at amazon today (as mentioned on slickdeals). I have never heard of criterion collection what is their raison d'etre. Could you make a video about the imprint in general?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for commenting. I am not sure if I can make a video about the label itself, though I have made a number of videos on this channel talking about a number of titles and my reasons for being into the label. Please check those out if you are interested. Cheers and please enjoy your Criterion journey!

[@Celestialrob]

I lived in Brussels and i love Chantal’s movie. It’s a complete masterpiece imho. Thanks Daisuke for giving her some love.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! I did not know you lived in Brussels. That is very interesting my friend.

[@Celestialrob]

@@DaisukeBeppu the cinema scene in Brussels was amazing including a wonderful annual horror film festival. I lived there from 1988 -1996. Tokyo and Osaka are two of my favorite cities as well!

[@losnaufragos7808]

Hi Daisuke! Here we are again, last time I asked you about mexican films/directors and you mentioned Canoa. I feel a little ashamed cos I’m mexican and I’ve never had the chance to watch it, the other day I was watching a conversation between Alfonso Cuarón and Cazals and my desire for watching the movie grew even more, I hope soon. Continuing with mexican cinema, have you had already the chance to see Japon by Carlos Reygadas? If so, what are your thoughts. I hope you and your loved ones to be fine.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and oh yes, thank you so much for this. I have seen Japon, and specifically I had the chance to experience it on the Criterion Collection's release recently. It is remarkable in its fundamental directness, which is both extremely challenging and rewarding. I have not yet spoken about it in detail on this channel, but I really should do so one day. How are you? I hope you are safe and healthy and strong, and please continue to take good care of yourself and your loved ones.

[@losnaufragos7808]

Daisuke Beppu Fortunately we are fine, thank you very much. I’m looking forward for your thoughts on Japon, I saw the movie many years ago and I’m planning on see it again these days so I’ll be more familiar with the film. Also I had the opportunity to watch Late Spring (I remember you mentioned it along with Vertigo as your favourite movies) and what a beautiful and warm movie, I had only seen Tokyo Story. Ozu’s films are so human, and they seem so simple (which they’re not) that they leave you with this feeling I cannot describe. I’ve been longing to see Mikio Naruse’s film for a while, what film would you recommend for a first time? And finally, I had the chance to watch a Yuzo Kawashima retrospective and I was so pleased and amazed because he was a director that I didn’t know about and the way he showed this post-war Japan made me appreciate your beautiful culture even more.

[@hopefullypg3431]

Great video! You did a good job of selling people on Jeanne Dielman, but I get the impression the uninitiated or unprepared would find it a bit dull and boring. I think its good though, and your analysis is great! Just feel bad if someone goes into it thinking they're getting a Hitchcock movie

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@EpicGamerWinXD69]

Thought I should mention that if you need a criterion edition of a film and you can't wait for the barnes and noble 50% sale, might I suggest checking out Amazon, while I can't say this for sure, many of the releases I've been interested in are usually less than 3 dollars more than buying them during the sale (or at least that is currently the case as of the publication date of this comment) , buy I'd recommend double checking the films you intend to buy yourself just to make sure this applies to you

[@DaisukeBeppu]

This is very important information, and so thank you so much my friend for letting us know and reminding us about this. Yes, it is really nice to get some discounts here, even if it is not a sale. Thank you and I hope you are well.

[@EpicGamerWinXD69]

@@DaisukeBeppu I'm glad you found this information useful

[@Celestialrob]

I love Life is Sweet, but cried through Naked. I respect it as a film more than Life is Sweet. The raw power is shocking, quite unforgettable. Both unmissable movies, without even a reference to Secrets and Lies.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

The film Naked is so powerful. One of the greatest movie quotes I think is from that film: "Don't waste your life." Wow... yes, what a brilliant film indeed.

[@herotolegend]

Idk why people are resistant to dvd. A lot of them still look just fine. And can be had for next to nothing. While some blu rays are literally 10x the price for a resolution increase and bit rate increase.🤷🏻

[@DaisukeBeppu]

that is a very good point. Thank you so much for this.

[@joshgoldy952]

Additionally, some films are only avaible on DVD, you'd be missing out!

[@ggfffgggds]

Your initial description of Valley Of The Dolls is my description of Freddy Got Fingered 😂🤣

[@DaisukeBeppu]

haha!!! By the way I like Freddy Got Fingered. It is really funny in places. It is not a film for everyone, but it is a film that makes me laugh a lot. How do you feel about the film?

[@ggfffgggds]

@@DaisukeBeppu I feel that FGT is a surrealist masterpiece that is misunderstood. It belongs in The Criterion Collection. No I'm not joking 🤣 Regarding another one of your suggestions; I'm watching "The 49th Parallel" right now with a friend. I think "The Warriors" paired with it would make a great double feature. Definitely some similar themes here.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yeah, I am with you on Freddie Got Fingered. I think that it has such a funny absurd humor to it that I really love it and I think it should be a more popular cult film now more than ever. I know that it got quite a beating critically upon its release (and maybe that has continued to this day?). But I too think it is very misunderstood and I am not ashamed to stand behind my liking for that film because it is so funny and absurd. Also, the 49th Parallel... I hope you liked it! It is a very complex film in terms of viewer sympathies.

[@SilurianSkies]

This might be controversial and eventhough I enjoy most of his films, but personally I think Cronenburg peaked with Scanners, there's just something about it that draws you in.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much my friend! And not controversial at all. I really respect your opinion!!!

[@RareDivers]

I'm behind on Cronenberg films, as I have only seen Fast Company, Scanners, and Videodrome. Scanners is cool, but Videodrome is one of my favorite films ever. Which I think does have a very compelling story, mixed with pretty horrific scenes and effects. There is a Blu-ray of 49th Parallel from France. But like most French releases, I believe it has forced French subtitles. tinyurl.com/yd6ff6fd Do not own it, so I cannot confirm. Seems to have excellent picture and audio quality, and has the same extras as the Criterion DVD. Valley Of The Dolls.... what a film. I need to revisit it and the sequel. They should be awful...but I cant look away. :D I really want to see Canoa. It seems to be one of those really important films such as Salo and Schindlers List. Hopefully Criterion can release the film Men Behind The Sun, which is a horror film that depicts the atrocities committed by Unit 731 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Its probably not as well done as Canoa, but its still an extremely important story that should not be forgotten. Eraserhead is such a classic. Its the horrors of daily life over exaggerated. Although I am sure it resonates with people more who are new to parenting. At least I see it that way. Still love it. The story of its production is just as entertaining. Few directors are proud of their first films, but I think Lynch really treasures it.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, I saw MEN BEHIND THE SUN some time ago, and, man, what an unforgettable film. I'd so love to hear your reaction to CANOA. I think you would have much to say about it. My heart goes to VALLEY OF THE DOLLS! I love it. It is really a great, great film, and one that deserves as much love as it can get. It is a true miracle.

[@nosuchthing8]

How many languages do you know???

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Cheers. So I can speak Japanese and English. I studied French in school but I cannot speak it very well.

[@Dan89201]

I’m in the UK and the criterion collection is convincing me to get a region free player because of the number of releases we don’t have

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you and yes, though of course there are some select titles from Criterion that have been released in the UK.

[@nosuchthing8]

I wish President Trump had one millionth the verbal acuity you possess.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you!

[@nosuchthing8]

I wish the host was the president of the us. Haha.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you and I hope you are well!