CRITERION - Brady Corbet’s Closet Picks
Brady Corbet expresses gratitude for being able to replenish his collection of films and books after losing them in a fire. He highlights several influential films and directors that have shaped his career. Corbet mentions Visconti's 'The Leopard' and 'Death in Venice' as significant influences, particularly on his first film, 'The Childhood of a Leader.' He also praises Czech cinema's 'Marketa Lazarová' and the medieval period films like 'The Virgin Spring' and 'Andrei Rublev.' Corbet shares personal anecdotes, such as receiving 'Salò' from Michael Haneke, and emphasizes the importance of directors like Larisa Shepitko and Mia Hansen-Løve. He concludes by recommending 'The Mother and the Whore,' Wong Kar Wai's works, and the 'Dekalog' series as essential viewing.
Key Points:
- Brady Corbet values replenishing his film collection after a fire.
- Visconti's films significantly influenced Corbet's work, especially 'The Childhood of a Leader.'
- Corbet highlights 'Marketa Lazarová' and medieval films as exceptions to his usual preferences.
- He shares a personal story about receiving 'Salò' from Michael Haneke.
- Corbet recommends 'The Mother and the Whore,' Wong Kar Wai's works, and 'Dekalog' as must-watch films.
Details:
1. 🎬 Personal Reflections and Gratitude
- Brady Corbet expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to recover from a personal loss.
- Seven or eight years ago, a fire destroyed most of his family's DVDs and books, highlighting the significance of this recovery.
- Despite the loss, Brady feels fortunate to be able to 'replenish the account,' indicating a sense of restoration and resilience.
2. 🔍 Exploring the Influence of Visconti
- Visconti's filmmaking is pivotal, deeply impacting the speaker's work, notably their first film, 'The Childhood of a Leader'.
- His films contain some of the most extraordinary sequences in cinematic history, showcasing a profound influence on the medium.
- Visconti's stylistic and thematic elements have left a mark on modern cinema, inspiring filmmakers to adopt his meticulous approach to storytelling and visual composition.
- His work, especially in 'The Leopard', is a benchmark for epic narrative and aesthetic excellence, influencing directors globally.
3. 🎥 Revisiting Lost Films
- Regularly revisiting classic films like 'Death in Venice' and 'The Damned' by Visconti indicates the enduring appeal and timelessness of these works.
- Marketa Lazarová is highlighted as a significant, though underappreciated, masterpiece of Czech cinema, suggesting the potential value in exploring lesser-known international films.
- Despite initial reluctance to engage with medieval themes, the speaker acknowledges that some of their favorite films, such as 'The Virgin Spring,' 'Andrei Rublev,' and 'Marketa Lazarová,' belong to this period, indicating the importance of keeping an open mind towards different genres and historical settings.
- Revisiting lost or classic films can reveal new insights and appreciation, as demonstrated by the speaker's evolving perspective on films initially dismissed due to their themes or origins.
- Engagement with underappreciated films can inspire renewed interest and exploration of international cinema, expanding one's understanding of global film history.
4. 🎞️ Treasured Films and Connections
4.1. Andrei Rublev and Personal Significance
4.2. Salò and Special Connections
5. 💔 Remembering Larisa Shepitko
- Larisa Shepitko is celebrated as one of the greatest directors in film history, renowned for her profound storytelling and cinematic style.
- She directed four significant films, each contributing to her lasting legacy in the film industry. Notable works include 'The Ascent', which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, showcasing her ability to blend intense emotional depth with striking visual narratives.
- Her influence extends beyond her own films, impacting filmmakers worldwide with her unique approach to storytelling and character development.
- She was married to fellow filmmaker Elem Klimov and tragically passed away at a young age. Her work continues to be referenced and honored, underlining her enduring influence.
- Shepitko's films are noted for their exploration of human resilience and moral complexity, themes that resonate with audiences and inspire filmmakers.
6. 🌟 Celebrating Contemporary Directors
- Mia Hansen-Løve is highlighted as a favorite contemporary director, renowned for her films 'Eden' and 'Bergman Island', which showcase her unique storytelling style and ability to capture human emotions.
- 'Bergman Island' is encouraged as a must-watch, exemplifying Hansen-Løve's skill in blending personal narrative with broader themes, reflecting her status as a significant contemporary filmmaker.
- Mia Hansen-Løve's work is celebrated for its ability to resonate with audiences, earning her a reputation as a great contemporary treasure in filmmaking.
7. 🎭 Enthralling Cinema Classics
- 'The Mother and the Whore' is renowned for its hypnotic quality, captivating audiences despite its four-hour runtime.
- Repeated viewings reveal new elements, highlighting the film's depth and complexity.
- Acclaimed as one of the greatest films, it represents a pinnacle of artistic achievement in cinema.
- The film's exploration of post-May 1968 Paris offers a deep cultural and historical context, contributing to its enduring relevance and critical acclaim.
8. 📚 Iconic Collections and Final Thoughts
- The World of Wong Kar Wai and the work of Pasolini are highlighted, although the controversial film Salò is not included in the box set, suggesting a strategic decision to focus on less contentious works.
- The exclusion of Salò from Pasolini's collection indicates a deliberate choice to prioritize broader accessibility and appeal while still celebrating Pasolini's impactful contributions to cinema.
- The Marquis de Sade's works are noted for their enduring impact, maintaining the ability to shock and provoke thought, which underscores the timeless nature of provocative art and its place in cultural discourse.
- The Dekalog is praised as potentially the greatest achievement in cinema history, indicating its high value and significance in film collections, and suggesting its inclusion as a cornerstone in any serious cinematic anthology.