Jeff
07-09-23, 12:23 PM
Here's my latest attempt at a long term commitment. I want this to be both a document of personal growth as a film appreciator and for those wishing to explore the finest films as delivered by those purveyors of fineness aforementioned in the title.
My method of procedure will be going from 1921 to the newest great film they offer. Keep in mind all claims to a films greatness will generally be widely held but i remain responsible for any discrepancies in my appraisals and omissions.
Arrangement rules i shall try to abide by, an image of the film, a quoted synopsis CC provides, and any further thoughts from yours truly which will at least for the longest time be woefully inadequate for such cinematic treasures being discussed. All are welcome to comment, and provide their more informed and enriching nuanced takes on these celluloid delicacies.
https://vhx.imgix.net/criterionchannelchartersu/assets/6d7afc33-f231-4e23-93e9-58de86cbe2c9-717b54ed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=720&q=75&w=1280
The last person to die on New Year’s Eve before the clock strikes twelve is doomed to take the reins of Death’s chariot and work tirelessly collecting fresh souls for the next year. So says the legend that drives THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE (KÖRKARLEN), directed by the father of Swedish cinema, Victor Sjöström. The story, based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf, concerns an alcoholic, abusive ne’er-do-well (Sjöström himself) who is shown the error of his ways, and the pure-of-heart Salvation Army sister who believes in his redemption. This extraordinarily rich and innovative silent classic (which inspired Ingmar Bergman to make movies) is a Dickensian ghost story and a deeply moving morality tale, as well as a showcase for groundbreaking special effects.
My 2nd time watching from the channel, some nice extras are there too. It would be worthy to get the Blu-ray of this at some point.
My method of procedure will be going from 1921 to the newest great film they offer. Keep in mind all claims to a films greatness will generally be widely held but i remain responsible for any discrepancies in my appraisals and omissions.
Arrangement rules i shall try to abide by, an image of the film, a quoted synopsis CC provides, and any further thoughts from yours truly which will at least for the longest time be woefully inadequate for such cinematic treasures being discussed. All are welcome to comment, and provide their more informed and enriching nuanced takes on these celluloid delicacies.
https://vhx.imgix.net/criterionchannelchartersu/assets/6d7afc33-f231-4e23-93e9-58de86cbe2c9-717b54ed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=720&q=75&w=1280
The last person to die on New Year’s Eve before the clock strikes twelve is doomed to take the reins of Death’s chariot and work tirelessly collecting fresh souls for the next year. So says the legend that drives THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE (KÖRKARLEN), directed by the father of Swedish cinema, Victor Sjöström. The story, based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf, concerns an alcoholic, abusive ne’er-do-well (Sjöström himself) who is shown the error of his ways, and the pure-of-heart Salvation Army sister who believes in his redemption. This extraordinarily rich and innovative silent classic (which inspired Ingmar Bergman to make movies) is a Dickensian ghost story and a deeply moving morality tale, as well as a showcase for groundbreaking special effects.
My 2nd time watching from the channel, some nice extras are there too. It would be worthy to get the Blu-ray of this at some point.