As many of you know, we’re big fans of “The Criterion Collection” around here and nearly drool at each month’s new release announcements. Some titles may be a little less popular (or well known) than others and Criterion does their best to sway people to the light with a little series they call “Three Reasons.” They highlight moments and aspects of a particular film at splice them together in a sort of montage in order to generate interest and discussion on said picture.
I don’t think we’ve posted any of them on RowThree before, but some of the more recent displays have been more than enough to get me excited. The Red Shoes was of particular beauty and of course Mike Leigh’s Topsy Turvy is apparently quite the overlooked gem as well. But on to today’s release: Antonioni’s Red Desert. Consider me sold. Especially for reason #3…
All three of these films are now available (Topsy Turvy in a few days from now) on Criterion Collection’s Blu page. So by all means check them out and let us know what you think!
I bought Red Desert sight unseen at one of the B&N half-price sales. I still haven’t watched it, though. I oughta fix that.
Same here Jandy. It’s in the middle of a pile of about 7 other Criterion Blus I blind bought at that time and have yet to watch.
Watching that clip is going to move Red Desert to the top of the list; looks great! Thanks for that.
I really enjoyed it as Antonioni just seems to have a pace (though slow) that works for me. The mix of reasons 1 and 2 make for a strange visual feast – not one to gorge on, but certainly something to savour. The “story” needs patience though as it is typical of his films in being, uh, can I say elliptical?
And yeah, reason 3 is absolutely more than enough…for any film.