Thanks for yet another very interesting and informative video! I enjoyed what you say about all of these films. So far, I have only seen one of them. I have seen "The Best Years of Our Lives" multiple times over the years and I think it is excellent. I have written down the titles of the other films you discuss and will look for them.
As always, Mike, a welcome survey of tantalizing titles. 'Casque d'or' was one of the first European art films I can remember encountering, coming across it on public television while visiting my grandparents, though I just remember a smidgen of it and didn't know what I was watching (in terms of title, director, star, etc) at the time--it was only much later as an adult that I found out it was Becker's classic I had seen. It was also perhaps the first time I ever was confronted with a particular swear word (in the English subtitle), which I won't attempt to type out here, but suffice it to say that when I asked my mother what the term meant (in relation to a later movie, my mother in neither instance watching with me), she stonily replied that if I ever called a lady that, to expect a slapped face in response. I've not seen 'Calle mayor', but a surprising number of outstanding Spanish films were produced during Franco's regime, a reassuring reminder that art of real quality can still issue from terrible circumstances. Just think of 'Viridiana', 'El verdugo', the made-for-television 'La cabina', and 'El espíritu de la colmena', the last still seen by some as the greatest work of the nation's cinema. Glad to learn your thoughts on 'The Best Years of Our Lives', one of my favorite American pictures of the Forties. I'm a rather sentimental sort myself, so I'm more amenable to the story involving Homer and Wilma's hopeful union, but the film as a whole is really remarkable given the context of its making, perhaps especially in the quite frank and unsentimental treatment of Al Stephenson's alcoholism. I enjoyed learning your thoughts on all your subjects, but was especially appreciative of hearing your assessment of the Rivette film. That was one I actually had the opportunity to see on the big screen at a repertory venue not too long ago, but sadly had to miss due to extenuating circumstances. But the film itself survives, and hope springs eternal.
I feel bad now! Don't get me wrong, I loved the film and its performances, and it is very moving. Sigh, I'm just a grumpy old grouch. Also, Barry, since I read what you wrote about the swear word in Casque d'Or, I've been racking my brains to remember what it was! (And La Cabina - scared me witless when I was a kid when they just showed it unannounced on BBC2 one night!)
@@michaelbartlettfilm It's been years since I've seen 'Casque d'or' (most recently on Turner Classic Movies), and I can't seem to find the pertinent scene on this site, but it is a moment when Léonie (played by Loleh Bellon) confronts Simone Signoret's Marie as she takes her leave of Serge Reggiani's Manda. Around the same time when first catching 'Casque d'or' on TV, when seeing the 1975 Western 'Bite the Bullet' with cousins, one of them used the same term to describe the goings-on in a bunkhouse scene, and when describing the film later to his father (in my presence), was gently admonished to use the more polite term of "ladies of the evening". It was my continuing cluelessness that prompted my later inquiry from my mother, with her cryptic response.
Hi Michael. Like Julie I have seen only one of these films, The Best Years of Our Lives. And I don't really remember if I liked it or not cause I probably saw it 40 years ago on TV. So I have got less than zero (as Elvis Costello would say) to add to your post. But as always I certainly enjoy hearing your views on all these films. Keep up the good work, mate.
Interesting list Mike! Once again lots of films I didnt know about - and by the way the way you describe your experience with Love Hotel really made me laugh😅
It was no laughing matter at the time, I tell ya! No, it was fine actually, she was good about it. But I don't think she'll check in again at the Love Hotel...
Hi Mike. Great to see another video from you. Compared to you, my film-watching feels so obvious and mainstream. Even so, I hope you'll watch my end-of-the-year 2024 round-up in a couple of weeks. It will include several of your film recommendations, possibly including a bit of the Sooniverse 😁👍
I definitely will be watching! I didn't comment on the film stars one because - gulp! - I didn't know half the people. I'm getting old. Also, I feel I've converted you to Hong, and that's made doing this whole channel worthwhile! Who cares if no-one watched my ten best Tarot card decks! Thanks, Steve. Have a fine Christmas, mate!
@@michaelbartlettfilm Hi Mike. I think we're exactly the same age, so you're never too old to enjoy a Strange Darling or Game Night. In fact I recommend both for a mini-break from the 3 and half hour challenging visual essays. I did really like Eureka though 👍 Merry Christmas.
Thanks MB! I'll save this list for when I feel the need to take the challenge level up a notch Incidentally, I watched my first pink film earlier this year as kind of a random watch. I can't speak to its comparative quality within the genre, but I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Some discoveries I've made in the last month or so include: Manhunter (1986), Wild Tales (2014), and The Shape of Night (1964). Enjoy your holidays - cheers!
@@barrymoore4470 Both films tell a very similar story (though Hannibal Lecter has much less screen time in Manhunter). The main difference is in both films' overall style. Manhunter is very much a product of the 80's stylistically speaking and is presented less as a horror film and a little more as an action/thriller (it is directed by Michael Mann after all). Despite the higher energy level, Manhunter still provides a very satisfying 'finding clues / solving the mystery arc. Definitely worth a watch if you can find it.
I'd go for Manhunter over Silence any day, though Brian Cox's performance is not quite as great as I remember it. I loved Michael Mann in the 80s, but my enthusiasm has wavered a bit over the years. PS. Isn't Shape of Night beautiful?
@@michaelbartlettfilm I'd probably give Manhunter the edge myself, but I'll allow for some recency bias. The Shape of Night was visually striking. There were times that I couldn't help but wonder if it had some influence on Wong Kar-wai's style.
Interesting video Michael. Funnily enough I watched the best years of our lives just a few months back. I really liked it. The only Rivette film I've seen is Celine And Julie Go Boating. Its absolutely crazy. That Somai film sounds interesting. Another to add to my list to buy.
Even though I'm far from a Rivette completist, 'Céline and Julie Go Boating' could very well be his single greatest accomplishment. It is at least quite likely the most accessible of the films widely regarded as his masterpieces (the others being 'L'amour fou' and both versions of 'Out 1').
Thanks, Gary! I agree with Barry, Celine and Julie is fabulous (in both senses of the word!) My personal favourite is Out 1. But I haven't yet seen L'Amour Fou, though the new blu-ray is now in my clutches...
@@barrymoore4470 I like both. Out 1:Spectre is shorter and tighter and feels more like an enigmatic mystery. Out 1 is more free-form and experimental, more interested in performance. But I think they're both fantastic.
Wonderful video Michael. I also was impressed by Malmkrog. Which Lav Diaz should someone watch as an entrance point to his work? I always put off them because of their length.
Norte The End Of History is a great place to start. It's available on Blu-Ray and it's mercifully shorter than most of his films! It's lightly based on Crime and Punishment, so that gives you a familiar narrative to navigate the political and historical context of the Philippines a little better. It's a VERY tough film, but quite brilliant.
Hi Michael, big fan of your channel here! I'm always looking for new films so this video is much appreciated. I don't know if you like it or not but it'd be great to see a short list of your fav and not so fav 'Tales Of The Unexpected' episodes (if you have any, of course!) Cheers
Somai is great. Love Hotel is good but much more like a Takashi Ishii film (who wrote this film) than a Somai film. Although I love Takashi Ishii (one of the best), but when I watched this film I wanted something more "Somai" than Ishii. Nobody asked (he-he) but this are the best films I have seen since September (without all the Shaw Brother films I have seen): A Chinese Ghost Story 1987 I-III Bullet in the Head 1990 Flower & Snake II 2005 Murder by Contract 1958 Like a Savage 1985 My Sons 1991 (!!!!! Masterpiece IIII) The Rest Is Silence 1959 The Red House 1947 Made in Hong Kong 1997 Journey to the West 2021
I've been watching a lot of Rivette on bluray lately: La Belle Noiseuse, Celine And Julie Go boating, Up Down Fragile, Va Savoir, Gang Of Four, Secret Defence and Joan The Maid. Loved all of them! The Nun (La réligieuse) is on it's way, but Around A Small Mountain is more difficult to find. Oh well. Would love to see more of Hong Sang-soo's films, but boy oh boy are they expensive to buy on region b bluray (at least where I am, in Belgium). The only ones I have seen are Women Is The Future Of Man and Tale Of Cinema (the arrow video release). Loved them. Am really intrigued by The Plains and Love Hotel. Speaking of Love Hotel: a couple of weeks ago I saw Tokyo Decadence (1992) which also blends soft-p#rn and arthouse cinema. The raunchy moments somehow never overtake the more humane ones. It's a fascinating watch. If you haven't seen it yet, I would recommend it.
Thanks, Peter, for that recommendation. Great to hear from you. If you can, get hold of Radiance Films' blu-ray of Rivette's L'Amour Fou from the UK. It's incredible. With a superb feature-length doc on the making of the film. Best release of the year.
@@michaelbartlettfilm And that remake got a sequel to boot. I've only seen the remake and its sequel, and I thought both were fun movies, though admittedly not great art.
I have seen "Patterns" twice over the years, but not the other two. I googled them to see what they are about and I'd like to see them. I will look for them.
So good to see you back for a holiday edition of beloved film discoveries. The Australian film "The Plains" sounds interesting to me, as I tend to gravitate toward Australian films and find the personalities endearing and worthy of exploration, even in a slice-of-life model. Also, I wanted to share with you a short film I've been working on for a few years, finally completed. It's called "Myths After Midnight: Dudes of the Night," and it's basically a parody episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" meets "Spinal Tap." It's silly and quirky but you may find it mildly amusing...and the good news is it's only 33 minutes long :). I just posted it on TH-cam at th-cam.com/video/PDiamru6t7Y/w-d-xo.html Anyways, hope it brings a little chuckle as you're winding down for the evening, and hope you have a Merry Christmas, sir!
Frank, I loved your film! And what an auteur you are! Writing, directing, acting, doing the score - which got the 80s so right, ha, ha! The parody music videos were my favourite bit. Really enjoyed it. And am I right in thinking you're an ex-cop? I think you told me that. I was wondering if some of the other actors were old colleagues? Anyway, Merry Christmas to you too! And as ever, I'm available for minor roles!
@@michaelbartlettfilm haha "auteur" is a word that's never before been assigned to me, so I guess that's a first worth treasuring! :) Not an ex-cop, personally, just a civilian working for the police department...I do video editing for them and redact body worn camera footage for release to the media. But my dad was a cop for 45 years so I kind of wanted to honor him a bit too, in my own way. You are totally going to be my police chief in the next installment (which at this rate will debut about the time the next Bond film arrives...roughly 10-15 years :).
Thanks for yet another very interesting and informative video! I enjoyed what you say about all of these films. So far, I have only seen one of them. I have seen "The Best Years of Our Lives" multiple times over the years and I think it is excellent. I have written down the titles of the other films you discuss and will look for them.
Thanks so much, Julie! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Hope you're having a lovely xmas holiday!
@@michaelbartlettfilm Thanks, Mike! I hope you are too. 🧑🎄
As always, Mike, a welcome survey of tantalizing titles. 'Casque d'or' was one of the first European art films I can remember encountering, coming across it on public television while visiting my grandparents, though I just remember a smidgen of it and didn't know what I was watching (in terms of title, director, star, etc) at the time--it was only much later as an adult that I found out it was Becker's classic I had seen. It was also perhaps the first time I ever was confronted with a particular swear word (in the English subtitle), which I won't attempt to type out here, but suffice it to say that when I asked my mother what the term meant (in relation to a later movie, my mother in neither instance watching with me), she stonily replied that if I ever called a lady that, to expect a slapped face in response.
I've not seen 'Calle mayor', but a surprising number of outstanding Spanish films were produced during Franco's regime, a reassuring reminder that art of real quality can still issue from terrible circumstances. Just think of 'Viridiana', 'El verdugo', the made-for-television 'La cabina', and 'El espíritu de la colmena', the last still seen by some as the greatest work of the nation's cinema.
Glad to learn your thoughts on 'The Best Years of Our Lives', one of my favorite American pictures of the Forties. I'm a rather sentimental sort myself, so I'm more amenable to the story involving Homer and Wilma's hopeful union, but the film as a whole is really remarkable given the context of its making, perhaps especially in the quite frank and unsentimental treatment of Al Stephenson's alcoholism.
I enjoyed learning your thoughts on all your subjects, but was especially appreciative of hearing your assessment of the Rivette film. That was one I actually had the opportunity to see on the big screen at a repertory venue not too long ago, but sadly had to miss due to extenuating circumstances. But the film itself survives, and hope springs eternal.
Hi, Barry. I feel the same way you do about Homer and Wilma's storyline.
@@julieborel3043 Hi, Julie, the closing wedding scene between the two just overwhelms me with emotion. I find this the film's supreme moment.
@@barrymoore4470 Yes, that scene is very moving indeed!
I feel bad now! Don't get me wrong, I loved the film and its performances, and it is very moving. Sigh, I'm just a grumpy old grouch. Also, Barry, since I read what you wrote about the swear word in Casque d'Or, I've been racking my brains to remember what it was! (And La Cabina - scared me witless when I was a kid when they just showed it unannounced on BBC2 one night!)
@@michaelbartlettfilm It's been years since I've seen 'Casque d'or' (most recently on Turner Classic Movies), and I can't seem to find the pertinent scene on this site, but it is a moment when Léonie (played by Loleh Bellon) confronts Simone Signoret's Marie as she takes her leave of Serge Reggiani's Manda. Around the same time when first catching 'Casque d'or' on TV, when seeing the 1975 Western 'Bite the Bullet' with cousins, one of them used the same term to describe the goings-on in a bunkhouse scene, and when describing the film later to his father (in my presence), was gently admonished to use the more polite term of "ladies of the evening". It was my continuing cluelessness that prompted my later inquiry from my mother, with her cryptic response.
Hi Michael. Like Julie I have seen only one of these films, The Best Years of Our Lives. And I don't really remember if I liked it or not cause I probably saw it 40 years ago on TV. So I have got less than zero (as Elvis Costello would say) to add to your post. But as always I certainly enjoy hearing your views on all these films. Keep up the good work, mate.
Thanks, Willie! Have a good Christmas, mate!
Interesting list Mike! Once again lots of films I didnt know about - and by the way the way you describe your experience with Love Hotel really made me laugh😅
It was no laughing matter at the time, I tell ya! No, it was fine actually, she was good about it. But I don't think she'll check in again at the Love Hotel...
Hi Mike. Great to see another video from you. Compared to you, my film-watching feels so obvious and mainstream. Even so, I hope you'll watch my end-of-the-year 2024 round-up in a couple of weeks. It will include several of your film recommendations, possibly including a bit of the Sooniverse 😁👍
I definitely will be watching! I didn't comment on the film stars one because - gulp! - I didn't know half the people. I'm getting old. Also, I feel I've converted you to Hong, and that's made doing this whole channel worthwhile! Who cares if no-one watched my ten best Tarot card decks! Thanks, Steve. Have a fine Christmas, mate!
@@michaelbartlettfilm Hi Mike. I think we're exactly the same age, so you're never too old to enjoy a Strange Darling or Game Night. In fact I recommend both for a mini-break from the 3 and half hour challenging visual essays. I did really like Eureka though 👍 Merry Christmas.
Thanks MB! I'll save this list for when I feel the need to take the challenge level up a notch Incidentally, I watched my first pink film earlier this year as kind of a random watch. I can't speak to its comparative quality within the genre, but I wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
Some discoveries I've made in the last month or so include: Manhunter (1986), Wild Tales (2014), and The Shape of Night (1964).
Enjoy your holidays - cheers!
I've only ever read about 'Manhunter', and I'm curious if you preferred it to 'The Silence of the Lambs' (assuming that you've seen the latter).
@@barrymoore4470 Both films tell a very similar story (though Hannibal Lecter has much less screen time in Manhunter). The main difference is in both films' overall style. Manhunter is very much a product of the 80's stylistically speaking and is presented less as a horror film and a little more as an action/thriller (it is directed by Michael Mann after all). Despite the higher energy level, Manhunter still provides a very satisfying 'finding clues / solving the mystery arc. Definitely worth a watch if you can find it.
I'd go for Manhunter over Silence any day, though Brian Cox's performance is not quite as great as I remember it. I loved Michael Mann in the 80s, but my enthusiasm has wavered a bit over the years. PS. Isn't Shape of Night beautiful?
@@michaelbartlettfilm I'd probably give Manhunter the edge myself, but I'll allow for some recency bias. The Shape of Night was visually striking. There were times that I couldn't help but wonder if it had some influence on Wong Kar-wai's style.
Interesting video Michael. Funnily enough I watched the best years of our lives just a few months back. I really liked it. The only Rivette film I've seen is Celine And Julie Go Boating. Its absolutely crazy. That Somai film sounds interesting. Another to add to my list to buy.
Even though I'm far from a Rivette completist, 'Céline and Julie Go Boating' could very well be his single greatest accomplishment. It is at least quite likely the most accessible of the films widely regarded as his masterpieces (the others being 'L'amour fou' and both versions of 'Out 1').
Thanks, Gary! I agree with Barry, Celine and Julie is fabulous (in both senses of the word!) My personal favourite is Out 1. But I haven't yet seen L'Amour Fou, though the new blu-ray is now in my clutches...
@@michaelbartlettfilm Which version of 'Out 1', Mike, or perhaps both of them?
@@barrymoore4470 I like both. Out 1:Spectre is shorter and tighter and feels more like an enigmatic mystery. Out 1 is more free-form and experimental, more interested in performance. But I think they're both fantastic.
Wonderful video Michael. I also was impressed by Malmkrog. Which Lav Diaz should someone watch as an entrance point to his work? I always put off them because of their length.
Norte The End Of History is a great place to start. It's available on Blu-Ray and it's mercifully shorter than most of his films! It's lightly based on Crime and Punishment, so that gives you a familiar narrative to navigate the political and historical context of the Philippines a little better. It's a VERY tough film, but quite brilliant.
Hi Michael, big fan of your channel here! I'm always looking for new films so this video is much appreciated. I don't know if you like it or not but it'd be great to see a short list of your fav and not so fav 'Tales Of The Unexpected' episodes (if you have any, of course!) Cheers
Thanks so much, Rick! I don't know Tales so well (apart from Tim West turning into a bee!) but I might be doing a vid on Night Gallery soon...
@@michaelbartlettfilm Night Gallery would be even better! Thanks again and compliments of the season to you ☃
Very interesting. Thank you.
Thanks, Peter!
Somai is great. Love Hotel is good but much more like a Takashi Ishii film (who wrote this film) than a Somai film. Although I love Takashi Ishii (one of the best), but when I watched this film I wanted something more "Somai" than Ishii.
Nobody asked (he-he) but this are the best films I have seen since September (without all the Shaw Brother films I have seen):
A Chinese Ghost Story 1987 I-III
Bullet in the Head 1990
Flower & Snake II 2005
Murder by Contract 1958
Like a Savage 1985
My Sons 1991 (!!!!! Masterpiece IIII)
The Rest Is Silence 1959
The Red House 1947
Made in Hong Kong 1997
Journey to the West 2021
Where did you find "A Chinese Ghost Story?" I've been looking around for that to check out
I have seen "Murder by Contract" and "The Red House" and really liked both of them! I haven't seen the others on your list. I will check them out.
@@frankb821 there is a German bluray, and I am sure there are other ways to find it.
@@julieborel3043 I have a strange taste sometimes, so I hope you will like it. 🙂
Thanks so much for posting this list! So many subscribers have recommended Murder By Contract - must get round to it.
I've been watching a lot of Rivette on bluray lately: La Belle Noiseuse, Celine And Julie Go boating, Up Down Fragile, Va Savoir, Gang Of Four, Secret Defence and Joan The Maid. Loved all of them! The Nun (La réligieuse) is on it's way, but Around A Small Mountain is more difficult to find. Oh well.
Would love to see more of Hong Sang-soo's films, but boy oh boy are they expensive to buy on region b bluray (at least where I am, in Belgium). The only ones I have seen are Women Is The Future Of Man and Tale Of Cinema (the arrow video release). Loved them.
Am really intrigued by The Plains and Love Hotel. Speaking of Love Hotel: a couple of weeks ago I saw Tokyo Decadence (1992) which also blends soft-p#rn and arthouse cinema. The raunchy moments somehow never overtake the more humane ones. It's a fascinating watch. If you haven't seen it yet, I would recommend it.
Thanks, Peter, for that recommendation. Great to hear from you. If you can, get hold of Radiance Films' blu-ray of Rivette's L'Amour Fou from the UK. It's incredible. With a superb feature-length doc on the making of the film. Best release of the year.
I just discovered Jumanji - one of THE classic movies!!! 😉
Arrrrgggh! I remember a young work colleague of mine saying that to me and it took me five minutes to recover! And then they remade it!
@@michaelbartlettfilm And that remake got a sequel to boot. I've only seen the remake and its sequel, and I thought both were fun movies, though admittedly not great art.
@@michaelbartlettfilm Yes, your comment about it really made me laugh. Love the dry humour in your videos.
Patterns [1956]
Straight On till Morning [1972]
The Widower [TV Mini Series 2014]
I have seen "Patterns" twice over the years, but not the other two. I googled them to see what they are about and I'd like to see them. I will look for them.
Thanks, Antony! Have not seen Patterns, will check it out.
I've seen all 11.
Pah! I bet!
So good to see you back for a holiday edition of beloved film discoveries. The Australian film "The Plains" sounds interesting to me, as I tend to gravitate toward Australian films and find the personalities endearing and worthy of exploration, even in a slice-of-life model. Also, I wanted to share with you a short film I've been working on for a few years, finally completed. It's called "Myths After Midnight: Dudes of the Night," and it's basically a parody episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" meets "Spinal Tap." It's silly and quirky but you may find it mildly amusing...and the good news is it's only 33 minutes long :). I just posted it on TH-cam at th-cam.com/video/PDiamru6t7Y/w-d-xo.html Anyways, hope it brings a little chuckle as you're winding down for the evening, and hope you have a Merry Christmas, sir!
I watched your short film. Very funny and clever! 😆
@@julieborel3043 Ha, thanks Julie! I have a weird sense of humor so glad some of that conveyed :) Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
@@frankb821 Thanks, Frank. Merry Christmas to you too! 🎅
Frank, I loved your film! And what an auteur you are! Writing, directing, acting, doing the score - which got the 80s so right, ha, ha! The parody music videos were my favourite bit. Really enjoyed it. And am I right in thinking you're an ex-cop? I think you told me that. I was wondering if some of the other actors were old colleagues? Anyway, Merry Christmas to you too! And as ever, I'm available for minor roles!
@@michaelbartlettfilm haha "auteur" is a word that's never before been assigned to me, so I guess that's a first worth treasuring! :) Not an ex-cop, personally, just a civilian working for the police department...I do video editing for them and redact body worn camera footage for release to the media. But my dad was a cop for 45 years so I kind of wanted to honor him a bit too, in my own way. You are totally going to be my police chief in the next installment (which at this rate will debut about the time the next Bond film arrives...roughly 10-15 years :).
New 4 k Blu-ray player 😮😅 a very big 🐇 🕳️ 👈🏻 💿💿💿💿💿💿💿💿💿💿😆
And 4ks are so (BLEEP) expensive!
@@michaelbartlettfilm my bank manager hates me lol and my postman 📦💿💿💿💿👈🏻😆