Criterion Crazy: October Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Criterion Crazy is a series where we cover the latest Criterion Collection announcements: what we like, what we’re confused by, and the like.
Only one film this month was patiently waited on (and we’ll get to that first and foremost), but the other films coming to the Criterion Collection in October are a series of major surprises. Sometimes, these are the best months: discovering films that we didn’t know exist, or being introduced to films that we always wanted to watch. Criterion isn’t only about getting the films we already love integrated: it’s also about learning about more. Besides, lesser known films are commonly the favourites of another, and this month’s selection is full of the films that other people insist you watch. And so we shall: not many classics this month, but a hell of a lot of hidden secrets waiting to be seen.
The Favourite: Lost Highway
As someone who has relied on a very shoddy DVD copy of Lost Highway for many years, this needed to happen. Finally, David Lynch’s most underrated film is getting a proper home release, and it will be a part of Criterion’s Collection to boot. I can’t wait to see this dark film remastered properly, and I can bet that there will be many amazing additions to this set. I’m happy about every film that was included in this announcement, but unquestionably this was the part of the release that I am the most thrilled about.
Best Newer Release: La Llorona
Not to be confused with that much worse film released the same year, La Llorona is a recent international favourite of many. While I didn’t resonate with the film as much as others have, it’s still nice to see that Criterion continues to spotlight the contemporary cinema of the world within its collection. Lla Llorona has its audience, and many of its members are unquestionably into Criterion.
Under-Seen Choice: Eve’s Bayou
Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is easily her best film to date, and its inclusion here feels earned. There’s enough style and tone mashing here that makes the film feel unique; on top of the cultural significance of featuring a Creole-American storyline, Eve’s Bayou is an important film to have in such a collection. Then there’s the fact that it’s just a really good watch; a young Jurnee Smollett earns her stripes as the titular Eve, holding her own alongside the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Deborah Morgan, and Diahann Carroll.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Night of the Living Dead
Hell yes. I will say that Night of the Living Dead is an obvious pick, but here’s why this upgrade to 4K is really good. Night of the Living Dead is one of the few films that has been available via public access thanks to legal loopholing, and so it can be reached pretty much anywhere legally. However, not every place will have Night of the Living Dead in 4K, and this is not only the upper hand that makes Criterion’s version worthwhile, but a necessity for horror fans everywhere.
Some Dark Fun: Arsenic and Old Lace
Frank Capra’s classics are beloved yet very familiar. The Criterion Collection actually has a pretty solid screwball and dark comedy library, especially when it comes to the 30s and 40s, so it comes as no surprise that Capra’s lesser-known gem Arsenic and Old Lace wound up here. If you’re used to Capra’s fuzzier, more warm films, get ready for something a little more diabolical and fun.
If You Want To Go Even Darker: Cure
Horror typically gets a bad reputation outside of its own core fans, and the Criterion Collection has quite a few of the genre’s classics. Nonetheless, it can always afford to present more, and a good place to start is with Japan’s extensively large contribution to horror, so Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure feels like a step in the right direction. Following killers that don’t remember the crimes they have committed as they freeze at their scenes, Cure is a puzzling psychological thriller that will keep you glued to the screen for two hours.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.