Criterion Crazy: November 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.
Wow. Say what you want about this announcement being two days late, but the latest Criterion batch is a golden one. It may be one of the strongest of 2022, truth be told. Whatever delays there were, it doesn't matter. The November Criterion Collection releases are all fantastic; the worst film here is great. It almost feels strategic to have these exemplary works released during the month that usually houses one of Criterion's famous flash sales, and I highly doubt this is a coincidence. Additionally, I am not complaining, but I feel like we’re one film shy of our usual announcement quota (five instead of six: perhaps whatever is left out is the cause of the delay?). Regardless… where do I even start? Picking a favourite part of the announcement is tough, but allow me to explain myself.
The Favourite: Daisies
First off, I adore Daisies. Věra Chytilová's film is a feminist, experimental masterpiece of rebellious cinema. To this day, not many films feel as ruthless, untethered, or wild, all whilst sticking it to the patriarchy and the ways of old (here is a film that even destroys itself in these conventions). The second point is actually the first thought I had upon seeing that teaser image on the 15th: Daisies wasn't already in the collection? Why not? Some films scream Criterion, and Daisies is one of them. It's about time. For the unaware: go in blindly, and expect nothing. This is as unpredictable and anarchistic as film gets.
Best Newer Release: The Power of the Dog
Well, we all knew this was coming. Firstly, Jane Campion is integrating herself quite nicely in the collection, first with The Piano and now this Best Director winner (maybe we can expect Sweetie soon). Secondly, and this is the big kicker as to why this is an important new release, Criterion's deal with Netflix made this a given (and at least you can justify that this film can only be purchased for home release this way, and it is fully deserving of being owned in such a way). Not surprising, but highly warranted. The Power of the Dog is a magnificent slow burn that will go down as a highlight of the 2020s (I know not everyone agrees, but I love this film).
Under-Seen Choice: The Infernal Affairs Trilogy
I try to pick a hidden gem each month, and I'm fully aware that Infernal Affairs is a beloved film within Hong Kong cinema (as well as the source material for Martin Scorsese's The Departed). However, this box set allows the other two films in the trilogy, obviously Infernal Affairs II and III, to get their dues as well (and this is where the under-seen part comes in). If you're looking for an afternoon and evening of heart-pumping crime thrills, don't look any further than these solid releases by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. You won't be disappointed in these moral conflicts, major twists, and intense action.
It’s Time to Upgrade: In the Mood for Love
On one hand, I will never complain about In the Mood for Love, especially in 4K (this has to be jaw dropping, I'm sure, and you had better believe that I will now own the film in three different ways). On the other hand, the Wong Kar-wai boxset is still pretty recent, and chances are if you're reading this list that you own either this collection or In the Mood for Love as a stand alone blu-ray/DVD. Either way, I'm not complaining, as I said. If any film deserves to be sought after again because of how much better it'll look the next time, it's this opus. Having said that, keep in mind that this is both SDR (not HDR) and taken from the re-colourized version supervised by Kar-wai, which hasn’t been a favourite decision for many, so take from that what you will.
It’s Time For a Spike Lee Joint: Malcolm X
If the Criterion Collection is going to keep churning out Spike Lee films, it only made sense that Malcolm X, one of his crowning achievements, would wind up here. At last. That day has come. Lee's biographical epic has aged incredibly well, and should be discussed amongst the other ambitious films of the 90s. It never went anywhere, but this Criterion release will get that conversation stirred up again. Now we just need BlackKklansman to join this film and Do the Right Thing, and Lee's trifecta of perfection will be in the collection. If Malcolm X is anything like the latter film, if purchasable from his official site, you may even get an autographed copy to boot (this isn’t a guarantee, but something to look out for).
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.