David is joined by Richard Doyle and first-time guest James Merritt to talk about this engaging concert/documentary featuring Isaac Hayes, Richard Pryor, The Staples Singers, and an all-star cast of Black musical...
David Blakeslee
David Blakeslee
Criterion Reflections – Episode 143 – Fernando Di Leo’s The Boss
David is joined by Richard Doyle as they dive into the mafia-infused milieu of Italian poliziotteschi cinema via this trilogy-concluding whirlwind of mayhem, betrayal, and revenge.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 142 – Luchino Visconti’s Ludwig
David provides a video overview of Visconti's maligned late career masterwork and extends his coverage in a conversation with Brad McDermott
Criterion Reflections – Episode 141 – Roberto Rossellini’s The Age of the Medici
David revisits the TV miniseries that attempts to recreate the cultural milieu of 15th century Florence in this first episode of Season 5: 1973.
Criterion Reflections – Intro to Season 5: 1973
A brief video introducing the newest phase of my long-running project to review every Criterion film in chronological order of original theatrical release!
Episode 215 – Criterion Collection Favorites of 2023
This year's panel (David, Jordan, Josh, Brad, and Aaron) resumes our annual tradition of sharing their favorite 2023 releases from the Criterion Collection.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 140 – Costa-Gavras’ State of Siege
We wrap up Season 4: 1972 by discussing a film portraying the grinding conflicts and ruthless power plays between oppressive governments and desperate insurgencies.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 139 – Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers
David and guests discuss the strengths and liabilities of Bergman's remarkable comeback to arthouse preeminence in this Oscar-winning symphony of suffering.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 138 – Melvin Van Peebles’ Don’t Play Us Cheap
David is joined by Richard Doyle and a first-time guest, actor/filmmaker Aaron Strand, to discuss this film adaptation of a barrier-breaking Broadway musical.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 137 – Hanzo the Razor
We discuss Shintaro Katsu's "life after Zatoichi" project, three films about a principled cop in Edo-era Japan, renowned for his fighting skills and infamous interrogation techniques.
David Reviews Bo Widerberg’s New Swedish Cinema [Criterion Collection Blu-Ray Review]
A collection of short video clips featuring a look at the packaging and brief reviews of four films from the 1960s.
David Reviews The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher [Criterion Collection 4K/Blu-ray Review]
Coverage of the new Criterion boxset in the form of short videos and a few added comments.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 136 – Brian De Palma’s Sisters
David dissects Brian De Palma's breakout thriller with Richard Doyle and first-time guest Robert Baum.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 135 – Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day
David and his ensemble gather 'round the table to enjoy and engage with Fassbinder's winsome series about family life and the German working class.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 134 – Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris
David and guests share their thoughts on this sensational, scandalous landmark film from 1972 that still stirs up strong reactions today.