David is joined by Richard Doyle and Robert Taylor to discuss this skewed reworking that situates Raymond Chandler's 50s noir classic in early 70s L.A.
Criterion Reflections
David Blakeslee
Criterion Reflections – Episode 150 – Lina Wertmüller’s Love and Anarchy
David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss this timely tale of radical resistance and romantic folly in fascist Italy of the 1930s.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 149 – Roger Vadim’s Don Juan (or if Don Juan Were a Woman)
The podcast returns after a long break featuring David in a solo episode talking about Brigitte Bardot's acting career with a focus on this, her final feature performance.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 148 – The Game of Clones
David talks with Michael Worth about the excellent new Bruceploitation box set from Severin Films.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 147 – Charles Nichols’ and Iwao Takamoto’s Charlotte’s Web
David is joined by musical theater enthusiast Robert Cioffi to discuss this Hanna-Barbera animated adaptation of E.B. White's all-time best-selling youth fiction novel.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 146 – Perry Henzell’s The Harder They Come
David and guests conclude a 3-part series on Black cinema of February 1973 with a discussion of a Jamaican midnight movie classic that launched reggae a a major force in global popular music.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 145 – Larry Cohen’s Black Caesar
David, Richard, and James continue their conversation about Black cinema of 1973, focusing on a Blaxploitation classic featuring a funky James Brown soundtrack and charismatic Fred Williamson in the title role.
Criterion Reflections – Episode 144 – Mel Stuart’s Wattstax
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...
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!
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.