Criterion Reflections

May 14 2024 158

Criterion Reflections Podcast artwork

David Blakeslee and guests engage in concise but in depth conversations about Criterion films in their original historic context, and reflect on what they say to us today. Each episode covers a season of a year, discussing the movies in their chronological order of release.

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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 artists that performed at the LA Coliseum in August 1972.

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 – 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.