The best of the Criterion Channel - March 2020

Brief Encounter

dir. by David Lean

There’s nothing like getting swept up in a tale of trains and illicit love to keep your mind off the state of the world at present. Lean’s body of work is all over the Criterion Channel, and “Brief Encounter” is a great place to start.

The Piano Teacher

dir. by Michael Haneke

While this psychological drama is nothing short of disturbing and upsetting, I found myself fascinated by both Isabelle Huppert and Benoît Magimel’s haunting performances. This one will stick with you.

A Place in the Sun

dir. by George Stevens

I am planning on getting around to watching “A Place in the Sun” at some point over spring break/self-quarantine, as I’ve been telling myself I need to watch this for a while. Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor (and Shelley Winters!) team up in this 1951 film, evidence enough that I have put this one off for far too long.

The Seventh Seal

dir. by Ingmar Bergman

In honor of Swedish actor Max von Sydow’s (who played knight Antonius Block in the film) passing, turn on Bergman’s classic.

Three Colours: Blue

dir. by Krzysztof Kieślowski

Three movies may seem daunting under normal circumstances, but there’s really no time like the present to embark on Kieślowski’s trilogy. All three films are available on the Criterion Channel.

In The Mood For Love

dir. by Wong Kar-Wai

You’ll be able to hear this movie long after you turn it off – you’ll see what I mean. There is, truly, nothing like this movie. The colors, the frames, the characters – this is a beautiful look into the Hong Kong of the 1960s that should be required reading for literally everyone.