Criterion Reflections

A compilation of video and audio clips that David Blakeslee put together for his review, including a repurposed Criterion Reflections podcast episode from 2019 featuring Richard Doyle and Grant Bromley.

In this lengthy episode, David hosts four individual conversations about this emotionally searing and evocative TV miniseries of 1973 that was edited for theatrical release the following year.

David is joined by William Remmers to discuss an obscure Canadian documentary about 10 groovy teenagers who are granted 10 weeks of autonomy for the purpose of generating compelling cinematic moments, or at least trippy vibes.

David is joined by Richard Doyle and David Seeley to provide intellectual gravitas as we contemplate the threat that atomic testing presents to the future of human civilization. Also: Jet Jaguar to the rescue!

David is joined by first-time guest Ethan Magnan to discuss Leigh's first made-for-TV film, and we also talk about Hard Truth's, his most recent release from 2024.

David is joined by Richard Doyle, Eric Grant, and Josh Wilson to talk about a recent release from the Criterion Collection. We had a fun conversation, that unresolved matter of $200 notwithstanding.

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.

David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss this timely tale of radical resistance and romantic folly in fascist Italy of the 1930s.

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.

David talks with Michael Worth about the excellent new Bruceploitation box set from Severin Films.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David provides a video overview of Visconti's maligned late career masterwork and extends his coverage in a conversation with Brad McDermott

David revisits the TV miniseries that attempts to recreate the cultural milieu of 15th century Florence in this first episode of Season 5: 1973.

We wrap up Season 4: 1972 by discussing a film portraying the grinding conflicts and ruthless power plays between oppressive governments and desperate insurgencies.

David and guests discuss the strengths and liabilities of Bergman's remarkable comeback to arthouse preeminence in this Oscar-winning symphony of suffering.

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.

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 dissects Brian De Palma's breakout thriller with Richard Doyle and first-time guest Robert Baum.

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.

David and guests share their thoughts on this sensational, scandalous landmark film from 1972 that still stirs up strong reactions today.

David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss the final feature film in Criterion's America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set.