I'm failing the 2023 criterion challenge, and that's okay
At the start of the year I decided to finally participate in the Criterion Challenge. You may or may not know, cinephiles online have been participating in the Criterion Challenge for a couple of years now, where you are tasked with curating your own list of Criterion films based on a set of guidelines. At first this seemed like it was right up my alley. I’ve always been meaning to watch more from the Criterion catalogue but I haven’t been motivated to do so. Following the guidelines, I came up with this list, which I was extremely happy with. I spent close to half a day just curating my list, and it was some of the most fun I’d had all year. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t realize that 2023 would be one of the most chaotic, tumultuous, and exhausting years of my life.
I had managed to chip away through the list month by month and found some incredible films. But something dawned on me as I was nearing close to finishing the list (35/52 watched till now). I realized that I did not want these restrictions to begin with. Yes I tried to find some films that I was really interested in, but it started to come to a point where I was watching it just for the sake of going through this list rather than actually discovering movies that I love. All was not lost though, I feel like this was a great experience and it’s one that I want to keep doing, on the caveat that I don’t force myself to finish it above all else. I will be using it as a loose guide of films I want to watch throughout the year.
However, I do want to come out of this article with something useful for you all, so here are my highlights from the 35 films I saw as part of the criterion challenge:
Pigs and Battleships (1961) dir. Shōhei Imamura
The first film on my list and the one that really pushed me past the slog that I got through halfway. This was my biggest surprise, and if there is anything you can get away from this article, is to go watch this incredible movie and read my review on it. With only 7.4k logged on letterboxd, I am shocked that this does not have a wider appreciation from film fans. It’s themes are deeply embedded into the film, and the performances are incredible. Do yourself a favor and watch this.
A Brighter Summer Day (1991) dir. Edward Yang
What more can be said about this epic. It is a true masterclass in subtle filmmaking. I always found its run time daunting, which is why I am happy that the Criterion Challenge gave me a reason to finally tackle this film. The final song is still stuck to my head, as well as the beautiful images laden throughout this movie. It may seem like a challenge to get through but it is worth the journey. Check out my letterboxd review.
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) dir. Chantal Akerman
A movie claimed to be the greatest of all time by some, while I do disagree, I still believe this is up there with the greatest of cinema. This is a test of subversion, of patience, and pay off. It is challenging you to notice the details hidden, but not by force but by brilliant direction. It lures you in and sucks the viewer into this monotonous world where one small change feels like a tragedy. It is a difficult film to get through, not only for its time, but also its content. Check out my letterboxd review.
Sansho the Bailiff (1954) dir. Kenji Mizoguchi
A true epic, one that can be compared to The Odyssey by Homer. It is that grand in impact, one that transcends time and location. It is a story that boils down the essence of human nature, and presents it to the viewer with no frills. It is raw, and real. Kenji is a masterful filmmaker that knew how to get to the soul of the human experience through his movies. Check out my letterboxd review.
Blow Out (1981) dir. Brian De Palma
One of the greatest thrillers of all time. As I said in my letterboxd review “This is how you freaking do it!”, and I meant that. The sound design is top notch, almost as if it is a character in the film. The pacing is immaculate and De Palma was able to utilize that fact to draw in the viewers just enough to keep them on the edge of their seats. Out of all the movies mentioned here, this is the easiest to recommend. Go watch this.
The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) dir. Jacques Demy
I am not the biggest fan of musicals. They usually disconnect me from the characters and the story to the point where I can’t really engage with the film. However, if its Demy then I’m always in for a ride. I absolutely adore this movie from start to end. I remember my wife was sitting next to me as I watched this, and she commented on how I was smiling from ear to ear throughout the film. Its joyous and a triumph in color and production design. Check out my letterboxd review.
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972) dir. Rainer Werner Fassbinder
A lesson in framing, brought to you by Fassbinder. Within a single room Fassbinder was able to create an entire world, full of hopes and shattered dreams. Within this restriction he saw opportunity, and he grabbed the bull by the horns immediately. An impactful film full of strong performances to tie it all together. Check out my letterboxd review.
Although I did not manage to complete the Criterion Challenge, I still got so much out of it as evident by the list above. However these aren’t the only films I enjoyed from the challenge. Check out the article I posted at the start of the year with all my thoughts linked!
