Criterion Close-Up

Criterion Close-Up


Latest Episodes

CCU53: The Vanishing
October 18, 2016

Mark and Aaron cover the Dutch and French horror/suspense classic, The Vanishing. Having experienced this film numerous times before, we are able to explore the foreshadowing and narrative structure that led us on a wild journey to an even wilder...

CCU52: Carnival of Souls
October 10, 2016

Mark, Aaron and Eric Ford begin a month of horror with the micro-budget cult classic, Carnival of Souls. We talk about what makes this such an enduring classic that has held up over time, the bizarre story about how it was made, its influences and...

CCU52: Carnival of Souls
October 10, 2016

Mark, Aaron and Eric Ford begin a month of horror with the micro-budget cult classic, Carnival of Souls. We talk about what makes this such an enduring classic that has held up over time, the bizarre story about how it was made, its influences and...

CCU51: Mystery Train & Jim Jarmusch
October 02, 2016

Mark and Aaron are joined by Marcus Pinn to explore the filmography of Jim Jarmusch, beginning with Mystery Train (1989). We explore the triple storyline, the coalescence of the director's indie experience and arthouse sensibilities, and the film's...

CCU50: French 1930s 1 - Silent to Sound, Jacques Feyder, Jean Vigo
September 23, 2016

Mark, Aaron and Scott Nye kick off the first of a seven episode series about French cinema i the 1930s. We give an overview of the decade and some historical context, and discuss the French silent tradition and how that it transitioned to sound. We...

CCU49: Twilight Time Appreciation Show
September 12, 2016

We change things up by focusing on a boutique label, Twilight Time, that has found success through a unique business model. Mark and Aaron happen to be big fans, and feel that we have directly contributed towards some of their profits. We talk about...

CCU48 - Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman
August 29, 2016

Mark and Aaron are joined by Dave Eves to evaluate the massive Zatoichi serial starring Shintaro Katsu. We explore the character of Zatoichi, and how he's an unusual type of superhero. We also share tips on the best way to watch the series, whether a...

CCU47 - Downhill Racer & the Olympics
August 21, 2016

Mark and Aaron celebrate the Summer Olympics by exploring Downhill Racer, an independent film about the Winter Olympics. We draw parallels to what is portrayed in the Michael Ritchie with the actual sporting events that take place today, including the...

CCU46: First Anniversary Show
August 13, 2016

Mark and Aaron podcast live and in person for the first time ever. During Aaron's vacation up north, he visited "Casa Hurne" up in beautiful Vermont. While we weren't drinking beer and eating delicious food, we decided to podcast a little about the...

CCU45: In a Lonely Place & Humphrey Bogart Films
July 24, 2016

Mark and Aaron are joined by Matt Gasteier to explore Nicholas Ray's In a Lonely Place (1950) and evaluate Humphrey Bogart's body of work. We go into how Ray's life informed the cinema, why he wasn't celebrated during his time and subsequently...