I’ve only seen one Leos Carax film, which was Holy Motors (2012), but that was enough to make me interested in his other works. He seems to be the type filmmaker who adds his own eccentricities and surrealism to portraits of disillusioned French youth and their disenchantment with love and its limitless complications. When Criterion announced its box set dedicated to Carax, I got instantly excited because it will give me a chance to be fully introduced to his world.
Buy Three Films by Leos CaraxThe three films (starring Denis Lavant, notable for his breathtaking role in Claire Denis 1999 masterpiece Beau Travail) sound incredibly exciting:
- Boy Meets Girl (1984): Lavant is a somber would-be filmmaker whose girlfriend has just left him for his best friend. He finds a connection with an aspiring actress (Mireille Perrier) dealing with her own sorrow.
- Mauvais Sang (1986): During the spread of a sexually transmitted disease acquired from having sex without emotion, a young ex-criminal (Lavant) is hired by a veteran felon (Michel Piccoli) to steal the antidote, only to find himself in a tragic affair with his new associate’s lover (the great Juliette Binoche).
- The Lovers on the Bridge (1991): Lavant is a homeless street performer who encounters an artist (Binoche) who is going blind. They begin an emotional affair that can only end in heartbreak.
With these films, Carax gives misfits and doomed youth a chance to shine with stories about their trials and tribulations. And judging by the plots, it sounds like Lavant gives intensely spirited performances. Supplements for both the 4K UHD & Blu-ray sets include It’s Not Me, a 2024 self-portrait by Carax; new interviews with Lavant and editor Nelly Quettier; new video essay on the cinematography of all three films by Jean-Yves Escoffier; a Criterion channel interview with Carax; Mr. X: A Vision of Leos Carax (2014), a documentary on Carax’s work; deleted scene, rushes, screen tests, on set footage, trailers, and more.
Obviously, I can’t wait to get this setand immerse in Carax’s vision of Paris. If you love French cinema and are familiar with Carax or not, then this release should definitely be a revelation for your collection.
Other notable titles:
Days and Nights in the Forest (Criterion): A portrait of male inner reflection from legendary humanist filmmaker Satyajit Ray as four jaded middle-class bachelors head out for a holiday in the wilderness. During this trip, the men discover a lot about themselves and each other.
Dead Poets Society 4K UHD + Blu (Disney/Buena Vista): Peter Weir’s 1989 classic starring the legendary Robin Williams (in one of his most acclaimed roles) as unorthodox English teacher John Keating who encourages his students to rebel against authority and seize each day.
Mrs. Doubtfire 4K UHD + Blu (Disney/Buena Vista): Chris Columbus’ iconic 1993 comedy starring Williams (in another signature role) as a reckless and child-like dad who is barred from seeing his three children by his ex-wife (Sally Field). He disguises himself as an older English woman in order to apply as their new housekeeper, which transforms him internally. But how long can he get away with the act?
Go 4K UHD (Arrow): The underrated 1999 gem from Doug Liman about the lives of three set of friends during a wild 24-hour binge of drug, sex, and violence. Starring Sarah Polley, Taye Diggs, Katie Holmes, William Fichner, Scott Foley, and Timothy Olyphant.
Forbidden Planet 4K UHD & Blu (Arrow): The 1956 sci-fi classic about a starship crew in the 23rd century investigating the mysterious silence of distant planet’s colony, only to discover two survivors, a powerful robot, and a deadly unseen force.
Pennies From Heaven (Warner Archive): The 1981 cult-classic musical starring Steve Martin as a Depression-era, sheet-music salesman drifting through life and a loveless marriage through popular music and a love affair with an innocent school teacher (Bernadette Peters).
Sword of Trust (IFC Films): Lynn Shelton’s final film about a couple (Jillian Bell and Michaela Watkins) who show up to collect an inheritance, an antique sword that was believed to be proof that the South won the Civil War.
