The Criterion Connection
By Ian & McKenzie
126 - LONE STAR (1996)
On this episode of the Criterion Connection, we discuss John Sayles' generation spanning neo-western/mystery-drama dissecting themes as vast as the desert itself, Lone Star (1996).
We also chat the 50th Anniversary of All The President's Men and Meiko Kaji in Lady Snowblood.
Thanks to our friend Nathan for his voicemail!
NEXT TIME: THE RUNNER (1984)
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
125 - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for June '26
On this episode we discuss one of the biggest additions in recent memory - Joel & Ethan Coen's 2007 Best Picture winning thriller No Country for Old Men. But, be warned: we don't love this movie.
We also chat about the most gorgeous film-acting couple in the world, the new additions to the Criterion Collection for June 2026, and Ian recommends Magic Mike's Last Dance.
NEXT TIME: LONE STAR (1996)
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
124 - THE KILLER (1989)
On this episode, Ian & McKenzie continue their double feature of films made up of two Hong Kong action classics. This week we discuss our first John Woo film by breaking down the melodrama, homoerotic undertones, and graceful thrills of one of his many collaborations with the amazing Chow Yun-fat. Join us as we talk THE KILLER (1989).
Also discussed is Ian finally completing the filmographies of Michael Mann and Danny Boyle, plus McKenzie is playing more video games and caught an early screening of Project Hail Mary.
NEXT TIME: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007)
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
123 - THROW DOWN (2004)
On this episode, Ian & McKenzie are going to Hong Kong for an action double feature from two great Chinese auteurs. To kick things off, we are chatting about Johnnie To's THROW DOWN (2004). We talk about the film's reliance on vibes over plot, it's amazing aesthetic, and the relationships among the core trio.
There's also lots of chat about John Waters, Mink Stole, Michael Bay, and the fight for Irish Independence.
NEXT TIME: THE KILLER (1989)
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
122 - CROSSING DELANCEY (1988)
We finally complete our first double feature of 2026 by following up Saving Face with Joan Micklin Silver's lovely NYC rom-com, Crossing Delancey (1988). We get into the cultural specificity of the film, its laughs, its touching moments, and how gorgeous Amy Irving is throughout.
We also chat about James Bond on Netflix, the new Criterion Collection editions coming in April & May of 2026, as well as have an impromptu digression on a couple cable classics from the late-90s and early-00s.
NEXT TIME: THROW DOWN
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
----
Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
121 - SAVING FACE (2004)
We're back to our regular schedule and we're starting 2026 off with a favorite of both of ours! We both jumped with joy when Alice Wu's Saving Face (2004) was added to the collection because so few romantic comedies come close to the perfection that is this gem.
We also chat a little bit about Todd Haynes and Steven Spielberg up top before we get deep into our love and admiration for Alice Wu's mesmerizing film.
NEXT TIME: CROSSING DELANCEY
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
120 - EYES WIDE SHUT (1999)
At long last, Ian and McKenzie return to finish out their Kubrick Double feature with his final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
On our long delayed episode, we discuss how little we both actually like this film and further excavate our mixed feelings on a filmmaker so many revere as a cinematic genius.
We chat about the odd performances in this movie, some different interpretations of the themes, and try to unpack why it feels so cold and distant.
NEXT TIME: SAVING FACE
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
----
Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
119 - BARRY LYNDON (1975), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for February 2026
Ian and McKenzie begin a double feature focused on the cinema of Stanley Kubrick. First up? Barry Lyndon (1975).
They discuss their opinions on the filmmaker himself and how they go somewhat against the grain when it comes to their opinions of his body of work, the majesty of Barry Lyndon's compositions, the performances that work and don't work for each of them, and how funny the film can be.
Also discussed, Ian and McKenzie run down what they got at the bi-annual Barnes & Noble 50% Criterion Collection sale and what is coming to the Criterion Collection in February 2026.
NEXT TIME: EYES WIDE SHUT
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
----
Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
119 - NIGHTMARE ALLEY (2021) with Christian Gutiérrez
Ian and McKenzie, for the second time in a row, welcome back their friend Christian Gutiérrez to bring Noirvember to a close!
This time we are talking about the 2021 version of Nightmare Alley. We chat the differences in this adaptation, the black & white director's cut exclusive to The Criterion Collection, the stellar cast, neo-noir, as well as the craft of master filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
We also chat a little bit about what we've been watching this Noirvember.
NEXT TIME: BARRY LYNDON
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Follow Guti at Finite Cinema Dreams and on Letterboxd. Also find his recently published article "Noir or Not: Los hermanos Del Hierro" in Noir City Magazine No. 44.
McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
----
Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
118 - NIGHTMARE ALLEY (1947) with Christian Gutiérrez
Ian and McKenzie welcome back their friend Christian Gutiérrez to usher in a special double feature for Noirvember.
This month we are all about Nightmare Alley as IP. On this episode, we discuss the original film adaptation from 1947. We chat Tyrone Power, how Nightmare Alley differs from typical film noir, as well as talk about film noir more generally.
McKenzie and Guti also briefly talk about what they have watched noir-wise so far this month.
NEXT TIME: NIGHTMARE ALLEY (2021) with Special Guest Guti
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:58) What we've been watching
(00:15:36) Nightmare Alley
(01:09:34) Final thoughts
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Follow Guti at Finite Cinema Dreams and on Letterboxd. Also find his recently published article "Noir or Not: Los hermanos Del Hierro" in Noir City Magazine No. 44.
McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, Above The Line.
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
117 - HOUSE (1977), plus Criterion Collection announcements for January 2026
On this special one off episode, with no connection, we bring you our one piece of spooky programming this Halloween season: cult classic and Criterion favorite House (1977). We talk about the films themes, backgrounds, special effects, and our differing levels of enjoyment.
Ian give a brief review of the new Apple TV series, Mr. Scorsese and McKenzie updates us on her John Carpenter journey. We also discuss what is coming to the Criterion Collection in January 2026 as well as the channel next month (November 2025).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:16) What we've been watching
(00:14:12) Criterion Collection announcements for January 2026
(00:21:59) Criterion Channel additions for November 2025
(00:28:37) House
(00:55:10) Final thoughts
(00:59:39) Listener Messages
(01:07:13) Next week
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Follow our NEW Podcast! Above the Line, a film podcast about about contemporary cinema, film culture, and the theatrical movie-going experience.
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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NEXT WEEK: NIGHTMARE ALLEY (1947) with Special Guest Guti
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
116 - SORCERER (1977)
This week we finish a double feature by watching the "remake" of the film we covered last week - William Friedkin's best-picture follow up and cult classic, Sorcerer (1977). Also on the show: Ian tells McKenzie about watching a horror behemoth for the first time and McKenzie finally watched a movie Ian recommended to her maybe a year ago on the podcast(?).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:06:06) What we've been watching
(00:21:08) Sorcerer
(00:59:47) Final thoughts
(01:04:00) Next week
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Follow our NEW Podcast! Above the Line, a film podcast about about contemporary cinema, film culture, and the theatrical movie-going experience.
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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NEXT WEEK: HOUSE (1977)
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
115 - THE WAGES OF FEAR (1953)
This week on the show we start a new double feature about Men trying to get explosives through a jungle. We kick it off with the seminal 1953 French thriller, The Wages of Fear (1953). Whatever will we pair it with next?
We also make a very special announcement at the top of the episode!
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:45) Announcing Above the Line - a new film podcast!
(00:07:24) What we've been watching
(00:19:38) The Wages of Fear
(00:51:27) Final thoughts
(00:58:10) Next week
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Follow our NEW Podcast! Above the Line, a film podcast about about contemporary cinema, film culture, and the theatrical movie-going experience.
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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NEXT WEEK: SORCERER (1977)
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
114 - ANORA (2024), plus Criterion Collection announcements for December 2025
We're home!! This week we conclude our double feature surrounding the lives of sex workers in cinema. We discuss Sean Baker's Palm d'Or winning screwball dramedy that also went on to win five Oscars including Best Actress for its star, Mikey Madison, and Baker every award he was personally nominated for. We're talking Anora (2024).
We also discuss some great films we watched during our accidental hiatus as well as what is coming to the Criterion Collection in December 2025 & the Criterion Channel in October 2025.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:38) What we've been watching
(00:18:05) Criterion Collection announcements and Criterion Channel additions
(00:32:50) Anora
(01:09:40) Final thoughts
(01:20:02) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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NEXT WEEK:
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
113 - WORKING GIRLS (1986)
This week we start a new double feature centered around the lives of sex workers with two films that look past the sensational and gaudy tendencies that these stories tend to have and attempt to have a more empathetic and realist view. We begin with Lizzie Borden's slice-of-life drama Working Girls (1986).
We also discuss the new Ethan Coen/Tricia Cooke film Honey Don't as well as have a spoiler filled discussion, albeit brief, of the 1955 film Bad Day at Black Rock (20:42-26:26).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:03) What we've been watching
(00:28:53) Working Girls
(01:06:48) Final thoughts
(01:13:14) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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NEXT WEEK: Anora (2024)
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
112 - CASQUE D’OR (1952), plus Criterion Collection announcement for November 2025
This week we continue our stay in Belle Epoque France with a film that we are surprised is not more widely talked about - Jacques Becker's Casque d'or (1952).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:40) What we've been watching
(00:16:05) Criterion Collection additions for Nov 2025 + Criterion Channel additions for Sept 2025
(00:32:40) Casque d'or
(00:56:20) Final thoughts
(01:00:34) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
111 - THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE... (1953)
This week we journey back to the mid century in France with a film set even earlier at the turn of the century. We discuss Max Ophüls's stunning masterpiece, The Earrings of Madame de... (1953).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:40) What we've been watching
(00:24:18) The Earrings of Madame de...
(00:54:28) Final thoughts
(00:58:19) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
110 - THE LAST WALTZ (1978)
This week we discuss one of the few concert films in the criterion collection. We chat 1960s countercultural figures and the ending of an era of rock'n'roll as we discuss Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz (1978).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:00) What we've been watching
(00:26:14) The Last Waltz
(00:58:40) Final thoughts
(01:06:49) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
109 - ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM: COMPANY (1970) with Scott Interrante
This week we welcome friend of the show, Scott, to chat all things Sondheim, 19-hour marathon recording sessions, and Documentary Now! parodies as we discuss D.A. Pennebaker's seminal 1970s musical theater documentary Original Cast Album: Company (1970).
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Thanks to our friend Scott for coming to chat with us!!
Follow him on Letterboxd & Blusky.
Listen to his podcasts Big White Elephants & This Is The Greatest Song I've Ever Heard In My Life.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:15) Getting to know our guest - Scott
(00:16:28) Original Cast Album: Company
(01:05:54) Final thoughts
(01:14:00) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
108 - THE SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE (1973),plus Criterion Collection additions for October 2025
This week we journey from Mexico to Spain to discuss another film about political turmoil, this time though, seen through the big wide eyes of a child - Victor Erice's The Spirit of the Beehive (1973).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:00) What we've been watching
(00:26:04) Criterion Collection additions for October 2025
(00:33:52) The Spirit of the Beehive
(01:01:34) Final thoughts
(01:13:00) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
107 - ROMA (2018)
This week we journey to Mexico with 2018's Oscar-winning semi-autobiographical drama from acclaimed auteur Alfonso Cuarón - Roma (2018).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:00) What we've been watching
(00:25:00) Roma
(01:03:10) Final thoughts
(01:13:24) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
106 - MODERN TIMES (1936)
Last week we talked about one clown, Monsieur Hulot. This week we discuss another. McKenzie & Ian go back almost a hundred years into cinema's past to chat about The Tramp in his last appearance, Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times (1936).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:26) What we've been watching
(00:25:16) Modern Times
(00:53:57) Final thoughts
(00:57:48) Listener Messages
(00:59:32) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
105 - PLAYTIME (1967), plus Criterion Collection additions for September 2025
This week we start a new double feature featuring famous clowns. First up, we tackle Criterion Collection staple Jacques Tati and his famous clown character (Monsieur Hulot) with Playtime (1967).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:23) What we've been watching
(00:07:18) Criterion Collection additions for September 2025 & Criterion Channel additions for July 2025
(00:32:13) Playtime
(01:00:05) Final thoughts
(01:07:05) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
104 - KLUTE (1971)
This week we tackle another film about Private Investigators delving into the criminal underbelly of the disillusioned 70s with Alan J. Pakula's Oscar winning neo-noir, Klute (1971).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:30) What we've been watching
(00:26:20) Klute
(00:58:38) Final thoughts
(01:06:34) Listener Messages
(01:08:08) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
103 - NIGHT MOVES (1975)
On this episode, we welcome back dear friend Brandon Ulrich to discuss the recently added Night Moves (1975).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:45) What we've been watching
(00:24:33) Night Moves
(01:16:00) Final thoughts
(01:28:55) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
102 - OPENING NIGHT (1977)
On this episode, we chat about our first John Cassavetes film - Opening Night (1977). We also talk about the recent news that Wes Anderson's first 10 features are being remastered in 4k for The Collection via a beautiful collector's box set.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:57) What we've been watching
(00:32:50) Opening Night
(01:08:39) Final thoughts
(01:14:39) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
101 - ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (1999)
Our journey to 100 is over, but the show doesn't stop. We start a new double feature by discussing one of McKezie's all-time favorite films and Pedro Almodóvar's first appearance on The Criterion Connection with 1999's All About My Mother.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:25) What we've been watching
(00:22:23) All About My Mother
(01:02:39) Final thoughts
(01:10:00) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
100 - A TALE OF AUTUMN (1998), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for August 2025
It's episode 100! And it's the end of our second-ever miniseries! We conclude our series of discussions on Spine #1206, Eric Rohmer's The Tale of the Four Seasons, with A Tale of Autumn (1998). We also chat about what’s coming to the collection in August.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:44) What we've been watching
(00:15:20) Criterion Updates
(00:32:27) A Tale of Autumn
(00:55:43) Final thoughts
(01:03:38) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
099 - A TALE OF SUMMER (1996)
We're one away from Episode 100 - We close out the double digits with the third film in Eric Rohmer's Tale of the Four Seasons, A Tale of Summer (1996).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:15) What we've been watching
(00:28:30) A Tale of Summer
(00:52:34) Final thoughts
(00:56:21) Listener Messages
Next week, we conclude this miniseries with the fourth and final film, A Tale of Autumn (1998).
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
Thanks to our friend Scott for his email!
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
098 - A TALE OF WINTER (1992)
The Journey to Episode 100 continues as we continue to discuss Spine #1206, Eric Rohmer's Tale of the Four Seasons. In this episode, we tackle the next film (and maybe the best?), A Tale of Winter (1992).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:23) What we've been watching
(00:20:50) A Tale of Winter
(00:57:01) Final thoughts
Next week, we continue with the second film in the series, A Tale of Summer (1996).
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
097 - A TALE OF SPRINGTIME (1990)
The Journey to Episode 100 begins as we start our newest miniseries, Spine #1206, covering Eric Rohmer's Tale of the Four Seasons box set. In this episode, we talk about the first in the collection, A Tale of Springtime (1990.).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:00) What we've been watching
(00:26:48) A Tale of Springtime
(00:56:07) Final thoughts
Next week, we continue with the second film in the series, A TALE OF WINTER (1992).
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
096 - MIKEY & NICKY (1976), plus Criterion Collection announcements for July 2025
This week we conclude our double feature centered around best dude friends that sorta suck with Elaine May's dudes-suck-Cinema staple: Mikey & Nicky (1976). Plus, we also chat about Criterion Collection announcements!
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:53) What we've been watching
(00:15:19) Criterion announcements
(00:35:59) Mikey & Nicky
(01:01:12) Final thoughts
(01:05:28) Listener messages
(01:09:58) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
095 - MEAN STREETS (1973)
This week, for only the second time we discuss Papa, That Patron Saint of Cinema himself, Martin Scorsese and his breakout feature film: Mean Streets (1973).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:05) What we've been watching
(00:29:26) Mean Streets
(01:01:20) Final thoughts
(01:13:15) Listener messages
(01:15:51) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
094 - IKIRU (1952)
This week, we chat once again about legendary Japanese filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa, and one of his totemic works: Ikiru (1952).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:30) What we've been watching
(00:35:55) Ikiru
(01:01:20) Final thoughts
(01:06:08) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
093 - TASTE OF CHERRY (1997)
This week, we start another double feature of films. Starting with McKenzie's pick, we discuss Abbas Kiarostami's Palm d'Or-winning bare-bones drama Taste of Cherry.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:38) What we've been watching
(00:26:00) Taste of Cherry
(00:56:11) Final thoughts
(01:02:41) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
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The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
092 - WOMEN IN LOVE (1969), plus Criterion Collection announcements for June 2025
McKenzie & Ian wrap up a somewhat ill-conceived double feature of films centering around queerness, toxic heteronormativity, and monogamy with Ken Russell's breakout feature film, Women in Love. We also discuss June 2025 Criterion Collection announcements and what is coming to the Criterion Channel in April 2025.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:48) What we've been watching
(00:27:59) Criterion updates
(00:44:47) Women in Love
(01:12:03) Final thoughts
(01:15:57) Next week
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McKenzie on Austin Danger Pod, on Letterboxd
Ian on Letterboxd
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Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.
090 - TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (1992)
We conclude our double feature honoring the late David Lynch with two of his films in the Criterion Collection. This week we discuss, arguably his greatest contribution to pop culture, Fire Walk With Me and the larger Twin Peaks canon.
Thanks to our friend Pat for their email!
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:27) What we've been watching
(00:23:35) Fire Walk With Me
(01:17:30) Final Thoughts
(01:26:45) Listener Messages
(01:36:06) Next week
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Links
Ian onLetterboxd
McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast
The Criterion Connection on Instagram
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Send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
089 - BLUE VELVET (1986)
This week we're finally doing our personal send-up to the late great David Lynch, kicking off a double feature of his films, with the urtext - Blue Velvet (1986).
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:12) What we've been watching
(00:24:29) Blue Velvet
(01:19:33) Final Thoughts
(01:22:49) Listener Messages
(01:27:56) Next week
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Links
Ian onLetterboxd
McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast
The Criterion Connection on Instagram
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Send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
088 - ONE SINGS, THE OTHER DOESN'T (1977), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for May 2025
This week, we end our Valentine's double feature centering around the films of Demy & Varda by focusing on the Queen of the French New Wave herself! Once again, we're talking about Agnes Varda with her lesser-known feature film: One Sings, The Other Doesn't (1977). We also chat about the most recent Criterion Collection additions.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:53) What we've been watching
(00:16:19) Criterion Collection Announcements
(00:36:44) One Sings, The Other Doesn't
(01:03:35) Final Thoughts
(01:11:46) Next week
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Links
Ian onLetterboxd
McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast
The Criterion Connection on Instagram
----
Send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
087 - THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967)
This week, we begin our Valentine's themed pairing with films by French cinema power couple, Jacques Demy & Agnes Varda. On this episode, we pair The Young Girls of Rochefort from Demy with his wife, Agnes Varda's, documentary about the legacy of the aforementioned film, The Young Girls Turn 25.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:19) What we've been watching
(00:17:40) The Young Girls of Rochefort
(01:03:23) Final Thoughts
(01:07:06) Next week
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Links
Ian onLetterboxd
McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast
The Criterion Connection on Instagram
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Send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com
----
THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
086 - THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (1969)
After an interruption in programming, we're back to conclude our most recent double bill with Leonard Kastle's only feature film, the ripped-from-the-headlines tale:The Honeymoon Killers.
----Chapters(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:13) What we've been watching
(00:23:44) The Honeymoon Killers
(01:03:39) Final Thoughts
(01:04:58) Listener Messages
(01:08:48) Next week----LinksIan onLetterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram----Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com----THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
085 - TO DIE FOR (1995), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for March & April 2025
After taking a break last week due to the sudden death of Maestro David Lynch, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming chatting Nicole Kidman (currently being celebrated on the Criterion Channel) and her amazing performance in Gus Van Sant's phenomenal satire To Die For (1995).
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:34) What we've been watching
(00:21:20) Remembering David Lynch
(00:31:49) Additions to the Criterion Collection & Channel
(00:45:24) To Die For
(01:24:26) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
084 - PETITE MAMAN (2021)
The Criterion Connection is back and we're finishing out our most recent double feature, focusing on the films of Céline Sciamma with her immediate follow up to Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the touching mini-masterpiece Petite maman.
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:00) What we've been watching
(00:29:24) Petite maman
(01:06:50) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
083 - PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (2019)
We've come to the end of another year and we're going out on a bang as we chat about a film we both love very dearly, Céline Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
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THE CRITERION CONNECTION WILL RETURN IN 2025.
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:52) Our favorite films we watched in 2024.
(00:27:14) Portrait of a Lady on Fire
(01:11:00) Final thoughts
(01:08:10) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
082 - SPELLBOUND (1945)
The master of suspense makes his Criterion Connection debut. This week we discuss an early-ish Hitchcock film that delves into the subconscious - Spellbound (1945).
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:21) What we've been watching
(00:29:53) Spellbound
(01:03:34) Final thoughts
(01:08:10) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
081 - THE PRINCE OF TIDES (1991), plus Criterion Collection Announcements (Feb 2025)
Journey with us from the Bayou to the Big Apple as we discuss Barbra Streisand's sweeping melodrama that tackles some big themes with lots of questionable nuance. Plus, we also chat Criterion Collection Announcements for Feb 2025.
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:30) What we've been watching
(00:27:46) Criterion Collection Announcements for February 2025
(00:42:20) The Prince of Tides
(01:17:04) Final thoughts
(01:27:30) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
080 - GILDA (1946), plus Criterion Channel Additions for December 2024
We're back from a spontaneous break with our connection to VICTIMS OF SIN. We're finishing out Noirvember with a truly classic film noir that features, quiet possibly, one of the magnetic screen performances of all time - Rita Hayworth in GILDA (1946). We also chat Criterion Channel additions for December 2024.
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Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:08) What we've been watching
(00:15:18) What's coming to The Criterion Channel in December 2024
(00:25:14) Gilda
(01:00:44) Final thoughts
(01:04:47) Listener messages
(01:06:13) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
079 - VICTIMS OF SIN (1951)
We're back and accidentally falling ass backward into a lil Noirvember double feature. And, while our main event this week isn't exactly a noir - it is part noir, part melodrama, part dance picture, part crime story. We're discussing the undefinable and absolutely stunning Victims of Sin (1951) directed by Emilio Fernández and starring the phenomenal Ninón Sevilla.
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Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:48) What we've been watching
(00:16:40) Victims of Sin
(00:46:05) Final thoughts
(00:49:40) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
078 - CARNIVAL OF SOULS (1962), plus Criterion Collection announcements for January 2025
We continue our Spooky Season double feature and this time it's a little bit back to basics with a stripped down ghost story on a shoe-string budget with Herk Harvey's only narrative feature film, Carnival of Souls (1962). We also chat Criterion Collection and channel additions for January 2025 and November 2024 respectively.
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:50) What we've been watching
(00:15:40) Criterion Collection Announcements for January 2025
(00:25:34) Criterion Channel Additions for November 2024
(00:35:30) Carnival of Souls
(01:06:00) Final thoughts
(01:12:40) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
077 - THE INNOCENTS (1961)
Happy Spooky Season to all who celebrate! This week we're getting scared white as a sheet as we talk about TRAUMA (or was it actually ghosts?) with Jack Clayton's incredibly atmospheric adaptation of Henry James' The Turn of the Screw ~ The Innocents (1961).
---- Chapters (00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:57) What we've been watching
(00:22:41) The Innocents
(01:00:35) Final thoughts
(01:06:41) Listener Messages
(01:08:18) Next week ---- Links Ian on Letterboxd McKenzie on Letterboxd & on Austin Danger Podcast The Criterion Connection on Instagram ---- Please send us your emails & voicemails to have them read/played on the show - thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- THE CRITERION CONNECTION is edited & mixed by Ian.
