Why This Film?
🎬 Exploring the Criterion Collection, one spine at a time.
In each episode, I sit down with film historians, critics, filmmakers, and scholars for in-depth conversations about a single film from the Criterion Collection.
I'm Ron, and I guide these expert-driven discussions examining the artistry, cultural significance, and historical context of classic and contemporary cinema. From French New Wave masterpieces to American westerns, from experimental shorts to beloved classics, we unpack what makes these films essential viewing.
Whether you're a longtime Criterion collector, a film student, or simply curious about cinema history, Why This Film? offers thoughtful analysis and engaging conversations about the movies that shaped filmmaking.
New episodes release 1-2 times monthly. Subscribe to join me for deep dives into the Criterion Collection.
Why This Film?
Latest Episodes
Deep Cover (1992, Bill Duke) with Michael B. Gillespie - Criterion Collection Spine #1086
"There was a great moment in the 90s with noir films, and I think Deep Cover should always be a part of that consideration."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by film scholar Michael B. G...
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Matewan (1987, John Sayles) with Jack Ryan - Criterion Collection Spine #999
"You walk out taking away an awful lot of knowledge of American history that you were never told."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by film scholar Jack Ryan to explore Matewan, John Sayles's 1987 mas...
The 39 Steps (1935, Alfred Hitchcock) with Sid Gottlieb - Criterion Collection Spine #56
"See how far the truth gets you."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by, film scholar, Sid Gottlieb to explore The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 masterpiece thriller and a Criterion Collect...
Birth (2004, Jonathan Glazer) with Carlos Aguilar - Criterion Collection Spine #1298
"It captures an uncanny feeling that relates to grief, that there's something after, the hope we could get more time with someone we love."In this episode of Why This Film?, Film critic Carlos Aguilar joins me to explore ...
La cérémonie (1995, Claude Chabrol) with Girish Shambu - Criterion Collection Spine #1199
"It's an incredibly rich film."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by film critic and scholar Girish Shambu to explore La cérémonie, Claude Chabrol's 1995 masterpiece and Criterion Collection Spine #119...
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