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.
Episodes
8 episodes
The Thin Red Line (1998, Terrence Malick) with Jared Frederick - Criterion Collection Spine #536
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) with Jesse Thorn - Criterion Collection Spine #1293
Repo Man (1984, Alex Cox) with James Chestnut - Criterion Collection Spine #654
Winchester '73 (1950, Anthony Mann) with Brady Crytzer - Criterion Collection Spine #1248
After Hours (1985, Martin Scorsese) with Sheila O'Malley - Criterion Collection Spine #1185
The Breakfast Club (1985, John Hughes) with Ciara Moloney - Criterion Collection Spine #905
Touchez pas au grisbi (1954, Jacques Becker) with Ginette Vincendeau - Criterion Collection Spine #271
La Jetée (1962, Chris Marker) with Dr. Dennis Weiss - Criterion Collection Spine #387