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
10 episodes
Kagemusha (1980, Akira Kurosawa) with Michael Repsch - Criterion Collection Spine #267
"Is our identity predetermined or something we can create?"In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by Michael Repsch, President of Dark Star Pictures, to explore Kagemusha - Akira Kurosa...
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, Wes Anderson) with Chris Cook - Criterion Collection Spine #157
"To me, it's a perfect film."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by assistant director Chris Cook to explore The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted family d...
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The Thin Red Line (1998, Terrence Malick) with Jared Frederick - Criterion Collection Spine #536
"I think of it as Saving Private Ryan for thinkers."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by historian, author, and educator Jared Frederick to explore The Thin Red Line (1998), Terrence Malick's...
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Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) with Jesse Thorn - Criterion Collection Spine #1293
“The regular world still has something special for someone who is weird.” In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by comedian, broadcaster, and Maximum Fun founder Jesse Thorn to explore Pee-wee's Big Adven...
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Repo Man (1984, Alex Cox) with James Chestnut - Criterion Collection Spine #654
"Otto is Forrest Gump."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by assistant director James Chestnut to dive into Repo Man (1984), Alex Cox's punk-rock, sci-fi, anti-Reagan cult classic that refuses to sit still or m...
Winchester '73 (1950, Anthony Mann) with Brady Crytzer - Criterion Collection Spine #1248
"The gun really doesn't mean anything until people start obsessing over it."In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by historian and author Brady Crytzer to explore Winchester '73 (1950), Anthony Mann's lan...
After Hours (1985, Martin Scorsese) with Sheila O'Malley - Criterion Collection Spine #1185
"It's such an important film in his [Scorsese's] filmography. I'm so happy people are discovering it and Criterion decided to focus on it."In this episode of Why This Film?, Ron is joined by critic and writer Sheila O'Mal...
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The Breakfast Club (1985, John Hughes) with Ciara Moloney - Criterion Collection Spine #905
In episode 3 of Why This Film?, Ron is joined by Ciara Moloney to discuss The Breakfast Club, John Hughes's defining 1980s teen film.Together, they walk through the film scene by scene, talking about why these character...
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Touchez pas au grisbi (1954, Jacques Becker) with Ginette Vincendeau - Criterion Collection Spine #271
"If retirement means you're in a lovely flat in Paris and your fridge is full of foie gras and champagne - I'm okay with that."In episode 2 of Why This Film?, Ron discusses Jacques Becker's Touchez pas au grisbi ...
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La Jetée (1962, Chris Marker) with Dr. Dennis Weiss - Criterion Collection Spine #387
“The past is dead!”In the premiere episode of Why This Film?, I sit down with Dr. Dennis Weiss to explore Chris Marker's La Jetée (1962), a groundbreaking French science fiction short film that redefined what cinema cou...
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