I just watched this for the first time. I love your analysis. This is a subtly told story with much depth! I am a big fan of Erich von Stroheim's and am enjoying discovering Jean Gabin through this superb film.
I was curious as to why Criterion had chosen this film, their 25th release on Laserdisc, as their new #1 for Bluray/DVD in the modern numbering system. From just looking over the wikipedia article, it seemed to be like any other film about the futility of war, so I decided to look up some videos on here about it, specifically using the phrase "why is grand illusion criterion #1". I had 5 videos open in the next tab, but I watched yours first and then closed the other tabs. This is such an incredible summation of the piece and its integral themes that it makes absolute perfect sense that they'd pick this over Laserdisc #1 (Citizen Kane) or some other film that is regarded as "the greatest of all time". I find it quite criminal that this is under a thousand views when it is such a succinct assessment that is perfect for anyone who is a beginner to the consumption of film, a beginner to the serious consideration of film as art, or a would-be criterion collector. Looking on your channel, I see your last upload was the beginning of last month (#8: The Killer on April 6th) and since then you've made 9 videos on the latest releases and a short video essay on the travesty that is the Academy's Animation category. I do hope you continue this series, and keep the videos as streamlined as this.
Thanks. It's been tough tracking down some of the oldest titles that are out of print but I'm trying to keep at it. Finally found a copy of Hard Boiled, spine #9, and started writing a script. The following films of Walkabout and The Seventh Seal will be far easier to write about for being more readily available.
Not so much stranded on a desert island, but the film he could take on the arc, and preserve for future generations. Perfect choice, I think it's the greatest film ever made.
I just watched this for the first time. I love your analysis.
This is a subtly told story with much depth!
I am a big fan of Erich von Stroheim's and am enjoying discovering Jean Gabin through this superb film.
You've earned a subscriber with this superlative summation.
Nicely put together, well narrated, great voice! Thank you!
I was curious as to why Criterion had chosen this film, their 25th release on Laserdisc, as their new #1 for Bluray/DVD in the modern numbering system. From just looking over the wikipedia article, it seemed to be like any other film about the futility of war, so I decided to look up some videos on here about it, specifically using the phrase "why is grand illusion criterion #1". I had 5 videos open in the next tab, but I watched yours first and then closed the other tabs. This is such an incredible summation of the piece and its integral themes that it makes absolute perfect sense that they'd pick this over Laserdisc #1 (Citizen Kane) or some other film that is regarded as "the greatest of all time".
I find it quite criminal that this is under a thousand views when it is such a succinct assessment that is perfect for anyone who is a beginner to the consumption of film, a beginner to the serious consideration of film as art, or a would-be criterion collector. Looking on your channel, I see your last upload was the beginning of last month (#8: The Killer on April 6th) and since then you've made 9 videos on the latest releases and a short video essay on the travesty that is the Academy's Animation category. I do hope you continue this series, and keep the videos as streamlined as this.
Thanks. It's been tough tracking down some of the oldest titles that are out of print but I'm trying to keep at it. Finally found a copy of Hard Boiled, spine #9, and started writing a script. The following films of Walkabout and The Seventh Seal will be far easier to write about for being more readily available.
Looking forward to them!
Thanks for this I just join the Criterion Challenge. I just watch Amarcord. I already saw The 400 Blows so the next is gonna be Beauty and the Beast
😢😢😢😢a blessing
Rip pierre fresnay😢
Who knew Jean Reno was making films in the 30s, lol
When Orson Welles was asked what movie he would take with him if stranded on a desert island, it was THIS one.
Not so much stranded on a desert island, but the film he could take on the arc, and preserve for future generations. Perfect choice, I think it's the greatest film ever made.
😢😢😢😢
Please dont say roofenstein its said Von Rauffenstein the letter A is pronounced different in Germany also north England and Scandinavia...