My family largely originates from rural areas and I grew up watching westerns with them while hearing commentary on the ability of the riders on screen and even on the horses' breeds, weight, hairstyling... Lol.
@@saintsalieriwhat's funny is their enjoyment of westerns is very much linked to watching the horses and cattle. If the horses aren't good-looking they'll often complain "the director couldn't even bother to pick a decent horse" I don't know much about the animals but the experience certainly helped make me a huge fan of Westerns.
Mr. Mortensen is one of the smartest actors around. I loved that his selections had a theme, and there wasn't a single questionable film in his choices. In general these Criterion-closet videos are such a gift. Thank you.
Great idea and your opinion could be based solely on Viggo’s observation of how Glenn Ford mounted and rode a horse alone. Seriously. That comment alone made my eyes widen.
Growing up in the sixties, I have seen many of my favorites slowly leave us. It's so nice to see one from the next generation of actors with such respect for those who came before him. A gifted actor and a class act.
It's impossible to overstate the influence of Westerns on other great films, and I love seeing a terrific actor like this highlight the genre for many who may not have experienced it.
3:39: "...he [Randolph Scott] had kind of a Virginia twang as opposed to Gary Coopers's Montana lilt..." -- such attention to detail and knows how many movies those two actors were in. Not shocked this guy has such a great mind: actor, artist, writer/poet, photographer, activist -- a true Renassiance man!
Viggo Mortensen is the kind of great actor that doesn't always standout because he eases into his roles so well. It looks so natural. His screen presence never outshines the character. (Even in movies like Eastern Promises and Green Book he still manages great restraint)
I came here for Viggo and was pleasantly rewarded with a conversation about my favorite genre, "the Western" ironically enough just returned home tonight with Viggo's new film The Dead Don't Hurt. Haven't seen it yet, but wanted to support him and most westerns anyway I can.
I loved Appaloosa, Viggo and Ed Harris had such great chemistry. I also loved Far From Men, not a western in the classic American sense, but very much a western style story. I Can't wait to see Viggo's new western film.
I understand that he was focusing on Westerns but I was surprised that The Passion of Joan of Arc didn't get a shoutout. He gave a brilliant mini-lecture and Q&A on the film at the Toronto Film Festival that really showed his love for the film. Since he didn't do this, I will, see this film! It is an awesome example of silent cinema, and potentially the best performance I have ever seen by an actor of that era, if not all-time. It is a movie that everyone should see at least once.
Its obvious he's focusing on westerns here, maybe he's doing one right now. Dreyers Joan is probably my all time favorite film, I'd love to hear his lecture on it! Falconetti gives the greatest performance ever and never made another film because she thought they'd all be as stressful! She was working with the strict disciplinarian Carl Dreyer!
@@f.w.2054 Apparently there''s an interview with Falconetti's daughter that denies Dreyer's treatment of her on set, actually there are lots of myths arround it that it's hard to know which one to believe.
Thanks Viggo! I got my film education from my father, who loved westerns. You picked some real gems and some I never got to see screened. Really appreciate you doing this and thank Criterion for having you in their closet.
One of the best film selection commentaries i've seen on this channel. His appreciation for the art of the Western comes through. I'll check out his picks.
This is one of the best entries in this whole franchise of youtube videos. Viggo just picking Westerns really narrows it down and makes it more meaningful.
Been a Viggo fan since I watched “The Indian Runner” in the early 90’s, if you haven’t seen it you should check it out, Sean Penn wrote it and directed it, he based it off the song “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen, Viggo plays the rebellious brother just returning from Vietnam, David Morse plays his older brother who’s also the town sheriff, Charles Bronson plays their Dad, one of my top ten favorite movies of all time, there’s a music video for “Highway Patrolman” on UA-cam that’s made from clips from the movie if anyone wants to watch it, it’s pretty good, I hope Viggo teams up with Cronenberg again soon, they make a great team!!
@@parisgreen4600 it’s a great movie, I personally think it’s viggos greatest performance ever, probably my favorite that Sean Penn directed as well, I looked for it on dvd for years and I finally found it at movie stop, I let a friend borrow it and never seen it again but I’ve watched it dozens of times, one of my biggest dreams is to be a screenwriter, I got all these movies in my head but I’ve never tried writing them down but movies like “The Indian Runner” are the types of movies I want to write with characters that stick with you, the fact that Sean took that story in that song and turned it into a movie is just brilliant, he’s a great actor as well, “At Close Range” is my favorite movie he’s acted in, another movie I found at movie stop, loaned out and never seen again lol, I’m building my collection back up now though, been finding some really good movies at goodwill, I would absolutely love to get to pick through the criterion closet, I’m so jealous of these people lol, anyway I could talk about movies for hours, have a great weekend my friend, God Bless!!!
@@parisgreen4600 I made a long reply to your comment earlier but UA-cam keeps making my comments disappear for some reason but yeah I absolutely love “The Indian Runner” such a great movie, have a great weekend my friend, God Bless!!
I wish my dad was here in this earthly life still. The western films he's mentioned would definitely spark the fire of his love of the genre. Great appreciation and respect for all his roles appeared in. Lord of the rings all the more unforgettable because of you.
I'm so glad to see Viggo Mortensen here! He's one of my favourite actors (and usually I don't give much of a hoot who plays what), and he's a delight in every film I've seen him in. It's interesting seeing what he picked; I'll have to check out that soundtrack with Leonard Cohen. I'm not huge on westerns (I prefer the newer films of True Grit and 3:10 To Yuma, and I enjoyed the Dollars trilogy, and that's about it), but the old ones have really got some incredible music.
His collaborations with David Cronenberg are so unique and masterful. The opening moments of Crimes of the Future blew me away. Brilliant beautiful soul on this guy, even though I know he’s universally loved I think he’s somehow underappreciated as an actor and for all his other talents.
Stunning array of films. Some of Criterion's finest westerns. With "The Tall T" (one of the Ranown Westerns) there is something that excites my interest greatly. What you have is Burt Kennedy, a writer (& director) that Boetticher highly regarded, taking on a story written by Elmore Leonard.
I’ve been really getting into westerns from the 40’s to the 60’s, so it’s nice to see him mention films I’ve recently seen as he too enters his western phase. Highly recommend The Tall T and Forty Guns!
Viggo Mortensens have been into westerns for a long time, and starred in a few. Not sure what you mean by "as he too enters his western phase" He is brilliant in the modern western Hidalgo for example, aired in 2004 I think it was. He is also quite the accomplished horserider, both with modern and western saddles.
@@Misadventures_85 great picks. I’ve actually seen all three, Jubal is a bit of a deep cut I feel and Johnny Guitar is one of my favourite films and second favourite western.
Btw Viggo, I’ve always thought you were at your absolute best in Eastern Promises. Calm ferocity thru the story until the Russian bath scene. It’s amazing.
What blows my mind with this and other 'closet' episodes is the deep movie knowledge and understanding that each of the artists have - they pick movies that I either never knew of or would think that they'd appreciate.
Viggo always has such a menacing sense to him in his roles, even when he is a good guy - just kind of bubbling under the surface. But in real life, just a gentle softy (at least seems so!). Love those western picks. Funny about Glenn Ford - One of my faves but I always associate him with Blackboard Jungle. 🙂 Barbara Stanwyck is one of the cinema's greats. You can never go wrong with her, and I love that you pick her more "bossy" roles (lol). Gregory Peck is a fave when he is hero (Gentleman's Agreement!), but he has a lot more range than people give him credit for. I adore your love and reverence for film. You really know your craft.
You guys have no idea how popular this guy is in Argentina . He comes here exclusively to see the final match of his favorite football team (San Lorenzo)
@@jmcheznever been to argentina but it’d be cool if they did a Argentinian biopic epic with all the Argentinian Hollywood big names the way they did with Irish actors in Michael Collins for example
Excellent! I love all of Viggo’s picks except McCabe (just not to my taste). My favorites are “3:10 to Yuma” and “The Furies.” Actually also “The Gunfighter,” although “Yellow Sky” is my favorite Gregory Peck western. Viggo’s comments about Glenn Ford are so astute! I’ve read Ford was also the fastest draw in Hollywood. I love that Viggo chose the Budd Boetticher box set! But my favorite of Boetticher’s films with Randolph Scott is “7 Men from Now,” which is not included in that box set. In any case, I love listening to Viggo talk about film, or about anything. He always has interesting thoughts and a unique point of view, and he never seems to be ego-driven. He just loves the art and craft of film, like I do. ❤️
I'm kind of surprised Viggo wasn't aware of Peck's prowess as a bad guy or in Westerns. Peck is one of the all-time best! "The Gunfighter" was outstanding, as were "Yellow Sky" and "The Bravados," as far as solid stories and Peck tackling more complex characters. None of those 3 Peck characters were really "good guys." And if Viggo doesn't think Peck can pull off being a bad guy, he needs to check Peck out in "Moby Dick" and "The Boys from Brazil."
I love how Viggo Mortensen, unlike some I've seen in the Criterion closet collection, comes across as truly genuine and a fan of film without trying to be performative in front of this camera.
When I was a child before cable, I watched an old western on "regular" TV called Three Guns for Texas. I LOVED it and have never been able to find it again. I've tried finding a DVD but no such luck. It was a great Sunday matinee ❤
I've learned so, so much more about film this 'Closet' series than I'd ever expected! How wonderful to hear all these tales and inside info, and interpretations from movie insiders! When the series began, I thought that it wld attract only a niche group of cinephiles; instead, the 'Closet' has hosted the best of the best! Thank you Criterion Channel - what a success this has been.
Ben Johnson was the best horse-rider of any western actor, he was a rancher and then a world-champion rodeo cowboy before he got his start as an actor.
The amount of love he shows and displayed( in a humble way ) for western films was so cool to see- Viggo always seems like he is that one cool cinephile uncle at the party
I've only seen the Christian Bale, Russell Crow 3:10 to Yuma and it has always been my favorite of that year. Hearing Viggo pick out the Original definitely puts this on a must see list.
Rapid fire Western titles and knowledge I never expected from ol' Viggo. Cool dude. Definitely going to check out his picks. I love Westerns. (A love passed down from my father.)
Glad to see that old Viggo and I think alike. I'd been thinking about "Red River" recently, and now he closed the deal. I took my copy off my shelf and am watching it now. SUCH a great film. Definitely my favorite Western. It's got it all. Fascinating cinematography and story with the gamut of emotions and peppered with laugh-out-loud humor. Absolutely top drawer.
I had the pleasure of meeting Viggo about 15 years back and he graciously signed my bluray of Eastern Promises. Surprised he didn't pick any Cronenberg films!
Great picks, Viggo. “McCabe And Mrs. Miller” is one of my favorite westerns! So offbeat, filmed dark and grainy, the realism of the film sucks you in. Great movie.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller is a must watch for everyone seeing this. The only snowy western out of Viggo's picks, and it features one of the most frightening villains in western movie history in my opinion.
I am a fan of every single western you pointed out, including the Bud Boetticher films, which I’ve seen them all… I also appreciate what you said about Glenn Ford… I got into his movies about 10 years ago binged everyone I could find on video; great actor and he said westerns were his favorite genre to act in. Yours was the best one I’ve seen so far in the Criterion closet series. The Gunfighter is one of my favorites up there with: My Darling Clementine,Jubal, 7 Men From Now, and many others. 👍👍👍
Without hyperbole, this is my favorite Criterion video ever, ever. Even better than the Gaspar Noe one. Anthony Mann should be so much more better known than he is.
I like that he picked the Ranown cycle. Randolph Scott had this unique stoic quality that no other actor ever had. John Wayne was the only producer who believed in "Seven Men From Now" and it was the right decision. It started the cycle, which is, despite it's B status, rated as A. Scott is after Wayne, Robert Taylor and Eastwood my favorite western actor, plus Glenn Ford and Mitchum. And altough I'm a western enthusiast I've never heard of those Stanwyck ones. I will watch them. She never got the recognition as an actress she deserved, was Oscar nominated 4 times but never won. Just like John Wayne was overlooked for "The Searchers" and "The Shootist" and would've deserved at least nominations for "Red River", "They were Expendable" and some others. Both actors were never tied to a single studio (Wayne in his post Republic era, wherein he received a nomination) and that was the reason, they weren't promoted for trophies, only for money.
I loved this. Thank you, Viggo. My favorite genre of movies is yours. Lol. I love how much you throw yourself into the Western (American) ethos in your work. I know you are a dedicated horseman. There are two people I would allow to ride my horse, who is very precious to me. I'm one of them, and you are a strong candidate for #2.
Ive been trying to find a movie for years with no success. It’s about a mexican sheriff pursuing a woman accused of murdering her husband who is in turn being pursued by the wealthy landowner who framed her, aided by a gang of comancheros. I thought the sherrif was played by Burt Lancaster, but it’s not in any of his bios. The sheriff catches up with the women then becomes her defender, sniping the pursuers from great distances until they are finally run down to a showdown with the landowner, with the comancheros displaying respect for the sheriff and deserting the landowner. Great movie which I’d love to find.
I loved the story about his taking Aragorn's steed from "The Lord of the Rings" back to his home ranch after filming was complete. I also loved the film "Hildago" and his performance in it. Viggo is a true horseman at heart!
Viggo co-starred in one of the best traditional westerns of recent times, with APPALOOSSA. Starring and directed by Ed Harris, it was based on the novel by Robert B. Parker and should have started a franchise. Very highly recommended. It's just a good story very well told.
I LOVE that he went in one direction and went Hard!! I agree with most of these picks, except McCabe and Mrs. Miller (when I finally saw it I was almost depressed). Now I have to look for The Furies!! Viggo's 'Hidalgo' is very, very good!
I am not into Westerns but I am intrigued by Viggo's selections. Not surprised by his comments on Leonard Cohen's music and by his love of Westerns; Viggo is, first and foremost a poet and artist with a love of photography. Add to that his interest in ... I'm going to use the word husbandry for lack of something better... fishing, horses etc.says something about the man.
Just going by the thumbnail for a start, but yeah, Red River is my favorite western. Randolph Scott lived in Malibu with Cary Grant for awhile in the '30s. They called their house 'Cirrhosis by the Sea'.
It's actually quite cool to see a guest picking out only from a specific genre, and Viggo sure knows his Westerns 🐎
Yeah, I really want to see someone do this with jidaigeki and chanbara films.
He obviously promoted his own film. In a subtle way.
@@CountOrlok22agreed 😊
@@CountOrlok22 Yes!
@@MrRazorblade999 He's a classy guy.
Please bring Viggo back as a running series to choose some of his favourites from ALL the genres :D
Love this idea
Word. This is necessary.
Yes! We would all profit from Viggo continuing to share his own working & studied knowledge. Please do this, Criterion.
I’d like to visit him at his home.
I agree. He should cover horror westerns, comedy westerns, etc
Rating actors on their ability to mount a horse is a deeper level of cinephile granularity than i knew existed.
My family largely originates from rural areas and I grew up watching westerns with them while hearing commentary on the ability of the riders on screen and even on the horses' breeds, weight, hairstyling... Lol.
@@gmenezesdea That's so funny. I thought I was a western fan but I'm a lightweight haha.
@@gmenezesdea you must be a fan of Red Dead Redemption 2 and their horse… realism.
@@37654I haven't had the chance to play rdr yet. I'm a pc gamer but sadly my pc doesn't meet the minimum requirements.
@@saintsalieriwhat's funny is their enjoyment of westerns is very much linked to watching the horses and cattle. If the horses aren't good-looking they'll often complain "the director couldn't even bother to pick a decent horse"
I don't know much about the animals but the experience certainly helped make me a huge fan of Westerns.
Man basically outlined an entire syllabus for a “Pre-Spaghetti Western Western Cinema” film studies course. Fantastic picks.
Except for McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1972).
McCabe and Mrs. Miller is post-spaghetti western, and it's from 1971
@@Anthony-hu3rj That can be the final film of the course, screened as a bridge to next semester’s course: “The Revisionist Western.”
Well, there’s a lot more to that era than just John Wayne.
@@bobcobb36542 out of the 12 movies he picked star John Wayne. But go off, King.
Honestly it's so nice to see someone talk about a bunch of westerns instead of going straight to Bresson or Bergman like everyone else.
The best thing about these videos, is that they’re all about people loving movies. That’s why I love them
Mr. Mortensen is one of the smartest actors around. I loved that his selections had a theme, and there wasn't a single questionable film in his choices. In general these Criterion-closet videos are such a gift. Thank you.
Very well said!
Viggo just needs his own UA-cam show where he talks movies
And art, books, poetry, music, horses, and so much more. He's got many interests.
I don't really follow celebrity podcasts but I would definitely listen to a short podcast series with him just talking about his passions.
First 10 episodes will be exclusively about Young Guns 2.
Great idea and your opinion could be based solely on Viggo’s observation of how Glenn Ford mounted and rode a horse alone. Seriously. That comment alone made my eyes widen.
This is what I like to see when I get off work
*..And Wake Up. ..And Go to Bed.
This is what I like to see when I get off
Growing up in the sixties, I have seen many of my favorites slowly leave us. It's so nice to see one from the next generation of actors with such respect for those who came before him. A gifted actor and a class act.
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be "Try to have a successful film career so you can get invited into the Criterion Closet"
What a treat. Dude's a beast. Some day my script will make it. Many great directors have seen it. Never stop trying.
Let's make it happen.
It never too late to become a great director
@@jibinpk5974 YES!!!!!!!
This man knows his stuff
Indeed!
Such a 🍬😎❤️
if Viggo Mortensen hasn't done any audiobooks, now is the time. what a voice.
Great to see him in here! One of the best actors ever!
He needs an Oscar. How many times does he have to get nominated to get it?
It's impossible to overstate the influence of Westerns on other great films, and I love seeing a terrific actor like this highlight the genre for many who may not have experienced it.
Viggo picking all these great classic Westerns has now become my favorite Criterion Closet episode!
3:39: "...he [Randolph Scott] had kind of a Virginia twang as opposed to Gary Coopers's Montana lilt..." -- such attention to detail and knows how many movies those two actors were in. Not shocked this guy has such a great mind: actor, artist, writer/poet, photographer, activist -- a true Renassiance man!
I'm about to watch all of the Westerns because of Viggo
Good move you won't be disappointed they are all cracking films.....😊
You'll love it!
You won't be disappointed.
A warrior, scholar, and a poet. Viggo is an awesome human being.
Viggo Mortensen is the kind of great actor that doesn't always standout because he eases into his roles so well. It looks so natural. His screen presence never outshines the character. (Even in movies like Eastern Promises and Green Book he still manages great restraint)
Hidalgo ❤
I came here for Viggo and was pleasantly rewarded with a conversation about my favorite genre, "the Western" ironically enough just returned home tonight with Viggo's new film The Dead Don't Hurt. Haven't seen it yet, but wanted to support him and most westerns anyway I can.
Viggo's voice is so soothing I could listen to him reading the phone book and enjoy every second
I loved Appaloosa, Viggo and Ed Harris had such great chemistry. I also loved Far From Men, not a western in the classic American sense, but very much a western style story. I Can't wait to see Viggo's new western film.
I love that Viggo is so cool, humble, and knowledgeable. Of course, he was Aragorn.
I feel like this means we're one step closer to see David Cronenberg in this series
Yes please
Yes!!
@@magicknight13 well, you do have "crash" already. i'd like to see "maps to the stars" get the criterion treatment.
I believe he already did do this.
@jamesrowden303 exactly
I understand that he was focusing on Westerns but I was surprised that The Passion of Joan of Arc didn't get a shoutout. He gave a brilliant mini-lecture and Q&A on the film at the Toronto Film Festival that really showed his love for the film. Since he didn't do this, I will, see this film! It is an awesome example of silent cinema, and potentially the best performance I have ever seen by an actor of that era, if not all-time. It is a movie that everyone should see at least once.
I think this is the greatest performance captured on film
Also see Dryer's Day of Wrath for another masterpiece
JofA is a great film which Viggo loves but he is picking westerns and JofA is not a western...simples🎭
Its obvious he's focusing on westerns here, maybe he's doing one right now. Dreyers Joan is probably my all time favorite film, I'd love to hear his lecture on it! Falconetti gives the greatest performance ever and never made another film because she thought they'd all be as stressful! She was working with the strict disciplinarian Carl Dreyer!
Thanks for mentioning that. I love that film but didn’t know about his talk. I’ll look for it.
@@f.w.2054 Apparently there''s an interview with Falconetti's daughter that denies Dreyer's treatment of her on set, actually there are lots of myths arround it that it's hard to know which one to believe.
Thanks Viggo! I got my film education from my father, who loved westerns. You picked some real gems and some I never got to see screened. Really appreciate you doing this and thank Criterion for having you in their closet.
I always wish these vids were longer but I'll take 5 minutes of Viggo talking about Westerns any day!
One of the best film selection commentaries i've seen on this channel. His appreciation for the art of the Western comes through. I'll check out his picks.
This is one of the best entries in this whole franchise of youtube videos. Viggo just picking Westerns really narrows it down and makes it more meaningful.
Been a Viggo fan since I watched “The Indian Runner” in the early 90’s, if you haven’t seen it you should check it out, Sean Penn wrote it and directed it, he based it off the song “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen, Viggo plays the rebellious brother just returning from Vietnam, David Morse plays his older brother who’s also the town sheriff, Charles Bronson plays their Dad, one of my top ten favorite movies of all time, there’s a music video for “Highway Patrolman” on UA-cam that’s made from clips from the movie if anyone wants to watch it, it’s pretty good, I hope Viggo teams up with Cronenberg again soon, they make a great team!!
Fantastic movie! I'm glad to see someone give it a mention.
@@parisgreen4600 it’s a great movie, I personally think it’s viggos greatest performance ever, probably my favorite that Sean Penn directed as well, I looked for it on dvd for years and I finally found it at movie stop, I let a friend borrow it and never seen it again but I’ve watched it dozens of times, one of my biggest dreams is to be a screenwriter, I got all these movies in my head but I’ve never tried writing them down but movies like “The Indian Runner” are the types of movies I want to write with characters that stick with you, the fact that Sean took that story in that song and turned it into a movie is just brilliant, he’s a great actor as well, “At Close Range” is my favorite movie he’s acted in, another movie I found at movie stop, loaned out and never seen again lol, I’m building my collection back up now though, been finding some really good movies at goodwill, I would absolutely love to get to pick through the criterion closet, I’m so jealous of these people lol, anyway I could talk about movies for hours, have a great weekend my friend, God Bless!!!
@@parisgreen4600 I made a long reply to your comment earlier but UA-cam keeps making my comments disappear for some reason but yeah I absolutely love “The Indian Runner” such a great movie, have a great weekend my friend, God Bless!!
I recently got The Indian Runner on blu ray and finally watched it and it’s awesome?😎🕺
I wish my dad was here in this earthly life still. The western films he's mentioned would definitely spark the fire of his love of the genre. Great appreciation and respect for all his roles appeared in. Lord of the rings all the more unforgettable because of you.
I'm so glad to see Viggo Mortensen here! He's one of my favourite actors (and usually I don't give much of a hoot who plays what), and he's a delight in every film I've seen him in. It's interesting seeing what he picked; I'll have to check out that soundtrack with Leonard Cohen. I'm not huge on westerns (I prefer the newer films of True Grit and 3:10 To Yuma, and I enjoyed the Dollars trilogy, and that's about it), but the old ones have really got some incredible music.
His collaborations with David Cronenberg are so unique and masterful. The opening moments of Crimes of the Future blew me away. Brilliant beautiful soul on this guy, even though I know he’s universally loved I think he’s somehow underappreciated as an actor and for all his other talents.
Viggo is the best! His natural speaking voice is so different from Aragorn too, never realized
he actualy had Aragorns voice be dif when he was known as strider u can hear the dif.
Gregory Peck's acting ability had a wide bandwidth. This guy did everything but musicals. One of my favorite actors.
I always loved his work, but when I watched The Boys from Brazil I was amazed!
Can definitely tell Viggo is a connoisseur of film, not just an actor with a superficial interest in films! Good post!
All great picks. Viggo should have his own show discussing movies. Man has taste and insight.
Stunning array of films. Some of Criterion's finest westerns.
With "The Tall T" (one of the Ranown Westerns) there is something that excites my interest greatly. What you have is Burt Kennedy, a writer (& director) that Boetticher highly regarded, taking on a story written by Elmore Leonard.
I’ve been really getting into westerns from the 40’s to the 60’s, so it’s nice to see him mention films I’ve recently seen as he too enters his western phase.
Highly recommend The Tall T and Forty Guns!
I feel like he’s been into westerns for a long time ha!
Viggo Mortensens have been into westerns for a long time, and starred in a few. Not sure what you mean by "as he too enters his western phase" He is brilliant in the modern western Hidalgo for example, aired in 2004 I think it was. He is also quite the accomplished horserider, both with modern and western saddles.
Next you should get into the film noir flicks of the 40s and 50s of you haven't yet.
i'm gonna take the liberty of adding some more here and mention: Decision at Sundown, Jubal, Johnny Guitar
@@Misadventures_85 great picks. I’ve actually seen all three, Jubal is a bit of a deep cut I feel and Johnny Guitar is one of my favourite films and second favourite western.
Viggo is a definitely an true intellect of films and a great actor; hands down.
Btw Viggo, I’ve always thought you were at your absolute best in Eastern Promises. Calm ferocity thru the story until the Russian bath scene. It’s amazing.
I’ve never clicked so fast
Same! 😂
The man spits.
We can't help ourselves
Same here Viggo fan from India
What blows my mind with this and other 'closet' episodes is the deep movie knowledge and understanding that each of the artists have - they pick movies that I either never knew of or would think that they'd appreciate.
Viggo always has such a menacing sense to him in his roles, even when he is a good guy - just kind of bubbling under the surface. But in real life, just a gentle softy (at least seems so!). Love those western picks. Funny about Glenn Ford - One of my faves but I always associate him with Blackboard Jungle. 🙂 Barbara Stanwyck is one of the cinema's greats. You can never go wrong with her, and I love that you pick her more "bossy" roles (lol). Gregory Peck is a fave when he is hero (Gentleman's Agreement!), but he has a lot more range than people give him credit for. I adore your love and reverence for film. You really know your craft.
You guys have no idea how popular this guy is in Argentina .
He comes here exclusively to see the final match of his favorite football team (San Lorenzo)
I guess that, If Viggo and Anya Taylor-Joy did a movie together, it would be the highest earning film in Argentinian history.
@@jmcheznever been to argentina but it’d be cool if they did a Argentinian biopic epic with all the Argentinian Hollywood big names the way they did with Irish actors in Michael Collins for example
Excellent! I love all of Viggo’s picks except McCabe (just not to my taste). My favorites are “3:10 to Yuma” and “The Furies.” Actually also “The Gunfighter,” although “Yellow Sky” is my favorite Gregory Peck western.
Viggo’s comments about Glenn Ford are so astute! I’ve read Ford was also the fastest draw in Hollywood.
I love that Viggo chose the Budd Boetticher box set! But my favorite of Boetticher’s films with Randolph Scott is “7 Men from Now,” which is not included in that box set.
In any case, I love listening to Viggo talk about film, or about anything. He always has interesting thoughts and a unique point of view, and he never seems to be ego-driven. He just loves the art and craft of film, like I do. ❤️
I'm kind of surprised Viggo wasn't aware of Peck's prowess as a bad guy or in Westerns. Peck is one of the all-time best! "The Gunfighter" was outstanding, as were "Yellow Sky" and "The Bravados," as far as solid stories and Peck tackling more complex characters. None of those 3 Peck characters were really "good guys." And if Viggo doesn't think Peck can pull off being a bad guy, he needs to check Peck out in "Moby Dick" and "The Boys from Brazil."
I love how Viggo Mortensen, unlike some I've seen in the Criterion closet collection, comes across as truly genuine and a fan of film without trying to be performative in front of this camera.
When I was a child before cable, I watched an old western on "regular" TV called Three Guns for Texas. I LOVED it and have never been able to find it again. I've tried finding a DVD but no such luck. It was a great Sunday matinee ❤
Anyone that mentions Sam Fuller is cool in my book. Great picks here.
I've learned so, so much more about film this 'Closet' series than I'd ever expected! How wonderful to hear all these tales and inside info, and interpretations from movie insiders! When the series began, I thought that it wld attract only a niche group of cinephiles; instead, the 'Closet' has hosted the best of the best! Thank you Criterion Channel - what a success this has been.
Ben Johnson was the best horse-rider of any western actor, he was a rancher and then a world-champion rodeo cowboy before he got his start as an actor.
The amount of love he shows and displayed( in a humble way ) for western films was so cool to see- Viggo always seems like he is that one cool cinephile uncle at the party
One does not simply walk into the Criterion closet.
It's a club
Unless your Viggo
Beautiful person. Just rewatched "The Road" a couple weeks ago. Stellar actor. Great DVD picks! 🎖
Fun Fact: did you know that when he kicked…
That's it. I'm ded.
Screams in Aragorn
He kicked the helmet and then pooped himself. That’s the real trivia.
Did you know the blade the Uruk-Hai threw at him was a real sword? He didn’t know this and deflected the blade in one take by pure luck!
bravo vince
I've only seen the Christian Bale, Russell Crow 3:10 to Yuma and it has always been my favorite of that year. Hearing Viggo pick out the Original definitely puts this on a must see list.
Rapid fire Western titles and knowledge I never expected from ol' Viggo.
Cool dude. Definitely going to check out his picks. I love Westerns. (A love passed down from my father.)
Selecting westerns!! Red River! Forty Guns! 3:10 to Yuma! The Renowns! Seven Men From Now! What a great man!! These are my exact picks!
Glad to see that old Viggo and I think alike. I'd been thinking about "Red River" recently, and now he closed the deal. I took my copy off my shelf and am watching it now. SUCH a great film. Definitely my favorite Western. It's got it all. Fascinating cinematography and story with the gamut of emotions and peppered with laugh-out-loud humor. Absolutely top drawer.
Who else went to look up Glenn Ford riding horse after this? You should it's awesome! Thanks Viggo!
I had the pleasure of meeting Viggo about 15 years back and he graciously signed my bluray of Eastern Promises. Surprised he didn't pick any Cronenberg films!
Great choice, great film. Really wish we could've gotten the next chapter of Nikolai's story based on where it ended in Eastern Promises, but alas.
Cronenbergs never done a Western lol
Great picks, Viggo. “McCabe And Mrs. Miller” is one of my favorite westerns! So offbeat, filmed dark and grainy, the realism of the film sucks you in. Great movie.
Loved this. Lots of great memories watching these movies with my Dad. Nice to see older mainstream movies featured. Thank you Viggo and Criterion.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller is a must watch for everyone seeing this. The only snowy western out of Viggo's picks, and it features one of the most frightening villains in western movie history in my opinion.
I don’t particularly like westerns, but I loved McCabe and Mrs.Miller. To be fair, I like pretty much anything Julie Christie is in.
@@paulvoorhies8821 She's amazing in it! I love the final scene when she's on the bed and the camera zooms into her eye
I am a fan of every single western you pointed out, including the Bud Boetticher films, which I’ve seen them all… I also appreciate what you said about Glenn Ford… I got into his movies about 10 years ago binged everyone I could find on video; great actor and he said westerns were his favorite genre to act in. Yours was the best one I’ve seen so far in the Criterion closet series. The Gunfighter is one of my favorites up there with: My Darling Clementine,Jubal, 7 Men From Now, and many others. 👍👍👍
Boetticher rules
Yes, Viggo, as a horsewoman myself, I have to agree. Glen Ford is one of the best riders in movie history. He's a close second to YOU! 💚💙💜
Without hyperbole, this is my favorite Criterion video ever, ever. Even better than the Gaspar Noe one. Anthony Mann should be so much more better known than he is.
I like that he picked the Ranown cycle. Randolph Scott had this unique stoic quality that no other actor ever had. John Wayne was the only producer who believed in "Seven Men From Now" and it was the right decision. It started the cycle, which is, despite it's B status, rated as A. Scott is after Wayne, Robert Taylor and Eastwood my favorite western actor, plus Glenn Ford and Mitchum.
And altough I'm a western enthusiast I've never heard of those Stanwyck ones. I will watch them. She never got the recognition as an actress she deserved, was Oscar nominated 4 times but never won. Just like John Wayne was overlooked for "The Searchers" and "The Shootist" and would've deserved at least nominations for "Red River", "They were Expendable" and some others. Both actors were never tied to a single studio (Wayne in his post Republic era, wherein he received a nomination) and that was the reason, they weren't promoted for trophies, only for money.
Legend. Get A History Of Violence on 4k in the collection, please, or The Indian Runner.
Viggo is a legend ❤he really knows his stuff, his passion shines through the screen. A lesson in classic westerns!
I love his collaborations with David Cronenberg.
Just ordered McCabe & Mrs. Miller from the library. ¡Gracias compadre Viggo! Thanks Criterion!
For an excellent history of John Ford, listen to TCM's podcast The Plot Thickens, season 5. I have no affiliation.
Thank you for showing the covers of the films and giving a brief description.
Superb selections. Great to see someone bigging up the old classic westerns. 🤠
Red River is fantastic
Love Viggo so much. Please work on getting Alatriste in a US format ,
Viggo is cool as hell.
He just named a lot of my favorite westerns.
Classics!
Thanks!
I loved this. Thank you, Viggo. My favorite genre of movies is yours. Lol. I love how much you throw yourself into the Western (American) ethos in your work. I know you are a dedicated horseman. There are two people I would allow to ride my horse, who is very precious to me. I'm one of them, and you are a strong candidate for #2.
Ive been trying to find a movie for years with no success. It’s about a mexican sheriff pursuing a woman accused of murdering her husband who is in turn being pursued by the wealthy landowner who framed her, aided by a gang of comancheros. I thought the sherrif was played by Burt Lancaster, but it’s not in any of his bios. The sheriff catches up with the women then becomes her defender, sniping the pursuers from great distances until they are finally run down to a showdown with the landowner, with the comancheros displaying respect for the sheriff and deserting the landowner. Great movie which I’d love to find.
I loved the story about his taking Aragorn's steed from "The Lord of the Rings" back to his home ranch after filming was complete. I also loved the film "Hildago" and his performance in it. Viggo is a true horseman at heart!
Hidalgo ❤
I could listen to Vigo discussing film for days.
I've been wanting to check out more classic westerns lately, glad to have a list from Viggo.
All classic Hollywood westerns....LOVE IT....great picks Viggo!!!
We need more westerns, specially starring Viggo!!
Love the way he talks about film. Such knowledge, passion, and respect.
Viggo co-starred in one of the best traditional westerns of recent times, with APPALOOSSA.
Starring and directed by Ed Harris, it was based on the novel by Robert B. Parker and should have started a franchise. Very highly recommended. It's just a good story very well told.
Always love seeing love for Macabe and Mrs Miller. A masterpiece.
So nice to see a genre focus. Love Viggo!
Man knows the real classics.Thank you!
We do lilt here in Montana! Thank you sir! Great western picks, btw!
I LOVE that he went in one direction and went Hard!! I agree with most of these picks, except McCabe and Mrs. Miller (when I finally saw it I was almost depressed). Now I have to look for The Furies!! Viggo's 'Hidalgo' is very, very good!
Legend! Great honor to see this artist pick his favourite films!
He ages like fine wine so i pray he will still get the opportunity to keep directing more movies.
What great analysis! This was a fantastic themed set of recommendations!
I am not into Westerns but I am intrigued by Viggo's selections. Not surprised by his comments on Leonard Cohen's music and by his love of Westerns; Viggo is, first and foremost a poet and artist with a love of photography. Add to that his interest in ... I'm going to use the word husbandry for lack of something better... fishing, horses etc.says something about the man.
I'm seriously impressed. I think I've watched all of these criterion closest vidoes and oh boy that man came prepared :)
Just going by the thumbnail for a start, but yeah, Red River is my favorite western.
Randolph Scott lived in Malibu with Cary Grant for awhile in the '30s. They called their house 'Cirrhosis by the Sea'.
A Stanwyck movie I haven't seen...thanks, Viggo!