5 Criterion Closet Picks to Revisit Before Lav Diaz’s Episode
Most cinephiles dream of stepping into the Criterion Closet — that treasure room of film history where artists reveal the works that shaped them. Filipino director Lav Diaz has now done it twice, with his second visit recorded in October after his first in 2023.
Though Criterion has not yet released the new episode, they confirmed that Diaz selected David Lynch’s Lost Highway, Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï, and two box sets: Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema. The company teased that “more to come” may hint at a forthcoming Diaz feature.
Five Memorable Criterion Closet Episodes
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Ayo Edebiri
The comedian and actor enters the Closet like an eager film student, marveling over every shelf. Her choices range from Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low to Stanley Donen’s Charade for their artistry and wit, Juzo Itami’s The Funeral for its sharp social satire, and Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger for its surreal humor.
“Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy,” she admits with a laugh.
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Cillian Murphy
The Irish actor’s selections reflect an eye for mood and philosophy, spanning European classics and modern masterpieces.
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Isabel Sandoval
The Filipino filmmaker highlights works that mirror her meditative storytelling, focusing on identity and longing in cinema.
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Other Notable Picks
Several directors and actors have used their Closet time to celebrate both obscure treasures and well-known cinematic landmarks, revealing the emotional and intellectual range of Criterion’s catalog.
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Anticipating Lav Diaz
Given Diaz’s epic filmography and deep love for slow cinema, fans eagerly await his next Closet episode — one likely to reveal more of his visionary taste in film.
Author’s Summary: A look back at standout Criterion Closet episodes as fans await Lav Diaz’s anticipated feature following his second visit in October.