Criterion Designs

About This Movie

Criterion Designs is a very intriguing video essay by Kogonada that digs into the visual aesthetic of the Criterion Collection's cover art. The way it juxtaposes sketches and final designs creates this cool sense of behind-the-scenes magic, like peeling back the layers of what we see on our shelves. The pacing is mellow, almost meditative, allowing you to really appreciate each piece of artwork and think about how it captures the essence of the films. You get a sense of the artistry involved, and it’s fascinating how these visuals tell their own stories, separate from the films they represent. It's a unique look at a part of film history that often gets overlooked.

Criterion Designs is an interesting piece for collectors, especially those who appreciate the artistic nuances behind film packaging. The scarcity of related materials adds to its allure, as the book itself features exclusive artwork that many collectors seek out. This video essay complements that, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the covers that grace our collections. It’s definitely a conversation starter among those who value the aesthetic aspects of film preservation.