I've found a copy of both Charade and The Element of Crime, used, for $32 CAD. Are they worthwhile blind-buys, or should I forget about them? I'm a big fan of classic films (big Hitchcock, James Stewart and Cary Grant fan,) and they both sound quite good.

Sorry for making another Criterion topic, but I was too lazy to go through millions of Criterion topics, to look for information on these two obscure releases.

charade is decent IMHO, but nothing great. It feels like a try hard hitchcock, but Cary Grant lifts it into the decent category.

I really enjoyed Charade, and have Element of Crime on the way as a blind buy.

Make sure that if you pick up Charade (excellent film, BTW) make sure it's the anamorphic version. There was an earlier release with a print that was letterboxed. See this link.

I loved Charade. Grant and Hepburn have great chemistry together and the dialogue is always fast paced and witty. It's a lighthearted and entertaining romp.

"Charade" is a great film, in my opinion. Very witty and charming.

I haven't seen "Element of Crime", though, unfortunately.

Thanks for the replies. I'll possibly end up picking up Charade, because it sounds like an interesting movie. I'm a fan of the cast, and I'm a big fan of films from that era. I hope it'll make a good blind-buy, but from what you've all said, it sounds like it should be good.

Yes, definitely get charade. I haven't seen Element of Crime, but numerous things I've read have described it as a difficult film to get into.

I just ordered Criterion. It's from a used CD/DVD store, and you can order off of their site for pick-up in store. It should be in within the next two weeks.

I personally would not recommend Element of Crime. It starts off very nice with a great atmosphere but some things about it are off-putting. Whether that's intentional or not I can not say for certain, but I have yet to watch it all the way through.

I personally loved Element of the Crime, but it may not be for you. It's very European, very austere is aesthetic. It's certainly not in the classic Hollywood style that you mention as liking.

Have you seen anything else by Lars Von Trier? Element is the first in his "European Trilogy" that is followed by Epidemic and Zentropa.

-- Jim

I've seen and loved Von Trier's The Kingdom Series 1. What mainly put me off Element of Crime were the couple sex scenes somewhat early on. And it's not the sex itself but the randomness of it and the poor lines used.

Well, I'm not only a fan of classic Hollywood films, but I do like films from that era a lot. My taste in film is really diverse (take a look at my collection for examples, if you want.) Element of Crime sounds interesting and I'm definitely interested in watching weird European movies. I just would like to rent it first before I commit over $40 CAD to it. I'm sure it's quite good, though.

My order ("Charade") came in recently, and I was able to go pick it up this morning. I haven't gotten a chance to watch it, but I'm really looking forward to it - it has a great cast and seems like it's a good movie. I'll let you know what my thoughts are, regarding my blind-buy, after I watch it.

Thanks for all your help.

charade is a great movie. your money wont be wasted

I didn't want to start another thread, so I'll ask this here...

How is the film, "The Honeymoon Killers"? It's $25 used here.

Charade is magnificent. One of my favorite thrillers, with great romance and comedy mixed in. You will NOT regret it.

Element of Crime is pretty much the WORST blind buy to pick up. I think the film is good but decisively esoteric. If you don't like surreal, experimental cinema you'll be pissed. As always, YMMV...