In the heart of the Criterion Collection’s offices, a nondescript door #1 leads to a room that has become the darling of the internet. The Criterion Closet, a modest space by appearances, has transcended its physical confines to become a symbol of cinematic connoisseurship and a melting pot of film culture. This exclusive GQ feature delves into the story behind the rise of the Criterion Closet to internet fame, offering insights from the team that curates this celebrated stockroom.
The Room That Sparked a Movement
The Criterion Closet’s journey to stardom began with a simple yet ingenious idea: Closet Picks, a video series that invites actors, directors, and filmmakers to showcase their favorite films from the Criterion Collection. The concept was straightforward—offer a peek into the personal tastes of cinema’s biggest names—but the outcome was far from predictable.
When I visited the Criterion offices to discuss the upcoming mobile version of the Closet, the posters adorning the walls spoke volumes about the institution’s reverence for film history. Vintage posters of classics like Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclipse and the iconic visage of Agnès Varda from her Criterion box set set the stage for the interview.
The Architecture of Acclaim
The Criterion Collection, since its inception in 1984, has been a beacon for film preservation and distribution. Its catalog is a treasure trove of cinema’s greatest works, earning it the moniker of a film Hall of Fame by the New York Times. The Criterion Channel, launched in 2019, further expanded its reach, making a vast selection of films accessible to a global audience.
Yet, it’s the Closet that has captured the public’s imagination. Tucked away behind a door adjacent to the office bathrooms, the Closet’s location is as unassuming as its contents are prestigious. It bears an architectural resemblance, jokes Criterion president Peter Becker, alluding to the proximity and the occasional sound of a phantom flush in early videos.
A Confluence of Culture and Celebrity
The Closet has become a meeting place for generations of actors and directors, each leaving their mark on the room and the series. From Ayo Edebiri to Agnès Varda, these cinematic luminaries have flexed their taste and shared the films that shaped their careers and passions. The result is a series that bridges the gap between the legendary and the contemporary, offering a window into the personal journeys of those who have made film history.
The Phenomenon’s Impact
The rise of the Criterion Closet to internet fame is not just a testament to the power of film but also to the hunger for authentic, film-centric content. It has become a calling card for younger viewers, drawing them into the rich tapestry of cinema that Criterion has curated for decades.
Conclusion: A Door to the Future
As the Criterion Collection continues to evolve, the Closet stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of great films. The series has not only reinvigorated interest in the Collection but has also inspired a new generation of film lovers to delve deeper into the art of cinema.
The Criterion Closet’s journey from a humble room behind a nondescript door to an internet sensation is a testament to the enduring legacy of film and the universal language it speaks. With the upcoming mobile version, the Closet is poised to reach even wider audiences, ensuring that the conversation about film continues to thrive.
References
- Criterion Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved from Criterion Collection Website
- New York Times. (2022, October 15). The Criterion Collection: A Catalog of Cinematic Greatness. Retrieved from New York Times Website
- Ang, R. (2024, September 27). How the Criterion Closet Became Internet Famous. GQ. Retrieved from GQ Website
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