I can finally talk about what has been taking up all my time in February/March/start of April. I wrote the booklet essay for the VERY EXCITING Criterion release of Martin Scorsese’s existential-angst-comedy-parody After Hours, in a brand new 4k digital restoration. Judging from the reaction to the announcement, this film has legions of fans, many of whom consider it their all-time favorite film, many of whom have suffered – for decades, really – at its not being given the credit or visibility they think it deserves. There are many reasons why After Hours sits in a strange spot in the culture, in Scorsese’s filmography, in ’80s cinema … it fits, but … not quite. I had a conversation with my Gen Z nephew about the movie and he said that his peers all FLIP over it. It HITS with that age demographic (speaking generally and anecdotally). We had a good conversation about why this might be the case, generationally. It’s exciting to hear because … good art TRAVELS, ya know what I’m saying? It TRAVELS out of its own time.
Anyway. This will be my 7th booklet essay for Criterion, and this one – like my Raging Bull video-essay – had to be approved by the man himself. Not every piece you write has to be approved by a living legend before it can go to print.
Drusilla Adeline’s cover design artwork is so beautiful! Dreamy-nightmare-beautiful, capturing the swarming world of the film.
I had so much fun writing about After Hours and I’m really excited for this deluxe release. It’s been really heart-warming the response to the announcement: people really LOVE this movie. Details here.
This is probably my favorite Scorcese movie, although I like Hugo a lot, too. I’m looking forward to reading your essay. Congratulations!
One of my favorite movies from the 1990s is also being released by Criterion this month: One False Move. I think I’ll need to get that one, too.
I definitely think it’s one of his best films – and one of his most personal. everything he makes is personal – speaking of Hugo! – but After Hours feels like it screams directly out from his subconscious. I love it. AND I love that it stands alone – you can’t compare it to any other entry in his filmography.
It did come out on DVD – with a full commentary track and deleted scenes, etc. – all of which I think will be included in this new release, along with new updated material.