5 Criterion Closet Picks to See in Case Lav Diaz Gets His Own Episode
Many cinephiles dream of stepping into the Criterion Closet, a sanctuary for film lovers filled with cinematic treasures. Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz has enjoyed that privilege twice, revisiting the famed room in October after his first visit in 2023.
Although a new episode of his second visit hasn’t been released yet, the Criterion Collection confirmed that Diaz selected works such as David Lynch’s Lost Highway and Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï. His choices also included the box sets Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema.
“The Criterion Collection also said that there is ‘more to come,’”
This hint has led fans to anticipate a possible “Closet Picks” video featuring Diaz himself. Until that release, we revisit five memorable Criterion Closet episodes that have already delighted film fans.
Ayo Edebiri’s Energetic Dive
Comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri entered the Criterion Closet with contagious excitement, as if exploring a playground of cinematic wonders.
“Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy,”
she joked at the end of her video. Her selections spanned different genres and continents, showcasing Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low and Stanley Donen’s Charade for their craftsmanship and charm, Juzo Itami’s The Funeral for its sharp satire, and Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger for its surreal humor.
Other Memorable Visits
- Cillian Murphy’s refined, introspective choices reflected his passion for character-driven storytelling.
- Isabel Sandoval’s visit celebrated cinema’s poetic intimacy and the work of fellow Filipino filmmakers.
Author’s Summary
This article highlights Lav Diaz’s Criterion Closet visits while celebrating five standout episodes that capture the creativity and passion of film lovers worldwide.