With the smash success of his staggering drama Moonlight, writer-director Barry Jenkins, this newfound recognition comes certain perks. Namely, being invited to raid the Criterion Collection’s extensive and intimate library. Jenkins takes to the task with the most vigor I’ve personally ever seen an artist put forth. From the Apu trilogy to the works of Kurosawa, Cassavetes, and the Coen brothers, Jenkins makes sure to cover it all.
In a fascinating peak into Jenkins’ film school days, he discusses watching the massively influential La Haine over and over again, and how he recreated a scene from George Washington in one of his student works. Best of all is Jenkin’s sheer embarrassment at his own “greed,” repeatedly checking with an off-camera member of Criterion’s staff to make sure he is actually allowed to take all of them home.
See the full video below, thanks to the Criterion Collection.
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