12 Angry Men: Criterion Collection

Adapted from the 1954 teleplay of the same name, 12 Angry Men (1957) marked the auspicious feature film debut of director Sidney Lumet who had cut his teeth on live television in New York City. He brought a gritty, edgy realism to this film, an approach... 

The Fugitive Kind: Criterion Collection

Adapted from the play Orpheus Descending by the author himself, Tennessee Williams’ The Fugitive Kind (1960) is a gritty southern potboiler directed by Sidney Lumet in his customary realistic style. At the center of the film lies a torrid love triangle... 

The Verdict: Collector’s Edition

The Verdict (1982) came along at just the right time in Paul Newman’s career. He hadn’t had a hit movie in some time or a role that really challenged him (Absence of Malice excepted, natch). This would all change when he signed onto this troubled... 

Find Me Guilty

There is always a certain amount of anticipation when Sidney Lumet makes another New York City based movie about crime and corruption. Some of his best films – Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Prince of the City (1981) and the underrated Q & A (1990) –... 

Controversial Classics Volume 2: The Power of the Media

The 1970s was a fertile time for challenging, politically charged movies. Thanks to Easy Rider (1969) a lot of riskier material was getting green-lit by the major Hollywood studios and, in some cases; they were commenting on the current political climate...