John Lithgow Reflects on Influential Films in Criterion Closet Visit

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Renowned actor John Lithgow recently took part in a special Criterion Closet video, where he shared his personal selections of significant films that have shaped his cinematic journey.

In this engaging segment, Lithgow introduced his featured films with charisma, highlighting the enduring impact of cinema on his life. “Hi, I’m John Lithgow. I’ve been given this impossible task to pick out Blu-rays of films that have meant something to me in my life. All of them great,” he said, setting the tone for the exploratory video.

One of his choices was the classic drama “This Sporting Life,” directed by Lindsay Anderson and written by David Storey. Lithgow revealed that this film has a unique personal connection, as he starred in a play derived from it. “There is a play that David Storey wrote which is basically derived from ‘This Sporting Life.’ I played a role in it when its American premiere took place on Broadway — ‘The Changing Room’ — when I was 27 years old,” Lithgow shared. He noted that this production marked his Broadway debut, and just two weeks later, he won a Tony Award for his performance.

Lithgow also spoke fondly of his collaborations with acclaimed director Brian De Palma. He reminisced about his role in the film “Blow Out,” starring John Travolta and Nancy Allen. Describing De Palma as “the master of the macabre,” Lithgow emphasized the intricacies of the film’s plot, which revolves around a sound technician who uncovers an elaborate crime while working on a project. “I am the criminal in this case,” he explained, discussing his portrayal of villains in De Palma’s films. “I have been three of Brian’s villains. They’re all kind of innocuous, slightly faceless men who are supposed to be the last person you’d suspect of doing horrific Brian De Palma things.”

In addition to De Palma’s works, Lithgow expressed admiration for filmmaker Jacques Tati, particularly regarding his character Monsieur Hulot. He credited Hulot’s influence on his role in the sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun.” “The great classic to me is ‘Mon Oncle.’ He just takes his time setting up a comedy sequence,” Lithgow remarked. “It can take five minutes to build to this astounding payoff. And it’s a lesson in comedy.”

To conclude, Lithgow’s Criterion Closet visit not only showcased his film choices but also highlighted his deep appreciation for the art of cinema, as well as its profound impact on his career. Viewers can watch Lithgow’s complete visit to Criterion Closet online.