I've never seen The Emigrants or The New Land, but I am interested in tracking them down now that I've seen director Jan Troell's Everlasting Moments (29 June, Criterion). The original Swedish title adds Maria Larsson's (referring to the real-life protagonist) at the front, which was presumably dropped due to international unfamiliarity with the best-selling book upon which the movie is based.
The movie takes place at the beginning of the 20th century, and focuses on an abused housewife who finds solace and salvation through the art of photography. The emergence of the Socialist movement, a strike-ridden labor crisis, and the miraculous survival of a poverty-stricken family make for compelling humanist drama. This title, along with all the other IFC licenses like it, are a perfect proof of the value in the Criterion-IFC deal. If Everlasting Moments had gone out on DVD through MPI Media (like most IFC titles), I probably never would have seen it. The status conferral that results from this team-up brings some due attention to otherwise under-seen IFC titles and helps fill out the Criterion library with more contemporary films.
For example, the Troell career-spanning, hourlong documentary Troell's Magic Mirror lent more insight into the man's oeuvre than I would have been able to know otherwise in the US. Troell's wife, who brought the story of Everlasting Moments to his attention, narrates the short piece The True Story of Maria Larsson, which integrates Larsson family photos into a complimentary look at the family's history. Also included is a short behind-the-scenes doc called Troell Behind the Camera, which was shot concurrently with principal photography. As with Revanche, the included essay in the booklet is by Armond White. Contrary to his general reputation, the essay is fantastic (as was the one for Revanche). I should also make mention that designer Sam Smith's work on the cover art and packaging otherwise is very different in nature than his iconic Hausu poster for Janus Films, but it is no less inspired and captivating. All the different components of this release are proof positive that not only does Criterion care about these various things, but they make sure that they deliver every time.
The best price on Everlasting Moments can be found from Criterion themselves, at $31.96. With Barnes & Noble's semi-annual 50% off sale starting this next week, however, keep an eye on Amazon's prices (which they often drop at the same time to compete better).