Midnight Cowboy: Delving into the Criterion Laserdisc Liner Notes – A Collector's Deep Dive
The Criterion Collection's laserdisc release of Midnight Cowboy wasn't just a transfer of the film; it was a meticulously curated experience, reflected in its extensive liner notes. These notes, often overlooked in today's digital age, offered a treasure trove of information for cinephiles, enriching the viewing experience beyond the silver screen. While the exact wording isn't readily available online, we can reconstruct the likely content and themes based on Criterion's usual approach and the film's significance.
What We Know About Criterion Liner Notes:
Criterion's liner notes are renowned for their scholarly approach. They typically include:
- An essay by a film scholar or critic: This would likely delve into the social and cultural context of Midnight Cowboy, exploring its themes of alienation, ambition, and the search for belonging in 1960s New York City. The essay would likely analyze the film's controversial aspects, its groundbreaking depiction of homosexuality, and its influence on American cinema.
- An interview with key figures: This could have included interviews with director John Schlesinger, screenwriter Waldo Salt, or even the stars Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. These interviews would have offered invaluable insights into the film's production, its themes, and the challenges faced during its creation.
- Technical details about the laserdisc transfer: Criterion prided itself on the quality of its transfers, so the notes would detail the efforts made to restore and present the film in the best possible quality for the laserdisc format. This section would explain the mastering process and the attention to detail paid to preserving the film's original look and feel.
- Detailed filmographies: The notes would likely include comprehensive filmographies of the key creative personnel, providing context and allowing viewers to explore their other works.
- Stills and behind-the-scenes photography: The packaging would have featured a collection of stills and behind-the-scenes photographs, offering visual insights into the making of the film.
Likely Themes Explored in the Liner Notes:
- The film's controversial "X" rating: The liner notes would likely discuss the film's initial X rating and the controversy surrounding its depiction of sexuality and its themes of hustling and survival on the streets.
- The film's depiction of 1960s New York City: The notes would examine the film's portrayal of a city in transition, grappling with social change and urban decay.
- The character development of Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo: The liner notes would delve into the complex relationships between the two protagonists, exploring their vulnerabilities and their unconventional bond.
- The film's lasting legacy and impact: The notes would likely address Midnight Cowboy's enduring relevance, its continued critical acclaim, and its position as a landmark achievement in American cinema.
Unanswered Questions (Hypothetical):
- How did the collaboration between Schlesinger and Salt shape the final product?
- What were the challenges in casting Hoffman and Voight, and how did their performances contribute to the film's success?
- How did the film’s depiction of urban poverty resonate with audiences then, and how does it resonate today?
The Criterion laserdisc liner notes for Midnight Cowboy would have served as an invaluable companion piece, enriching the viewing experience and adding depth to our understanding of this classic film. Unfortunately, the precise contents are not readily available digitally, leaving us to imagine the scholarly insights they contained, based on the high standards Criterion consistently maintained. They remain a testament to the value of detailed, thoughtful supplemental materials that enrich the appreciation of cinematic art.
