If you're even a casual film lover, you've no doubt heard of the internet-famous Criterion Closet, a physical closet owned at The Criterion Collection offices that's filled with every movie title distributed by the home-video distribution company. And you've likely seen viral videos of pretty much every celebrity you can name—from legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and Bong Joon-ho to famous actors like Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert—giddily choosing beloved films from the closet's expertly-stocked shelves and gabbing about why they hold those titles so dear.
And this weekend, you can have your own Criterion Closet experience when a mobile pop-up version rolls up to Santa Monica on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8.
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Partnering with the American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Avenue)—in conjunction with its Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair festival—the Criterion Mobile Closet will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days. Inside, you'll find more than 1,000 in-print titles from the Criterion Collection, including box sets and releases from the Eclipse and Janus Contemporaries lines.
Each attendee will have three minutes to scour the closet shelves, and up to five guests can share a visit to the closet at one time. Excitingly, you'll be able to make like Ayo Edebiri and others by recording your own Criterion Closet video, where you, too, can publicly and passionately champion your favorite flicks. You'll receive a Polaroid photo featuring your selections, as well as a free Criterion tote bag and a printed pocket guide to take home, while supplies last.
Film lovers will be able to purchase up to three videos at a 40-percent discount, to celebrate Criterion's big 40th anniversary this year. (Of course, we recommend you pick up a copy of one of the movies that most beautifully capture Los Angeles.) There will also be a limited selection of Criterion merch available for purchase.
Again, you don’t need a reservation or advanced ticket to visit the Criterion Mobile Closet in Los Angeles this week—simply show up at the Aero and get ready to get your cinephile on.