Martin's Audio Commentaries: A Comprehensive Filmography
For nearly two decades, Martin has provided deep scholarly insight into the world of cinema through feature-length audio commentaries. These recordings, which run alongside the film's playback, offer viewers a detailed analysis of direction, cinematography, and narrative structure, transforming a standard viewing experience into an educational journey.
Martin's work began in 2006 with the 'Directors Suite' series, a venture by the Australian distributor Madman Entertainment. Although Madman ceased producing these bonus features in 2011, Martin's expertise remained in high demand. In 2015, he returned to the medium through commissions from the prestigious British Film Institute (BFI) and the Masters of Cinema labels, expanding his reach to a global audience.
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Key Facts
- Career Span: Active in audio commentary from 2006 to the present.
- Major Collaborators: Madman Entertainment, BFI, Masters of Cinema, Criterion USA, and Kino Lorber.
- Diverse Range: Commentaries cover a vast array of directors, including Godard, Ozu, Kurosawa, and Preminger.
- Global Reach: Work has been reused by major international labels such as Criterion USA.
Evolution of Commentary Work
The Madman Entertainment Era (2006–2011)
During this initial period, Martin focused heavily on European art house cinema and the French New Wave. His work on Jean-Luc Godard's films, such as Vivre sa vie and Masculin Féminin, established his reputation for rigorous analysis. Several of these commentaries were later adopted by Criterion USA, extending their lifespan and reach.
The BFI and Masters of Cinema Era (2015–Present)
Following a brief hiatus, Martin's return in 2015 saw a broadening of scope. While continuing to analyze avant-garde and international cinema, he expanded into film noir, American classics, and Japanese masterpieces. This era is characterized by partnerships with the BFI and Masters of Cinema, as well as contributions to labels like Arrow, Indicator, and Vinegar Syndrome.
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Detailed Commentary Catalog
Martin's contributions span a wide variety of genres and eras. The following table summarizes the key labels and timeframes associated with his work.
| Period | Primary Labels/Distributors | Notable Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2006–2011 | Madman Entertainment, Criterion USA | French New Wave, European Art House |
| 2015–2020 | BFI, Masters of Cinema, Arrow, Indicator | Film Noir, Classical Hollywood, World Cinema |
| 2021–2025 | ViaVision, Kino Lorber, BFI, Vinegar Syndrome | Japanese Cinema, Contemporary Indie, Genre Studies |
Chronological Film List
Martin has provided commentary for an extensive list of films, including but not limited to:
- Jean-Luc Godard: Vivre sa vie (2006), Masculin Féminin (2006), Two or Three Things I Know About Her (2006), A Married Woman (2009), Le gai savoir (2009 and 2017), Bande à part (2016), and the scholarly edition of Histoire(s) du cinéma (2011).
- Japanese Masters: Good Morning (Ozu, 2009), The Loyal 47 Ronin (Mizoguchi, 2010), A Hen in the Wind (Ozu, 2023), There Was a Father (Ozu, 2024), I Was Born, But... (Ozu, 2024), Floating Clouds (Naruse, 2024), Ikiru (Kurosawa, 2024), and Seven Samurai (Kurosawa, 2024).
- Film Noir and Crime: The Dark Mirror (2017), Criss Cross (2020), City of Fear (2021), and The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (2021).
- American and International Classics: Paths of Glory (Kubrick, 2016), The Passenger (Antonioni, 2018), Days of Heaven (Malick, 2021), and American Gigolo (Schrader, 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which labels have distributed Martin's commentaries?
Martin's work has been released by Madman Entertainment, the British Film Institute (BFI), Masters of Cinema, Criterion USA, Kino Lorber, Arrow, Indicator, ViaVision, and Vinegar Syndrome.
Did Martin collaborate with other commentators?
Yes, Martin provided co-commentaries with John Flaus for the films There's Always Tomorrow and Good Morning, and worked with Cristina Álvarez López on La Guerre est finie.
Has Martin recorded more than one commentary for the same film?
Yes, he recorded a new commentary for Godard's Le gai savoir in 2017 for Kino Lorber, which is distinct from his 2009 version.
What is the most recent work in Martin's filmography?
His most recent scheduled contributions include Peter Ibbetson (February 2025) and In the Bedroom (March 2025).