I saw this one on TV, over two days, so it feels right for my review to be shorter, less analytical. I liked the film, and it’s worth your time. Fashion designer Tom Ford wrote and directed it, which helps explain why it looks so great. But the casting, acting, and editing are just as […]
This supernatural shocker from Norway delivers Carrie-like chills, but its half-serious dabbling in the religion-versus-science conflict is ultimately unsatisfying. Best to appreciate a skillfully made, emotionally gripping movie for its entertainment value alone. Director and co-writer (with Eskil Vogt) Joachim Trier goes on my short-list for terror. The pre-credit teaser shows Thelma, age 6, walking […]
I don’t think I’m alone in finding it difficult to describe this film, or the experience of watching it. Meandering, half-realized and often unconvincing, it also has a kind of feckless charm that blindsides you. Those familiar with director-writer Martin McDonagh’s previous work would be familiar with the blindside part. In Bruges, for instance, flapped […]
In the opening scene of the film, Lena Olin, playing the title role, is speaking on the phone to an unnamed associate. She is an attractive, mature woman, a famous poet, and she lives alone on her California estate in the mountains. She says that, rather than suffer a further loss of her powers, […]
Todd Haynes’ new film, “Wonderstruck”, was the closing night selection at the New York Film Festival. I didn’t see it there, but I’ve read that it was well-received, as it was at Cannes this year. Haynes is one of our most original and imaginative filmmakers. This story, adapted by Brian Selznick from his novel of […]
Hamptons International Film Festival – 10 Actors to Watch HIFF 2017 and its Top Ten Stars, August 31, 2017, Montauk Sun One of the best parts of participating in the HIFF out in the Hamptons of New York’s Long Island is that you get to meet a lot of creative types who want to share […]
As in past years, I made my own select list from the main slate for my reviews. The seven for this year are diverse and timely. Also as before, I post the reviews in ascending order of preference. LET THE SUNSHINE IN Whether legendary veteran filmmaker Claire Denis originally had a serious story to […]
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Sexual identity is now a major theme in American film, especially for young people. Last year’s Best Oscar winner, Moonlight, dealt frankly and, for the most part, trenchantly with the theme. This new film is an accomplished but minor addition to this body of work. The title rats are four young studs who hang out […]
The is the first film date for a new meetup group for New York film lovers. We saw it at the Film Forum on opening day, and it was a good choice. A Czech film in the Slovak language, directed by Jan Hrebejk, who co-wrote it with frequent collaborator Petr Jarchovsky, it was I think […]
