Fassbinder “Wired” into Speculative Fiction
Beneath all science fiction lies a dilemma, one solved by the best storytellers: whether the speculative devices are more interesting than the characters created to experience them.
Jeffrey Ford: Tribute to a Mentor
Even students who love writing aren't thrilled about first-year composition. If not taught well, the classwork and assignments feel routine, like practice with no chance for game time.
The Freestyle Art of Suzuki – Branded to Kill (1967) and Toyko Drifter (1966)
Suzuki's approach adheres to Godard's dictum that all one needs for a movie is a girl and a gun.
Further Thoughts on Howard Hawks’ Scarface (and In Praise of Robin Wood)
As Wood noted frequently, genre is largely based on ideology; it's fostered through popular entertainment and in the film, directly stated by the chief.
Black Death, Lost in its Own Darkness
As in life, some promises are hard to keep onscreen. This is true in the case of Walter Hill's cult pic The Warriors.
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead…Until a Second Act Prize
The food science/health documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead makes the filmmaker-subject motif – in which the man behind the camera spends as much time in front of it – appear to be the norm.
Director Alexander Payne Retrospective in Philadelphia
Sadly, it's been a while for Alexander Payne.
The Casual Other: Behind Minor John Hughes
John Hughes' rise has been well documented.
A Dark Moment For Louis Malle: Black Moon on DVD
A Fellini moment was due for a journeyman director like Louis Malle.
Review: The Names of Love
Picture this: a secluded scientist waits in a checkout line for his new love interest to return with an item. An unusual pickup for him, she had invaded his radio interview about bird flu (he's an expert) and then asked him to bed when they had drinks.