Features
Thursday, July 21 2011
Ethical Backbone: An Interview with 'A Better Life' Director Chris Weitz
"The moment that you turn a camera on to a situation that is politically charged at all," Chris Weitz says,"Your film is going to be politicized in the minds of the people who watch it. And that’s okay."
Friday, May 7 2010
Thomas Balmès Lingers Over His Babies With All the Dedication of a New Parent
"In 90 minutes," says Thomas Balmès, "you cannot give a clear understanding on almost any subject. If you are doing so, most of the time you’re going be simplifying it. Raising questions, I think, that is a big achievement."
Tuesday, May 4 2010
Virginia Is for French Film Lovers
The 18th Annual French Film Festival, running from 25-28 March, included presentations by 40 visiting French filmmakers and movies about a range of subjects -- about human and family relationships, immigration, gold mining, and the global economic crisis.
Tuesday, May 5 2009
“Timely Look”: Interview with Oliver Irving, director of How to Be
When Oliver Irving began writing How to Be in 2004, he couldn't know that when the film finally premiered at Slamdance four years later, his timing -- and casting of Robert Pattinson as his lead -- would be so fortuitous.
Wednesday, March 25 2009
Perfect Storms: The 11th Annual D.C. Independent Film Festival
On the first Saturday, I saw some 15 films, surviving on popcorn and a gallon of Diet Coke, bleary-eyed from taking notes by the light of my cell phone. By the time it was over, I had seen 35 -- a rewarding whirlwind.
Reviews
Monday, October 10 2011
'Enlightened': The Flip Side of Being Full of Possibility
Thankfully, Enlightened doesn't belabor Amy's cluelessness beyond the first few episodes.
Tuesday, September 27 2011
'24 Hours in the ER' Asks Meaningful Questions
Along with showing injuries and traumas, the BBC's 24 Hours in the ER asks some pretty meaningful questions about mortality, aging, faith, and family relationships.
Sunday, September 25 2011
'Pan Am': More Mid-Century Nostalgia
It seems reasonable to hope that Pan Am will resist the urge to cross the line between acknowledging misogynistic behavior and fetishizing it.
Tuesday, September 20 2011
'New Girl' Is More Like 'Recycled Girl'
The promos for New Girl suggest that it’s something new or at least mildly unusual. But its first episode looks like more of the same.
Monday, September 19 2011
'The Playboy Club' Tries to Make Bunnies Into Feminists
Even as The Playboy Club raises worthy political and cultural issues, their presentation is too often too simple.
