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.
Wednesday, May 6 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.
Thursday, March 26 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
Sunday, April 15 2012
'The Mystery of Edwin Drood': Opium Dreams Lead to Self-Doubts
Like Charles Dickens' novel, this two-part presentation focuses less on the title character than his troubled uncle, John Jasper (Matthew Rhys), but it doesn't provide much in the way of a "mystery."
Sunday, April 1 2012
It's a Delight to Rediscover 'Great Expectations'
The benefactor business in Great Expectations raises questions concerning agency. The haves exert their power over the have-nots, at will or whim.
Friday, February 3 2012
'The Woman in Black' Is an Old-Fashioned Ghost Story
Mrs. Drablow’s creepy, dilapidated mansion, Eel Marsh House, is the most fantastic haunted house imaginable, both attracting and repelling us.
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.
