Thursday, June 2 2011
The Difference Between Remembering and Watching an American Classic: ‘The Hustler’
Often associated with Minnesota Fats and the glamour of pool, The Hustler is more about the dark underside of the game and the lives of its lead characters, with Jackie Gleason's well-recalled turn as Fats playing only a minor role in the drama.
Thursday, January 8 2009
Guerrilla Patton
Soderbergh's supersized retelling of the Che Guevara legend is an uncomfortable mix of war procedural and unabashed hero worship; ingenious but flawed.
Thursday, October 18 2007
Paul Newman’s Influential, Classic Performances in The Hustler and The Verdict
In an era of relatively reserved American cinema, when most actors would be concerned with their images as leading men, Newman was not afraid to experiment and go with his artistic impulses.
Tuesday, June 19 2007
Part 2: The Changing Face of Filmmaking
Every staid situation needs shaking up, none more so that the labored Hollywood studio system. The titles chosen for this section stand out as reasons why things had to change, the results of those seismic stylistic shifts.
Friday, December 15 2006
TAPS
TAPS suffers from its post-Vietnam jingoistic voice and a story that you simply don't want to buy into.
Monday, July 10 2006
Petulia (1968)
For its many commendable qualities -- qualities long recognized by a sizable cult of fans -- Petulia doesn't quite display cultural insight.
Tuesday, September 9 2003
The Day of the Dolphin (1973)
Jake is a '70s-style father, kindly but determined to teach worthy lessons even when he feels his child/dolphin's pain.
