Sebastián Lelio’s ‘The Wonder’ Trashes History
What we have with The Wonder is a film that begins by discussing a historical crime and ends up committing one – or at least the narrative equivalent.
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Shirley MacLaine Gives Michael Caine a Lesson in Comedy Thriller ‘Gambit’
Themes of masquerades and flim-flam in the comedy thriller Gambit see Shirley MacLaine’s Nichole Chang giving Michael Caine’s Sir Harry Dean a much-needed lesson.
She Acts Like a Man and Men Act Like Monsters in 1950s Noir ‘The Unguarded Moment’
Film noir from the 1950s The Unguarded Moment gives off cozy WASP-American TV vibes for its increasingly sinister and sick Technicolor world.
Why Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window’ Mirrors Today’s Social Media Age
In its exploration of themes like paranoia, voyeurism, and loneliness, Hitchcock’s Rear Window strikes a familiar chord with the social media climate we live in today.
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Drags America’s History From the Dark Dank Basement
Frank Capra’s America is always on the edge of madness and nightmare. The deeper you dig into his Arsenic and Old Lace, the darker and queasier it becomes.
‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ Is Among Neo-Noir’s Finest Films
Denzel Washington’s voiceover in neo-noir Devil in a Blue Dress is an equal mix of deadpan charm and wide-eyed innocence, which textures and nuances his performance.
George Cukor’s 1944 Thriller ‘Gaslight’ Will Never Lose Relevance
George Cukor’s 1944 thriller Gaslight, wherein Ingrid Bergman’s character’s perception flickers between reality and insanity, endures in our time of extremes.
Director Leah Purcell on Reimagining ‘The Legend of Molly Johnson’
Indigenous Australian writer, director, and actress Leah Purcell talks about reimagining Henry Lawson’s short story and inserting her family history into The Legend of Molly Johnson.
Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford Play ’60s Spy Hipsters, Baby
Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford camp up their too cool for school ’60s spy hipsters personas for Richard Donner and Jerry Lewis comedies Salt and Pepper and One More Time.
Juliette Binoche on Her Starring Role in Romance Thriller ‘Both Sides of the Blade’
Juliette Binoche talks with PopMatters about acting, understanding others, and her admiration for her character’s selfish nature in Both Sides of the Blade.
Horror Film ‘The Empty Man’ Unmasks Internet Age Nihilism
David Prior’s 2020 horror film The Empty Man taps into a form of nihilism that might be taking over the world via social media.
Alberto Mielgo’s Sci-Fi Short ‘Jibaro’ Is Not a Critique of Colonialism
Alberto Mielgo’s creature in the sci-fi short Jibaro represents treasure, not nature, and this aligns her perfectly with tales of chivalric literature – as does her predatory behavior.
