film commentary Archives | Page 14 of 55

Stranger Things and the Problem of “Plotblocking”

By Andrew Matthews | August 24, 2016

Stranger Things and the Problem of “Plotblocking”

Writer-director Andrew Matthews on Netflix's smash hit series and a worrisome trait of that and a number of other binge-worthy shows.

Blair Witch’s Screenwriter Says Nine Lives is the Most Important Film of the Year

Film

By Simon Barrett | August 5, 2016

Blair Witch’s Screenwriter Says Nine Lives is the Most Important Film of the Year

If you'd like your kids to respect and admire you, listen to Simon Barrett's advice and take them to see this movie.

Shamir Explains Why This Orange is the New Black Death Scene Bothered Him So Much

Music

By Shamir Bailey | August 1, 2016

Shamir Explains Why This Orange is the New Black Death Scene Bothered Him So Much

The singer-songwriter talks race, police violence and dangerous fictions.

Why Point Break Still Delivers 25 Years On

Film

By Stephen Cone | July 26, 2016

Why Point Break Still Delivers 25 Years On

Stephen Cone shares his ongoing, ever-growing appreciation for Kathryn Bigelow's high-octane thriller, which is a quarter century old this summer.

Captain Fantastic and the Question of Role Models

Film

By Megan Griffiths | July 18, 2016

Captain Fantastic and the Question of Role Models

Writer-director Megan Griffiths on Matt Ross' family drama Captain Fantastic, how to raise kids right, and her late mother.

Terence Nance on Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople (and the Problem with Masterpieces)

Film

By Terence Nance | July 1, 2016

Terence Nance on Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople (and the Problem with Masterpieces)

Nance writes about the charming new film from one of his favorite current directors, and suggests the ideal order to watch Waititi's filmography.

The Cartoon Breakdown of Swiss Army Man We’ve All Been Waiting For

Film

By Onur Tukel | June 28, 2016

The Cartoon Breakdown of Swiss Army Man We’ve All Been Waiting For

Filmmaker and cartoonist Onur Tukel attempts to unpack the most profound movie ever made about farting (and a bunch of other stuff).

Is All Fair in Love, War and Tickling?

Film

By Jeanie Finlay | June 28, 2016

Is All Fair in Love, War and Tickling?

Director Jeanie Finlay is unsettled by the onscreen "sports" and documentary ethics in David Farrier and Dylan Reeve's Tickled.

De Palma is the Most Compelling Movie of the Year

Film

By Wayne Kramer | June 20, 2016

De Palma is the Most Compelling Movie of the Year

Wayne Kramer, director of The Cooler and Running Scared, on a documentary that is catnip for movie lovers.

De Palma, Shooting J.J. Abrams, and the Art of the Talking Head

Film

By Joe Lynch | June 14, 2016

De Palma, Shooting J.J. Abrams, and the Art of the Talking Head

Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow's documentary on the genre auteur has a light visual touch — and that's exactly as it should be, says Joe Lynch.