Retrospective: Oscar Micheaux and the Birth of Black Independent Cinema
A preview of Film Forum’s upcoming retrospective on the pioneer of early Black cinema, whose influence can be seen in the careers of Tyler Perry and Spike Lee.
Features
Tomorrow There Will Be Fine Weather: A Preview of NYC’s Upcoming Hiroshi Shimizu Retrospective
The upcoming retrospective at MOMI and the Japan Society shines a light on the Japanese filmmaker’s prolific, contemplative works.
Female Filmmakers in Focus: Marija Kavtaradzė on Slow
An interview with the director of the intimate and desire-filled Lithuanian film Slow about presenting a complex portrayal of asexuality.
How The Phantom Menace Predicted Hollywood’s Prequel Future
In honor of its 25th anniversary re-release, we look at the George Lucas movie’s greatest legacy: paving the way for studios to extend their aging franchises by telling origin stories.
No Therapy: The Primordial Commitment of The Northman
Robert Eggers’ third film answers the question, “What would Conan the Barbarian look like if Conan himself directed it?”
The Movies That Underwent Major Changes After Their Festival Premiere
We look back at movies like Boy Kills World whose directors decided to keep tinkering after their debut—for better or worse.
25 Years Later, Alexander Payne’s Election Remains as Relevant as Ever
Alexander Payne’s Election turns 25 this year. Its legacy has been complicated.
Luca Guadagnino Is Love
As he proves again with Challengers, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker is uniquely attuned to the joy, pain and sexiness of modern romance.
Preview of Tributes at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
An article about the 58th installment of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Girl Shy and the Birth of the Romantic Comedy
The Harold Lloyd comedy helped invent the modern rom-com, a frothy form of sentimental escapism.
Man on the Moon Is Still the Cure for the Biopic Blues
This loving, ambivalent 1999 film about Andy Kaufman reminds us what so many Oscar-bait dramas get wrong when trying to portray greatness.
The Imperiled Women of Alex Garland’s Films
The writer-director’s acclaimed movies focus on nuanced, layered protagonists who don’t succumb to “Strong Female Character” cliches. A big reason his latest, Civil War, doesn’t work as well is it’s the first time he’s viewed one of his heroines so narrowly.
Part of the Solution: Matthew Modine on Acting, Empathy, and Hard Miles
Matthew Modine, who stars as a cycling coach for troubled youth in Hard Miles, reflects on a lifetime of acting.
Why Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Remains Unforgettable
It’s a truly great film that can be endlessly appreciated and analyzed.
A New Skin: Losing Control of Your Body in the 2020s
In Crimes of the Future, Infinity Pool, Immaculate, and The First Omen, the fear and anxiety of losing control feels more pertinent and terrifying than ever.
The Scene That Clint Eastwood Cut to Make Unforgiven a Classic
There was originally supposed to be one more scene before the end of Unforgiven, and by cutting it, Clint Eastwood cemented the film’s masterpiece status
Criterion Celebrates the Films That Forever Shifted Our Perception of Kristen Stewart
The streaming platform’s selection of Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper and Certain Women pinpoints the crucial moment the Twilight star became a formidable indie force.
A Man Goes to the Movies: An Appreciation of Roger Ebert’s Top 10 Lists
Roger Ebert’s Top 10 lists each year always contained a few surprising picks that said a lot about what he valued in moviegoing and criticism.
The Estate of George Carlin Destroys AI George Carlin in Victory for Copyright Protection (and Basic Decency)
The settlement of a lawsuit against the creators of an unauthorized AI ripoff of George Carlin offers a glimmer of hope for artists sick of being exploited by tech companies
