For Luchino Visconti’s cinematic adaptation of Thomas Mann’s “Death in Venice,” the filmmaker sought otherworldly beauty in whichever actor he chose to play Tadzio, the young teenager who is the subject of the main character Gustav’s infatuation. Fifteen-year-old Björn Andrésen was chosen, as his entire persona captivated the filmmaker. As Visconti’s casting director Margaret Krantz states, ... more >
MOVIES
“THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOY IN THE WORLD,” from child stardom to edge of the precipice
Annike Andresen, Björn Andrésen and Silva Filmer
Directed by Kristina Lindström and Kristian Petri
“Passing” or when society quashes identity, forcing you into a corner
Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga and André Holland
Directed by Rebecca Hall
Actress Rebecca Hall adapts and directs the intoxicating, and intricately-designed, “Passing,” a new film (Hall’s first as a director) based on the 1929 novella from author Nella Larsen. This is a story that confronts the realities of the act of “passing,” which refers to when members of minority communities (blacks, Jews, etc) were forced to pass as white to sidestep societal ... more >
She changed the future by simply believing in it. Nichelle Nichols in “WOMAN IN MOTION,” the Todd Thompson documentary on a one-woman drive to bring NASA into the 21st century
Nichelle Nichols, Vivica A. Fox, Ashley Eckstein and Michael Dorn
Directed by Todd Thompson
“We’re not just fancy little things. We are human beings and we come in all forms.” From the world of jazz and dance to an historical television series to leading the effort to get more people of color in the space program, actress Nichelle Nichols has had a full life on and off screen. It is a life of dotted with history-making accomplishments though one that, frankly, I was not familiar with ... more >
In “The Mauritanian,” so many reminders of our past errors with the Iraqi campaign and why due process must prevail | REVIEW
Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch
Directed by Kevin Macdonald
As we wipe our collective brow after the four-year fever that was the Trump administratio the temptation remains to call him the worst president in our history. For whatever reason, long-term amnesia has set in for the sins of previous presidencies. Lest we never forget, the new film “The Mauritanian” is here to remind us of Bush-era transgressions. “The Mauritanian” is directed by Kevin ... more >
“Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” | REVIEW
Joan Ganz Cooney, Jim Henson and Jon Stone
Directed by Marilyn Agrelo
(this film premiered at the recent Sundance Film Festival) “Time it was And what a time it was It was . . . A time of innocence A time of confidences Long ago . . . it must be . . . I have a photograph Preserve your memories They're all that's left you” The friendships we make in our youth live and breathe in our souls for the rest of our lives. There is nothing like ... more >
SUNDANCE: “JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH”; America is on fire, it sure was then, also
Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield and Jesse Plemons
Directed by Shaka King
(this film appeared as part of the recent Sundance Film Festival’s selection) Martyrdom. Not everyone deserves it but when someone truly earns the moniker, their life can (or should) change the world. Director Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah” is confirmation that Fred Hampton was a true witness to his cause and his community. A man of passion and commitment, he was cut down at ... more >
SUNDANCE : Robin Wright makes strong start in directing films with “LAND”
Robin Wright, Demián Bichir and Sarah Dawn Pledge
Directed by Robin Wright
Robin Wright has long been one of our best actresses. Her work in much of her filmography over the decades has shown an intensity and depth, making her one of the most dedicated thespians of her time. To her impressive resume Robin Wright now adds the title of director with her debut film “Land.” Wright stars as Edee Mathis, a woman who carries the burden of an unimaginable tragedy but one ... more >