The twelfth edition of the almost-venerable Tribeca Film Festival wrapped up last week, leaving the impression that women filmmakers had made a stronger mark than ever. Did it signal a paradigm shift? Contrary to what many believe, women have stood peering into a viewfinder ever since silent-film era actress/director Mabel Normand yelled “action” to Charlie Chaplin on the Keystone lot (SEE "Silent ... more >
ARCHIVES
The Pretty One
Keep an eye out for Jenee LaMarque
If "charming" were a category at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, “The Pretty One” would be at the top of that list. The fact that the film could attain that term after overcoming an early, tragic event vital to the film's plot is a testament to the performances within. Any one genre is difficult to explore but “The Pretty One” manages to incorporate several. According to the film’s director, ... more >
RUBY SPARKS
Bring on the Zoes
Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan
Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton
We’ve been struck by an invasion of Zoes. Of owl-eyed ingénues with perky, quirky, life-embracing formulas for living. Whose sole purpose is to brighten the lives of pasty young men who could use sunshine in both body and soul. The Zoe in question in "Ruby Sparks" is Zoe Kazan, not only the star, but the writer of the script. In a strange round of metafictional Twister, she has written a story ... more >