#character-study

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Review: Wicked' on the big screen is mostly magical

The film adaptation of Wicked enchants audiences with its vibrant visuals and strong musical performances, successfully capturing the essence of the original story.
#film-analysis

The Atlas of Cinema: In Praise of Adam Driver | MZS | Roger Ebert

Adam Driver's performance in 'Megalopolis' is a deep exploration of a visionary character, reflecting the director's struggles within the Hollywood system.

Review: Kieran Culkin's tour de force performance dominates 'A Real Pain'

Jesse Eisenberg's film "A Real Pain" invents the 'Kieran Culkin movie' genre, featuring a complex character living in his grandmother's basement.

The Apprentice review Jeremy Strong is the Trump card in measured biopic of the Donald

The Apprentice portrays a young, impressionable Donald Trump influenced by a mentor, offering a complex view rather than a total vanity or villainous depiction.

Goodrich Feels More Like a Therapy Session Than a Movie

The film critiques the obliviousness of a flawed father trying to balance family life and a failing art gallery.

Blitz review Steve McQueen's rousing wartime adventure is surprisingly old-fashioned

Steve McQueen's film offers a heartfelt yet critical portrayal of wartime London, challenging traditional narratives while highlighting overlooked struggles and societal attitudes.

In the Ring: James Madio and Steve Loff on "The Featherweight" | MZS | Roger Ebert

The Featherweight explores the haunting journey of aging athletes attempting to reclaim their past glories and the impact on their relationships.

The Atlas of Cinema: In Praise of Adam Driver | MZS | Roger Ebert

Adam Driver's performance in 'Megalopolis' is a deep exploration of a visionary character, reflecting the director's struggles within the Hollywood system.

Review: Kieran Culkin's tour de force performance dominates 'A Real Pain'

Jesse Eisenberg's film "A Real Pain" invents the 'Kieran Culkin movie' genre, featuring a complex character living in his grandmother's basement.

The Apprentice review Jeremy Strong is the Trump card in measured biopic of the Donald

The Apprentice portrays a young, impressionable Donald Trump influenced by a mentor, offering a complex view rather than a total vanity or villainous depiction.

Goodrich Feels More Like a Therapy Session Than a Movie

The film critiques the obliviousness of a flawed father trying to balance family life and a failing art gallery.

Blitz review Steve McQueen's rousing wartime adventure is surprisingly old-fashioned

Steve McQueen's film offers a heartfelt yet critical portrayal of wartime London, challenging traditional narratives while highlighting overlooked struggles and societal attitudes.

In the Ring: James Madio and Steve Loff on "The Featherweight" | MZS | Roger Ebert

The Featherweight explores the haunting journey of aging athletes attempting to reclaim their past glories and the impact on their relationships.
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#literature

A Local Author's Comedic Take on Brooklyn's Hipster Lifestyle

Kate Greathead's 'The Book of George' captures the complexities of Millennial masculinity through humor and psychological insight into relationships.

Richard Price's Radical, Retrograde Novel

Lazarus Man explores the beauty of small, meaningful moments in the lives of ordinary urban characters.

McNeal review Robert Downey Jr shines in muddled AI-themed play

The play presents a complex portrait of a literary figure grappling with technology's impact on creativity and reality.

Everything is the worst in this 'Banal Nightmare'

Banal Nightmare explores the chaotic intertwining of humor and dissatisfaction in life, showcasing Moddie's struggle for self-identity in a darkly humorous lens.

A Local Author's Comedic Take on Brooklyn's Hipster Lifestyle

Kate Greathead's 'The Book of George' captures the complexities of Millennial masculinity through humor and psychological insight into relationships.

Richard Price's Radical, Retrograde Novel

Lazarus Man explores the beauty of small, meaningful moments in the lives of ordinary urban characters.

McNeal review Robert Downey Jr shines in muddled AI-themed play

The play presents a complex portrait of a literary figure grappling with technology's impact on creativity and reality.

Everything is the worst in this 'Banal Nightmare'

Banal Nightmare explores the chaotic intertwining of humor and dissatisfaction in life, showcasing Moddie's struggle for self-identity in a darkly humorous lens.
moreliterature
#film-review

Is a Movie About Electing a Pope Allowed to Be This Entertaining?

The film 'Conclave' contrasts ancient rituals of electing a Pope with contemporary reality, underscoring the tension between tradition and modernity.

Anora review Sean Baker's screwball Cinderella tale vaults him towards greatness

Anora presents a complex character study that combines humor and drama, breaking away from traditional Hollywood narratives to shed light on transactional relationships.

Wes Anderson's Asteroid City Is Over-Stylized and Under-Realized

Asteroid City emphasizes style over narrative coherence, showcasing the limits of Wes Anderson's artistic choices in film.

Review | 'His Three Daughters': A sister act that's among the year's best movies

Sibling relationships can be complex and fraught with differing perspectives, especially during critical life events.

Review: Heretic' captures Hugh Grant at his devilish best

Heretic prioritizes character-driven narrative and theological themes over conventional horror elements, creating a slow-burning psychological experience.

Review | 'We Live in Time': Garfield and Pugh in a sadly familiar love story

The film 'We Live in Time' struggles to balance its emotional depth with a disjointed narrative, ultimately failing to engage the audience.

Is a Movie About Electing a Pope Allowed to Be This Entertaining?

The film 'Conclave' contrasts ancient rituals of electing a Pope with contemporary reality, underscoring the tension between tradition and modernity.

Anora review Sean Baker's screwball Cinderella tale vaults him towards greatness

Anora presents a complex character study that combines humor and drama, breaking away from traditional Hollywood narratives to shed light on transactional relationships.

Wes Anderson's Asteroid City Is Over-Stylized and Under-Realized

Asteroid City emphasizes style over narrative coherence, showcasing the limits of Wes Anderson's artistic choices in film.

Review | 'His Three Daughters': A sister act that's among the year's best movies

Sibling relationships can be complex and fraught with differing perspectives, especially during critical life events.

Review: Heretic' captures Hugh Grant at his devilish best

Heretic prioritizes character-driven narrative and theological themes over conventional horror elements, creating a slow-burning psychological experience.

Review | 'We Live in Time': Garfield and Pugh in a sadly familiar love story

The film 'We Live in Time' struggles to balance its emotional depth with a disjointed narrative, ultimately failing to engage the audience.
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The System Has Failed Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood's directorial style captures deep emotional turmoil, focusing on character faces to explore themes of guilt and moral conflict.
#narrative

'Disclaimer' Review: Who Can We Trust in Alfonso Cuaron's Spellbinding Two-Part Premiere? - Spoilers

Alfonso Cuarón warns viewers of the duality of narrative, capable of revealing truth and manipulation.

Juxtapoz Magazine - Samual Weinberg "Lost Huron" @ Moosey Norwich

Weinberg's Lost Heron explores the quest for meaning through a whimsical character navigating loss and distraction.

'Disclaimer' Review: Who Can We Trust in Alfonso Cuaron's Spellbinding Two-Part Premiere? - Spoilers

Alfonso Cuarón warns viewers of the duality of narrative, capable of revealing truth and manipulation.

Juxtapoz Magazine - Samual Weinberg "Lost Huron" @ Moosey Norwich

Weinberg's Lost Heron explores the quest for meaning through a whimsical character navigating loss and distraction.
morenarrative
#theater

Adam Driver Going Huge: Hold on to Me Darling

Adam Driver masterfully combines humor and depth in his role in 'Hold on to Me Darling', demonstrating his unique talent as an actor.

Theater Review: Third Rail's Infinite Life Is a Play About Pain That Hurts So Good

Annie Baker's 'Infinite Life' explores profound emotions and human pain through a minimalist approach and character interactions.

Adam Driver Going Huge: Hold on to Me Darling

Adam Driver masterfully combines humor and depth in his role in 'Hold on to Me Darling', demonstrating his unique talent as an actor.

Theater Review: Third Rail's Infinite Life Is a Play About Pain That Hurts So Good

Annie Baker's 'Infinite Life' explores profound emotions and human pain through a minimalist approach and character interactions.
moretheater
#mental-health

Joker: Folie a Deux can't stop contradicting itself

Joker explores the complexities of mental illness and societal failure through a dark character study, blending empathy with horror in Todd Phillips' storytelling.

Thank the Cinema Gods, Mike Leigh Is Back

Pansy's waking struggles reflect her ongoing nightmare of living in anxiety and fear, showcasing a comedic yet poignant exploration of everyday life.

Silence As Salvation: The Quiet Femmes of Modern Horror | Features | Roger Ebert

Jessica's struggle with her sanity is compounded by her husband's disbelief and her decision to conceal her experiences.

Joker: Folie a Deux can't stop contradicting itself

Joker explores the complexities of mental illness and societal failure through a dark character study, blending empathy with horror in Todd Phillips' storytelling.

Thank the Cinema Gods, Mike Leigh Is Back

Pansy's waking struggles reflect her ongoing nightmare of living in anxiety and fear, showcasing a comedic yet poignant exploration of everyday life.

Silence As Salvation: The Quiet Femmes of Modern Horror | Features | Roger Ebert

Jessica's struggle with her sanity is compounded by her husband's disbelief and her decision to conceal her experiences.
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I just thought I'd made a crazy-ass exploitation movie': Sean Baker on his Palme d'Or-winning lapdance film

Sean Baker's immersive research leads to authentic storytelling in unconventional narratives that elicit mixed audience reactions.

Matt and Mara review lo-fi answer to When Harry Met Sally offers uncertain relationship

Mara and Matt's friendship explores the complexity of unresolved feelings amidst life changes, revealing emotional depth in mundane settings.
#donald-trump

Review | Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' avoids taking sides. Good luck with that.

The Apprentice offers a character-driven origin story of Trump, avoiding a strict political narrative.
Director Ali Abbasi aims to create a non-political character study, sparking mixed reactions.

'The Brutalist,' the Best Movies at the New York Film Festival, and 'The Apprentice' With Sebastian Stan!

The 62nd New York Film Festival showcased standout films, including potential Oscar winners and surprises, with insights from industry guests.
The film 'The Apprentice' delves into Trump's early career and his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, offering a nuanced character study.

Review | Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' avoids taking sides. Good luck with that.

The Apprentice offers a character-driven origin story of Trump, avoiding a strict political narrative.
Director Ali Abbasi aims to create a non-political character study, sparking mixed reactions.

'The Brutalist,' the Best Movies at the New York Film Festival, and 'The Apprentice' With Sebastian Stan!

The 62nd New York Film Festival showcased standout films, including potential Oscar winners and surprises, with insights from industry guests.
The film 'The Apprentice' delves into Trump's early career and his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, offering a nuanced character study.
moredonald-trump
#the-penguin

'The Penguin' Episode 4 Is About to Bring Back an Iconic Batman Villain

The Penguin offers a deep character exploration of mob elements in Gotham, now shifting focus to uncover Sofia Falcone's ruthless past.

The Penguin' Waddles Onto HBO

The Penguin HBO series expands on the character Oz Cobb from The Batman, providing a deep character study through longform storytelling.

'The Penguin' Episode 4 Is About to Bring Back an Iconic Batman Villain

The Penguin offers a deep character exploration of mob elements in Gotham, now shifting focus to uncover Sofia Falcone's ruthless past.

The Penguin' Waddles Onto HBO

The Penguin HBO series expands on the character Oz Cobb from The Batman, providing a deep character study through longform storytelling.
morethe-penguin

Geordie Greep: The New Sound

Geordie Greep's debut solo album features complex characters revealing their struggles through over-the-top absurdity, making it both exhilarating and exhausting.

16 Years Later, 'Joker 2' Just Broke an Important Christopher Nolan Rule

The Joker's origin narrative is intentionally ambiguous, challenging audiences to question the character's true identity and motivations.
#comedy

Ludwig: this hilarious detective drama is the perfect platform for David Mitchell

David Mitchell shines in roles where he blends humor with socially awkward scenarios, making 'Ludwig' a perfect showcase for his talents.

Marla Mindelle Is Back, Ridiculously, in The Big Gay Jamboree

The Big Gay Jamboree humorously explores the charm and absurdity of classic musicals, highlighting their flaws while simultaneously celebrating their appeal.

Ludwig: this hilarious detective drama is the perfect platform for David Mitchell

David Mitchell shines in roles where he blends humor with socially awkward scenarios, making 'Ludwig' a perfect showcase for his talents.

Marla Mindelle Is Back, Ridiculously, in The Big Gay Jamboree

The Big Gay Jamboree humorously explores the charm and absurdity of classic musicals, highlighting their flaws while simultaneously celebrating their appeal.
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Renate Reinsve Was 'Very Nervous' to Make Her English-Language Debut with 'A Different Man' - Especially While Playing a 'Sociopath'

Renate Reinsve prioritizes indie films over Hollywood blockbusters, exemplified by her role in 'A Different Man.'
Her character's interactions reveal deeper themes of identity and transformation.

A Story Collection About People Who Just Can't Hang

Tony Tulathimutte's 'Rejection' explores the humor in the lives of inept, self-obsessed characters, presenting their failures with unflinching precision.

Sebastian Stan Reveals How He Got in Trump's Head to Play Him in The Apprentice': He's a Lot Smarter Than People Want to Say'

Sebastian Stan intensely studied Trump's mannerisms and speech for his role as the former president in The Apprentice.
#film

Cadejo Blanco review compelling performances in slow-burn drug gang thriller

Cadejo Blanco explores sisterhood, loss, and the harsh realities of gang culture through a character-driven narrative.

A Different Man Might Be Overthinking Things

Adam Pearson's character Oswald adds essential vitality and contrasts to Edward's struggle with self-acceptance in A Different Man.

Between the Temples review bittersweet screwball comedy with shades of Harold and Maude

The loss of voice represents a profound crisis of identity and faith in "Between the Temples."

Cadejo Blanco review compelling performances in slow-burn drug gang thriller

Cadejo Blanco explores sisterhood, loss, and the harsh realities of gang culture through a character-driven narrative.

A Different Man Might Be Overthinking Things

Adam Pearson's character Oswald adds essential vitality and contrasts to Edward's struggle with self-acceptance in A Different Man.

Between the Temples review bittersweet screwball comedy with shades of Harold and Maude

The loss of voice represents a profound crisis of identity and faith in "Between the Temples."
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Entitlement by Rumaan Alam review the American dream gone wrong

The novel explores racial and economic disparities through the relationship between Brooke, a Black woman, and Asher, a wealthy white man.

Trapezium has one of the most cunning and manipulative protagonists in anime

Trapezium explores the complex ambition of the protagonist Yu Azuma, highlighting her cunning and manipulative nature in pursuit of her idol dreams.
#drama

How to Turn Your Drama into a Thriller With a Single Line of Dialogue

The film shifts from a quiet drama to a tense thriller, highlighting the uncomfortable dynamics in relationships.

Janet Planet, the New A24 Film About an Enmeshed Mother and Daughter

Tender drama Janet Planet explores the intricate nuances of parenting through the character of Janet, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson.

How to Turn Your Drama into a Thriller With a Single Line of Dialogue

The film shifts from a quiet drama to a tense thriller, highlighting the uncomfortable dynamics in relationships.

Janet Planet, the New A24 Film About an Enmeshed Mother and Daughter

Tender drama Janet Planet explores the intricate nuances of parenting through the character of Janet, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson.
moredrama

About Dry Grasses review rich, engrossing Turkish epic with a twist

A slow-paced Turkish arthouse film, 'About Dry Grasses,' delves into the complexities of a schoolteacher's character in a stark winter landscape.

How Viggo Mortensen's mother helped inspire his Western The Dead Don't Hurt'

The Dead Don't Hurt by Viggo Mortensen blends classic Western elements like killings and trials with a unique focus on a tragic love story and character study.

Cannes 2024: Blue Sun Palace, Julie Keeps Quiet, Simon of the Mountain | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert

A talented but troubled teenage tennis player navigates trauma and emotional turmoil amid a significant tryout.

In Our Day movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert

Hong Sang-soo's film "In Our Day" offers a plain-looking, character study with a diptych structure, introducing enigmatic intrigue through everyday scenes and wry observations.

Pete Rose Cooperated With the Author of This Book Until He Didn't

Pete Rose's complex and controversial character is explored in Keith O'Brien's book, showing a self-centered individual with a history of deceit and questionable moral decisions.
The book delves into the life of Pete Rose through a mix of fan perspective, investigative journalism, and historical context, painting a detailed picture of his rise and fall in baseball.

Movie Review: Wim Wenders' 'Perfect Days' is sublime

The film Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, focuses on the face and presence of the main character, Hirayama, played by Koji Yakusho.
The film captures the beauty and meaning in everyday living, showcasing the routine yet lively days of Hirayama as he diligently performs his job cleaning public toilets.

Film took 40 years to debut, highlights Another Hole in the Head

Another Hole in the Head Film Festival returns with a mix of in-person and online screenings.
End of Trip Sahara is a long-awaited film that was shot in the early '80s but is now making its way to the festival circuit.
The film tells the story of three young Europeans traveling across the Algerian desert and faces various challenges along the way.

Review | 'Dandelion' strums a slow, sweet tale of indie music dreams

KiKi Layne shines in the character study 'Dandelion' with a unique storyline and beautiful indie rock soundtrack.

"The Drummer Boy on Independence Day," by E. L. Doctorow

The story explores the character of an old Confederate veteran named John Sewetti, who has a complex and mysterious persona in the town.
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