#character-study

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#film-review
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Movies Aren't Real Life, But Who by Fire Comes Pretty Close

Philippe Lesage's 'Who by Fire' artfully weaves tension and reality in a unique character-driven drama that defies standard storytelling conventions.
Independent films
fromInverse
1 month ago

Hulu Just Quietly Released Its Most Underbaked Indie Horror Movie

The film Control Freak explores the tension between public success and private turmoil of a motivational speaker.
Parenting
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Grey Matter review feelgood Alzheimer's film is well-meaning life-lesson comedy

The film struggles to balance humor and sensitivity in addressing Alzheimer's and the caregiver experience.
Film
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago

Review: Hit man movie Old Guy' is all flash, little substance

Old Guy struggles to blend generational humor with a hitman narrative, resulting in a disappointing execution of its premise.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Independent films

Gazer Is a Reminder of When Indie Films Were Exciting

Gazer uniquely showcases Newark as an ideal setting for a noir thriller through its narrative and visual style.
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Movies Aren't Real Life, But Who by Fire Comes Pretty Close

Philippe Lesage's 'Who by Fire' artfully weaves tension and reality in a unique character-driven drama that defies standard storytelling conventions.
Independent films
fromInverse
1 month ago

Hulu Just Quietly Released Its Most Underbaked Indie Horror Movie

The film Control Freak explores the tension between public success and private turmoil of a motivational speaker.
Parenting
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Grey Matter review feelgood Alzheimer's film is well-meaning life-lesson comedy

The film struggles to balance humor and sensitivity in addressing Alzheimer's and the caregiver experience.
Film
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago

Review: Hit man movie Old Guy' is all flash, little substance

Old Guy struggles to blend generational humor with a hitman narrative, resulting in a disappointing execution of its premise.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Independent films

Gazer Is a Reminder of When Indie Films Were Exciting

Gazer uniquely showcases Newark as an ideal setting for a noir thriller through its narrative and visual style.
more#film-review
#film-analysis
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

From Unforgiven to The Firm: Guardian writers pick their favourite Gene Hackman movies

Gene Hackman's roles in films like The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure showcase his complexity as both hero and anti-hero.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Independent films

20 Years Later, DC's Most Divisive Noir Thriller Is Getting A Huge Upgrade

Bad comic book adaptations often suffer from studio interference, compromising the originality of the source material.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Writing

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.
fromThe Ringer
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

It's Denzel Washington's Empire and We're All Just Living in It

Denzel Washington's smile embodies a mix of menacing righteousness and charm in his roles, particularly noted in 'Gladiator II' as the savvy Macrinus.
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

From Unforgiven to The Firm: Guardian writers pick their favourite Gene Hackman movies

Gene Hackman's roles in films like The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure showcase his complexity as both hero and anti-hero.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Independent films

20 Years Later, DC's Most Divisive Noir Thriller Is Getting A Huge Upgrade

Bad comic book adaptations often suffer from studio interference, compromising the originality of the source material.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Writing

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.
fromThe Ringer
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

It's Denzel Washington's Empire and We're All Just Living in It

Denzel Washington's smile embodies a mix of menacing righteousness and charm in his roles, particularly noted in 'Gladiator II' as the savvy Macrinus.
more#film-analysis
#television
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Adolescence review the closest thing to TV perfection in decades

Adolescence reveals the complexities of youth and the disconnect with adults in a gripping, single-take drama that challenges perceptions of culpability.
fromwww.nytimes.com
6 days ago
Parenting

God Is in the Details': Embracing Boredom in Art and Life

Adolescence invites viewers to embrace slow storytelling and reflection by deliberately withholding a propulsive plot in favor of mundane interactions.
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Adolescence review the closest thing to TV perfection in decades

Adolescence reveals the complexities of youth and the disconnect with adults in a gripping, single-take drama that challenges perceptions of culpability.
fromwww.nytimes.com
6 days ago
Parenting

God Is in the Details': Embracing Boredom in Art and Life

Adolescence invites viewers to embrace slow storytelling and reflection by deliberately withholding a propulsive plot in favor of mundane interactions.
more#television
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago
Boston Bruins

Review: Thunderbolts*' bends, but doesn't break, the superhero mold

Marvel's latest film offers a deeper character exploration with a focus on emotional struggles among anti-heroes.
#film-adaptation
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Dope Thief Premiere Recap: Let Me Tell You a Bedtime Story

Dope Thief compellingly explores themes of crime, identity, and survival through the eyes of Ray Driscoll, a Black man navigating a harsh reality.
fromwww.nytimes.com
1 month ago
Beer

The Interview': Bill Murray Says He's Not the Man He Used to Be

Bill Murray's character in 'The Friend' embodies the complex balance between charm and selfishness, reflecting themes in his late-career roles.
fromIndieWire
3 months ago
Writing

'The Last Showgirl' Writer Kate Gersten's Intimate Story Was Built for the Stage - but Made for the Big Screen

Pamela Anderson's role in 'The Last Showgirl' showcases the star's unexpected talent and reinvents the perception of her as a performer.
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Dope Thief Premiere Recap: Let Me Tell You a Bedtime Story

Dope Thief compellingly explores themes of crime, identity, and survival through the eyes of Ray Driscoll, a Black man navigating a harsh reality.
fromwww.nytimes.com
1 month ago
Beer

The Interview': Bill Murray Says He's Not the Man He Used to Be

Bill Murray's character in 'The Friend' embodies the complex balance between charm and selfishness, reflecting themes in his late-career roles.
fromIndieWire
3 months ago
Writing

'The Last Showgirl' Writer Kate Gersten's Intimate Story Was Built for the Stage - but Made for the Big Screen

Pamela Anderson's role in 'The Last Showgirl' showcases the star's unexpected talent and reinvents the perception of her as a performer.
more#film-adaptation
#comedy-drama
Writing
fromWashington Post
3 months ago

Review | Marianne Jean-Baptiste demands your attention in 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film 'Hard Truths' brilliantly portrays the burden of familial relationships affected by one member's unresolved anger and depression.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Boston Bruins

9-1-1 Recap: Mister Cellophane

The episode explores the theme of invisibility through Archie and Hen's personal struggles, showcasing the need for recognition and validation.
Writing
fromWashington Post
3 months ago

Review | Marianne Jean-Baptiste demands your attention in 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film 'Hard Truths' brilliantly portrays the burden of familial relationships affected by one member's unresolved anger and depression.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Boston Bruins

9-1-1 Recap: Mister Cellophane

The episode explores the theme of invisibility through Archie and Hen's personal struggles, showcasing the need for recognition and validation.
more#comedy-drama
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Destroyer: Dan's Boogie

Dan Bejar's latest album, Dan's Boogie, continues his exploration of absurdity while showcasing a character study of himself through controlled, melodic production.
#humor
fromBKReader
6 months ago
Brooklyn

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.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Humor

The Gay Dirtbag Lives On

Kristen Arnett's novel intertwines humor and poignancy, showcasing queer women's messy lives in Florida through relatable, flawed characters.
fromBKReader
6 months ago
Brooklyn

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.
fromVulture
1 month ago
Humor

The Gay Dirtbag Lives On

Kristen Arnett's novel intertwines humor and poignancy, showcasing queer women's messy lives in Florida through relatable, flawed characters.
more#humor
Film
fromwww.nytimes.com
2 months ago

Gene Hackman and the Pugnacious Nature of Surprise

Gene Hackman skillfully blended warmth with menace, drawing audiences to morally complex characters throughout his impressive career.
#hbo
fromIndieWire
4 months ago
Independent films

How 'The Penguin' Built on 'The Batman' and Made Colin Farrell Unrecognizable

Colin Farrell's Penguin role inspired an HBO origin series focusing on character depth and the Gotham universe's intricacies.
fromIndieWire
4 months ago
Independent films

How 'The Penguin' Built on 'The Batman' and Made Colin Farrell Unrecognizable

Colin Farrell's Penguin role inspired an HBO origin series focusing on character depth and the Gotham universe's intricacies.
more#hbo
#comedy
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Books

It's One of the Year's Best Movies. Why Is It Getting Shut Out of All of the Awards?

The film explores the themes of isolation and mental health struggles through the character of Pansy, whose anger overshadows her happiness.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromwww.newsshopper.co.uk
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

DocDoc is a hilariously funny new show in Bromley that had everyone in stitches

DocDoc is a theatrical comedy highlighting the humorous interactions of characters with OCD as they wait for a doctor.
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Books

It's One of the Year's Best Movies. Why Is It Getting Shut Out of All of the Awards?

The film explores the themes of isolation and mental health struggles through the character of Pansy, whose anger overshadows her happiness.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromwww.newsshopper.co.uk
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

DocDoc is a hilariously funny new show in Bromley that had everyone in stitches

DocDoc is a theatrical comedy highlighting the humorous interactions of characters with OCD as they wait for a doctor.
more#comedy
#dark-comedy
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

For the Love of God, Give This Woman an Oscar Nomination

Pansy Deacon's character is a humorous yet tragic figure embodying deep personal grievances and societal critiques.
fromAnOther
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

Hard Truths: Mike Leigh Shares the Story Behind His Abrasive New Comedy

Mike Leigh's new film 'Hard Truths' showcases his mastery in dark comedy, focusing on a neurotic matriarch's impact on her family.
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

For the Love of God, Give This Woman an Oscar Nomination

Pansy Deacon's character is a humorous yet tragic figure embodying deep personal grievances and societal critiques.
fromAnOther
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

Hard Truths: Mike Leigh Shares the Story Behind His Abrasive New Comedy

Mike Leigh's new film 'Hard Truths' showcases his mastery in dark comedy, focusing on a neurotic matriarch's impact on her family.
more#dark-comedy
fromInverse
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

'Common Side Effects' Is Keeping Surreal Adult Animation Alive

Marshall, a socially awkward researcher, discovers a life-changing cure using a mushroom, leading him into a dangerous situation.
#drama
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Joella's Dynasty

Joella's outrageous confidence and delusions deliver memorable moments on Drag Race, illustrating both humor and tension in the competition.
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Joella's Dynasty

Joella's outrageous confidence and delusions deliver memorable moments on Drag Race, illustrating both humor and tension in the competition.
more#drama
#legal-drama
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Writing

The Verdict on Scott Turow's Presumed Novel? Predictable.

The Apple TV+ adaptation emphasizes the devastating and ironic consequences of legal entanglements through the character of Rusty Sabich.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Matlock review Kathy Bates has spent years waiting for a role like this

Matlock reimagines the original legal series with a modern twist, presenting a clever protagonist who subverts expectations.
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Writing

The Verdict on Scott Turow's Presumed Novel? Predictable.

The Apple TV+ adaptation emphasizes the devastating and ironic consequences of legal entanglements through the character of Rusty Sabich.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Matlock review Kathy Bates has spent years waiting for a role like this

Matlock reimagines the original legal series with a modern twist, presenting a clever protagonist who subverts expectations.
more#legal-drama
fromVulture
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

Gerard Butler Letting Loose Is a Beautiful Thing to Behold

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera features intensified emotional energy at the expense of narrative clarity, offering a raw character study of Gerard Butler's role.
#sean-baker
fromPolygon
4 months ago
Video games

Anora actor says his terrible gaming became a happy accident

Anora is a potential Oscar contender, showcasing a unique blend of comedy and sadness within New York's Russian-American community.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromPolygon
4 months ago
Video games

Anora actor says his terrible gaming became a happy accident

Anora is a potential Oscar contender, showcasing a unique blend of comedy and sadness within New York's Russian-American community.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
more#sean-baker
fromtime.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Netflix's The Madness Casts Colman Domingo in a '70s-Style Paranoid Thriller for Our Time

The Madness uniquely reflects contemporary societal chaos and futility through a blend of personal drama and political thriller elements.
#narrative
fromIndieWire
6 months ago
Books

'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.
fromJuxtapoz
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromIndieWire
6 months ago
Books

'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.
fromJuxtapoz
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
more#narrative
#theater
Writing
fromVulture
6 months ago

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.
fromPortland Mercury
6 months ago
Writing

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.
Writing
fromVulture
6 months ago

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.
fromPortland Mercury
6 months ago
Writing

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.
more#theater
#mental-health
Video games
fromPolygon
7 months ago

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.
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago
Books

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.
Video games
fromPolygon
7 months ago

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.
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago
Books

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.
more#mental-health
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
Film
fromThe Ringer
6 months ago

'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.
Miscellaneous
fromInverse
6 months ago

'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.
fromPitchfork
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
fromInverse
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

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.
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