Jacob Trussell

Jacob Trussell is a writer based in New York City. His editorial work has been featured on the BBC, NPR, Rue Morgue Magazine, Film School Rejects, and One Perfect Shot. He's also the author of 'The Binge Watcher's Guide to The Twilight Zone' (Riverdale Avenue Books). Available to host your next spooky public access show. Find him on Twitter here: @JE_TRUSSELL (He/Him)
Gene Wilder Willy Wonka Elevator

The Secret Behind Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka

By Jacob Trussell 

Eccentric and sinister, Wilder masks his iconic character’s true intentions behind a facade of charming cruelty.

Samuel L Jackson Gator Purify

Cannes Revived an Acting Award Just to Honor Samuel L. Jackson in ‘Jungle Fever’

By Jacob Trussell 

Before his name became synonymous with the acronym BAMF, Jackson delivered a devastating performance in Spike Lee’s sexual drama.

Divine

How ‘Polyester’ Showed Divine’s Incredible Acting Range

By Jacob Trussell 

Divine was cult film royalty, but his work in John Waters’ 1981 feature proved there was more to the performer than campy coprophagia.

Bridesmaids Melissa McCarthy Bathroom

How ‘Bridesmaids’ Unlocked The Fearless Comedy of Melissa McCarthy

By Jacob Trussell 

Not every actor gets an Oscar nomination for a comedic performance, but not every actor is as bold as Melissa McCarthy is in Paul Feig’s modern classic.

Baadasssss Mario Van Peebles

Mario Van Peebles Became His Father to Examine His Past in ‘Baadasssss!’

By Jacob Trussell 

The younger Van Peebles delivers more than just an impression of Melvin Van Peebles in his biopic about the making of ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.’

Awkwafina In The Farewell

Awkwafina Defied Typecasting in ‘The Farewell’

By Jacob Trussell 

The comic rapper turned actress broke our hearts with her quietly effective dramatic debut in Lulu Wang’s 2019 film.

Jennifer Lopez Selena

The Experiences that Helped Jennifer Lopez Become ‘Selena’

By Jacob Trussell 

Between access to her family and a fateful press tour, Lopez was given a unique look into the late singer’s life.

Lauren Ambrose In Servant

We Need to Talk About Lauren Ambrose in ‘Servant’

By Jacob Trussell 

It’s never been more fun watching someone spiral out of control like Dorothy Turner does in M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV+ series.

Denzel Washington Malcolm X

No Other Actor Can Do What Denzel Washington Does in ‘Malcolm X’

By Jacob Trussell 

Washington’s triumphant performance in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic is a perfect representation of the tightrope actors must walk when playing an iconic figure.