Essays
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Ava DuVernay’s 13th and the Importance of Telling True Stories
In this essay from 2016, Paola Mardo explores the importance of telling true stories as Ava DuVernay did with her phenomenal documentary, 13th.
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An Appreciation of ‘That Thing You Do!’ on its 20th Anniversary
“I try and try to forget you girl, but it’s just so hard to doooo…” It’s one of my favorite moments of pure joy in a…
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The Best Films We Watched at The 2016 Toronto Film Festival
Ten films that should be on your radar as the end of the year nears. After 11 days and nearly 400 films, the 41st Toronto International…
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The Look of Saul Bass
Saul Bass was a graphic designer in both the advertising world and the film world. He’s been on my mind since I took a look…
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How You Know You’re At Fantastic Fest
On day one, some thoughts about the experience of first timers.Photo: Jack Plunkett In the back of a glossy, gentrified shopping area in South Austin, where signs…
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Why Speechless Might Be One of the Most Vital Sitcoms Out Now
A disabled critic shares thoughts on a show that puts a disabled character front and center. In the days leading up to the premiere of ABC’s…
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Listening To The Greatest Movie Of All-Time
The genius of Nino Rota’s ‘The Godfather’ score.
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In Praise of Celluloid
118 years to the day since its patent, we celebrate the original physical medium of film. On the 13th of September, 1898, Hannibal Williston Goodwin received…
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Westerns Are Back, and Also Never Left
A resurgence in classical westerns reminds us that post-apocalyptic cinema kept carrying the flame. In case you hadn’t noticed, the western is back. Has been for…