A Murder in Mansfield documentary review: a reconciliation with tragedy (Doc NYC 2017)
An honest and brave portrait of the trauma and grief of those in the immediate periphery of a terrible crime. A simple, intimate film, and a powerful one.
Netflix
I’m on BBC World Service’s “The Arts Hour” again this Sunday, October 15th
We’ll be talking about the London Film Festival, which wraps up this weekend.
Pilgrimage movie review: faith in a time of weaponized religion
Moody, atmospheric, even beautiful in its grimness; a medieval adventure unlike any we’ve seen before, with a sharp attention to psychological and moral realism.
Oscar Nominated Documentary Shorts (89th Academy Awards) review
I would give the Oscar in a three-way tie to the Syrian-themed nominees, which offer stunningly intimate observations on the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back movie review: don’t go back for the sequel
Jack Reacher is back. And no one seems to know why. Low stakes, a rote plot, and undistinguished action add up to a pointless and unnecessary sequel.
a few thoughts on House of Cards S4 (and open thread)
I adore this show, but it’s hugely depressing. I would love to call it cynical, but I suspect it’s all too realistic. [This post is not behind the paywall.]
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom documentary review: Occupy Kiev
This is what a revolution in the 21st century looks like. Spoiler: The power of ridicule when Facebook journalists are watching is vast.
What Happened, Miss Simone? documentary review: this is what happened
Powerful, intimate, and fresh. We desperately need to hear more women talking about being driven in an inexorable way toward a passion.
open thread: Jessica Jones
[This post is not behind the paywall.]
The Walk movie review: head in the clouds
Puts CGI, IMAX, and 3D (and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to perfect use. Everything here comes with a vertiginous thrill and a delightful enchantment.
