Category: Thespians & Filmmakers

Exploring an Auteur’s Short Films: Ari Aster – Special Features #53

I don’t normally write about short films unless it’s a special occasion. This is a special occasion. I recently watched and reviewed Ari Aster’s follow-up to Hereditary, the daytime horror fairy tale Midsommar. I have become a great admirer of Aster after having seen those two films, both of which I believe to be amazing works of cinema.

Since I saw Midsommar, I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. So, on Friday, I spent the entire day watching Ari Aster’s short films. Today, I want to talk about his flawed short films, some of which didn’t speak to me at all. In five separate sections, I want to describe the experience of watching Aster’s short films, as well as make some general observations as to what it is like to watch the raw material of a future auteur. Continue reading “Exploring an Auteur’s Short Films: Ari Aster – Special Features #53” →

Inception, Nightcrawler, and Lost in Translation – Thespians & Filmmakers

'Inception,' Warner Bros.
‘Inception,’ Warner Bros.

In this post of Thespians & Filmmakers, I’m taking a look at the internet’s favorite director, as well as a breathtaking performance that the Academy Awards somehow overlooked. Let’s talk about Christopher Nolan, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Scarlett Johansson.
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Blue Valentine, Chef, and Taxi Driver – Thespians & Filmmakers

'Chef,' Open Road Films
‘Chef,’ Open Road Films

In this post of Thespians & Filmmakers, I’m taking a look at two of my favorite directors, as well as one of my favorite performances in one of Derek Cianfrance’s best films. Let’s talk about Jon Favreau, Martin Scorsese, and Michelle Williams. Continue reading “Blue Valentine, Chef, and Taxi Driver – Thespians & Filmmakers” →

Introducing ‘Thespians and Filmmakers’

Thespians and Filmmakers

In early August, I announced that Favorite Thespians was being dropped from the monthly schedule. In that same post, I also noted that I still wanted to write about thespians, and I wanted to write about directors or filmmakers as well. So, today, I’m going to announce Thespians & Filmmakers, which will essentially replace Favorite Thespians. But first, let’s take a look at what thespians were spotlighted on Favorite Thespians: Continue reading “Introducing ‘Thespians and Filmmakers’” →

Favorite Thespians #6 – Anton Yelchin

StarTrek.com
StarTrek.com

This is going to be a tough post for me to write. Last night, one of my favorite thespians passed away. I was a big fan of Anton Yelchin, and when I heard that he had died I was in shock. I sat in silence for ten minutes or so. And when someone asked me what was wrong, tears started to rush down my face. I will miss Yelchin. So this month’s Favorite Thespians is in memory of him.

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Favorite Thespians #5 – Chiwetel Ejiofor

Ejiofor Thespians

As always Favorite Thespians contains three separate sections: one section on the first film I saw the thespian in (“On My Radar”), another section on 5 films you need to see to know the thespian (“Homework”), and a section on my favorite performance from him/her. This month I’m focusing on a guy who might be the most underappreciated actor working today: Chiwetel Ejifor.
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Favorite Thespians #4 – Michael Fassbender

Favorite Thespians 2

As always Favorite Thespians contains three separate sections: one section on the first film I saw the thespian in (“On My Radar”), another section on 5 films you need to see to know the thespian (“Homework”), and a section on my favorite performance from him/her. This month I’m focusing on one of my favorite actors right now, Michael Fassbender.
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Favorite Thespians #3 – Ben Affleck

Favorite Thespians - Ben Affleck

In honor of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice being released in March, I am moving my Favorite Thespians-schedule around a bit. For one time only, Favorite Thespians is being released the day before I’m seeing the thespian’s latest film. This time it’s all about Ben Affleck!

Favorite Thespians is a monthly opinion piece wherein I name one of my favorite actors or actresses. Favorite Thespians contains three separate sections: one section on the first film I saw the thespian in (“On My Radar”), another section on 5 films you need to see to know the thespian (“Homework”), and a section on my favorite performance from him/her.
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Favorite Thespians #2 – Ryan Reynolds

Favorite Thespians - Reynolds

In honor of the great Deadpool-film, I’m moving my Favorite Thespians-schedule around a bit. This time it’s all about Ryan Reynolds! Favorite Thespians is a monthly opinion piece wherein I name one of my favorite actors or actresses. Favorite Thespians contains three separate sections: one section on the first film I saw the thespian in (“On My Radar”), another section on 5 films you need to see to know the thespian (“Homework”), and a section on my favorite performance from him/her. Continue reading “Favorite Thespians #2 – Ryan Reynolds” →