I had a chance to see Bella at Biola (Wow, there’s a sequel idea for you: Bella at Biola!) several months back, but found myself in a fascinating conversation with Amazing Grace producer Ken Wales, and by the time he’d finished regaling me with tales of his experiences in Hollywood, I’d missed the screening. But they were great stories — I’m not complaining. Had no idea that Wales was present on the set when the great Peter Sellers Pink Panther... Read more
Thanks to Peter Chattaway for catching this blog entry by Karina at Spoutblog: Two weeks ago, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford was the film Warner Brothers had “no idea what to do with.” As of this writing, it’s the most gushed-over title at the Toronto Film Festival, and word has hit the wires that star Brad Pitt has won the Best Actor prize at the Venice Film Festival. If the folks at WB still havn’t... Read more
Madeleine L’Engle is one of the artists whose views and work have inspired me the most. As I was writing Auralia’s Colors, I frequently revisited her thoughts on the power of art. She referred to great artmaking as “collaboration with God.” On Thursday night, at the age of 88, Madeleine L’Engle made her journey through a wrinkle in time and space. And I feel that I lost a grandmother and a mentor. Most of that guidance came through her nonfiction... Read more
Madeleine L’Engle is one of the artists whose views and work have inspired me the most. As I was writing Auralia’s Colors, I frequently revisited her thoughts on the power of art. She referred to great artmaking as “collaboration with God.” On Thursday night, at the age of 88, Madeleine L’Engle made her journey through a wrinkle in time and space. And I feel that I lost a grandmother and a mentor. Most of that guidance came through her nonfiction... Read more
Steven D. Greydanus guns down James Mangold’s 3:10 to Yuma: The original believed that a man was a man whether he was an outlaw or a law-abiding citizen, and core human and social values applied to all. The remake sees men as either wolves or sheep — those who take what they want if they choose, and those who are the helpless victims of their caprice and whims. But Brett McCracken’s okay with it. In the end, Yuma portrays a... Read more
Wow. I want one for my wall. If I get any more excited about this film, I’m going to be dangerous. Read more
Pavarotti’s voice will never die. “Luciano Pavarotti was one of the finest singers of our time,” the Royal Opera House in London said in a statement. “He had a unique ability to touch people with the emotional and brilliant quality of his voice. He was a man with the common touch and the most extraordinary gift. He will be truly missed by millions,” the statement said. To the shock of some classical music purists, the larger than life singer extended... Read more
Jason Panella interviewed me for a website called culture.ish. Part One of our conversation was posted this week. Bookmark it so you can go back later, for Part Two. Here are Panella’s questions: When did you first realize the importance of taking a critical/thoughtful approach to viewing films? How did you end up as a film reviewer? What is the role of the film critic? Those are challenging pitches to hit, but I took a couple of good swings. You... Read more
If you read many reviews of La Vie en Rose, you’re sure to find complaints that this account of Edith Piaf’s life overlooks her participation in the French resistance during the German occupation of World War Two. But if, like me, you didn’t know much about her going in, you’ll find plenty of storytelling here to enthrall you. Maybe too much. Edith Piaf has an enormous, enthusiastic audience for her music. But her musical legacy is only part of the... Read more
What should Aslan look like? How enchanting is the Narnia in your imagination? Bookslut has an interesting article about the art of Chronicles of Narnia book covers. Well, to put it bluntly, the writer is lamenting (and rightly so) a dreadful new book cover for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Is this the Aslan that strikes fear into the hearts of friends and enemies alike? Moment by moment, I become more thankful for Kristopher Orr‘s beautiful, spooky imagery... Read more
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