Looking Closer
What a day for new releases! (more…) Read more
What a day for new releases! (more…) Read more
Anne and I spent the weekend in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, writing and drinking coffee and reading good books. We had the privilege of spending time with Luci Shaw, a marvelous poet and an inspiration to us both. I also listened to a lot of great music. And then I promptly LOST MY CD CARRYING CASE. Currently missing: the new Ron Sexsmith album, Bruce Springsteen’s latest, and several other current favorites. [insert much grumbling here] Anyway, I’m finding a whole lot... Read more
So here’s the deal… On Thursday, I’ll be joining other film critics in Los Angeles for a day of conversation with Joss Whedon and selected members of the Serenity cast. I’ll be bringing those interviews to you here at Looking Closer by the weekend. Haven’t been so excited about a junket since The Return of the King! So hang on. “I aim to misbehave.” Read more
Well, here come the reviews! Watch for mine, featuring an in-depth interview with Scott Derrickson, here at SPU’s Response. (It might not be up until late Friday.) Ebert turns in an intriguing response. He says: The movie was directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Paul Harris Boardman and Derrickson. The screenplay is intelligent and open to occasional refreshing wit, as when prosecutor Ethan Thomas makes an objection to one witnesses’ speculations about demonology. “On what grounds?” asks the judge... Read more
I love The Ragbirds’ Yes Nearby more every time I listen to it… and I’m listening to it a lot these days. Thus, I’m thrilled to see Josh Hurst has just published the first interview with Erin Zindle that I’ve come across, and it’s a keeper. Here’s a snippet: J: Let’s switch gears now and discuss your songwriting. Your songs have some pretty heavy explorations of faith-related issues, and it’s evident that you write from a Christian perspective, and yet,... Read more
I saw The Constant Gardener last night and walked away unmoved. Do I sympathize with the storyteller’s passion to expose the cover-ups of corporations, and to speak the truth about the exploitation of the vulnerable in Africa? I have little doubt that this kind of corruption is a reality. And it makes me sick just thinking about it. There’s probably a great film about this just waiting to be made. If someone made that film, I’d be shouting about it... Read more
I’m currently working on a manuscript about powerfully transporting films, and the chapter currently on the table is about films that explore loneliness, alienation, and division in contemporary society. Thus, I’ve been thinking about a lot of films, from Taxi Driver to Barton Fink to Punch-drunk Love to Last Life in the Universe. The director I can’t escape is Michael Haneke, especially Code Unknown. But it didn’t hit me until today that the events we’re seeing unfold in what’s left... Read more
A letter worth noting at the Feedback page for Christianity Today Movies: Narnia Evangelism posted 09/02/05 Your Reel News column states, “It’s not surprising that believers would see [The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe] as not just mere entertainment, but as an evangelistic opportunity. “In stark contrast, C. S. Lewis’ close friend Walter Hooper argues “I was worried that those who talked about ‘teaching’ the stories as Christian ‘theology’ might by such efforts frustrate the spell of Lewis’ clearly... Read more
Time to visit this link again! What’s YOUR favorite film of the year so far? Mine? There are only a few candidates: Born into Brothels, Millions, 2046, Batman Begins, and Broken Flowers. Some fine films there, but I really don’t think ANY of them are “film of the year” material. (more…) Read more
Today’s specials: GUY PEARCE GETS DUSTY A review of Nick Cave’s The Proposition is up at Twitch. And it sounds like a must-see! GEORGE CLOONEY GETS ARTSY David Poland on Good Night, and Good Luck, the new film by George Clooney. He’s impressed. GREYDANUS GETS JUNKETY Steven Greydanus reports from the press junket for The Exorcism of Emily Rose. DERRICKSON GETS CHATTY And Peter T. Chattaway links to his full interview with director Scott Derrickson. Did I mention how much... Read more
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