From “hear” to eternity: Philosopho-palooza in "Discord"
Scott Carter's "The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord" can "talk the legs off of a Japanese table."
Hits and misses at Chicago International Film Festival
There were many great films at the Chicago festival, including several great bio docs about formidable persons in the arts.
Iran at the Chicago International Film Festival
The Best Picture Award winner at the 50th Annual Chicago International Film Festival went to the stunning Iranian film "The President."
Alice in Blunderland: "The Dance of Death" and war between the sexes
This production of the Swedish playwright August Strindberg's 1900 "The Dance of Death," now playing in Pasadena, is expertly acted and directed.
"Citizenfour": "The Shock Doctrine" plays out in the Patriot Act
The NSA and the National Security State have committed possibly irreparable damage to democracy itself, which depends on free speech and liberty of thought.
Scandinavia at the Chicago International Film Festival
Scandinavia showed up in full glory at the 50th Chicago International Film Festival. A Swedish film even won the coveted Best Foreign Film Audience Award.
Brad Pitt fires last shot in “Fury”
The film does boast some excellent performances, but by the second half, the script turns utterly preposterous.
The Revolution is coming to a theater near you: 1969 in review
One of the great things about the theater is that it can dramatize history, and the people who make it and shake it.
Chicago International Film Festival celebrates 50th anniversary
The longest-running competitive film festival in America is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
Book review: "Paul Robeson for Beginners"
A wonderful book that reveals and celebrates the life of an exceptional man who left a majestic and lasting legacy to the world.
