Few artists have made a claim for so drastically altering the shape of their medium than Cecil Beaton, the fashion photographer turned war photographer turned royal photographer turned costume and production designer, who arguably forever reshaped the concept of possibility in the static image. Beaton faced his share of adversity and controversy, rubbed shoulders with the biggestContinueContinue reading “‘Love, Cecil’: Tender And Lush Documentary Is A Moving, But Conventional Portrait [Telluride Review]”
Author Archives: Gary Joshua Garrison
Bolivian Documentary ‘Cocaine Prison’ Explores A Hell On Earth [TIFF Review]
There is a world that exists that is hard to fathom, which today, in our vastly connected digital age, where our social media feeds are inundated with photos from Syria and Venezuela, is itself hard to comprehend. In part, because we have all seen the imagery of war — shocking photos and footage are nearlyContinueContinue reading “Bolivian Documentary ‘Cocaine Prison’ Explores A Hell On Earth [TIFF Review]”
TV Fall Preview: 25 Must-See Shows
The first season of “Stranger Things” was a true surprise. Netflix’s surplus of content makes it easy for a show to sneak up out of nowhere, and while most are middling, some, like this Spielbergian, ‘80s throwback are home runs. A gleeful homage to nearly every sci-fi adventure from that nostalgic decade, “Stranger Things” alsoContinueContinue reading “TV Fall Preview: 25 Must-See Shows”
Venice Film Festival: 13 Must-See Movies
From the demented mind of S. Craig Zahler, the writer/director of “Bone Tomahawk” — 2015’s most memorable (read: scarring) film — “Brawl In Cell Block 99” has our interest peaked for more reasons than one. The first of which being that Zahler took on a well-worn genre with “Bone Tomahawk” and twisted it into something utterlyContinueContinue reading “Venice Film Festival: 13 Must-See Movies”
50 Most Anticipated Films: Fall Movie Preview
While I certainly don’t speak for every voice here at The Playlist, I do feel comfortable in saying there are few directors that excite us more than Tomas Alfredson. The director broke out with his fantastic “Let The Right One In” (which spawned a decent Hollywood reboot), then knocked it out of the park with “TinkerContinueContinue reading “50 Most Anticipated Films: Fall Movie Preview”
A Heart and a Half
Out by the park, I say, I’ve got your blood in me, and you look at me funny, like you are waiting for this to be another mediocre joke, and it is, somehow, but I don’t know the punchline yet. We’re walking when I say this. It’s winter-solstice-cold, but we’re still young, like we’ve always been,ContinueContinue reading “A Heart and a Half”
Adam Wingard’s ‘Death Note’ Is Thoughtless & Incoherent [Review]
An intelligent but emotionally wounded teenager with the ability to play god by killing anybody he wants, just by writing their name in a book, is admittedly a compelling idea. The potential for drama packed into the premise alone is worthwhile, not to mention that the boy’s girlfriend is seemingly aroused by his ability toContinueContinue reading “Adam Wingard’s ‘Death Note’ Is Thoughtless & Incoherent [Review]”
‘To The Bone’ Works Hard To Do Justice To The Realities Of Anorexia [Review]
Addiction has long been one of Hollywood’s favorite muses. It makes for empowering, emotionally charged films about one of life’s most trying personal battles. Of course, the success and believability of these sorts of movies vary wildly: for every “Half Nelson” and “Trainspotting” there’s a “Thanks For Sharing” or “Flight” (which was fuelled by aContinueContinue reading “‘To The Bone’ Works Hard To Do Justice To The Realities Of Anorexia [Review]”
Ranking The Best ‘Spider-Man’ Movie Characters
Martin Sheen has had his ups and downs, but throughout his career he has played the stern-but-loving father figure with grace and menace in equal dose. His Uncle Ben is no exception. Unlike the Ben in Raimi’s (superior) film, Sheen imbues the character with rough edges; he’s a man of principle who believes in the responsibilityContinueContinue reading “Ranking The Best ‘Spider-Man’ Movie Characters”
Fresh & Diverse ‘Signature Move’ Is Also Overly Familiar [BAMcinemaFest Review]
For a couple of weeks now, we’ve been living in a post-“Wonder Woman” world. A world which, you can be certain, is a better world. One where the genuine hunger for a female (super)hero has been served a tasty menu and a collective appetite has been whetted. One where doors are likely cracking open forContinueContinue reading “Fresh & Diverse ‘Signature Move’ Is Also Overly Familiar [BAMcinemaFest Review]”