Poster for GoodFellas Jesse Pasternack praises the writing of GoodFellas scribe Nicholas Pileggi and its contributions to the iconography of the Martin Scorsese classic. Most people remember GoodFellas (1990) for its images and music. They think of the Copacabana scene, in which the camera elegantly glides as the Crystals song “Then He Kissed Me” plays, or the… Read more »
Franka Potente as the titular character in Run Lola Run Jesse Pasternack explains how the indie classic’s non-stop propulsion is achieved through its music, editing, and more. Run Lola Run (1998) is one of the most energetic movies ever made. Everything about it, from its narrative to its editing and even its music, combines to… Read more »
Samantha Morton and Tom Cruise in Minority Report Jesse Pasternack considers the brilliance and importance of Steven Spielberg’s direction in his 2002 sci-fi masterwork. A body of work like Steven Spielberg’s is practically built to contain hidden gems. He has directed more than his fair share of indisputable classics, but you can’t make over 30… Read more »
Cary Grant as Geoff Carter and Jean Arthur as Bonnie Lee City Lights Film Series curator Ruby Berin introduces Howard Hawks’s classic and explores the way its authenticity emphasizes the core themes shared throughout the film. For a film to be considered authentic, it reflects real-life experiences and establishes a connection with the audience. It… Read more »
Still from Girls State Monroe County NOW President TammyJo Eckhart, PhD, explains why the organization recommends the 2024 documentary Girls State. All 50 states of this United States of America host a weeklong program attended by young people picked by a sponsoring American Legion (or American Legion Auxiliary Unit in the case of “Girls States”)…. Read more »
The Female Monster of Flesh for Frankenstein Underground Film Series curator Justin Bonthuys contextualizes Paul Morrissey’s cult classic. In his book on comedy-horror films, screenwriter and actor Bruce Hallenbeck describes the irony in the script of Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) as “[giving] the film a winking detachment, so that you find yourself convulsed with laughter… Read more »