2020
A Face in the Crowd Directed by Elia Kazan
A Face in the Crowd Directed by Elia Kazan
By Ron Falzone
A media star, imbued with a love of self even greater than his disdain for everyone else, parlays his on-air popularity into a rapid climb to political power. It is only when he attains his highest position does the full measure of his antipathy become apparent to his worshipful followers.
The year is 1957.
Bad Day at Black Rock Directed by John Sturges
Bad Day at Black Rock Directed by John Sturges
By Ron Falzone
“And the truth shall set you free.”
This is one of the core themes of the movies, the belief that the restoration of order can only occur once truth confronts power. While Hollywood has proselytized this notion throughout its history, it was probably never more necessary to it than it was in the decade following World War II.
Bull Durham, Directed by Ron Shelton
Bull Durham, Directed by Ron Shelton
By Ron Falzone
The Coronavirus has impacted everything. For many Americans, the loss of two pastimes is particularly irksome: Sports and sex. And it’s even more acute at the moment because it is spring, the season for both baseball and nookie.
Chadwick Boseman Remembered
I was halfway through The Last Dance, the 10-part ESPN doc on Netflix on Michael Jordan, King Michael, when news came of the death of Chadwick Boseman of cancer at 43. It’s a sickening feeling when a young person just entering the prime of his career is cut short.
Don't Look Now Directed by Nicholas Roeg
Don't Look Now Directed by Nicholas Roeg
By Ron Falzone
I have to admit that I frequently feel sorry for my students. Is it that they’re not bright enough, or that they lack the ambition to succeed in the film business? Emphatically not. On this score they give me enormous hope for the future of the movies.
