† This is the Life

Jan 12, 2021 — In the course of selling or promoting a film, a director will invariably be asked, “What’s this movie really about?” The desired answer is usually predetermined—marketers want a concise, two-sentence hook; reporters want a sound bite; critics want a thesis...

Dec 3, 2020 — One of cinema’s preeminent directors is currently at work on two new projects.

Mar 5, 2020 — One of the most vital showcases of new nonfiction work is now on through Sunday.

Jan 27, 2020 — Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s On the Record and Kitty Green’s The Assistant explore the “ecosystems of power” that enable abusers.

Jan 21, 2020 — The Mankiewicz brothers, Jonas Mekas, Werner Herzog, Sidney Lumet, and Ja’Tovia Gary all figure in this month’s roundup.

Jan 14, 2020 — There’s been a whole of kvetching, but also a bit of celebrating since the nominations were announced on Monday.

Dec 20, 2019 — The following account was scratched together in August 1990, when Wim Wenders’ Until the End of the World was still taking shape in the editing room. Apart from a basic rinse of copy editing, I’m offering it up essentially as is,...

Nov 26, 2019 — A smart and lively adaptation of a 150-year-old classic is warmly greeted in the first round of reviews.

Nov 13, 2019 — TIFF Cinematheque presents an eclectic selection of eleven films by the Japanese director.

Sep 25, 2019 — Here’s an overview of how fifteen films in the NYFF’s Main Slate have been faring since premiering in Cannes.