The Criterion Collection
Oct 28, 2020 — More than anything, Claudine felt like a reprieve; the film, directed by John Berry and released in 1974, gave audiences a compelling alternative depiction of Black life from those about Black drug lords and mafia dons fighting over real estate...
Essays
Oct 13, 2020 — I know I need somethingOr someone. From “Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day” (1978), by Nikki Giovanni While the screen is still dark, Gladys Knight’s voice drifts in, in a strong, sincere belt: “How can I / Work out this...
The actor and director talks about what makes Fantastic Mr. Fox a household favorite, shares how Gina Prince-Bythewood inspired her to step behind the camera, and praises Diahann Carroll and her performance in Claudine.
The actor and star of Exhibiting Forgiveness talks about his hero, the late James Earl Jones, and his performance in Claudine; shares how Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun sparked his desire to perform; and selects films by friends...
The writer-director talks about how Federico Fellini and John Waters gave him the passion and confidence to become a filmmaker, shares his poignant experience watching Claudine as a young man, and selects favorites such as Pickup on South Street, Do...
Feb 23, 2022 — In the 1961 screen adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play, the actor radiantly embodies the conflicting impulses that define the character of Beneatha Younger—a modern woman filled with hope and longing.
Dec 20, 2020 — Before ringing in the new year, we’re taking a look back at some of the most memorable essays and interviews we published on the Current in 2020. It’s been a head-spinning twelve months, to say the least, but we hope...
The Daily
Apr 7, 2026 — The third edition opens with Maddie’s Secret and features Chronovisor, After Dreaming, and Blue Heron.
Jun 30, 2025 — The Austin Film Society spotlights nine performances, each of them a unique declaration of independence.
The Daily
Sep 10, 2024 — A commanding presence on the stage and on movie and television screens, Jones could perform wonders with that voice.