Following The Film Stage’s collective top 50 films of 2023, as part of our year-end coverage, our contributors are sharing their personal top 10 lists.
The greatest year in cinema since the monumental offerings of 2007––a transformative year that set the seeds for this very site to come into existence––2023 offered a resounding affirmative that indeed the medium is alive and well: auteurs flexing what they do best, newcomers providing a hopeful voice for the future of filmmaking, along with a plethora of worthwhile offers. Along with my personal favorites when it came to U.S. releases, two films also premiered that would’ve topped this list had they come out in 2023: Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast and Víctor Erice’s still-shockingly-undistributed Close Your Eyes.
While they didn’t make the top 15 cut below, I must make mention for the most essential, one-and-done viewing of the year with De Humani Corporis...
The greatest year in cinema since the monumental offerings of 2007––a transformative year that set the seeds for this very site to come into existence––2023 offered a resounding affirmative that indeed the medium is alive and well: auteurs flexing what they do best, newcomers providing a hopeful voice for the future of filmmaking, along with a plethora of worthwhile offers. Along with my personal favorites when it came to U.S. releases, two films also premiered that would’ve topped this list had they come out in 2023: Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast and Víctor Erice’s still-shockingly-undistributed Close Your Eyes.
While they didn’t make the top 15 cut below, I must make mention for the most essential, one-and-done viewing of the year with De Humani Corporis...
- 12/25/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
During a 1963 appearance on The Tonight Show, comedian Carl Reiner said that a 16-year-old named Albert Einstein was the funniest person he knew. That Albert Einstein was too young to be the famed physicist, of course. No, the Albert Einstein getting such high praise was a friend of Reiner’s son Rob. Now, of course, the world knows Rob Reiner as the All in the Family actor who went on to direct the films Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and A Few Good Men, among other cinematic favorites. And that Albert Einstein — who still doesn’t know why his parents gave him that name — rebranded himself as Albert Brooks and starred in films like Lost in America, Broadcast News, and Defending Your Life. For a new CBS News Sunday Morning segment, Brooks and the younger Reiner ...
- 12/24/2023
- TV Insider
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (Rob Reiner)
One of the most brilliant comedic minds to ever live finally gets his due in Rob Reiner’s loving documentary. Framed around a conversation between the two, Brooks dives into all of his creative output while still proving he’s as witty as ever––and indeed, if you’ve never seen some of his early late-night bits, you’ll be howling along. And since you’ll be looking for more from Brooks to watch after watching, Lost in America and Defending Your Life are on Max, Modern Romance is on Tubi, and Real Life is on Kanopy.
Where to Stream: Max
Before, Now & Then (Kamila Andini)
In Before, Now & Then the social...
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (Rob Reiner)
One of the most brilliant comedic minds to ever live finally gets his due in Rob Reiner’s loving documentary. Framed around a conversation between the two, Brooks dives into all of his creative output while still proving he’s as witty as ever––and indeed, if you’ve never seen some of his early late-night bits, you’ll be howling along. And since you’ll be looking for more from Brooks to watch after watching, Lost in America and Defending Your Life are on Max, Modern Romance is on Tubi, and Real Life is on Kanopy.
Where to Stream: Max
Before, Now & Then (Kamila Andini)
In Before, Now & Then the social...
- 11/17/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner, now both 76, have been best friends since high school, having met in the drama club at Beverly Hills High. (Richard Dreyfuss was also in their class.) Both were what might now be referred to as “nepo babies” in that both of their fathers had successful careers in comedy — Rob as son of the legendary Carl Reiner, creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Albert the son of Harry Einstein (yes — his real name is Albert Einstein), a radio comedian who found fame as a character called Parkyakarkus. Harry might have gone on to greater heights had he not suffered a fatal heart attack moments after his routine at a roast of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1958. Eleven-year-old Albert was listening live on the radio that night.
We learn those amazing facts and so many more on HBO’s Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,...
We learn those amazing facts and so many more on HBO’s Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,...
- 11/11/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When I heard Rob Reiner was planning to direct a documentary on a true comic icon and genius named Albert Brooks, I thought “Now this will be good!” Reiner is not only a smart and talented filmmaker in his own right, but also a longtime friend of Brooks, with whom he went to high school and even co-starred with him in drama department productions. I am happy to report this HBO Original documentary, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, premiering Saturday night and then streaming on Max, not only more than met my high expectations but exceeded them.
Set in a plush dark red restaurant booth, the film is anchored simply by a conversation between Reiner and Brooks. The visual is almost identical to the opening scene of Brooks’ 1981 Modern Romance, where he and his girlfriend are breaking up,...
Set in a plush dark red restaurant booth, the film is anchored simply by a conversation between Reiner and Brooks. The visual is almost identical to the opening scene of Brooks’ 1981 Modern Romance, where he and his girlfriend are breaking up,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s no shortage of new shows and films to watch and enjoy this November, from Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and a new Meg Ryan-directed romcom, to the long-anticipated A Murder at the End of the World.
This month’s TV slate also sees familiar favorites making their return, including For All Mankind, The Crown (beginning its final season), and even Fargo (whose cast this season includes Juno Temple and Jon Hamm).
Similarly, you could have a pretty good November at the movies simply by catching up with some...
This month’s TV slate also sees familiar favorites making their return, including For All Mankind, The Crown (beginning its final season), and even Fargo (whose cast this season includes Juno Temple and Jon Hamm).
Similarly, you could have a pretty good November at the movies simply by catching up with some...
- 11/1/2023
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
On consecutive nights, Los Angeles’ AFI Fest presented the world premieres of very different documentaries about renowned writer-director-stars.
The Rob Reiner-helmed Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, premiering on HBO in November, is fundamentally a meeting of peers. The Stand by Me filmmaker and his subject, the auteur behind Lost in America, were high school classmates and have been lifelong chums. Their interaction is wholly amiable and the resulting film is loose, warm and without confrontation.
Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz’s Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, hitting Amazon in November, isn’t a confrontational documentary either. In one of the film’s first scenes, the Diary of a Mad Black Woman mastermind and industry mogul nonpareil is about to take the stage at the 2019 grand opening of Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios when Ortiz asks him a question, a query he concludes by calling Perry “sir.” It’s a respectful form of address,...
The Rob Reiner-helmed Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, premiering on HBO in November, is fundamentally a meeting of peers. The Stand by Me filmmaker and his subject, the auteur behind Lost in America, were high school classmates and have been lifelong chums. Their interaction is wholly amiable and the resulting film is loose, warm and without confrontation.
Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz’s Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, hitting Amazon in November, isn’t a confrontational documentary either. In one of the film’s first scenes, the Diary of a Mad Black Woman mastermind and industry mogul nonpareil is about to take the stage at the 2019 grand opening of Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios when Ortiz asks him a question, a query he concludes by calling Perry “sir.” It’s a respectful form of address,...
- 10/28/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix Debuts Trailer for Part 1 of “The Crown” Final Season
Closer than ever to coronation, Netflix has released the trailer for Part 1 of the sixth and final season of its hit period drama “The Crown.”
The final season of the series will span 1997-2005 with the four-episode Part One depicting the relationship between Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla) and the 1997 car crash in Paris that killed them.
Watch the trailer for “The Crown” Season 6, Part 1 below:
The 21-time Emmy winner will also star Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, Bertie Carvel as Tony Blair, and Salim Daw as Mohamed Al Fayed, as well as Rufus Kampa as Prince William and Fflyn Edwards as Prince Harry in Part 1 and Ed McVey as William,...
Closer than ever to coronation, Netflix has released the trailer for Part 1 of the sixth and final season of its hit period drama “The Crown.”
The final season of the series will span 1997-2005 with the four-episode Part One depicting the relationship between Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla) and the 1997 car crash in Paris that killed them.
Watch the trailer for “The Crown” Season 6, Part 1 below:
The 21-time Emmy winner will also star Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, Bertie Carvel as Tony Blair, and Salim Daw as Mohamed Al Fayed, as well as Rufus Kampa as Prince William and Fflyn Edwards as Prince Harry in Part 1 and Ed McVey as William,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Early into Broadcast News, James L. Brooks’ meditation on crises of intimacy and media, Aaron demurs to best friend and unrequited love, Jane: “Wouldn’t this be a great world if insecurity and desperation made us more attractive? If ‘needy’ were a turn-on?” It’s a good line––ironic, self-loathing, withering––made doubly funny for coming from the mouth of Albert Brooks, the artist perhaps most staunchly associated with the ironic, self-loathing, withering mode.
That Albert Brooks isn’t merely the acerbic nebbish he played in Brooks’ film or his own Modern Romance (or even Finding Nemo) is obvious. Who that person is is the subject of Rob Reiner’s new documentary for HBO, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. Conceived of as a My Dinner With Andre-esque dialogue between longtime friends, with featuring a chorus of other artists weighing in––among them Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, Conan O’Brien, Wanda Sykes,...
That Albert Brooks isn’t merely the acerbic nebbish he played in Brooks’ film or his own Modern Romance (or even Finding Nemo) is obvious. Who that person is is the subject of Rob Reiner’s new documentary for HBO, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. Conceived of as a My Dinner With Andre-esque dialogue between longtime friends, with featuring a chorus of other artists weighing in––among them Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, Conan O’Brien, Wanda Sykes,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Frank Falisi
- The Film Stage
The HBO Original documentary Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner, debuts Saturday, November 11 (8:00-9:30 p.m. Et/Pt) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Synopsis: Since the late 1960s, Albert Brooks has been a major force in American comedy with his smart, sometimes absurdist, and truly unique sense of humor. From stand-up, to acting, to writing and directing short films, to his seven, iconic, original motion pictures, including “Modern Romance,” “Lost in America,” “Mother,” and more, Brooks has paved the way for future generations and remains a comedic force in a ... Read more...
- 10/27/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
It’s strangely appropriate that Rob Reiner’s new documentary, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, is getting its film festival rollout at a moment when most of Brooks’ body of work as a writer-director is unavailable on any major streaming platform.
Maybe classics like Real Life, Lost in America and Defending Your Life will have streaming homes by the time HBO airs the documentary in November. But you know what will always be available? Finding Nemo. Brooks is justifiably revered in certain circles, but the decline of a popular monoculture since the 1970s, when his Saturday Night Live shorts and Johnny Carson appearances made his brand of irony-fueled wit pleasantly mainstream, means that for a larger audience, he’s a talking fish.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life puts Brooks in proper context both for those who already adore him and for audiences sure to want more information on a legend who,...
Maybe classics like Real Life, Lost in America and Defending Your Life will have streaming homes by the time HBO airs the documentary in November. But you know what will always be available? Finding Nemo. Brooks is justifiably revered in certain circles, but the decline of a popular monoculture since the 1970s, when his Saturday Night Live shorts and Johnny Carson appearances made his brand of irony-fueled wit pleasantly mainstream, means that for a larger audience, he’s a talking fish.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life puts Brooks in proper context both for those who already adore him and for audiences sure to want more information on a legend who,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AFI Fest, running in Los Angeles from Oct. 25-29, will feature a total of 141 films this year spread out over the five days, and will include 18 Best International Feature Oscar contenders, including newly minted nation choices “The Taste of Things” (France), “About Dry Grasses” (Turkey) and “The Captain” (Italy).
“Everyone on the AFI Fest team is proud to share this year’s selection of outstanding films from around the world with the audiences of Los Angeles,” said Todd Hitchcock, director of AFI Fest. “Cinema is truly a global language, and the diversity of screen artistry represented here will widen the horizons for all moviegoers.”
Moviegoers can also expect films that have become very hot on the festival circuit in 2023, including TIFF People’s Choice winner “American Fiction”, directed by Cord Jefferson, Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” starring Cooper and Carey Mulligan, Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers,” with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal,...
“Everyone on the AFI Fest team is proud to share this year’s selection of outstanding films from around the world with the audiences of Los Angeles,” said Todd Hitchcock, director of AFI Fest. “Cinema is truly a global language, and the diversity of screen artistry represented here will widen the horizons for all moviegoers.”
Moviegoers can also expect films that have become very hot on the festival circuit in 2023, including TIFF People’s Choice winner “American Fiction”, directed by Cord Jefferson, Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” starring Cooper and Carey Mulligan, Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers,” with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The tremendously funny, witty Albert Brooks was born on July 22, 1947. The actor, producer, writer and director began his career as a self-deprecating stand-up comic, performing several times on Johnny Carson‘s “Tonight Show” and earning a Grammy nomination for his 1975 comedy album “A Star Is Bought.” Brooks got his first break behind the camera when he was hired to direct six short films for the first season of “Saturday Night Live.” Later in 1976, he made his film debut as an actor with a dramatic role in Martin Scorsese‘s classic film “Taxi Driver.”
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for writing 1996’s “Mother” and the same Award twice from the National Society of Film Critics...
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for writing 1996’s “Mother” and the same Award twice from the National Society of Film Critics...
- 7/15/2023
- by Tom O'Brien, Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
David Finfer, the Academy Award-nominated film editor of “The Fugitive,” died on Monday following complications that resulted from a heart attack. He was 80.
Finfer was nominated for the Oscar as well as the American Cinema Editors and BAFTA awards for editing the 1993 film “The Fugitive,” which starred Harrison Ford.
He worked with Albert Brooks on several movies including “Real Life,” “”Lost in America,” “Modern Romance” and “Defending Your Life.”
Finfer’s career as a film editor took off with his first feature credit on “Ya Gotta Walk it like You Talk it or You’ll Lose that Beat.” He continued to work on a number of comedy and teen/family movies including “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Snow Day,” “Waiting…” and “The Tooth Fairy.”
His other editing credits include “Inside Out,” “Soul Man” and “Boxing Helena.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942, Finfer...
Finfer was nominated for the Oscar as well as the American Cinema Editors and BAFTA awards for editing the 1993 film “The Fugitive,” which starred Harrison Ford.
He worked with Albert Brooks on several movies including “Real Life,” “”Lost in America,” “Modern Romance” and “Defending Your Life.”
Finfer’s career as a film editor took off with his first feature credit on “Ya Gotta Walk it like You Talk it or You’ll Lose that Beat.” He continued to work on a number of comedy and teen/family movies including “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Snow Day,” “Waiting…” and “The Tooth Fairy.”
His other editing credits include “Inside Out,” “Soul Man” and “Boxing Helena.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942, Finfer...
- 4/7/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
While it’s easy enough to edit an expletive out of a song, there are many other reasons a track might fall foul of broadcasting standards or public opinion.
Some songs have been banned for referencing drugs, others for attacking the monarchy. Some were banned because it was believed they implied something sexual, despite not stating it outright.
One recent example of a song being banned is “Delilah” by Welsh crooner Tom Jones. In February, it was announced that choirs had been banned from singing the hit during their performances on rugby international matchdays at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The song’s lyrics include reference to a woman being murdered by her jealous partner.
The Welsh Rugby Union – the governing body which has recently been hit by sexism and discrimination allegations – took the song off its half-time entertainment and music playlist during Test matches in 2015. Guest choirs have also...
Some songs have been banned for referencing drugs, others for attacking the monarchy. Some were banned because it was believed they implied something sexual, despite not stating it outright.
One recent example of a song being banned is “Delilah” by Welsh crooner Tom Jones. In February, it was announced that choirs had been banned from singing the hit during their performances on rugby international matchdays at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The song’s lyrics include reference to a woman being murdered by her jealous partner.
The Welsh Rugby Union – the governing body which has recently been hit by sexism and discrimination allegations – took the song off its half-time entertainment and music playlist during Test matches in 2015. Guest choirs have also...
- 2/3/2023
- by Lizzy Cooney
- The Independent - Music
While it’s easy enough to edit an expletive out of a song, there are many other reasons a track might fall foul of broadcasting standards. Some songs have been banned for referencing drugs, others for attacking the monarchy. Some were banned because it was believed they implied something sexual, despite not stating it outright.
From stutters to sexual groans, and from coercive crooning to outer-space catastrophe, here are eight songs that were, at least temporarily, banned from airplay.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood, “Relax” (1984)
An otherwise relaxing Wednesday morning was dramatically disrupted as BBC Radio 1 breakfast show host Mike Read made a horrible realisation.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s debut single “Relax” was playing. The story goes that, upon heading the line “when you want to come”, Read lifted the needle on the record, halting it halfway through.
The irate presenter then announced he would refuse to play the...
From stutters to sexual groans, and from coercive crooning to outer-space catastrophe, here are eight songs that were, at least temporarily, banned from airplay.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood, “Relax” (1984)
An otherwise relaxing Wednesday morning was dramatically disrupted as BBC Radio 1 breakfast show host Mike Read made a horrible realisation.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s debut single “Relax” was playing. The story goes that, upon heading the line “when you want to come”, Read lifted the needle on the record, halting it halfway through.
The irate presenter then announced he would refuse to play the...
- 2/3/2023
- by Lizzy Cooney
- The Independent - Music
Rob Reiner is shooting a documentary about Albert Brooks and he’s lined up some major heavyweights to wax poetic about the filmmaker, actor and all-around comic genius.
The director tells Variety that he’s already talked to or is planning to interview fellow comedians such as Larry David, Conan O’Brien, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill, as well as Sharon Stone, who worked with Brooks on 1999’s “The Muse.”
“Albert is my really, really close friend,” says Reiner. “I’ve already spent half-a-day with Albert, just the two of us talking and doing things.”
Brooks is an Oscar-nominee for his work in hits such as “Broadcast News” and “Drive.” He has also written and directed such classics as “Modern Romance” and “Lost in America.”
Reiner talked to Variety in advance of the Cannes Film Festival where he is screening “This Spinal Tap,...
The director tells Variety that he’s already talked to or is planning to interview fellow comedians such as Larry David, Conan O’Brien, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill, as well as Sharon Stone, who worked with Brooks on 1999’s “The Muse.”
“Albert is my really, really close friend,” says Reiner. “I’ve already spent half-a-day with Albert, just the two of us talking and doing things.”
Brooks is an Oscar-nominee for his work in hits such as “Broadcast News” and “Drive.” He has also written and directed such classics as “Modern Romance” and “Lost in America.”
Reiner talked to Variety in advance of the Cannes Film Festival where he is screening “This Spinal Tap,...
- 5/18/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Lynda Obst and Miky Lee (executive producer of “Parasite”) have joined forces to tap into the Korean music wave. They will produce “K-Pop: Lost in America,” a feature-length road movie to be released in 2023.
The Cj Enm production has tapped Jk Youn, director of two of the biggest Korean movies of all time, to helm the project. With disaster action movie “Haeundae” in 2009 and melodrama “Ode to My Father” in 2014, Youn was the first person to direct two films that each scored 10 million admissions, the mark of a mega blockbuster, at the Korean box office.
The narrative in “Lost in America” revolves around a K-pop boy group that mistakenly lands in Texas with only two days left until their global debut in the New York. With no money and little time, they must make their way to New York to perform on their dream stage.
“We plan to cast...
The Cj Enm production has tapped Jk Youn, director of two of the biggest Korean movies of all time, to helm the project. With disaster action movie “Haeundae” in 2009 and melodrama “Ode to My Father” in 2014, Youn was the first person to direct two films that each scored 10 million admissions, the mark of a mega blockbuster, at the Korean box office.
The narrative in “Lost in America” revolves around a K-pop boy group that mistakenly lands in Texas with only two days left until their global debut in the New York. With no money and little time, they must make their way to New York to perform on their dream stage.
“We plan to cast...
- 8/9/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Who will rerelease their classic 1967 album The Who Sell Out as a giant reissue complete with studio outtakes, unreleased tracks, early takes, and Pete Townshend’s original demos for the LP.
The Super Deluxe edition of The Who Sell Out, due out April 23rd via UMe/Polydor, boasts 112 songs across five CDs and two 7-inch singles, including 46 unreleased tracks.
The Who Sell Out placed at Number 316 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. “The Who’s third record was their first concept album, a tribute to the U.
The Super Deluxe edition of The Who Sell Out, due out April 23rd via UMe/Polydor, boasts 112 songs across five CDs and two 7-inch singles, including 46 unreleased tracks.
The Who Sell Out placed at Number 316 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. “The Who’s third record was their first concept album, a tribute to the U.
- 2/26/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
58th New York Film Festival
An annual celebration in the finest cinematic offerings, the New York Film Festival has been a treasure trove of the latest work from seasoned auteurs along with new discoveries throughout its storied history. Now in its 58th year, the festival’s slate will be available to a wider audience than ever before. Due to the pandemic forcing theaters in New York to continue with their shutdown, Film at Lincoln Center has reimagined the event, offering nationwide virtual screenings with limited rentals as well as drive-in screenings in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We’ve shared 20 films to watch and stay tuned for coverage here.
58th New York Film Festival
An annual celebration in the finest cinematic offerings, the New York Film Festival has been a treasure trove of the latest work from seasoned auteurs along with new discoveries throughout its storied history. Now in its 58th year, the festival’s slate will be available to a wider audience than ever before. Due to the pandemic forcing theaters in New York to continue with their shutdown, Film at Lincoln Center has reimagined the event, offering nationwide virtual screenings with limited rentals as well as drive-in screenings in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We’ve shared 20 films to watch and stay tuned for coverage here.
- 9/18/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Criterion Channel’s September 2020 Lineup Includes Sátántangó, Agnès Varda, Albert Brooks & More
As the coronavirus pandemic still rages on, precious few remain skeptical about going to the movies. But while your AMCs and others claim some godlike safety from Covid, there remains a chunk of people still uncomfortable hitting up theaters. To them, we bring you the September 2020 Criterion Channel lineup.
It starts off with quite the swath of content too. Béla Tarr’s Sátántangó hits the service on September 1, and its seven-plus hours should take up a large chunk of your day. Coming soon after is a collection of more than a dozen Joan Blondell starrers from the pre-Code era, including Howard Hawks’ The Crowd Roars, three collaborations with Mervyn LeRoy, and Ray Enright & Busby Berkeley’s Dames.
For some stuff released almost a century later, the service also sees the addition of documentary bender Robert Greene. His Actress, Kate Plays Christine, and Bisbee ’17 join soon after. Janicza Bravo, director of Lemon,...
It starts off with quite the swath of content too. Béla Tarr’s Sátántangó hits the service on September 1, and its seven-plus hours should take up a large chunk of your day. Coming soon after is a collection of more than a dozen Joan Blondell starrers from the pre-Code era, including Howard Hawks’ The Crowd Roars, three collaborations with Mervyn LeRoy, and Ray Enright & Busby Berkeley’s Dames.
For some stuff released almost a century later, the service also sees the addition of documentary bender Robert Greene. His Actress, Kate Plays Christine, and Bisbee ’17 join soon after. Janicza Bravo, director of Lemon,...
- 8/25/2020
- by Matt Cipolla
- The Film Stage
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Sunday’s Season 4 premiere of Insecure. If you’d rather watch first, read later, move along.
Insecure besties Issa and Molly have split up before. But there was something different about the estrangement that was foreshadowed in Sunday’s Season 4 premiere of Issa Rae’s pitch-perfect dramedy. Before the episode flashed us back to four months prior to the block party that Issa was organizing, she told someone on the phone that “honestly, I don’t f— with Molly anymore.” And it seemed not just sad but… ominous. Now that could’ve just been...
Insecure besties Issa and Molly have split up before. But there was something different about the estrangement that was foreshadowed in Sunday’s Season 4 premiere of Issa Rae’s pitch-perfect dramedy. Before the episode flashed us back to four months prior to the block party that Issa was organizing, she told someone on the phone that “honestly, I don’t f— with Molly anymore.” And it seemed not just sad but… ominous. Now that could’ve just been...
- 4/13/2020
- TVLine.com
This past weekend, Jewel raised more than $550,000 for at-risk and homeless youth through her Live From San Quarantine: A Livestream Concert, in partnership with her Never Broken charity program.
Never Broken, a part of the Inspiring Children Foundation, was originally scheduled to host a concert fundraiser this summer with a projected $1.8 million going toward food, housing, clothing, mentoring and other necessities for at-risk or homeless youth. The concert was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On the livestream, Jewel — herself a survivor of youth homelessness — performed live from her living room with just a guitar.
Never Broken, a part of the Inspiring Children Foundation, was originally scheduled to host a concert fundraiser this summer with a projected $1.8 million going toward food, housing, clothing, mentoring and other necessities for at-risk or homeless youth. The concert was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On the livestream, Jewel — herself a survivor of youth homelessness — performed live from her living room with just a guitar.
- 3/25/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
You might feel a sense of shame watching Rotimi Rainwater’s “Lost in America,” an expansive documentary look at the issue of youth homelessness in a country where the problem seems unthinkable, and its victims are so often invisible. You are likely to ask yourself how many times you have passed by a homeless child and did not quite see them. The statistics are scary: According to a recent study, nearly 4.2 million kids live out on the streets due to heartbreaking reasons which Rainwater examines in his caring film, chronicling his six-year journey across 15 cities to grasp the breadth of the epidemic. One thing will be certain after tagging along that trip with him: Your eyesight will never skip over the homeless youth again.
That is mostly thanks to Rainwater’s approachable prose — not a feat of filmmaking perhaps, but an absorbing act of compassion nevertheless. As a person who...
That is mostly thanks to Rainwater’s approachable prose — not a feat of filmmaking perhaps, but an absorbing act of compassion nevertheless. As a person who...
- 2/28/2020
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety Film + TV
Director Rotimi Rainwater’s “Lost in America” could have easily been another forlorn look at a pervasive tragedy: childhood homelessness. The documentary is often relentless in its intention to show you just how urgent this issue is. But ultimately, it offers you something many similar films don’t — hope.
It’s not an easy thing to accomplish. From its opening scenes, we meet one young person after the next sleeping on the ground, struggling to keep the few belongings they have safe from thieves, and just barely holding on to their wills to live. But they’re not just the faceless people pushed to the margins of society so many of us are used to noticing and swiftly walking past on the sidewalk. Rainwater introduces us to who they are and helps them tell their stories.
For instance, there’s 19-year-olds Makayla and Conner, a Seattle couple who have already...
It’s not an easy thing to accomplish. From its opening scenes, we meet one young person after the next sleeping on the ground, struggling to keep the few belongings they have safe from thieves, and just barely holding on to their wills to live. But they’re not just the faceless people pushed to the margins of society so many of us are used to noticing and swiftly walking past on the sidewalk. Rainwater introduces us to who they are and helps them tell their stories.
For instance, there’s 19-year-olds Makayla and Conner, a Seattle couple who have already...
- 2/26/2020
- by Candice Frederick
- The Wrap
Jewel has returned with her first new song in four years, the emotional piano ballad “No More Tears.” The track is for documentary Lost in America, which explores youth homelessness.
“No More Tears” offers a hopeful look at trauma and showcases the resilience of someone who has dealt with immense pain. “You see love is a mystery/And I still see its shining face,” she sings on the refrain. “There are no more sad songs, just blue skies/No more tears to cry”
Lost in America offers an in-depth look...
“No More Tears” offers a hopeful look at trauma and showcases the resilience of someone who has dealt with immense pain. “You see love is a mystery/And I still see its shining face,” she sings on the refrain. “There are no more sad songs, just blue skies/No more tears to cry”
Lost in America offers an in-depth look...
- 11/14/2019
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
In today’s film news roundup, Carey Mulligan books a Netflix role and “Shottas” and “Lost in America” find homes.
Casting
Carey Mulligan is in talks to join Ralph Fiennes in the Netflix period drama “The Dig,” set at the end of World War II.
Mulligan will portray a widow who believes her land contains buried riches, and Fiennes will portray a local archaeologist. Simon Stone is directing with Gabrielle Tana producing.
The project was previously set up for BBC Films with Nicole Kidman attached. In the past, Mulligan worked with Netflix on “Mudbound” and was nominated for an Academy Award for “An Education.” She also starred with Jake Gyllenhaal in the period drama “Wildlife” last year.
Acquisition
Samuel Goldwyn Films has bought worldwide rights to the action-drama “Shottas.”
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2002, then became a hit with audiences after an unfinished bootleg leaked...
Casting
Carey Mulligan is in talks to join Ralph Fiennes in the Netflix period drama “The Dig,” set at the end of World War II.
Mulligan will portray a widow who believes her land contains buried riches, and Fiennes will portray a local archaeologist. Simon Stone is directing with Gabrielle Tana producing.
The project was previously set up for BBC Films with Nicole Kidman attached. In the past, Mulligan worked with Netflix on “Mudbound” and was nominated for an Academy Award for “An Education.” She also starred with Jake Gyllenhaal in the period drama “Wildlife” last year.
Acquisition
Samuel Goldwyn Films has bought worldwide rights to the action-drama “Shottas.”
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2002, then became a hit with audiences after an unfinished bootleg leaked...
- 8/30/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Indican Pictures has acquired the North American distribution rights to the documentary Lost in America, executive produced by Rosario Dawson and Jewel. Directed by Rotimi Rainwater, the documentary feature is the first film to take a national look at the issue of youth homelessness in America, highlighting the main issues that surround it: sex trafficking, the failure of the foster care system, and the rampant rejection of Lgbtq youth. It is slated for a theatrical release in November.
Created by Village Entertainment, in association with Go Spectrum Studios, Chhibber Mann Productions, and Lynchpin Productions, Lost In America follows director Rainwater, a former homeless youth, on his six-year journey to shine a light on the issue of youth homelessness.
The film features interviews with more than 30 youth in 15 cities, as well as politicians and public figures including Tiffany Haddish, Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Sanaa Lathan, Rebecca Gayheart-Dane. This film gives an unflinching,...
Created by Village Entertainment, in association with Go Spectrum Studios, Chhibber Mann Productions, and Lynchpin Productions, Lost In America follows director Rainwater, a former homeless youth, on his six-year journey to shine a light on the issue of youth homelessness.
The film features interviews with more than 30 youth in 15 cities, as well as politicians and public figures including Tiffany Haddish, Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Sanaa Lathan, Rebecca Gayheart-Dane. This film gives an unflinching,...
- 8/29/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
According to Newsweek, 1984 was “The Year of the Yuppie”, referring to those ferociously materialistic young professionals whose numbers blossomed during the Reagan administration. The following year Albert Brooks made Lost In America which describes what happens when one of those shallow, upwardly mobile folks decides to ditch the Mercedes, hit the road a la Easy Rider and go “touch Indians”. The results are one of the great satires in American film. Co-starring a brilliant Julie Hagerty as Brooks’ roulette-happy wife and an inspired cameo from Garry Marshall as a nonplussed casino boss.
The post Lost In America appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Lost In America appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 7/26/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Happy birthday to the tremendously funny, witty Albert Brooks, who was born on July 22, 1947. The actor, producer, writer and director began his career as a self-deprecating stand-up comic, performing several times on Johnny Carson‘s “Tonight Show” and earning a Grammy nomination for his 1975 comedy album “A Star Is Bought.” Brooks got his first break behind the camera when he was hired to direct six short films for the first season of “Saturday Night Live.” Later in 1976, he made his film debut as an actor with a dramatic role in Martin Scorsese‘s classic film “Taxi Driver.”
SEEMartin Scorsese movies: All 24 films ranked worst to best
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for...
SEEMartin Scorsese movies: All 24 films ranked worst to best
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for...
- 7/22/2019
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Barbara Claman, a casting director known for her role in helping discover stars like, George Clooney, Laura Dern and Charlie Sheen, has died. She was 89.
Claman died in her sleep on Jan. 17, according to her son, Eric Claman Sr.
Claman was an accomplished casting director in New York City and Hollywood. She began a career in show business in Manhattan, then moved to Hollywood to cast talent for television and film. She overcame gender bias in the 1970s entertainment industry and made a name for herself as a top casting director. Her innate skill for identifying stars from memory also helped her succeeded greatly before computers were used.
Before retiring in 2004, Claman was credited for casting more than 75 shows and movies, including “Lost in America,” “Days of Heaven,” “Santa Barbara,” “Zorro” and “The Changeling.”
She also volunteered at the Braille Institute of Los Angeles following her retirement and directed a...
Claman died in her sleep on Jan. 17, according to her son, Eric Claman Sr.
Claman was an accomplished casting director in New York City and Hollywood. She began a career in show business in Manhattan, then moved to Hollywood to cast talent for television and film. She overcame gender bias in the 1970s entertainment industry and made a name for herself as a top casting director. Her innate skill for identifying stars from memory also helped her succeeded greatly before computers were used.
Before retiring in 2004, Claman was credited for casting more than 75 shows and movies, including “Lost in America,” “Days of Heaven,” “Santa Barbara,” “Zorro” and “The Changeling.”
She also volunteered at the Braille Institute of Los Angeles following her retirement and directed a...
- 1/25/2019
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Barbara Claman, a casting director whose credits included three Albert Brooks films, the TV shows Silk Stalkings and Zorro and the soap opera Santa Barbara, died Jan. 17 in Winsted, Connecticut, her son said. She was 89.
Claman worked with Brooks on Lost in America (1985), Modern Romance (1981) and Defending Your Life (1991) and helped cast other films like Days of Heaven (1978), Boardwalk (1979), The Changeling (1980) and Iron Eagle (1986).
Her TV résumé also included the 1990s series Tour of Duty, Renegade, Sliders and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Claman started ...
Claman worked with Brooks on Lost in America (1985), Modern Romance (1981) and Defending Your Life (1991) and helped cast other films like Days of Heaven (1978), Boardwalk (1979), The Changeling (1980) and Iron Eagle (1986).
Her TV résumé also included the 1990s series Tour of Duty, Renegade, Sliders and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Claman started ...
- 1/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Barbara Claman, a casting director whose credits included three Albert Brooks films, the TV shows Silk Stalkings and Zorro and the soap opera Santa Barbara, died Jan. 17 in Winsted, Connecticut, her son said. She was 89.
Claman worked with Brooks on Lost in America (1985), Modern Romance (1981) and Defending Your Life (1991) and helped cast other films like Days of Heaven (1978), Boardwalk (1979), The Changeling (1980) and Iron Eagle (1986).
Her TV résumé also included the 1990s series Tour of Duty, Renegade, Sliders and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Claman started ...
Claman worked with Brooks on Lost in America (1985), Modern Romance (1981) and Defending Your Life (1991) and helped cast other films like Days of Heaven (1978), Boardwalk (1979), The Changeling (1980) and Iron Eagle (1986).
Her TV résumé also included the 1990s series Tour of Duty, Renegade, Sliders and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Claman started ...
- 1/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Every Friday, we’re recommending an older movie that’s available to stream or download and worth seeing again through the lens of our current moment. We’re calling the series “Revisiting Hours” — consider this Rolling Stone’s unofficial film club. This week: Matt Zoller Seitz on Albert Brooks’ 1985 livin’-in-the-usa comedy of Lost in America.
You might expect to see a timeless portrait of American greed, class resentment and cluelessness about money in right in the middle of a two-term Reagan era. You may not have expected it to come from Albert Brooks.
You might expect to see a timeless portrait of American greed, class resentment and cluelessness about money in right in the middle of a two-term Reagan era. You may not have expected it to come from Albert Brooks.
- 10/19/2018
- by Matt Zoller Seitz
- Rollingstone.com
In Modern Romance (1981), Albert Brooks plays Robert Cole, a feature film editor who impulsively breaks up with his long-term girlfriend, Mary. Feeling dejected, he skips work and spends the evening alone in his apartment, self-medicating with Quaaludes and chintzy pop music. This bravura sequence of slow-build comedy runs almost 10 full minutes, as Bob’s mental and physical faculties gradually decline while he flits irrationally between optimism, regret, rage and paranoia. Rather than using his mise en scène to enter Bob’s unstable headspace, Brooks’ camera captures Bob’s breakdown from a detached remove, framing him in a series of neutrally-angled wide shots which calmly track his clumsy motion through a series of tight, claustrophobic rooms. Brooks’ wonderfully understated performance nails the thought processes of a neurotic desperately trying to rationalize his actions while simultaneously being eaten away by self-doubt. One minute, he’s indulging in pseudo-profound, maudlin statements affirming a...
- 10/3/2018
- MUBI
Arthur B. Rubinstein, composer for films such as “War Games” who worked on more than 300 films and television programs, died April 23 of complications resulting from cancer. He was 80.
In the 1960s, Rubinstein composed incidental music for around 50 productions while serving as composer-in-residence for the American Conservatory Theater, the Williamstown Theater Festival, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. He continued on in the 1970s serving as a music director, both in Los Angeles and on Broadway, for shows such as “A Chorus Line,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.” Rubinstein received an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for his work as music director on Gordon Davidson’s production of “A Little Night Music.”
After moving to Los Angeles, Rubinstein composed scores for films such as “WarGames” (1983) starring Matthew Broderick, and Albert Brooks’ “Lost in America” (1985). Rubinstein earned an Emmy Award for his original music on CBS series “Scarecrow and Mrs. King.” He also scored “Shooting War,...
In the 1960s, Rubinstein composed incidental music for around 50 productions while serving as composer-in-residence for the American Conservatory Theater, the Williamstown Theater Festival, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. He continued on in the 1970s serving as a music director, both in Los Angeles and on Broadway, for shows such as “A Chorus Line,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.” Rubinstein received an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for his work as music director on Gordon Davidson’s production of “A Little Night Music.”
After moving to Los Angeles, Rubinstein composed scores for films such as “WarGames” (1983) starring Matthew Broderick, and Albert Brooks’ “Lost in America” (1985). Rubinstein earned an Emmy Award for his original music on CBS series “Scarecrow and Mrs. King.” He also scored “Shooting War,...
- 4/25/2018
- by Tara Bitran
- Variety Film + TV
On March 15, 1985, Albert Brooks unveiled his R-rated, dark road-trip comedy Lost in America in theaters. The Hollywood Reporter's original review of the Warner Bros. film is below.
Lost in America faces an uphill route to its box-office destination. Former Saturday Night Live filmmaker Albert Brooks’ third feature (after Real Life and Modern Romance) is a wry satire of modern-day social malaise, but the deadpan cerebral humor of this Geffen Co. release through Warner Bros. is likely to leave most audiences waiting for the punch line.
Brooks (who co-authored the script with partner Monica Johnson) and Airplane’s ...
Lost in America faces an uphill route to its box-office destination. Former Saturday Night Live filmmaker Albert Brooks’ third feature (after Real Life and Modern Romance) is a wry satire of modern-day social malaise, but the deadpan cerebral humor of this Geffen Co. release through Warner Bros. is likely to leave most audiences waiting for the punch line.
Brooks (who co-authored the script with partner Monica Johnson) and Airplane’s ...
- 3/15/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On March 15, 1985, Albert Brooks unveiled his R-rated, dark road-trip comedy Lost in America in theaters. The Hollywood Reporter's original review of the Warner Bros. film is below.
Lost in America faces an uphill route to its box-office destination. Former Saturday Night Live filmmaker Albert Brooks’ third feature (after Real Life and Modern Romance) is a wry satire of modern-day social malaise, but the deadpan cerebral humor of this Geffen Co. release through Warner Bros. is likely to leave most audiences waiting for the punch line.
Brooks (who co-authored the script with partner Monica Johnson) and Airplane’s ...
Lost in America faces an uphill route to its box-office destination. Former Saturday Night Live filmmaker Albert Brooks’ third feature (after Real Life and Modern Romance) is a wry satire of modern-day social malaise, but the deadpan cerebral humor of this Geffen Co. release through Warner Bros. is likely to leave most audiences waiting for the punch line.
Brooks (who co-authored the script with partner Monica Johnson) and Airplane’s ...
- 3/15/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aaron is joined by Becky D’Anna and Martin Kessler and we discuss favorite comedies, Czech films, and Lost in America. Becky is a massive Ingmar Bergman and Albert Brooks fan, so we dig deep into Brooks with Lost in America, and a little bit into Bergman. Martin is a massive Czech film expert, so we got his perspective on some of the potential Czech films that could be coming to Criterion. We also talk about the Top 100 Comedies list from the BBC, and the usual Criterion news and FilmStruck.
Episode Notes
17:30 – Czech Filmmakers
28:00 – List of Comedy Films
32:00 – Lost in America
57:00 – Short Takes
1:03:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Wrong Reel 313 – Terminator 2: Judgment Day Terminator 2: A Film That Changed My Life Reddit – Czech Phantom Pages BBC Critic’s Poll: 100 Greatest Comedies of All Time Albert Brooks – A Few Routines Episode Credits Aaron West: Twitter...
Episode Notes
17:30 – Czech Filmmakers
28:00 – List of Comedy Films
32:00 – Lost in America
57:00 – Short Takes
1:03:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Wrong Reel 313 – Terminator 2: Judgment Day Terminator 2: A Film That Changed My Life Reddit – Czech Phantom Pages BBC Critic’s Poll: 100 Greatest Comedies of All Time Albert Brooks – A Few Routines Episode Credits Aaron West: Twitter...
- 9/4/2017
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
Smack dab in the middle of the age of excess, Albert Brooks’ third directorial feature Lost in America (1985) opened theatrically, a satirical portrait of a mutated, contemporary American Dream as merely a facet of the ‘grass is always greener’ syndrome.
Continue reading...
Continue reading...
- 8/8/2017
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
David Blakeslee joins Aaron as they tear into the Criterion news, parse Bresson’s L’argent, and David talks about his post Eclipse Viewer plans. We stretch our legs some with some extensive discussions of recent news items, including a lot of talk about David Byrne, Alexander Payne, Wim Wenders, Elia Kazan, and a host of other topics.
Episode Notes
14:15 – David’s Take on October Announcements
22:40 – Wcp Film Foundation Discussion
29:45 – Six Moral Tales Out of Print
34:40 – David Byrne at Criterion
40:00 – Alexander Payne
45:35 – America, America
50:00 – Until the End of the World
56:20 – L’argent
1:15:15 – Short Takes (Valley of the Dolls, The Marseilles Trilogy)
1:23:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links CriterionCast – David Reviews Albert Brooks’ Lost in America Scorsese Film Foundation Leads Charge to Preserve Africa Cinema History CriterionCast – Trevor Reviews Robert Bresson’s L’argent CriterionCast 184 – Valley of the Dolls All of the...
Episode Notes
14:15 – David’s Take on October Announcements
22:40 – Wcp Film Foundation Discussion
29:45 – Six Moral Tales Out of Print
34:40 – David Byrne at Criterion
40:00 – Alexander Payne
45:35 – America, America
50:00 – Until the End of the World
56:20 – L’argent
1:15:15 – Short Takes (Valley of the Dolls, The Marseilles Trilogy)
1:23:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links CriterionCast – David Reviews Albert Brooks’ Lost in America Scorsese Film Foundation Leads Charge to Preserve Africa Cinema History CriterionCast – Trevor Reviews Robert Bresson’s L’argent CriterionCast 184 – Valley of the Dolls All of the...
- 8/1/2017
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
Lost In America
Blu-ray
Criterion
1985 / 1:85 / Street Date July 25, 2017
Starring: Albert Brooks, Julie Hagerty
Cinematography: Eric Saarinen
Film Editor: David Finfer
Written by Albert Brooks, Monica Johnson
Produced by Marty Katz and Herb Nanas
Music: Arthur B. Rubinstein
Directed by Albert Brooks
According to a Newsweek cover story published that same year, 1984 was “The Year of the Yuppie”, referring to those ferociously materialistic young professionals whose numbers blossomed during the Reagan administration. The following year director Albert Brooks and his co-writer Monica Johnson delivered Lost In America, an acerbic road movie detailing what happens when one of those upwardly mobile hot-shots decides to get back to nature and “touch Indians”.
The result is one of the great American comedies, a mile-a-minute talk fest worthy of writer-directors like Billy Wilder, Woody Allen and in particular Preston Sturges, whose The Palm Beach Story told a similar tale about two young-marrieds who find...
Blu-ray
Criterion
1985 / 1:85 / Street Date July 25, 2017
Starring: Albert Brooks, Julie Hagerty
Cinematography: Eric Saarinen
Film Editor: David Finfer
Written by Albert Brooks, Monica Johnson
Produced by Marty Katz and Herb Nanas
Music: Arthur B. Rubinstein
Directed by Albert Brooks
According to a Newsweek cover story published that same year, 1984 was “The Year of the Yuppie”, referring to those ferociously materialistic young professionals whose numbers blossomed during the Reagan administration. The following year director Albert Brooks and his co-writer Monica Johnson delivered Lost In America, an acerbic road movie detailing what happens when one of those upwardly mobile hot-shots decides to get back to nature and “touch Indians”.
The result is one of the great American comedies, a mile-a-minute talk fest worthy of writer-directors like Billy Wilder, Woody Allen and in particular Preston Sturges, whose The Palm Beach Story told a similar tale about two young-marrieds who find...
- 7/26/2017
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
The Criterion Collection’s July 2017 lineup features some potent and heavy material, among the heftiest offerings in terms of sombre meditations on the bleaker aspects of the human condition. From the raw depiction of postwar trauma in Roberto Rossellini’s War Trilogy, to the philosophical depth and gravitas of long-coveted titles from Robert Bresson (L’argent) and Andrei Tarkovsky (Stalker), nobody can accuse Criterion of serving up lightweight fluff in the middle of summer.
And then there’s Lost in America, a short and breezy topical comedy from the mid-1980s that might come across, at least on the surface, as the class clown of the bunch. Alongside the grim wartime, post-apocalyptic and crime-infested scenarios addressed in the other July releases, Albert Brooks’s brisk social satire of the moral vacuity of the yuppie ethos runs the risk of feeling relatively benign, even inconsequential.
That admittedly superficial take on Lost in America...
And then there’s Lost in America, a short and breezy topical comedy from the mid-1980s that might come across, at least on the surface, as the class clown of the bunch. Alongside the grim wartime, post-apocalyptic and crime-infested scenarios addressed in the other July releases, Albert Brooks’s brisk social satire of the moral vacuity of the yuppie ethos runs the risk of feeling relatively benign, even inconsequential.
That admittedly superficial take on Lost in America...
- 7/25/2017
- by David Blakeslee
- CriterionCast
Matt and Travis join Aaron again to get into the best way to eat ramen inspired by Tampopo, the likelihood of Cannes restorations coming to Criterion, whatever is the deal with Fire Walk With Me, winners at Cannes, Olympic films and the potential fit with Criterion, and plenty more.
Episode Notes
13:30 – Tampopo
24:00 – Cannes Classics 2017
30:00 – Closet Video, Phantom Pages
39:00 – Fire Walk With Me
45:00 – Short Takes (The Thin Red Line, Black Narcissus, Dry Summer)
56:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Criterion Now – Facebook Group Criterion Considered – Facebook Group Slacker Poster Lost in America Poster Isabella Morawetz Ben Wheatley’s Closet Picks Weekend Scripts – The Lord of the Fyre Episode Credits Aaron West: Twitter | Website | Letterboxd Matt Gasteieir: Twitter | Letterboxd Travis Trudell: Instagram Criterion Now: Twitter | Facebook Group Criterion Cast: Facebook | Twitter
Music for the show is from Fatboy Roberts’ Geek Remixed project.
Episode Notes
13:30 – Tampopo
24:00 – Cannes Classics 2017
30:00 – Closet Video, Phantom Pages
39:00 – Fire Walk With Me
45:00 – Short Takes (The Thin Red Line, Black Narcissus, Dry Summer)
56:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Criterion Now – Facebook Group Criterion Considered – Facebook Group Slacker Poster Lost in America Poster Isabella Morawetz Ben Wheatley’s Closet Picks Weekend Scripts – The Lord of the Fyre Episode Credits Aaron West: Twitter | Website | Letterboxd Matt Gasteieir: Twitter | Letterboxd Travis Trudell: Instagram Criterion Now: Twitter | Facebook Group Criterion Cast: Facebook | Twitter
Music for the show is from Fatboy Roberts’ Geek Remixed project.
- 5/11/2017
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
The Criterion Collection's slate for July 2017 sells itself, to be honest. Albert Brook's Lost in America is one of my personal, all-time favorites. Others may prefer Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker, Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy, or Robert Bresson's final film L'argent. Or all of them, as your preference and budgetary needs dictate. Read onward for all the details; verbiage provided by Criterion. Roberto Rossellini'S War Trilogy Roberto Rossellini is one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. And it was with his trilogy of films made during and after World War II - Rome Open City, Paisan, and Germany Year Zero - that he left his first transformative mark on cinema. With their stripped-down aesthetic, largely nonprofessional casts, and unorthodox approaches to storytelling, these intensely...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/18/2017
- Screen Anarchy
The Criterion Collection will venture to the Zone this July, and much more, as they’ve announced their new titles for the month. Andrei Tarkovsky‘s long-rumored sci-fi masterpiece Stalker will arrive with a new 2K restoration. The release will also include a new interview with author Geoff Dyer and newly translated English subtitles. Also arriving in July is Albert Brooks‘ satirical comedy Lost in America, featuring a new conversation with the director and Robert Weide, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.
One of the most notable releases of the month is Robert Bresson‘s masterful final film L’argent, which tracks a counterfeit bill through Paris, and the people it touches. Lastly, Roberto Rossellini‘s powerful War Trilogy is getting a much-deserved Blu-ray upgrade with new versions of Rome Open City, Paisan, and Germany Year Zero. Check out the high-resolution cover art below and full release details.
One of the most notable releases of the month is Robert Bresson‘s masterful final film L’argent, which tracks a counterfeit bill through Paris, and the people it touches. Lastly, Roberto Rossellini‘s powerful War Trilogy is getting a much-deserved Blu-ray upgrade with new versions of Rome Open City, Paisan, and Germany Year Zero. Check out the high-resolution cover art below and full release details.
- 4/17/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Summer 2017 is shaping up to be quite the exciting season for The Criterion Collection. In May, the library will welcome cult favorite “Ghost World” and recent Palme d’or winner “Dheepan,” while June finds Kenji Mizoguchi’s “Ugetsu,” Hitchcock’s silent classic “The Lodger” and Sam Peckinpah’s controversial “Straw Dogs” joining the club. Criterion has now added its July 2017 additions to their summer slate, and they include movies from auteurs like Tarkovsky, Rossellini and Bresson. Below is the complete list of July additions, with descriptions provided by Criterion.
Read More: The Criterion Collection Announces June Titles: ‘The Marseille Trilogy, ‘They Live by Night,’ ‘The Lodger’ and More
“Stalker” (1979) – Available July 18
Andrei Tarkovsky’s final Soviet feature is a metaphysical journey through an enigmatic postapocalyptic landscape, and a rarefied cinematic experience like no other. A hired guide—the Stalker—leads a writer and a scientist into the heart of the Zone,...
Read More: The Criterion Collection Announces June Titles: ‘The Marseille Trilogy, ‘They Live by Night,’ ‘The Lodger’ and More
“Stalker” (1979) – Available July 18
Andrei Tarkovsky’s final Soviet feature is a metaphysical journey through an enigmatic postapocalyptic landscape, and a rarefied cinematic experience like no other. A hired guide—the Stalker—leads a writer and a scientist into the heart of the Zone,...
- 4/17/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Chicago – Local Chicago filmmaking got a major debut last weekend with the premiere of “Landline,” written, directed and starring Matthew Aaron. Appropriately, he got the World Champion Chicago Cubs involved, as the plot includes a PR agency pitching a new campaign to the team. The Red Carpet walk had a couple of featured performers in the film who both are Chicago natives – Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”) and comedian Jay Washington. “Landline” has a one week run at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre (details below), and on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017, the film will be released digitally through most TV and internet providers.
Ted Gout (Matthew Aaron) is happily married to his husband Jack (Patrick Hartigan), but is suffering anxiety because he needs to land the Chicago Cubs account for his PR company. Unfortunately, his work rival Barry (Chad Michael Singer) is fighting him for it, and his boss Fiona...
Ted Gout (Matthew Aaron) is happily married to his husband Jack (Patrick Hartigan), but is suffering anxiety because he needs to land the Chicago Cubs account for his PR company. Unfortunately, his work rival Barry (Chad Michael Singer) is fighting him for it, and his boss Fiona...
- 3/31/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Aaron, Arik Devens, Scott Nye and Travis Trudell dig into the June Criterion announcements, Ingmar Bergman on FilmStruck, Canoa: A Shameful Memory, Werner Herzog versus Klaus Kinski, Iranian Cinema, and plenty of other topics including the latest news from Criterion and FilmStruck.
Episode Notes
1:50 – June Announcements
34:00 – Ingmar Bergman
43:00 – Canoa: A Shameful Memory
49:00 – Criterion Coming Soon & Misc News Items
53:00 – Short Takes (Burden of Dreams, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The House is Black, For Heaven’s Sake)
1:04:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Criterion – Ugetsu Criterion – They Live by Night Criterion – The Marseilles Trilogy Criterion – The Lodger Criterion – Straw Dogs Scott Reviews Ingmar Bergman’s The Devil’s Eye CriterionCast 173 – Ingmar Bergman’s Summer Interlude CriterionCast 174 – Ingmar Bergman’s Summer with Monika CriterionCast 175 – Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night A History of Jazz Podcast Arik Reviews Canoa: A Shameful Memory Albert Brooks Tweet about Lost in America...
Episode Notes
1:50 – June Announcements
34:00 – Ingmar Bergman
43:00 – Canoa: A Shameful Memory
49:00 – Criterion Coming Soon & Misc News Items
53:00 – Short Takes (Burden of Dreams, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The House is Black, For Heaven’s Sake)
1:04:00 – FilmStruck
Episode Links Criterion – Ugetsu Criterion – They Live by Night Criterion – The Marseilles Trilogy Criterion – The Lodger Criterion – Straw Dogs Scott Reviews Ingmar Bergman’s The Devil’s Eye CriterionCast 173 – Ingmar Bergman’s Summer Interlude CriterionCast 174 – Ingmar Bergman’s Summer with Monika CriterionCast 175 – Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night A History of Jazz Podcast Arik Reviews Canoa: A Shameful Memory Albert Brooks Tweet about Lost in America...
- 3/20/2017
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
The following editorial is written by Tim League, co-founder and CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas.
Netflix. It seems like every other interview I give asks me about the “threat” of Netflix. I’ll be blunt. Netflix doesn’t concern me, and I think it is obvious after last week that the cinema industry is of no concern to Netflix either.
We are in very different businesses.
Let me define those businesses.
Netflix is in the business of growing a global customer base by being the best value proposition subscription content platform.
And they are doing a great job. Their portal is stable, intuitive, cheap and delivers plenty of great, new content every month. They also provide a fantastic financial opportunity for both emerging and veteran storytellers. I stand in awe of the audience they have built and the wealth they have amassed in such a short time.
But here’s my business: Cinema.
Netflix. It seems like every other interview I give asks me about the “threat” of Netflix. I’ll be blunt. Netflix doesn’t concern me, and I think it is obvious after last week that the cinema industry is of no concern to Netflix either.
We are in very different businesses.
Let me define those businesses.
Netflix is in the business of growing a global customer base by being the best value proposition subscription content platform.
And they are doing a great job. Their portal is stable, intuitive, cheap and delivers plenty of great, new content every month. They also provide a fantastic financial opportunity for both emerging and veteran storytellers. I stand in awe of the audience they have built and the wealth they have amassed in such a short time.
But here’s my business: Cinema.
- 3/20/2017
- by Tim League
- Indiewire
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