Move over Patrick Bateman, there’s a new axe-wielding psychopath for impressionable young cinephiles to project themselves onto in town.
Film
At the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival — “My Imaginary Country” Looks at Chile, Where Protests Fill the Streets Again
Reviews of three new documentaries at TIFF: My Imaginary Country, To Kill a Tiger, and Miucha: The Voice of Bossa Nova.
Doc Talk: American Dreams, North and South, in Films by Abigail Disney and Patricio Guzmán
In their recent films two disparate documentarians – Abigail Disney, the scion of the legendary Hollywood mogul, and Patricio Guzmán, exiled Chilean socialist – investigate the past, present, and future of their nations’ essential illusions.
Film Review: “Blonde” — The Life of Marilyn Monroe, Art House Version
Crucially, Blonde lacks a sense of joy. As Marilyn Monroe crumbles into an alcohol and drug haze, this expressionistic version of her life disintegrates into a succession of discomforting, sometimes laughable, scenarios.
Film Review: “Goodnight Mommy” — A Disappointing Redo
This American remake does not have the power, the confidence of tone, or the aesthetic artistry to measure up to the horrifying original.
At 2022 Toronto International Film Festival — “The Whale” and Two Excursions into History
The Whale is a bracing two hour battle against destiny.
Television Review: Disney’s Live-Action “Pinocchio” — A Necessary Remake
There are cringe-worthy moments as well as scenes of mesmerizing beauty in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio. But I’ll go against the critical grain and argue, for several small reasons, and for one big one, that it was necessary to make it.
Film Review: “Don’t Worry Darling” — Land of the Living Dolls
As a satire on the power of male-dominated corporations to manufacture consent and conformity, Don’t Worry Darling is devilishly amusing. Though credibility is not its strong suit.
At the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival — A Realistic Satire from Brazil, A Farce from Palestine
At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, there were celebrities, studio premieres and plenty of films with modest budgets that vied for attention.
Film Review: Geek Out in “Moonage Daydream.” Oh, Yeah!
A new documentary artfully and excitingly suggests what made David Bowie tick.