University of Minnesota Press

June Short Fuses – Materia Critica

Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

The power of Allen Ginsberg’s legacy could be felt in the controversy over the decision to award Bob Dylan the Nobel Prize in Literature.

John Vassos, Industrial Design for Modern Life is not only an essential book for designers, but for those who love the history of design.

Murray Talks Music shows how brilliant Albert Murray could be even when he didn’t have time to polish his prose.

In “Les Diaboliques” readers must expect quite a lot of crime and some misogyny as well.

Tom Connolly August 5, 2021 at 12:04 pm on Film Feature: Best of American Film Noir, 1940-1959 — An International PollI have to agree that "Notorious" is not a film noir. Yes, Hecht’s script does give the expat Nazis’ dialogue...
Bill Marx, Editor of The Arts Fuse August 5, 2021 at 9:08 am on Film Feature: Best of American Film Noir, 1940-1959 — An International PollSometimes a definition becomes a straitjacket. The Criterion Collection calls Notorious a "spy-noir." Hitchcock's style certainly fits the bill and...
Paul Robicheau August 4, 2021 at 9:29 pm on Concert Review: Newport Jazz Festival 2021 — A Musical AffirmationYeah, that was unfortunate, though I didn't find the sound as bad from where I was standing near the soundboard...
Paul Robicheau August 4, 2021 at 9:26 pm on Concert Review: Newport Jazz Festival 2021 — A Musical AffirmationShe's great, but unfortunately I couldn't see everything. She should be back -- and hopefully not just a first set...
Gerald Peary August 4, 2021 at 8:51 pm on Film Feature: Best of American Film Noir, 1940-1959 — An International PollBill Marx is wondering why Hitchcock's Notorious didn't make the "Best of Noir" list. Probably because most people wouldn't consider...