The Jazz Singer The Jazz Singer
Hollywood's first talking film marked the beginning of the end for some of cinema's biggest stars, but it did preserve the talent of Al Jolson on celluloid.
Feb 1, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Alexander Bakshy
A City Made of Waste A City Made of Waste
Across the border from San Diego in Tijuana, a spontaneous urban space is taking shape off the radar of city planners, as an affluent city sheds its aging houses and its pieces are...
Jan 29, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Teddy Cruz
Back Talk: Nato Thompson Back Talk: Nato Thompson
A conversation with Nato Thompson on experimental geography, Trevor Paglen and the outlook for the arts.
Jan 28, 2009 / Back Talk Conversations / Christine Smallwood
Star Wars Star Wars
The only film ever made that could be said to have cost the United States government billions--in a missile defense system that only Hollywood could make work.
Jan 25, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
The Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath
Hollywood was concerned that the saga of the Joads might send a "pro-Communist" message, but in the end, even Whittaker Chambers liked this film, which says something.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
The Godfather The Godfather
If one Paramount exec had his way, Don Corleone would have been played by Danny Thomas. Fortunately, Francis Coppola had no interest in turning Mario Puzo's novel into Make Room Fo...
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
City Lights City Lights
Though the era of talking films was well underway, this lovely silent film about the Little Tramp and a poor blind girl remained Charlie Chaplin's personal favorite.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Alexander Bakshy
Harlan County, USA Harlan County, USA
Barbara Kopple spent thirteen months living and breathing the dust of a brutal coal strike. Out of it came this groundbreaking documentary.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
Hammerheads: David Mamet’s Money Plays Hammerheads: David Mamet’s Money Plays
As David Mamet's views become more Manichaean, he's squared the jaws of his tough guys.
Jan 22, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Alisa Solomon
Rock for Barack Rock for Barack
A concert unlike any Washington has seen unfolded Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial, expressing the hopes and dreams of a nation on the cusp of enormous change.
Jan 19, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Corbin Hiar