The Phoenician Scheme Misses the Big Picture

In simpler terms, Anderson maintains his preferred design elements in his expanding works, but I found “The Phoenician Scheme” to indicate broadening instead of growth in his artistic journey. This film, set in 1956, moves between the Palazzo Korda, its protagonist’s large mansion, and various regions of Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia – an ambiguous Middle Eastern nation portrayed as a mix of deserts, warring factions, and colonial outposts. The film’s rhythm is driven by a thriller plot as Korda attempts to secure more funding from his partners while avoiding assassination attempts (his repeated phrase, “I feel very safe,” seems more like a chant than a statement). However, the mid-century design and quick dialogues create an intricate layer of detail that feels like shiny lacquer concealing human figures. The movie invites you to pause frames to appreciate its beauty and humor, yet fails to entice you to rewatch it as a complete piece.

Saturday Night Live Season-Finale Recap: Scarlett Johansson Gets the Job Done

Scarlett Johansson is an actor I really admire, and she seems perfect for the finale. Apart from her well-known stardom and acting talents, she’s connected to Saturday Night Live (SNL) as she frequently appears in cameos or is mentioned in jokes about her husband Colin Jost. However, she hasn’t quite reached the level of Steve Martin or Alec Baldwin yet, but she has become the female host with the most appearances on SNL, surpassing Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore. It was heartwarming to see her sing along with the rest of the cast during a more serious monologue. The SNL-themed “Piano Man” parody offered an appropriate introduction to celebrate this memorable season.

Nouvelle Vague Makes a Case for the Ambition of Youth

The film “Nouvelle Vague” doesn’t quite reach the same level of greatness, but it excels at portraying how creating something revolutionary can blur with simply causing chaos. The character Jean-Luc, portrayed by Guillaume Marbeck in his first feature, isn’t very comforting, always donning sunglasses and quoting profoundly from the masters. The film, primarily in French, is a remarkable achievement in casting, boasting an ensemble rich with newcomers and unknowns. Aubry Dullin, who plays Belmondo, stands out as a remarkable discovery, embodying the eccentric charm of the screen legend. In contrast, Zoey Deutch, reflective of Seberg’s established career, is the film’s only recognized actor. As the professional in the room, her face often contorts in frustration during non-filming moments. Tension in “Nouvelle Vague” arises primarily from Jean-Luc’s conflicts with Jean, seeking a script or a plan, or any guarantee against humiliation, and with producer Georges de Beauregard (Bruno Dreyfürst), who desires the same things and also seeks assurance that he won’t lose his investment.

Jennifer Lawrence Says Motherhood Shaped Her Role in Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love

The reporter questioned the cast regarding how becoming parents had impacted their views on their careers and life’s true priorities, given that success in acting often involves a strong ego and prolonged time in the limelight. With a puzzled expression, Pattinson seemed to urge Lawrence to respond first, which she did after some laughter from her co-stars and Ramsay.

Doctor Who Recap: Face the Music

In the current week, we find ourselves at a station orbiting space, participating in the Interstellar Song Contest – the equivalent of Eurovision in 2925. Remarkably, television host Rylan Clark has survived through cryogenic preservation, and alongside the Doctor, Belinda takes a seat to watch the performance. From the audience, Mrs. Flood signals a device and notes that the vindicator is now “prepared and poised” as “the last step.” However, before we understand her meaning, our focus shifts towards another operation in progress.

Kristen Stewart on Why The Chronology of Water Is ‘Like a Female Orgasm’

The outcome is a primal scream, gritty yet poetic, and an exceptional display of Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch, with Stewart having adapted the memoir of the same name for the screen. Chronology exhibits a complex narrative, both structurally and visually, experimenting with time, space, memory, and abundant bodily fluids – tears, spit, sweat, semen, urine, blood, vomit. This film delves into themes of pain and pleasure, abuse and addiction, love and sex, and the struggle of women to maintain their identity. I had a chance to converse with Stewart, adorned in Chanel and sporting a vibrant streak of pink in her blonde hair, on a terrace overlooking Cannes to discuss the intense process of creating this film, obtaining the rights to Fiona Apple’s songs, inventing a unique cinematic language, Poots’s strong presence, and the recent tattoos inspired by Chronology that Stewart received just before her arrival in France.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Recap: Mommy Has to Work

Today marks the departure for the girls’ trip to Scottsdale, but Jen is nowhere to be found. Worried, Whitney visits her house for a wellness check. Upon arrival, it becomes apparent that Jen is severely unwell. Yesterday, she experienced some events, yet she remains uncertain about what transpired. She confides in Whitney that she’s struggling with depression and has reached a critical low point. Disturbingly, she had thoughts the previous day that she “didn’t want to be here anymore.” This situation calls for an urgent MOMTOK RED ALERT. Regardless of personal feelings towards Jen, her current condition is unsuitable for reality television broadcasting. Nobody should find themselves in this position! Immediately, Whitney switches into mom mode, tidying up all the food waste while simultaneously executing almost every step that could be found in a clinically sound action plan.

Jia Zhangke on the ‘Stargazing’ Mysteries of Caught by the Tides

Now, the film “Caught by the Tides,” which made its debut at Cannes last year and is now opening in U.S. cinemas, defies simple categorization. It’s a unique blend of narrative, documentary, and collage that focuses on a complex romance between characters Qiaoqiao (played by Zhao Tao) and Brother Bin (Li Zhubin). The storyline, spanning several decades, meanders in various directions with no strict plot. The film is set in the industrial coal-mining city of Datong, located in China’s Northern Shanxi Province. This setting, along with the actors, particularly Zhao, are familiar from many of the director’s previous works.

The Emmys Can’t Ignore TV’s Spy Obsession Much Longer

Previously, the Emmys honored two spy-themed shows – “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Slow Horses” – among its Outstanding Drama Series nominees, even though they didn’t win against “Shōgun”. Nevertheless, this indicates that Emmy voters are receptive to the growing interest in espionage on television, a trend we can expect to continue. This year, both “Slow Horses” and Peacock’s U.K. collaboration with Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, titled “The Day of the Jackal”, seem poised to capture Emmy voters’ attention as potential repeat nominees. Additionally, Netflix’s series “Black Doves”, starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, is a standout spy show that explores the idea of spying with your best friend by your side, adding an element of fun to the genre.

The Rehearsal Recap: A Bit Convoluted

Similar to the previous season when the “Nathan” character increasingly took over rehearsals, Fielder tends to leave his fellow cast members and pilots in “Washington” aside, positioning himself awkwardly within the shot. Utilizing his connections with Warner Bros. Discovery, he discovers a lobbying division capable of connecting him with the congressional aviation subcommittee and its Louisiana chairman, Garret Graves. However, before making these connections, Fielder must practice his role as an authentic spokesperson for aviation safety – which involves constructing a new set, hiring actors to study committee members, filling the audience with performers tasked with reacting to testimonies as real people would. Initially, John Goglia, who was previously the head of the NTSB, gives off an “Oh dear, what have I signed up for?” impression. He’s unwittingly been maneuvered into a humorous disaster.