Despite the fact that Macaulay Culkin’s character in “A Real Pain” is known for being a charismatic, disorganized individual who often speaks in spontaneous monologues, this has sparked a lingering question among awards season spectators. Essentially, they wonder if Culkin is winning so many awards because he’s essentially playing a version of himself.
Are you a bit anxious before watching the upcoming episodes, even though you already know what’s going to happen? It’s quite unnerving to reexperience events and see yourself on screen again.
A significant characteristic of Iranian cinema is its exploratory nature – a propensity to delve into multiple perspectives of a story, encompassing both reality and the abstract. This inclination can be attributed, in part, to the division between public and private life in Iran following the 1979 revolution, which has created a dichotomy where people’s outward expressions may not always align with their inner desires or yearnings. Filmmakers such as Abbas Kiarostami didn’t invent this exploration, but they certainly expanded it by using filmmaking itself as a storytelling tool, demonstrating that we all play roles for both our known and unknown acquaintances. Kiarostami’s impact has reached far beyond other Iranian directors, inspiring filmmakers to adopt a humanistic approach where every character – from immigrants to criminals, children to struggling adults, and young lovers in prohibited relationships – is portrayed with complex inner motivations and raw vulnerability.
Fallon, catching his breath, made a reference to SNL during his opening monologue following his energetic Blues Brothers tribute performance accompanied by The Roots. His candidness was evident throughout the show; at one point, he jokingly remarked, “This is thrilling – there are thousands of people here, and hundreds more watching on Peacock.
I’m pointing out that Snatch Game holds significance this season, even though history suggests otherwise. This notion is reinforced by the fact that many of the top contenders received criticism this week and the show seems to be placing emphasis on it. For instance, a well-known contestant (Crystal) was eliminated when a less prominent one (Lana) could have been sufficient. A leading candidate (Suzie) was demoted, and there was much discussion about why that was important. Additionally, two contestants (Jewels and Lexi) received significant boosts during judging, with Lexi receiving praise despite not being in the top or bottom. The show seems to be using Snatch Game as a platform to emphasize that Lexi is a rising star, even if she hasn’t fully shown her comedic potential yet. In summary, it’s all quite intriguing.
In the narrative, we delve deeper as Brian recounts his backstory to Dr. Paul Petrie, who will later become his first victim. Following his departure from the Morgans, Brian’s aggressive tendencies surface at every new residence he is assigned. His life takes a turn at Harbor Light Mental Hospital, where he is diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder and some professionals even label him as a psychopath. It’s challenging to conceive of an alternative fate for Brian, given his history of animal mutilation that predates the traumatic experiences he attributes to his transformation into a serial killer. As an adult and after being discharged from the hospital, Brian seems to have found tranquility. Petrie is taken aback by this, but Brian’s relentless pursuit of reconnecting with Dexter raises concerns. If Brian continues to press, Petrie warns, he will be forced back to Harbor Light. This threat, though ambiguous, provides enough motivation for Brian to act aggressively, ultimately leading to the brutal assault and murder of Petrie using a fire poker. The series Original Sin dedicates significant screen time to Brian’s origin story, which may feel like a misleading tactic in some eyes, but personal opinions on this matter may differ.
The story of the former wayward character, known previously as “Ex-Degenerate”, opens with a reminiscent scene from 2017, just before Johnny crossed paths with Miguel at the start of the series. We see him in a familiar state, trapped in a cycle with no discernible route to a secure and contented life. Given his current circumstances, it’s not surprising that Johnny faces such significant challenges in the present day, as he prepares to confront a man he acknowledges is younger and more powerful than himself. Usually self-assured, even when mistaken, Johnny struggles to concentrate, haunted by past mistakes and fearing that tomorrow will only reinforce his international reputation as a failure.
One challenge when attending grand festivals like Cannes is the apprehension of overlooking hidden treasures – the films by less established directors that are shown outside of the competition, in various programs. This concern intensifies at Cannes because while the main festival with its red carpets and lengthy standing ovations continues, numerous side festivals also take place, each featuring a diverse selection of international movies. Among these, Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week are the most well-known. Although they are collectively referred to as Cannes, people on the ground often grapple daily between watching big films starring renowned actors (many of which are indeed impressive) and smaller ones screened in different locations along the Croisette. Some of these lesser-known films are truly exceptional – for instance, Directors’ Fortnight has been the platform for films like Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider” (2017), Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” (2017), and Céline Sciamma’s “Girlhood” (2014). Remarkably, it also premiered classics such as “Mean Streets” (1973) and “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972). This year, it showcased what could be the best film I’ve seen at Cannes – Matthew Rankin’s “Universal Language.
As a die-hard film enthusiast, I delve into the enigmatic world of “Severance: Seven Questions” every week to dissect the mind-bending twists of one of TV’s most intricate series. Each episode analysis focuses on the oddest, most puzzling, and critical plot points left unanswered, offering theories – some might even call them wild!
I’m excitedly sharing some spoiler insights from the second season’s “Trojan’s Horse” episode of Severance, which aired on Apple TV+ on Valentine’s Day. As a devoted fan, I simply can’t resist delving into the latest twists and turns!