Month: February 2021
Nomadland: Perspectives from the road
by Matt Ward
Few casual moviegoers will find Chloé Zhao’s latest directorial effort to be their absolute favorite film of the year, but even fewer can reasonably argue that it may be among the very best. A haunting yet powerful portrait of a hidden life across the heartland, Nomadland finds some of the best of America wandering across the country in search of boundless freedom and of … Read More Nomadland: Perspectives from the road
The United States vs. Billie Holiday: Melody a bit off-key
by Matt Ward
Directorial control over the course of a film can make or break the quality of a feature film. A strong hand at the wheel may lead to an exact, yet artistic vision that pierces the audience’s soul or a subtle touch might shine the light on a specific actor or highlight the nuances of the screenplay. Poor direction – or worse yet, ineffective direction … Read More The United States vs. Billie Holiday: Melody a bit off-key
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things: Searching for an idyllic day
by Matt Ward
True, unabashed originality in filmmaking continues to be in shorter supply every year it feels like but ensuring that new twists on familiar premises is key to making a movie feel more like homage than shot-for-shot remake. In recent memory, the Groundhog Day effect has emerged more often – characters trapped in an endless time loop – and it feels impossible to live up … Read More The Map of Tiny Perfect Things: Searching for an idyllic day
Judas and the Black Messiah: Revolution in the streets
by Matt Ward
Chicago in the late 1960s was a boiling pot of water bubbling over with racial and political tension on a near daily basis, making it ripe territory for dramatic cinema. Aaron Sorkin took his pen to the task with the Oscar-contending Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix late last year and now a better, transcendent film will hit theaters and HBO Max on … Read More Judas and the Black Messiah: Revolution in the streets
Cinematic Considerations 