The United States is “my country, right or wrong,” of course, and I consider myself a patriotic person, but I’ve never felt that patriotism meant blind fealty to the idea of America’s rightful dominance over global politics or culture, and certainly not to its alleged preferred status on God’s short list of favored nations, or that allegiance to said country was a license to justify or rationalize every instance of misguided, foolish, narrow-minded domestic or foreign policy.
In 2012, when this piece was first posted, it seemed like a good moment to throw the country’s history and contradictions into some sort of quick relief, and the most expedient way of doing that for me was to look at the way the United States (and the philosophies at its core) were reflected in the movies, and not just the ones which approached the country head-on as a subject.
In 2012, when this piece was first posted, it seemed like a good moment to throw the country’s history and contradictions into some sort of quick relief, and the most expedient way of doing that for me was to look at the way the United States (and the philosophies at its core) were reflected in the movies, and not just the ones which approached the country head-on as a subject.
- 7/2/2017
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Michael Ritchie’s acerbic satire on the backroom maneuvers of political campaigning seems like a soothing bedtime story compared to the surreal finale of the 2016 campaign. Robert Redford found his perfect casting as the pretty boy candidate who gains in the polls as he allows his true convictions to fall by the wayside. Peter Boyle and Melvyn Douglas also shine as, respectively, the seasoned political operative and a sagacious old pol. Vet supporting actor Don Porter makes the most of the role of a lifetime as silver-haired Crocker Jarman, Redford’s canny opponent. Screenwriter Jeremy Larner won the Oscar for Best Screenplay.
- 11/11/2016
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
In the early 1970s, Jeremy Larner realized Hollywood wasn’t for him. The socially minded writer and journalist had published five different books by his early 30s; one, Drive, He Said, was even turned into a movie directed by Jack Nicholson. Still, something was missing. The narrowness of the film industry was stifling, the bowing and scraping necessary in a company town too constrictive to be tolerable. So after a year in Los Angeles, Larner packed his bags and moved to Cambridge, Mass., where he took up a fellowship at the Harvard Institute of Politics. There, in the summer of 1971,
read more...
read more...
- 11/7/2016
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tensions are coming to a head over the approaching Oscars, as many stars continue to voice their opinions on the lack of diversity in this year's nominations while Academy members rush to defend the storied ceremony. Backlash against the Academy has been strong in the week following the announcement of the 2016 Oscar nominations, as many stars have publicly scoffed at the complete snub of non-white actors. While some big names have decided to skip the ceremony altogether - and are calling for host Chris Rock to do the same - others point to a larger diversity issue in Hollywood. Following...
- 1/20/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble
- PEOPLE.com
Tensions are coming to a head over the approaching Oscars, as many stars continue to voice their opinions on the lack of diversity in this year's nominations while Academy members rush to defend the storied ceremony.
Backlash against the Academy has been strong in the week following the announcement of the 2016 Oscar nominations, as many stars have publicly scoffed at the complete snub of non-white actors. While some big names have decided to skip the ceremony altogether – and are calling for host Chris Rock to do the same – others point to a larger diversity issue in Hollywood.
Following Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs' statement,...
Backlash against the Academy has been strong in the week following the announcement of the 2016 Oscar nominations, as many stars have publicly scoffed at the complete snub of non-white actors. While some big names have decided to skip the ceremony altogether – and are calling for host Chris Rock to do the same – others point to a larger diversity issue in Hollywood.
Following Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs' statement,...
- 1/20/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble
- People.com - TV Watch
We've heard from several prominent people of color (and Janet Hubert) about the all-white Oscar acting nominees. Now, I guess, we have to hear from the defensive white people who voted for those nominees. The Hollywood Reporter let a few Academy members give their side of the story, unchallenged. Actress Penelope Ann Miller, whose upcoming projects got a plug in the magazine, said she "voted for a number of black performers" and finds it "extremely offensive" to be considered racist because actors of color didn't get enough votes from other people. "I don't want to be lumped into the category of being a racist," she said. That sentiment was echoed by a member of the Academy who asked to remain anonymous (brave!), who said: "I'm very offended by the idea that some people are calling us racists ... Such a sweeping declaration is extremely irresponsible." Yeah, guys, it must suck to...
- 1/20/2016
- by Sara Morrison
- Hitfix
Young Robert Redford and politics: 'The Candidate' and 'All the President's Men' (photo: Robert Redford as Bob Woodward in 'All the President's Men') A young Robert Redford can be seen The Candidate, All the President's Men, Three Days of the Condor, and Downhill Racer as Turner Classic Movies' Redford series comes to a close this evening. The world of politics is the focus of the first three films, each one of them well-regarded box-office hits. The last title, which shows that politics is part of life no matter what, is set in the world of competitive sports. 'The Candidate' In the Michael Ritichie-directed The Candidate (1972), Robert Redford plays idealistic liberal Democrat Bob McKay, who, with no chance of winning, is convinced to run against the Republican incumbent in a fight for a California seat in Congress. See, McKay is too handsome. Too young. Too liberal.
- 1/28/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Chicago – Veteran actor Bruce Dern is now up to bat. That is how he describes what is at stake in his role as Woody in director Alexander Payne’s new film, “Nebraska.” But this film icon – with an over 50 year career – also has plenty other stories to offer, regarding Jack Nicholson, his family, his life and performing a “Derns-ser.”
Bruce Dern began his on-screen career in TV beginning in 1960, taking various character parts during that era, with regular cowboy roles in “Wagon Train,” “The Virginian” and “The Big Valley.” He made his film debut in the horror classic “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” (1964), and created memorable characters in such diverse films as “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They” (1969), “Drive, He Said” (1971), “The Great Gatsby” (1974), “Smile” (1975) and “Family Plot” (1976). Recent films include roles in “Monster” (2003), “The Astronaut Farmer” (2006) and as Frank Harlow in the HBO series “Big Love” (2006-11). He was nominated...
Bruce Dern began his on-screen career in TV beginning in 1960, taking various character parts during that era, with regular cowboy roles in “Wagon Train,” “The Virginian” and “The Big Valley.” He made his film debut in the horror classic “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” (1964), and created memorable characters in such diverse films as “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They” (1969), “Drive, He Said” (1971), “The Great Gatsby” (1974), “Smile” (1975) and “Family Plot” (1976). Recent films include roles in “Monster” (2003), “The Astronaut Farmer” (2006) and as Frank Harlow in the HBO series “Big Love” (2006-11). He was nominated...
- 11/19/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Election Day is just around the corner, and depending on your view of the current state of The Republic, you can look at that day in one of two ways:
It’s a national celebration of history’s greatest, most successful democracy, demonstrating our ability to freely choose our leadership and peacefully see the baton of power passed to the next man;
Or –
It’s a national embarrassment, history’s greatest, most successful democracy squandering it’s hard-won freedoms in a campaign for leadership poisoned by oversimplification, appeals to gut-level fears rather than the intellect, claims and charges plagued by inflation, distortion, and outright falsehood, and warped and distorted by the infusion of tens of millions of dollars from vested interests.
Either way, we still have to get through the day.
So, for those of you who just want to pull the shades and wait for the noise to die down,...
It’s a national celebration of history’s greatest, most successful democracy, demonstrating our ability to freely choose our leadership and peacefully see the baton of power passed to the next man;
Or –
It’s a national embarrassment, history’s greatest, most successful democracy squandering it’s hard-won freedoms in a campaign for leadership poisoned by oversimplification, appeals to gut-level fears rather than the intellect, claims and charges plagued by inflation, distortion, and outright falsehood, and warped and distorted by the infusion of tens of millions of dollars from vested interests.
Either way, we still have to get through the day.
So, for those of you who just want to pull the shades and wait for the noise to die down,...
- 11/2/2012
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
Needle Park, an area in New York in which heroin addicts hung out, scored drugs, shot up and generally killed time. Introducing us to this area is Bobby (Al Pacino) and Helen (Kitty Winn), a pair of addicts who dream of a different life but seem set on a path that seems to have no possibility of a happy ending.
Based on a book by James Mills, also titled Panic in Needle Park and equally as grim, the script for Panic in Needle Park was written by married writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne. The script, and indeed director Jerry Schatzberg’s approach, is rooted in capturing an essence of the real lives of the people it is striving to represent. The efforts to capture these lives is very reminiscent of works such The Addict in the Street, originally published in 1964 and written by Jeremy Larner and Ralph Tefferteller,...
Based on a book by James Mills, also titled Panic in Needle Park and equally as grim, the script for Panic in Needle Park was written by married writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne. The script, and indeed director Jerry Schatzberg’s approach, is rooted in capturing an essence of the real lives of the people it is striving to represent. The efforts to capture these lives is very reminiscent of works such The Addict in the Street, originally published in 1964 and written by Jeremy Larner and Ralph Tefferteller,...
- 9/5/2011
- by Craig Skinner
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"A smart, confident kick start to what looks like being a notably strong Venice film festival, The Ides of March showcases George Clooney, its director, co/writer and joint lead actor, back in the politically committed mood that spawned Syriana and Good Night, and Good Luck." The Telegraph's David Gritten: "A political thriller exploring themes of loyalty, ambition and the gap between public ideals and private fallibility, it engages the brain within the context of a solid entertainment." 4 out of 5 stars.
At the Playlist, Oliver Lyttelton sets it up: "Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is something of a wunderkind. Still in his 20s, he’s a senior adviser to the campaign of Democratic primary candidate Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). Morris seems to be the real deal, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of candidate, and Myers had never been more fired up, particularly with mentor Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) at the helm, and...
At the Playlist, Oliver Lyttelton sets it up: "Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is something of a wunderkind. Still in his 20s, he’s a senior adviser to the campaign of Democratic primary candidate Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). Morris seems to be the real deal, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of candidate, and Myers had never been more fired up, particularly with mentor Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) at the helm, and...
- 9/1/2011
- MUBI
DVD Playhouse December 2010
By
Allen Gardner
America Lost And Found: The Bbs Story (Criterion) Perhaps the best DVD box set released this year, this ultimate cinefile stocking stuffer offered up by Criterion, the Rolls-Royce of home video labels, features seven seminal works from the late ‘60s-early ‘70s that were brought to life by cutting edge producers Bert Schneider, Steve Blauner and director/producer Bob Rafelson, the principals of Bbs Productions. In chronological order: Head (1968) star the Monkees, the manufactured (by Rafelson, et al), American answer to the Beatles who, like it or not, did make an impact on popular culture, particularly in this utterly surreal piece of cinematic anarchy (co-written by Jack Nicholson, who has a cameo), which was largely dismissed upon its initial release, but is now regarded as a counterculture classic. Easy Rider (1969) is arguably regarded as the seminal ‘60s picture, about two hippie drug dealers (director Dennis Hopper...
By
Allen Gardner
America Lost And Found: The Bbs Story (Criterion) Perhaps the best DVD box set released this year, this ultimate cinefile stocking stuffer offered up by Criterion, the Rolls-Royce of home video labels, features seven seminal works from the late ‘60s-early ‘70s that were brought to life by cutting edge producers Bert Schneider, Steve Blauner and director/producer Bob Rafelson, the principals of Bbs Productions. In chronological order: Head (1968) star the Monkees, the manufactured (by Rafelson, et al), American answer to the Beatles who, like it or not, did make an impact on popular culture, particularly in this utterly surreal piece of cinematic anarchy (co-written by Jack Nicholson, who has a cameo), which was largely dismissed upon its initial release, but is now regarded as a counterculture classic. Easy Rider (1969) is arguably regarded as the seminal ‘60s picture, about two hippie drug dealers (director Dennis Hopper...
- 12/20/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Up until Election Day on November 4th, we'll be taking a look at one movie every day that involves an election, which gives us seven great political movies to discuss. With only 1 more day to go, it's time for the last entry in our list! The Candidate (1972) I saved this movie for last, because out of the seven movies we’ve looked at, I believe that this one applies to the current election the most. Written by former Eugene McCarthy screenwriter Jeremy Larner, this Oscar-winning film charts the progress of an unlikely candidate seeking a seat in the Senate. Robert Redford stars as Bill McKay, a California lawyer fighting for liberal causes who originally has no interest in a political career. An election specialist (Peter Boyle), believing that McKay has the right looks to be elected Senator, seeks him out and tells him that Democrats won’t win against long-time...
- 11/4/2008
- by Arya Ponto
- JustPressPlay.net
He's hitting the campaign trail again. Variety reports that Robert Redford and screenwriter Larry Gelbart are working on a sequel to Redford's 1972 film The Candidate. Redford plans to produce, direct, and star in the film, which will feature Redford as the same candidate, Bill McKay, years later. The 1972 film, directed by Michael Ritchie, proved to be one of Redford's most memorable, and Jeremy Larner's screenplay about an idealistic California lawyer's run for the Senate nabbed an Oscar. Warner Bros. will distribute the film.
- 10/24/2002
- IMDbPro News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.