The Tense Tale of ‘Black Butterfly’ Almost Twists Itself Apart
Imagination and violence collide in this story within a story.
N. A. Cordova
N. A. Cordova is an independent scholar who studies electronic media with a focus on music related media and cinema.
Each Song Is a Thought, Flying Across the Ocean for Do Make Say Think’s Charles Spearin
Charles Spearin discusses the themes and processes behind Do Make Say Think's latest album Stubborn Persistent Illusions.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Has to Do Some Heavy Lifting in ‘Aftermath’
Aftermath strips away the action and relies solely on Schwarzenegger to carry the story.
Criterion’s ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ Includes the Original Six Films in the Series
This series of films about a masterless samurai bent on revenge while protectively raising his son features moments of pastoral silent beauty juxtaposed with quick stylized violence.
‘ Ghost in the Shell’: Sometimes Discovering Your Identity Means Fighting a Spider Tank
This version of the long running franchise focuses on visually dazzling aesthetics and beautifully choreographed action -- and spider tanks.
The Most Hated Woman in America: An Interview With Filmmakers Irene Turner and Tommy O’Haver
PopMatters spoke with writer Irene Turner and director Tommy O'Haver during SXSW 2017 about the remarkable life and death of Madalyn Murray O'Hair.
This Is How You Break Into My House to Find Me: An Interview with Sxip Shirey
Sxip Shirey found recent success with "Woman of Constant Sorrow", and now discusses robotic bells, the pleasure of composing for circuses, and his new album A Bottle of Whiskey and a Handful of Bees.
‘Aleksandr Sokurov: Russian Ark’ Serves as a Succinct Companion to the Landmark Film
At once a production history, a film analysis and a history of the Hermitage Museum, the Chair of the Film Studies at Aberystwyth University has written a concise and thought-provoking volume.
‘Heart of a Dog’: The Sublime Journey of Lolabelle
Laurie Anderson's story of her rat terrier features moments of clever emotional connection.
The Cool Cats of Istanbul: ‘Kedi’
Beautifully framed images of humans interacting with stray cats tell stories of hope and survival in Istanbul.
‘Arsenal’: Saving Your Brother From Himself
This small entertaining genre movie about the strengths and dangers of brotherhood transcends its shortcomings.
‘Songs My Brothers Taught Me’: Coming of Age on the Reservation
Chloé Zhao and her team have created an emotionally compelling neo-realist portrait of a family and their community experiencing the stresses and pressures of post-colonial life.