The French Dispatch Is Short of Masterpiece Status

The French Dispatch, Wes Anderson’s love letter to journalism especially The New Yorker, is a mostly good film that’s well worth the wait. This film is a series of vignettes focusing on a travelogue, art, student protests, and a police kidnapping. The four stories come from the final issue of The French Dispatch, based in the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé. Outside of the city, nothing ties them together. Together, the vignettes do feature an…

"The French Dispatch Is Short of Masterpiece Status"

Quantum of Solace Shows WGA Strike’s Effect

Quantum of Solace might seem to be a disappointment following the high of Casino Royale but this is because of the 2007-08 WGA strike. Marc Forster had his work cut out for him behind the camera. It’s not so much because of him but the studio pressure to release a film on time. In a perfect world, they would have waited for the WGA strike to end. Of course, this would have pushed the film…

"Quantum of Solace Shows WGA Strike’s Effect"

At Eternity’s Gate: Willem Dafoe is Magnificent

Three-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe is magnificent in his portrayal of late painter Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity’s Gate. Vincent van Gogh (Willem Dafoe) is an interesting art figure.  While he made his mark as a painter in the Post-Impressionism movement, he wouldn’t see fame during his lifetime.  Even though his fame came after his death, there’s something fascinating about seeing his story play out on the screen.  This story comes through largely on…

"At Eternity’s Gate: Willem Dafoe is Magnificent"