Potent. Powerful. Viable. These are the words Nicole Kidman chose to describe fellow actresses over the age of 40 in her Screen Actors Guild award acceptance speech, an opportunity she used to point out the ways in which actresses were challenging perceptions and changing norms. “How wonderful it is that our careers can go beyond […]
Category Archives: Film & TV
Playing the Villain: Villains that do not embody relatable themes fail to be compelling
A movie is only as good as its villain, and a good villain is much more than a monster with maniacal laughter or a sinister-looking entity surrounded by henchmen. From the anarchist Joker to the cunning and brutal Annie Wilkes, countless successful films have earned their iconic status thanks to their antagonists. Each week, columnist […]
Three Bruins discuss their Sundance-featured films
This post was updated Jan. 25 at 1:35 p.m. This year’s Sundance Film Festival features the work of several UCLA alumni and faculty. From documentaries to drama films, the Daily Bruin takes a closer look at the involvement of three Bruins in the festival. Akin McKenzie Akin McKenzie spent his time in Oklahoma mourning roadkill, […]
Second Take: Fan edit of ‘The Last Jedi’ highlights objection toward diversity
Some headlines are so absurd that they sound like they’re from The Onion. Such was the case when I stumbled across an article reporting on an anonymous fan recut of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” that had removed all female roles. It seems exactly like something The Onion would write. The idea that someone in […]
Reel Representation: On-screen diversity must not be used to avoid controversial discussions
Sometimes, it’s wrong to bring up diversity in Hollywood. When promoting problematic or contentious film projects, actors have launched into discussions about diversity as a tool to circumvent more controversial topics. The tactic has most recently been used by actors discussing the controversy surrounding Woody Allen. Allen’s daughter, Dylan Farrow, accused the prolific director of […]
Movie review: ’12 Strong’
“12 Strong” drops more literal bombs than emotional ones in an overtly explosive new feature starring Chris Hemsworth. Based on a book by Doug Stanton, “12 Strong” details a gritty, but true, war story about the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif. Hemsworth stars as Captain Mitch Nelson, leader of a band of Special Forces soldiers who are […]
Playing the Villain: Institutional villains in film explain main character’s motives
A movie is only as good as its villain, and a good villain is much more than a monster with maniacal laughter or a sinister-looking entity surrounded by henchmen. From the anarchist Joker to the cunning and brutal Annie Wilkes, countless successful films have earned their iconic status thanks to their antagonists. Each week, columnist […]