Posts in Culture
The Fourth Movement

Blanchett is titanic, disappearing into a character consumed by ego and self-interest. Lydia Tár must be many things: a virtuoso pianist (Blanchett learned), a German speaker (she learned), a conductor (Blanchett’s physicality from behind the rostrum affronts the view), and someone capable of speaking as an absolute authority on matters of classical music.

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CultureEthan DeLehman
Hiding from the Black Cloud

It's hard not to admire the sheer ambition on display and the profound oddity of the story and performances. It's a big swing with a big budget. But it's also a hell of a good time if you're willing to give yourself over to the madness.

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CultureEthan DeLehman
Don't Look Up: The End is Here

The film purports to make meaningful observations on the state of modern media, on our current political climate, on the age of disinformation. It doesn't. It serves the audience an enormous steak, well-done to the point of being burnt, and an abundance of sides, all of which are missing crucial ingredients.

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CultureEthan DeLehman
Red Rocket: American Delusion

Whereas the majority of movies in theaters now take place in established cinematic locales (i.e., New York and Los Angeles), Red Rocket continues the project Baker started with 2015's Tangerine and 2017's The Florida Project by depicting those American communities typically left undiscussed.

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CultureEthan DeLehman
Stepping Into the House of Gaga

With each pronounced step Patrizia arrives over and over again to the adulation of countless male laborers in the area. It's as though they can't help but applaud and thank her simply for being there. The movie theater audience is no different. From first blush she arrests your attention and all you can do is smile and sit, almost unblinking, until she's done.

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CultureEthan DeLehman