One great American movies that boldly explore nihilism is "Fight Club," which challenges societal norms and consumer culture as its protagonist descends into anarchic disillusionment. "American Psycho" dissects the hollowness of excess and privilege, unraveling the emptiness beneath the veneer of success. In "Taxi Driver," a mentally disturbed protagonist navigates a decaying urban landscape, embodying nihilistic despair. "No Country for Old Men" confronts the chaotic and indifferent nature of the universe through its relentless antagonist. Meanwhile, "A Clockwork Orange" delves…

Fantasy is often listed as merely swords and sorcery. This is not to say it isn’t considered a serious cinematic force in the world. Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, as well as Game of Thrones, have helped catapult fantasy into the popular imagination, certainly, but often to a detriment. There seems to be a growing divide between what we call Fantasy and the Fantastical, although, of course, they are the same thing. What we do see is…

Mental illness is a recurring topic in the film. It can be used to explore timely issues in society (where 1 in 4 people experience some form of mental illness in their lifetimes), conduct a deep and compelling character study, or shock audiences with an unreliable protagonist. Although not all depictions of mental illness are positive—and Hollywood undoubtedly exploits the topic in damaging ways—some real masterpieces have been borne from probing a protagonist’s complex psyche. True stories and Oscar-winning performances…

Films that deal with adolescence have achieved and maintained an unrivaled cultural relevance; when done well, they are touching and relatable, a way for us to laugh at ourselves, or at least our younger, presumably sillier versions. However, following the changes in the contemporary film landscape, so-called “teen films” have also undergone a significant stylistic and thematic shift, which makes them arguably the most diverse film genre. While fan favorites like “Mean Girls” and “Clueless,” or even “Heathers” haven’t lost…

The movies of Ingmar Bergman contain multitudes. His achingly humane dramas meditate on grief, loss, the process of aging, and the inevitable wrath of death. They do so both on the surface – with the closely observed performances and gorgeous deep-focus cinematography provided by his impeccable stable of collaborators – and underneath it, as layers of intricate and complex storytelling unfurl with every rewatch. If you are scratching your head in wonder trying to decipher the essence of Bergman, you’re…

Woody Allen's expansive filmography, spanning over six decades, is a testament to his unparalleled contribution to cinema. Commencing in the 1960s, Allen's unique blend of wit, neurotic humor, and intellectualism has left an indelible mark on the industry. Early masterpieces like "Annie Hall" (1977), which earned him Academy Awards for Best Director and Original Screenplay, showcased his ability to navigate complex relationships. "Manhattan" (1979) further highlighted his distinct visual style and narrative finesse. Later works, including the enchanting "Midnight in…

2014 marked a memorable year in cinema, brimming with iconic films that defied traditional genres. Yet, amidst these well-celebrated works, films like Enemy and Under the Skin left audiences pondering their enigmatic narratives, while Locke and Frank offered unique cinematic experiences. Meanwhile, The Skeleton Twins and The Rover provided deep emotional journeys and gritty realism, respectively. As we reflect on the films that captivated audiences, it’s evident that numerous powerful works did not receive their due recognition. In tribute to these hidden treasures.

Juliette Binoche has deservingly carved out her place as perhaps her generation’s most recognizable French performer. Godard, Denis, Haneke, Kiarostami, Carax, Malle, Kieslowski, Cronenberg, Kore-eda, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Akerman, and Ferrara – just a few of global cinema’s titans who have lined up to work with this indomitable performer over the last four decades. Her face has a potency that traverses genres and borders, her vivid features capturing the burning empathy that defines her greatest roles. From her mesmerizing performance in…