Ever since 2006, when the arrival of blu-ray supplanted standard DVDs as the gold standard for home viewing I’ve been pondering: should I buy or rent? Of course, that was the same question we all confronted a decade earlier with DVDs, which not only played better but were more durable- and portable- than VHS tapes. My answer back then was … More Details

Thinking ahead to Sunday, what’s my overall impression? Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but this seems like a pretty lean year. Unquestionably, there are a few memorable films in the running, but also a lot of filler — some nominees that simply make you scratch your head in wonderment. For instance, I was stunned to find the oppressive Extremely … More Details

Just when you start believing there’s no hope for anything daring and original coming out of Movieland, something gets released that surprises you. The Artist is one such movie — and what’s new about it is that it’s old. Or rather — it’s a silent film — not just a spoof à la Mel Brooks’s Silent Movie (1976), but a … More Details

Watching Cameraman: The Life and Work Of Jack Cardiff (2010), Craig McCall’s documentary on the gifted cinematographer known for his pioneering work on some of the best films shot in Technicolor during the forties, I was reminded of all the talent, care, and effort that went into creating the particular richness of color film from that era. The British Cardiff, … More Details