-
Sentimental Value (2025): The Father Who Could Only Love Through a Lens
Joachim Trier’s film “Sentimental Value” explores how art can both heal and harm a broken family. It follows filmmaker Gustav Borg, played by Stellan Skarsgård, as he reconnects with estranged daughters through a script based on their family trauma. While the film critiques Gustav’s emotional avoidance through art, it unwittingly mirrors his actions, ultimately presenting…
-
Stardust Memories (1980): The Longest Audition for Approval Ever Filmed
Woody Allen’s Stardust Memories thinks it is his most fearless act of artistic defiance. It does not know it is his most naked confession of need. Director Woody Allen Year 1980 Runtime 89 minutes Cast Woody Allen, Charlotte Rampling, Jessica Harper, Marie-Christine Barrault Award BAFTA nomination, Best Original Screenplay Streaming Max “You do not spend…
-
8½ (1963): The Confession That Became a Costume
Federico Fellini’s 8½ thinks it is cinema’s most honest act of self-examination. It does not know that the examination is also a performance. Director Federico Fellini Year 1963 Runtime 138 minutes Cast Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée, Sandra Milo Award Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, 1964 Streaming MUBI, Max “Guido does not…
-
Resurrection (2025): The Cathedral With All the Lights On
Bi Gan’s Resurrection knows it loves cinema. It does not know what that love has cost it. Director Bi Gan Year 2025 Runtime 148 minutes Cast Jackson Yee, Shu Qi Award Prix Spécial, Cannes Film Festival 2025 Streaming Criterion Channel (2026) “He has built a cathedral to the religion of cinematic surrender and then installed…