Film & TV
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Stromboli: The Prison of Ourselves
Stromboli is desolate. The locals are leaving, enticed by the promise of modernity abroad. The island, drifting somewhere between mainland Italy and Sicily, is blackened and barren, a volcanic cone towering over a few bruised villages. Little grows from the… Continue reading
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Napoleon: A Disappointing Biopic
Biopics have been a cornerstone of Hollywood success for over 100 years. Nothing draws a crowd like the depiction of a known character, and nothing draws an Oscar-aspiring actor like the challenge of playing said character. There’s something existentially comforting… Continue reading
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Athena
This article contains spoilers The opening scene of Romain Gavras’ Athena is one of the most thrilling single-shot set pieces of recent years. Those familiar with the French filmmaker’s music video oeuvre will recognize his hallmarks: Molotov cocktails and police… Continue reading
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The Worst Person in the World
(This article contains spoilers) How do we determine our priorities in life? Is purpose granted to us, or are we responsible for its creation? The angst that accompanies questions of personal meaning can leave us feeling particularly isolated. With the… Continue reading
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Aftersun
(This review contains spoilers) In Charlotte Wells’ debut feature Aftersun, the father-daughter chemistry between Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio is utterly convincing, astonishingly natural. Mescal is peak young dad; caring, embarrassing, at times overbearing. He teaches his daughter self-defence tactics… Continue reading
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Learning To Adapt
If you are someone who wishes they could spend more time creating instead of being perpetually stuck in a state of block, then Spike Jonze’s 2002 film Adaptation is essential viewing. This metafilm follows real-life screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (played by… Continue reading
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Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men (Review)
Sacha Jenkins’ 2019 documentary mini-series on the Wu-Tang Clan has finally made it across the pond, airing for the first time in the UK last month on Sky Documentaries. For any fan of the Clan it’s a must-watch, and I… Continue reading
Dead Academic 