Ethan Hawke, whom I’ve liked since “Dead Poets Society,” returns with the much-buzzed-about “Before Midnight.” Here’s a look at his other works with literary roots. (I do like him and “Gattaca” a lot, but it didn’t make my list because…
Make good art…
Looking forward to Neil Gaiman‘s commencement speech being released in bound form: “Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life…
One of my faves, Edna Mode
A friend posted this on Facebook. I adore “The Incredibles,” and Edna. Her personality is so grand. She’s fearless.
Baz Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby”
Just as I suspected: An interview with Baz Luhrmann practically bursts into 3D with rainbow colors. I like the idea of Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby.
William Zinsser, still helping us write well
Wonderful piece about William Zinsser, who can no longer see but coaches writers based on what he hears.
Bella vs. Katniss
Personally, I prefer Katniss — at least in Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal. This Word and Film writer lists several points in her favor as a strong female character. I’ve also read dissenting opinions that say it’s unfair to compare the two,…
The paths we thought weren’t taken
I ran across this last night on writing (especially memoirs) and memory. I find it comforting: “We can have many pasts, just as we can have several identities at the same time, or be in two places in our mind…
We’ll miss you, Roger.
I heard about Roger Ebert a few moments ago. I feel like I just lost a close friend, so much were his reviews and words a part of my Fridays over the years. I’ll miss you, Roger. “’Kindness’ covers all…
Jessica Chastain: Cinematic Chameleon
She’s only been in feature films since 2008, but Jessica Chastain (“Zero Dark Thirty”) dazzles critics with her quicksilver abilities. I like her off-screen wit too. Here’s my piece on Word and Film today.