In the war zone that is the fall TV season, it’s important to pick out the gems hidden in the media mesh. Each week, A&E columnist Sebastian Torrelio will profile one new show and one returning show that share a connection, detailing how they may make those after-school hours more meaningful. Read more...
Photo: “Master of None” is a new Netflix original series created by and starring comedian Aziz Ansari, from “Parks and Recreation” fame. (Courtesy of Netflix)
One of the most fascinating things about the American Film Institute Festival is the crowd of foreign filmmakers on show. With a host of international selections comes a host of international viewpoints. Read more...
Photo: International selections make up a significant part of AFI Fest and this year’s included the feudal black comedy “Aferim!” (top left), the heartbreaking “Mustang” (top right) and the widescreen splendor of “Ixcanul” (bottom). (HI Film Productions, CG Cinéma and La Casa de Production)
Michael Moore said he prefers nonfictional film when he introduced his newest documentary, “Where to Invade Next,” at the Egyptian Theater on Saturday evening. The world, both cinematically and otherwise, is too fictional, and documentaries help balance things out, he said. Read more...
Photo: The third day of the AFI Fest featured the hallucinatory scenes of “The Forbidden Room” (top left), the humanizing “Where to Invade Next” (bottom left) and the absurdist reality of “Chevalier” (right). (Buffalo Gal Pictures, Dog Eat Dog Films, Faliro House Productions)
He races a vintage Aston Martin through narrow streets, has gorgeous girls fall into his arms, all while sipping a dry martini, shaken, not stirred. His name is Bond, James Bond. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
For the 2015 American Film Institute’s opening night gala, director Angelina Jolie showed off the slow-burner to end all slow-burners. “By the Sea” features Jolie and husband Brad Pitt as a married couple trying to recuperate after several years of lackluster love and non-interaction by staying at a oceanside hotel in France. Read more...
Photo: (Universal Pictures, Film4, AFI Fest, Dark Sky Films)
Over 75 films are being shown this year at the American Film Institute Festival. AFI is Los Angeles’ largest annual celebration of independent films from around the world, in addition to American prestige pictures just in time for the end-of-year Oscar season. Read more...
Photo: (Diaphana Films)
Flip on a news channel and you’re likely to see characters with perfectly coiffed hair making fantastical claims directly to camera. But how far does this connection between political figures and entertainment go? Read more...
Photo: The 2008 film “Swing Vote” depicts two middle-aged white male presidential candidates. (Walt Disney Pictures)
