Tag Archives: Writer

Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017) ☆☆☆1/2 (3.5/4): Meet Joan Didion

Posted on October 28, 2017 by kaist455

I value good documentary films presenting interesting subjects unfamiliar to me, and Netflix documentary film “Joan Didion: The Centre Will Not Hold” is one of such documentaries. Here is a smart, intelligent woman who has been leading a long, fascinating … Continue reading →

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I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Steady creepiness

Posted on August 5, 2017 by kaist455

“I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House” is a steady exercise in creepiness. After establishing its small, sparse setting, the movie patiently dials up the level of tension bit by bit as its ill-fated heroine is slowly … Continue reading →

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I Am Not Your Negro (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Baldwin Remembers

Posted on May 20, 2017 by kaist455

First, let me confess that I am not that familiar with James Baldwin, a renowned African American writer who was one of the notable figures in the Civil Rights Movement in US during the 1960s. Although I came to know … Continue reading →

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The Long Excuse (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): As he ‘mourns’…

Posted on February 18, 2017 by kaist455

As an intimate story about loss and grief, Japanese film “The Long Excuse” is sometimes surprisingly amusing with small precious moments of wry humor and keen observation. While never overlooking the dark, melancholic elements of its story, the movie deftly … Continue reading →

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Nocturnal Animals (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Deliberate nastiness

Posted on January 14, 2017 by kaist455

“Nocturnal Animals” makes it very clear from the beginning that it will not be a pleasant experience at all. As reflected by the bold, striking opening sequence which shows an intentionally tasteless art exhibition featuring naked overweight women, this is … Continue reading →

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Knight of Cups (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A Terrence Malick film floated in fragments

Posted on March 11, 2016 by kaist455

Terrence Malick’s new film “Knight of Cups” is visually stunning and profoundly disorienting. We get lots of beautiful, mesmerizing moments as it is floated here and there along its visual stream-of-consciousness. We get fragmented glimpses into its detached, disillusioned hero … Continue reading →

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Goosebumps (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): You know what is going to scare you…

Posted on January 23, 2016 by kaist455

Around this Monday, I finished reading “Joyland”, one of Stephen King’s recent novels. While its story revolves around a dark murder mystery involved with one plain but special amusement park in North Carolina, I enjoyed its vivid, affectionate description of … Continue reading →

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Trumbo (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : A passable biopic about one legendary Hollywood writer

Posted on January 16, 2016 by kaist455

As a biography film about one legendary Hollywood figure, “Trumbo” looks trivial compared to his larger-than-life status. Here is a man who steadily fought against the injustices inflicted upon himself and his ill-fated colleagues for years while never bending his … Continue reading →

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Mistress America (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): Another witty New Yorker comedy from Baumbach

Posted on December 10, 2015 by kaist455

“Mistress America” is another witty New Yorker comedy from Noah Baumbach, and it is as acute and amusing as you can expect from him. While its two heroines are not that likable as we get to know more about their … Continue reading →

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Seven Psychopaths (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Screenplay work in criminal process

Posted on September 26, 2014 by kaist455

 “Seven Psychopaths” is about one funny screenplay writing process which is cheerfully juxtaposed with absurd humor and striking violence to shock you and then amuse you. As we follow its convoluted plot, it becomes apparent to us that it is … Continue reading →

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