Éric Rohmer, the masterful storyteller of French cinema, continues to leave a mark on the world of film even years after his passing. With his subtle yet profound storytelling style, Rohmer’s films are timeless works of art that explore the complexities of human nature and relationships. Throughout his career, Rohmer created a diverse body of …
Category: Film
Mar 20 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: The Cow
I recently posted an introduction to the beautiful work of Aleksandr Petrov, who creates animations using pastel oil paintings on glass to create wonderful, unique frames of soft, muted colors. Here is one of his early works, The Cow (Корова, Korova), made in 1989. In the story, a boy remembers how his family lost their …
Mar 13 2024
From Russia with Folklore: The Intriguing Journey of ‘Tale of Tales’
Tale of Tales, a film that emerged from the Soviet Union in 1979, remains a cinematic gem that continues to fascinate and inspire audiences worldwide. Directed by the acclaimed animator Yuri Norstein, this animation is not just a representation of artistic triumph but a vessel of profound storytelling that transcends the boundaries of time and …
Mar 06 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Solaris
Soviet film has a rich and complex history that spans decades of cultural evolution, political change, and artistic expression. It emerged as a unique force in the early 20th century, especially after the October Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. This period brought significant state involvement in the arts, …
Mar 05 2024
Pier Paolo Pasolini: Exploring the Works of an Iconic Italian Filmmaker
Pier Paolo Pasolini, a name that is synonymous with Italian cinema, has made a lasting impression on the world of filmmaking. His works have often been regarded as a masterpiece of creativity, innovation, and thought-provoking content. Born on this day March 5, 1922, Pasolini embarked on a journey in the cinematic world that would earn …
Feb 28 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Fox and Rabbit
The 1973 animation Fox and Rabbit (Лиса и заяц) was Yuri Norstein’s debut as an exclusive director. In keeping with Norstein’s most beloved animation techniques, it is made with wonderful cut-outs and has that signature Norstein earthy feel, brimming with folksy forest animals and seasonal motifs. Based on a Russian folk tale, it is the …
Feb 19 2024
The Enchanting Melodies of Shigeru Umebayashi
Born on this day February 19, 1951, Shigeru Umebayashi, a renowned Japanese composer, has been crafting enchanting melodies that stimulate the senses and ignite the imagination for over three decades. His work, primarily in film scores, has earned him a reputation as a masterful composer capable of conjuring the most profound emotions through his music. …
Feb 07 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Ivan’s Childhood
Andrei Tarkovsky, a name that resonates profoundly within the realm of cinema, is a Russian filmmaker and writer who has left deeply influenced the world of film. His oeuvre, though limited in quantity, is rich in depth and profound in its ability to stir both the mind and the heart. His works, characterized by a …
Feb 06 2024
François Truffaut: A Journey Through the Lens of a Visionary Storyteller
François Truffaut, a renowned French film director, producer, and screenwriter, is considered one of the key figures of the French New Wave cinema movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Born on this day February 6, 1932 in Paris, Truffaut’s love for film was ignited at an early age. Despite facing a tumultuous childhood, he found …
Jan 26 2024
Paul Newman: A Legendary Life in Film and Philanthropy
Paul Newman, renowned for his striking blue eyes and compelling performances, was not just a legendary figure in the world of film, but also a remarkable philanthropist. Born on this day January 26, 1925 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Newman’s acting career spanned over five decades, during which he starred in some of the most iconic …