Martin Scorsese says that each film usually has a single frame that in visual terms defines and encapsulates the film. Think of George Bailey, in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, clutching his wife and children beside the Christmas tree, gratefully looking up to heaven to congratulate the angel Clarence on getting his wings. Scorsese argued that these were not shots that the filmmakers mindfully planned as the definitive image, but rather the image that they and the audience discovered as the tell-tale sign.
NOR_D30_071017_204253_204322_R_COMP – Tom Hanks (as Ben Bradlee) and Meryl Streep (as Kay Graham) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE POST. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise.
Or think of the Norman Rockwell painting of the little African-American girl being led by the Federal Marshals past the hateful graffiti into the desegregated school. It is a work that nails a moment in history, and in doing so signifies both what happened and how it is to be seen. It also signifies, as time passes and new perspectives and new voices arise, what other ways the scene can be viewed.
All this brings us to a shot in Steven Spielberg’s newest film, The Post, a fictionalized retelling of the publication of the Pentagon Papers, the top secret report leaked by Daniel Ellsberg revealing decades of lies concerning involvement in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, told to the American people by several administrations.
The shot is of Katherine Graham (Meryl Streep), the owner of the Washington Post, walking down the steps of the Supreme Court Building. While the reporters throw questions to the owner of the New York Times, who were the first to published the Papers, Graham silently descends pass a group of young women who fawningly eye her, this icon of a woman in power. Add John Williams’ lush strings and voila! A tableau. A moment.
NOR_D00_052317_7961_R – Meryl Streep, Director Steven Spielberg, and Tom Hanks on the set of THE POST. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise.
It’s classic Spielberg…committed, heartfelt, sincere, and obvious. Is obviousness a fault? If it is then much of Spielberg’s early career has to be reevaluated, for he built a career, as did his hero, Frank Capra, before him, on playing straight to the heart. The Post acts as a bridging film, combining the earnest qualities of his early films with the darker, more mature style and subject matter of his later years.
With nuanced and solid performances from his stars (Streep as Graham and Tom Hanks as editor Ben Bradlee), as well as down the line excellence in the supporting cast, the film is engaging, well paced, and smart. This is Hollywood doing what it does best.
It is only in the last third, when Spielberg and his writers, Elizabeth Hannah and Josh Singer(Spotlight), start drawing the parallels to our current historical moment, that the heavier hand begins to be applied. Yet, if they’re going to go there, can they afford to be subtle? Is ours a moment of measurable subtly? After all, what’s at stake, the filmmakers seem to be arguing, is the 1st Amendment and Freedom of the Press. For in this film, the giants battling are not the left and right, the Democrats and the Republicans, but the Press and Power. And the gospel goes that a combative Press is the People, our right to know, our right to not be lied to and manipulated. (Cue the John Williams music, please)
NOR_D10_061217_0738_0732_R2_COMP – L-R: Howard Simons (David Cross), Frederick “Fritz” Beebe (Tracy Letts), Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), Kay Graham (Meryl Streep), Arthur Parsons (Bradley Whitford), Chalmers Roberts (Philip Casnoff), Paul Ignatius (Brent Langdon), Meg Greenfield (Carrie Coon, seated) and other members of The Washington Post in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE POST. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise.
Overall, The Post is a strong film, a muscular statement for our time, but will people who believe that the Press is phony and corrupt buy in, either to the premise, the facts, the drama, or at the box office? Will the story and the principles embedded in the historical narrative be overshadowed by the tribal beliefs of our moment? Do we agree with Supreme Court Justice Black when he wrote in the Pentagon Papers decision, “Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government.”
The Post is betting that you will agree. It’s also betting that the everyman appeal of Tom Hanks will make the pill easier to swallow. It’s also hoping that Spielberg is back in his Frank Capra/Norman Rockwell groove; once again being America’s most beloved entertainer.
Hold onto your hats, dino fans! The highly anticipated sequel to the adrenaline-pumping Camp Cretaceous saga is here, and it’s taking us on a wild ride six years in the making. Following the harrowing events of Camp Cretaceous, our beloved “Nublar Six” are back, but they’re not out of the woods just yet. In fact, they’re about to plunge headfirst into a world where dinosaurs roam freely alongside dangerous humans, and trust us when we say, it’s a Jurassic jungle out there!
Picture this: a world where survival isn’t just about avoiding sharp-toothed predators but also navigating the treacherous waters of human greed and deceit. As our resilient heroes reunite in the aftermath of a heart-wrenching tragedy, they quickly realize that danger lurks around every corner, and trust is a luxury they can’t afford.
But wait, there’s more! Prepare to embark on a globetrotting adventure like no other as the Nublar Six find themselves thrust into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens not only the fragile balance between dinosaurs and humanity but also their very existence. From the lush jungles of Isla Nublar to the bustling streets of bustling cities, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions as our intrepid group races against time to uncover the truth about one of their own and, ultimately, save both dinosaur and humankind from certain doom.
So, dear readers, if you thought you’d seen it all in Jurassic Park, think again! With heart-stopping action, pulse-pounding suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations, this latest installment promises to be a game-changer in the Jurassic universe. Get ready to roar with excitement because Jurassic Park: Unraveling the Mystery is about to take a bite out of your imagination and leave you hungry for more!
Get ready to buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride as Netflix prepares to drop its latest original thriller, “Trigger Warning,” on June 21, 2024. Directed by Mouly Surya and boasting an all-star cast, including Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary, Gabriel Basso, Anthony Michael Hall, Kaiwi Lyman, and Hari Dhillon, this film is set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The plot centers around Special Forces commando Parker, portrayed by the talented Jessica Alba. Parker’s life takes an unexpected turn when she receives the heartbreaking news of her father’s sudden passing, prompting her to return to her hometown. As she steps into her new role as the owner of the family bar, Parker quickly realizes that there’s more to her father’s death than meets the eye.
Reconnecting with figures from her past, including her former flame turned sheriff, Jesse (Mark Webber), and his volatile brother, Elvis (Jake Weary), Parker finds herself embroiled in a dangerous web of deceit and violence. With the influential Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall) casting a shadow over the town, Parker must navigate treacherous waters to uncover the truth about her father’s demise.
As tensions rise and alliances shift, Parker taps into her elite commando training, determined to unravel the mysteries plaguing Swann County. Assisted by her covert ops partner and hacker, Spider (Tone Bell), and the enigmatic local dealer, Mike (Gabriel Basso), Parker embarks on a perilous journey filled with twists and turns.
Penned by John Brancato & Josh Olson and Halley Gross, “Trigger Warning” promises to deliver a gripping narrative packed with action, suspense, and unexpected revelations. With a powerhouse cast bringing the characters to life and a talented creative team behind the scenes, this Netflix original is primed to captivate audiences worldwide.
Produced by Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk, and Esther Hornstein, “Trigger Warning” offers a thrilling glimpse into the murky depths of small-town politics and criminal underworlds. With its pulse-pounding action sequences and compelling storyline, this film is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Mark your calendars for June 21, 2024, as “Trigger Warning” arrives on Netflix, ready to ignite your senses and keep you guessing until the credits roll. Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-charged cinematic experience that promises to be the ultimate summer blockbuster.
Buckle up, racing enthusiasts, as Netflix gears up to premiere its highly anticipated limited series, “Senna,” in late 2024. Delving into the captivating life and career of Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, this six-episode fictional saga promises to deliver an immersive experience like no other.
In a mesmerizing teaser video released today, viewers catch a glimpse of the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 as they witness the recreation of Ayrton Senna’s historic victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. Narrated by the iconic Galvão Bueno, the teaser provides a tantalizing peek into Senna’s triumph on the Interlagos circuit, a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
Portrayed by the talented Gabriel Leone, Ayrton Senna takes center stage as the series chronicles his journey from the genesis of his motor racing career in England’s Formula Ford to his tragic accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Through triumphs, disappointments, joys, and sorrows, viewers will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster, unveiling the true essence of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time.
But “Senna” is not just about racing; it’s about the man behind the helmet. The series delves deep into Senna’s personality and personal relationships, offering a nuanced portrayal of the enigmatic figure who captured the hearts of millions around the globe.
Behind the scenes, “Senna” boasts an impressive lineup of talent, with Vicente Amorim and Julia Rezende serving as showrunner and co-director, respectively. Produced by Gullane in collaboration with Senna Brands and the driver’s family, the series promises to stay true to the spirit of Ayrton Senna’s legacy.
Joining Gabriel Leone in bringing this epic tale to life are Alice Wegmann as Lilian Vasconcelos, Camila Márdila as Vivianne Senna, Christian Malheiros as Maurinho, and a stellar international cast including Kaya Scodelario, Arnaud Viard, Patrick Kennedy, and more.
From the exhilarating race tracks to the intimate moments behind closed doors, “Senna” offers a front-row seat to the captivating story of a racing icon. So rev up your engines and mark your calendars for the premiere of “Senna,” coming soon to Netflix. Get ready to experience the thrill, the drama, and the legacy of Ayrton Senna like never before.
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