#character-study

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Boston Bruins
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

Review: Thunderbolts*' bends, but doesn't break, the superhero mold

Marvel's latest film offers a deeper character exploration with a focus on emotional struggles among anti-heroes.
#film-review
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Movies Aren't Real Life, But Who by Fire Comes Pretty Close

Philippe Lesage's 'Who by Fire' artfully weaves tension and reality in a unique character-driven drama that defies standard storytelling conventions.
Independent films
fromInverse
1 month ago

Hulu Just Quietly Released Its Most Underbaked Indie Horror Movie

The film Control Freak explores the tension between public success and private turmoil of a motivational speaker.
Parenting
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Grey Matter review feelgood Alzheimer's film is well-meaning life-lesson comedy

The film struggles to balance humor and sensitivity in addressing Alzheimer's and the caregiver experience.
Film
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago

Review: Hit man movie Old Guy' is all flash, little substance

Old Guy struggles to blend generational humor with a hitman narrative, resulting in a disappointing execution of its premise.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Anora review Sean Baker's screwball Cinderella tale vaults him towards greatness

Anora presents a complex character study that combines humor and drama, breaking away from traditional Hollywood narratives to shed light on transactional relationships.
fromVulture
3 weeks ago
Independent films

Gazer Is a Reminder of When Indie Films Were Exciting

Gazer uniquely showcases Newark as an ideal setting for a noir thriller through its narrative and visual style.
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Movies Aren't Real Life, But Who by Fire Comes Pretty Close

Philippe Lesage's 'Who by Fire' artfully weaves tension and reality in a unique character-driven drama that defies standard storytelling conventions.
Independent films
fromInverse
1 month ago

Hulu Just Quietly Released Its Most Underbaked Indie Horror Movie

The film Control Freak explores the tension between public success and private turmoil of a motivational speaker.
Parenting
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Grey Matter review feelgood Alzheimer's film is well-meaning life-lesson comedy

The film struggles to balance humor and sensitivity in addressing Alzheimer's and the caregiver experience.
Film
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago

Review: Hit man movie Old Guy' is all flash, little substance

Old Guy struggles to blend generational humor with a hitman narrative, resulting in a disappointing execution of its premise.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Anora review Sean Baker's screwball Cinderella tale vaults him towards greatness

Anora presents a complex character study that combines humor and drama, breaking away from traditional Hollywood narratives to shed light on transactional relationships.
fromVulture
3 weeks ago
Independent films

Gazer Is a Reminder of When Indie Films Were Exciting

Gazer uniquely showcases Newark as an ideal setting for a noir thriller through its narrative and visual style.
more#film-review
#film-adaptation
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Dope Thief Premiere Recap: Let Me Tell You a Bedtime Story

Dope Thief compellingly explores themes of crime, identity, and survival through the eyes of Ray Driscoll, a Black man navigating a harsh reality.
fromwww.nytimes.com
3 weeks ago
Beer

The Interview': Bill Murray Says He's Not the Man He Used to Be

Bill Murray's character in 'The Friend' embodies the complex balance between charm and selfishness, reflecting themes in his late-career roles.
fromIndieWire
3 months ago
Writing

'The Last Showgirl' Writer Kate Gersten's Intimate Story Was Built for the Stage - but Made for the Big Screen

Pamela Anderson's role in 'The Last Showgirl' showcases the star's unexpected talent and reinvents the perception of her as a performer.
Film
fromVulture
1 month ago

Dope Thief Premiere Recap: Let Me Tell You a Bedtime Story

Dope Thief compellingly explores themes of crime, identity, and survival through the eyes of Ray Driscoll, a Black man navigating a harsh reality.
fromwww.nytimes.com
3 weeks ago
Beer

The Interview': Bill Murray Says He's Not the Man He Used to Be

Bill Murray's character in 'The Friend' embodies the complex balance between charm and selfishness, reflecting themes in his late-career roles.
fromIndieWire
3 months ago
Writing

'The Last Showgirl' Writer Kate Gersten's Intimate Story Was Built for the Stage - but Made for the Big Screen

Pamela Anderson's role in 'The Last Showgirl' showcases the star's unexpected talent and reinvents the perception of her as a performer.
more#film-adaptation
#relationships
fromBKReader
6 months ago
Brooklyn

A Local Author's Comedic Take on Brooklyn's Hipster Lifestyle

Kate Greathead's 'The Book of George' captures the complexities of Millennial masculinity through humor and psychological insight into relationships.
fromVulture
3 weeks ago
Boston Bruins

9-1-1 Recap: Mister Cellophane

The episode explores the theme of invisibility through Archie and Hen's personal struggles, showcasing the need for recognition and validation.
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 months ago
Writing

The Book of George by Kate Greathead review male misadventures

The novel explores the themes of male laziness and codependency through George and Jenny's relationship.
fromBKReader
6 months ago
Brooklyn

A Local Author's Comedic Take on Brooklyn's Hipster Lifestyle

Kate Greathead's 'The Book of George' captures the complexities of Millennial masculinity through humor and psychological insight into relationships.
fromVulture
3 weeks ago
Boston Bruins

9-1-1 Recap: Mister Cellophane

The episode explores the theme of invisibility through Archie and Hen's personal struggles, showcasing the need for recognition and validation.
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 months ago
Writing

The Book of George by Kate Greathead review male misadventures

The novel explores the themes of male laziness and codependency through George and Jenny's relationship.
more#relationships
#music
fromPitchfork
4 weeks ago
Music

Destroyer: Dan's Boogie

Dan Bejar's latest album, Dan's Boogie, continues his exploration of absurdity while showcasing a character study of himself through controlled, melodic production.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
4 months ago
East Bay (California)

Review: It's alright, Ma Dylan biopic works better than many feared

The film 'A Complete Unknown' showcases Bob Dylan's complexities, balancing his artistic genius with his difficult personality, ultimately providing a more realistic biography.
fromPitchfork
4 weeks ago
Music

Destroyer: Dan's Boogie

Dan Bejar's latest album, Dan's Boogie, continues his exploration of absurdity while showcasing a character study of himself through controlled, melodic production.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
4 months ago
East Bay (California)

Review: It's alright, Ma Dylan biopic works better than many feared

The film 'A Complete Unknown' showcases Bob Dylan's complexities, balancing his artistic genius with his difficult personality, ultimately providing a more realistic biography.
more#music
Humor
fromVulture
1 month ago

The Gay Dirtbag Lives On

Kristen Arnett's novel intertwines humor and poignancy, showcasing queer women's messy lives in Florida through relatable, flawed characters.
#drama
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Adolescence review the closest thing to TV perfection in decades

Adolescence reveals the complexities of youth and the disconnect with adults in a gripping, single-take drama that challenges perceptions of culpability.
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Joella's Dynasty

Joella's outrageous confidence and delusions deliver memorable moments on Drag Race, illustrating both humor and tension in the competition.
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Books

It's One of the Year's Best Movies. Why Is It Getting Shut Out of All of the Awards?

The film explores the themes of isolation and mental health struggles through the character of Pansy, whose anger overshadows her happiness.
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Adolescence review the closest thing to TV perfection in decades

Adolescence reveals the complexities of youth and the disconnect with adults in a gripping, single-take drama that challenges perceptions of culpability.
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Joella's Dynasty

Joella's outrageous confidence and delusions deliver memorable moments on Drag Race, illustrating both humor and tension in the competition.
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Books

It's One of the Year's Best Movies. Why Is It Getting Shut Out of All of the Awards?

The film explores the themes of isolation and mental health struggles through the character of Pansy, whose anger overshadows her happiness.
more#drama
#gene-hackman
Film
fromwww.nytimes.com
2 months ago

Gene Hackman and the Pugnacious Nature of Surprise

Gene Hackman skillfully blended warmth with menace, drawing audiences to morally complex characters throughout his impressive career.
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago
Film

From Unforgiven to The Firm: Guardian writers pick their favourite Gene Hackman movies

Gene Hackman's roles in films like The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure showcase his complexity as both hero and anti-hero.
Film
fromwww.nytimes.com
2 months ago

Gene Hackman and the Pugnacious Nature of Surprise

Gene Hackman skillfully blended warmth with menace, drawing audiences to morally complex characters throughout his impressive career.
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

From Unforgiven to The Firm: Guardian writers pick their favourite Gene Hackman movies

Gene Hackman's roles in films like The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure showcase his complexity as both hero and anti-hero.
more#gene-hackman
#film-analysis
Miscellaneous
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago

The Atlas of Cinema: In Praise of Adam Driver | MZS | Roger Ebert

Adam Driver's performance in 'Megalopolis' is a deep exploration of a visionary character, reflecting the director's struggles within the Hollywood system.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

The Apprentice review Jeremy Strong is the Trump card in measured biopic of the Donald

The Apprentice portrays a young, impressionable Donald Trump influenced by a mentor, offering a complex view rather than a total vanity or villainous depiction.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Independent films

20 Years Later, DC's Most Divisive Noir Thriller Is Getting A Huge Upgrade

Bad comic book adaptations often suffer from studio interference, compromising the originality of the source material.
fromThe Atlantic
4 months ago
Books

Desperate Housewives at Christmas

Both Babygirl and Black Doves depict characters trapped in their 'perfect' lives while seeking fulfillment through deceptive and complex means.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Writing

Goodrich Feels More Like a Therapy Session Than a Movie

The film critiques the obliviousness of a flawed father trying to balance family life and a failing art gallery.
Miscellaneous
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago

The Atlas of Cinema: In Praise of Adam Driver | MZS | Roger Ebert

Adam Driver's performance in 'Megalopolis' is a deep exploration of a visionary character, reflecting the director's struggles within the Hollywood system.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

The Apprentice review Jeremy Strong is the Trump card in measured biopic of the Donald

The Apprentice portrays a young, impressionable Donald Trump influenced by a mentor, offering a complex view rather than a total vanity or villainous depiction.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Independent films

20 Years Later, DC's Most Divisive Noir Thriller Is Getting A Huge Upgrade

Bad comic book adaptations often suffer from studio interference, compromising the originality of the source material.
fromThe Atlantic
4 months ago
Books

Desperate Housewives at Christmas

Both Babygirl and Black Doves depict characters trapped in their 'perfect' lives while seeking fulfillment through deceptive and complex means.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Writing

Goodrich Feels More Like a Therapy Session Than a Movie

The film critiques the obliviousness of a flawed father trying to balance family life and a failing art gallery.
more#film-analysis
#hbo
fromIndieWire
4 months ago
Independent films

How 'The Penguin' Built on 'The Batman' and Made Colin Farrell Unrecognizable

Colin Farrell's Penguin role inspired an HBO origin series focusing on character depth and the Gotham universe's intricacies.
fromIndieWire
4 months ago
Independent films

How 'The Penguin' Built on 'The Batman' and Made Colin Farrell Unrecognizable

Colin Farrell's Penguin role inspired an HBO origin series focusing on character depth and the Gotham universe's intricacies.
more#hbo
#mike-leigh
Writing
fromWashington Post
3 months ago

Review | Marianne Jean-Baptiste demands your attention in 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film 'Hard Truths' brilliantly portrays the burden of familial relationships affected by one member's unresolved anger and depression.
fromwww.npr.org
3 months ago
Film

Mike Leigh and Marianne Jean-Baptiste on the difficult woman at the center of 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film "Hard Truths" portrays Pansy, a complex character embodying relatable struggles and humor amidst pain.
fromThe Nation
2 months ago
Writing

The Uncomfortable Genius of Mike Leigh

Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths' presents Pansy, a complex character struggling with paranoia and pessimism amid social inequities in modern London.
fromAnOther
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

Hard Truths: Mike Leigh Shares the Story Behind His Abrasive New Comedy

Mike Leigh's new film 'Hard Truths' showcases his mastery in dark comedy, focusing on a neurotic matriarch's impact on her family.
Writing
fromWashington Post
3 months ago

Review | Marianne Jean-Baptiste demands your attention in 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film 'Hard Truths' brilliantly portrays the burden of familial relationships affected by one member's unresolved anger and depression.
fromwww.npr.org
3 months ago
Film

Mike Leigh and Marianne Jean-Baptiste on the difficult woman at the center of 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh's film "Hard Truths" portrays Pansy, a complex character embodying relatable struggles and humor amidst pain.
fromThe Nation
2 months ago
Writing

The Uncomfortable Genius of Mike Leigh

Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths' presents Pansy, a complex character struggling with paranoia and pessimism amid social inequities in modern London.
fromAnOther
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

Hard Truths: Mike Leigh Shares the Story Behind His Abrasive New Comedy

Mike Leigh's new film 'Hard Truths' showcases his mastery in dark comedy, focusing on a neurotic matriarch's impact on her family.
more#mike-leigh
#comedy
fromVulture
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

Marla Mindelle Is Back, Ridiculously, in The Big Gay Jamboree

The Big Gay Jamboree humorously explores the charm and absurdity of classic musicals, highlighting their flaws while simultaneously celebrating their appeal.
fromwww.newsshopper.co.uk
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

DocDoc is a hilariously funny new show in Bromley that had everyone in stitches

DocDoc is a theatrical comedy highlighting the humorous interactions of characters with OCD as they wait for a doctor.
fromVulture
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

Marla Mindelle Is Back, Ridiculously, in The Big Gay Jamboree

The Big Gay Jamboree humorously explores the charm and absurdity of classic musicals, highlighting their flaws while simultaneously celebrating their appeal.
fromwww.newsshopper.co.uk
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

DocDoc is a hilariously funny new show in Bromley that had everyone in stitches

DocDoc is a theatrical comedy highlighting the humorous interactions of characters with OCD as they wait for a doctor.
more#comedy
#social-commentary
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

For the Love of God, Give This Woman an Oscar Nomination

Pansy Deacon's character is a humorous yet tragic figure embodying deep personal grievances and societal critiques.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

'Common Side Effects' Is Keeping Surreal Adult Animation Alive

Marshall, a socially awkward researcher, discovers a life-changing cure using a mushroom, leading him into a dangerous situation.
fromVulture
3 months ago
Books

For the Love of God, Give This Woman an Oscar Nomination

Pansy Deacon's character is a humorous yet tragic figure embodying deep personal grievances and societal critiques.
fromInverse
2 months ago
Miscellaneous

'Common Side Effects' Is Keeping Surreal Adult Animation Alive

Marshall, a socially awkward researcher, discovers a life-changing cure using a mushroom, leading him into a dangerous situation.
more#social-commentary
Miscellaneous
fromVulture
1 year ago

Kieran Culkin Is a Mercurial Pleasure in A Real Pain

The film mixes humor and tragedy, showcasing how two cousins seek to reconcile their relationship against a backdrop of their grandmother's Holocaust tour.
#legal-drama
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Writing

The Verdict on Scott Turow's Presumed Novel? Predictable.

The Apple TV+ adaptation emphasizes the devastating and ironic consequences of legal entanglements through the character of Rusty Sabich.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Matlock review Kathy Bates has spent years waiting for a role like this

Matlock reimagines the original legal series with a modern twist, presenting a clever protagonist who subverts expectations.
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago
Writing

The Verdict on Scott Turow's Presumed Novel? Predictable.

The Apple TV+ adaptation emphasizes the devastating and ironic consequences of legal entanglements through the character of Rusty Sabich.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Matlock review Kathy Bates has spent years waiting for a role like this

Matlock reimagines the original legal series with a modern twist, presenting a clever protagonist who subverts expectations.
more#legal-drama
fromVulture
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

Gerard Butler Letting Loose Is a Beautiful Thing to Behold

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera features intensified emotional energy at the expense of narrative clarity, offering a raw character study of Gerard Butler's role.
fromRoger Ebert
3 months ago
Miscellaneous

Noah Wyle Anchors Intense, Effective Max Medical Drama "The Pitt" | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

'The Pitt' is a smart medical drama that captures the emotional weight of healthcare professionals post-COVID.
#sean-baker
fromPolygon
4 months ago
Video games

Anora actor says his terrible gaming became a happy accident

Anora is a potential Oscar contender, showcasing a unique blend of comedy and sadness within New York's Russian-American community.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

I just thought I'd made a crazy-ass exploitation movie': Sean Baker on his Palme d'Or-winning lapdance film

Sean Baker's immersive research leads to authentic storytelling in unconventional narratives that elicit mixed audience reactions.
fromPolygon
4 months ago
Video games

Anora actor says his terrible gaming became a happy accident

Anora is a potential Oscar contender, showcasing a unique blend of comedy and sadness within New York's Russian-American community.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

I just thought I'd made a crazy-ass exploitation movie': Sean Baker on his Palme d'Or-winning lapdance film

Sean Baker's immersive research leads to authentic storytelling in unconventional narratives that elicit mixed audience reactions.
more#sean-baker
#mental-health
Video games
fromPolygon
6 months ago

Joker: Folie a Deux can't stop contradicting itself

Joker explores the complexities of mental illness and societal failure through a dark character study, blending empathy with horror in Todd Phillips' storytelling.
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago
Books

Silence As Salvation: The Quiet Femmes of Modern Horror | Features | Roger Ebert

Jessica's struggle with her sanity is compounded by her husband's disbelief and her decision to conceal her experiences.
Video games
fromPolygon
6 months ago

Joker: Folie a Deux can't stop contradicting itself

Joker explores the complexities of mental illness and societal failure through a dark character study, blending empathy with horror in Todd Phillips' storytelling.
fromRoger Ebert
6 months ago
Books

Silence As Salvation: The Quiet Femmes of Modern Horror | Features | Roger Ebert

Jessica's struggle with her sanity is compounded by her husband's disbelief and her decision to conceal her experiences.
more#mental-health
fromtime.com
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Netflix's The Madness Casts Colman Domingo in a '70s-Style Paranoid Thriller for Our Time

The Madness uniquely reflects contemporary societal chaos and futility through a blend of personal drama and political thriller elements.
#narrative
fromIndieWire
6 months ago
Books

'Disclaimer' Review: Who Can We Trust in Alfonso Cuaron's Spellbinding Two-Part Premiere? - Spoilers

Alfonso Cuarón warns viewers of the duality of narrative, capable of revealing truth and manipulation.
fromJuxtapoz
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Juxtapoz Magazine - Samual Weinberg "Lost Huron" @ Moosey Norwich

Weinberg's Lost Heron explores the quest for meaning through a whimsical character navigating loss and distraction.
fromIndieWire
6 months ago
Books

'Disclaimer' Review: Who Can We Trust in Alfonso Cuaron's Spellbinding Two-Part Premiere? - Spoilers

Alfonso Cuarón warns viewers of the duality of narrative, capable of revealing truth and manipulation.
fromJuxtapoz
5 months ago
Miscellaneous

Juxtapoz Magazine - Samual Weinberg "Lost Huron" @ Moosey Norwich

Weinberg's Lost Heron explores the quest for meaning through a whimsical character navigating loss and distraction.
more#narrative
#theater
Writing
fromVulture
6 months ago

Adam Driver Going Huge: Hold on to Me Darling

Adam Driver masterfully combines humor and depth in his role in 'Hold on to Me Darling', demonstrating his unique talent as an actor.
fromPortland Mercury
6 months ago
Writing

Theater Review: Third Rail's Infinite Life Is a Play About Pain That Hurts So Good

Annie Baker's 'Infinite Life' explores profound emotions and human pain through a minimalist approach and character interactions.
Writing
fromVulture
6 months ago

Adam Driver Going Huge: Hold on to Me Darling

Adam Driver masterfully combines humor and depth in his role in 'Hold on to Me Darling', demonstrating his unique talent as an actor.
fromPortland Mercury
6 months ago
Writing

Theater Review: Third Rail's Infinite Life Is a Play About Pain That Hurts So Good

Annie Baker's 'Infinite Life' explores profound emotions and human pain through a minimalist approach and character interactions.
more#theater
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

Matt and Mara review lo-fi answer to When Harry Met Sally offers uncertain relationship

Mara and Matt's friendship explores the complexity of unresolved feelings amidst life changes, revealing emotional depth in mundane settings.
#donald-trump
fromWashington Post
6 months ago
DC food

Review | Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' avoids taking sides. Good luck with that.

The Apprentice offers a character-driven origin story of Trump, avoiding a strict political narrative.
Director Ali Abbasi aims to create a non-political character study, sparking mixed reactions.
fromThe Ringer
6 months ago
Film

'The Brutalist,' the Best Movies at the New York Film Festival, and 'The Apprentice' With Sebastian Stan!

The 62nd New York Film Festival showcased standout films, including potential Oscar winners and surprises, with insights from industry guests.
The film 'The Apprentice' delves into Trump's early career and his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, offering a nuanced character study.
DC food
fromWashington Post
6 months ago

Review | Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' avoids taking sides. Good luck with that.

The Apprentice offers a character-driven origin story of Trump, avoiding a strict political narrative.
Director Ali Abbasi aims to create a non-political character study, sparking mixed reactions.
fromThe Ringer
6 months ago
Film

'The Brutalist,' the Best Movies at the New York Film Festival, and 'The Apprentice' With Sebastian Stan!

The 62nd New York Film Festival showcased standout films, including potential Oscar winners and surprises, with insights from industry guests.
The film 'The Apprentice' delves into Trump's early career and his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, offering a nuanced character study.
more#donald-trump
Miscellaneous
fromInverse
6 months ago

'The Penguin' Episode 4 Is About to Bring Back an Iconic Batman Villain

The Penguin offers a deep character exploration of mob elements in Gotham, now shifting focus to uncover Sofia Falcone's ruthless past.
fromPitchfork
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

Geordie Greep: The New Sound

Geordie Greep's debut solo album features complex characters revealing their struggles through over-the-top absurdity, making it both exhilarating and exhausting.
fromInverse
6 months ago
Miscellaneous

16 Years Later, 'Joker 2' Just Broke an Important Christopher Nolan Rule

The Joker's origin narrative is intentionally ambiguous, challenging audiences to question the character's true identity and motivations.
fromIndieWire
6 months ago
Writing

Renate Reinsve Was 'Very Nervous' to Make Her English-Language Debut with 'A Different Man' - Especially While Playing a 'Sociopath'

Renate Reinsve prioritizes indie films over Hollywood blockbusters, exemplified by her role in 'A Different Man.'
Her character's interactions reveal deeper themes of identity and transformation.
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