The hottest Cultural Commentary Substack posts right now

Remaking a foreign film in English for accessibility may not capture the original's nuanced sensibilities.
Watching foreign films with subtitles can introduce you to amazing stories and perspectives.
A good film can tackle deep themes like alcoholism without feeling preachy, and even provide moments of humor.

Poor Things is a visually stunning movie with explicit philosophical themes.
Godzilla Minus One explores the contrast between wartime and post-war Japan.
Both movies provide interesting cultural commentary and raise important questions.

The Jewish x Italian Handshake is not a formal agreement but a natural evolution in casting over time.
The concept allows for actors of one heritage to convincingly play characters of another heritage.
Closeness between Jewish and Italian communities in America has influenced cultural exchanges, such as in casting choices.

Shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Saturday Night Live' have become ingrained in American pop culture but need to evolve to stay relevant.
Even long-running shows like 'The Simpsons' can adapt to modern societal expectations and remain fresh and engaging.
Paid subscriptions to content creators like Oliver Bateman support critical discourse and thoughtful analysis of various topics.

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Werner Herzog's memoir is epic, irreducible, and captivating.
Women played a significant role in Herzog's life and his relationships.
Herzog's childhood was marked by poverty, but he faced it with resilience and determination.

Many people are turning to the online world for answers due to an uncertain future, leading to the emergence of fringe political identities and online communities that can potentially escalate into radicalization.
The Netherlands has witnessed a rise in fringe political identities, influenced by the mishandling of a global pandemic, which has highlighted the deep-rooted connection between online culture and the broader societal psyche.
The project _pol/der (vriens)_ explores how conspiracy theories can become collective myths, shaping culture and politics by materializing online imagery into tangible representations.

Heavenly thinking, focused on utopian goals, influences both religious beliefs and modern technological advancements.
The concept of Heaven is portrayed as a virtual space, always just beyond reach but never truly attainable in the present.
The project WHOLEEARTHBELOWME explores contemporary examples of Heavenly thinking through a sound piece that includes AI voices and meditational sounds.