The hottest Film Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Hope, Small but Strong

Animation Obsessive • 1345 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24

Michael Sporn created unique animated films that told important stories, even if they were often overlooked. His work was heartfelt and showcased real human experiences.
The film 'Champagne' tells the story of a girl living in a shelter, highlighting her struggles and hope for the future. It's well-made and received awards despite being lesser-known today.
Sporn's animation style was creative and personal, using improvised techniques that added warmth and charm to his films, showing that art can thrive even under tight budgets.

Open Mic Day: Tells Us About Your Favorite Movies, Music, Books, Etc. of 2024

The Honest Broker • 5252 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Music Literature Television Gaming Arts

Share your favorite movies, music, books, and more from 2024. Everyone loves to hear new recommendations!
It's important to have fun and take a break from serious topics sometimes. Sharing our creative finds can lift our spirits.
When sharing, try not to promote your own projects this time. This is about celebrating what others have created.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Animation Film Visual Arts Television Storytelling

Over the Garden Wall is a special show that stands out for its unique visual style and storytelling. It mixes comedy, drama, and horror in a way that makes it feel like a timeless classic.
The art team, led by Nick Cross, worked hard to create stunning backgrounds and designs using inspiration from old cartoons and paintings. This attention to detail made the show feel like an independent film on TV.
Despite the challenges of making a short series, the team enjoyed a lot of creative freedom. This allowed them to take risks and try new ideas, which is something that’s rare in the animation industry today.

Tuesday night dinner

What Do We Do Now That We're Here? • 2408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Parenting Emotions

Finding moments of presence in everyday life can create special experiences, like enjoying dinner while listening to film scores. It's important to appreciate these small, joyful moments before they become memories.
Film scores can evoke strong emotions and help connect with deeper feelings. They can change a regular evening into something meaningful simply through music.
Building community and connection is crucial for emotional support. It helps both parents and lonely individuals find joy and purpose together.

Who Killed 'Fraidy Cat'?

Animation Obsessive • 9328 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Storytelling

The story of 'Fraidy Cat' was about a cat named Oscar who was wrongly accused of swallowing a bird. The film went through many changes during its development and was influenced by Hitchcock's style.
Piet Kroon, the director, faced a lot of studio politics and creative conflicts while trying to bring his vision for 'Fraidy Cat' to life, which included several writers being brought in to make changes.
Despite the project receiving praise and momentum at Disney, it was ultimately shelved when the studio decided to close its Florida branch, which contributed to 'Fraidy Cat' never being completed.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

An archival detective story and other links; a great, stupid action espionage TV show; and more!

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Media Literature Film Music Television

There are interesting links including a detective story and articles on sports gambling and hustle culture. They cover both fun and serious topics.
A recommended spy show is described as 'great' and 'stupid', suggesting it's entertaining and light-hearted.
An album of Armenian-influenced electronic music is highlighted, indicating a diverse taste in music.

What's the Most Profitable Movie of the Year? (No, I Won't Watch It.)

The Honest Broker • 12168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Music Literature Entertainment Art

Horror movies are really making money right now. Films like 'Terrifier 3' and 'Smile 2' are bringing in huge profits compared to what they cost to make.
Bob Dylan is now writing quirky tweets directly from his account, sharing his unique thoughts without his team’s help. It offers fans a personal look at his views beyond music.
People are increasingly worried about AI. Many believe it's reducing trust in media and making us lazier, and most want more rules on how AI is used.

Animating Out of Spite

Animation Obsessive • 8700 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Cultural Commentary Visual Arts

Fyodor Khitruk created a 50-second animated film called Othello-67 as a response to a contest requirement that frustrated him. It humorously condenses Shakespeare's play into a fast-paced experience.
The film critiques the idea of simplifying complex art into quick bites, showing that lots of meaning can still fit into a short time frame.
Despite being a small part of Khitruk's body of work, Othello-67 stands out for its creativity and humor, proving that even short animations can leave a lasting impact.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Arts

Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

Movie Review: Anora

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Art Humanities Social Issues Entertainment

The movie 'Anora' tells a unique love story between a sex worker and a rich young man, highlighting their genuine connection amidst the chaos of their lives.
The film explores themes of acceptance and the complexity of feelings related to sex and relationships, challenging the idea that sex work is simply a job without emotional weight.
The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

What Didn't Get In

Animation Obsessive • 1614 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Illustration Art history Film

Katsuhiro Otomo is well known for his detailed storyboards, and many of his early works are now available to view online for the first time.
Mary Blair's seldom-seen artwork related to Disney films has been shared, showcasing her unique style and contribution.
An interview with animator Tony White reveals more insights and stories from his work in animation, adding depth to understanding his projects.

Films About Flies

Animation Obsessive • 627 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Animation Horror Art Literature

Flies are often seen as symbols of death and decay, especially in horror movies. Their creepy presence adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
Two different animations titled 'The Fly' were made in the 1960s and 1980s in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Both films are considered horror, but they explore deeper themes beyond just the fly.
The first 'The Fly' was nominated for an Oscar, while the second one won. This shows the artistic impact and recognition these films received in the animation world.

More of what I'm reading about the election, a masterpiece "erotic thriller," and four songs I'm digging

Read Max • 764 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Art Media

There's a collection of interesting reading material about the election that can help understand what's going on.
A unique 'erotic thriller' book is recommended, noted for its dreamy qualities and great music rather than typical thriller elements.
Four cool songs are also highlighted, showing a mix of various forms of entertainment to enjoy.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 579 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Horror Critique Media Entertainment

Rob Zombie's version of 'Halloween' presents a more human and demonic Michael Myers, giving depth to his character as he deals with abuse and violence.
The portrayal of Dr. Loomis is twisted, showing him as a con man looking to profit from Michael's killings, which reflects modern culture's obsession with crime and entertainment.
The film 'Lifeforce' offers a unique blend of sci-fi and horror with its storyline about energy vampires, featuring impressive special effects and an adventurous feel despite being a commercial flop.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Film Comedy Music Politics

Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art History Technique

Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

How the Star of 'Wicked' Just Sabotaged Her Own Movie

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Theater Entertainment Performing Arts Social Issues

Cynthia Erivo reacted strongly to a fan's edited poster of 'Wicked', claiming it was offensive and degraded her. Many thought her response was an overreaction and not necessary.
This kind of response from Hollywood actors is becoming more common. Some stars seem to let their egos get too big, which can harm their own films.
There's a growing trend where people in entertainment see themselves as victims of oppression. This makes it hard to enjoy their work when they focus on perceived grievances instead of celebrating their art.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 759 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Horror Arts Media Entertainment

Phantasm II is a sequel that captures the essence of the 1980s horror trend. It's a fun film with great action where the characters fight against a powerful evil entity.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a dark and brutal film that portrays the reality of serial murder without glamorizing it. It's a raw look at a killer's life and actions.
Prince of Darkness blends horror and science fiction in a unique way. It explores deep themes while maintaining a creepy atmosphere, making it a standout John Carpenter film.

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Morality Media Philosophy Entertainment

Hollywood often struggles with moral philosophy and promotes a kind of morality that seems unrealistic. Instead of dealing with complex situations, they opt for simple solutions that make heroes look good.
In Hollywood, self-defense is tricky; heroes must wait for an attack before fighting back, even when it's clear they're in danger. This approach can make characters seem foolish and overly lenient.
The way Hollywood portrays morality ignores real-world consequences. Their stories often end with characters benefiting from luck rather than genuine moral choices, which can lead to dangerous ideas about how to handle conflict.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1278 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Horror Art Media Literature

The horror film 'X-TRO' explores deep themes of family and alienation against the backdrop of 1980s UK troubles. Its unique approach makes it not just a scary film, but also a reflection of society's issues.
In 'FOUND', the story of a boy dealing with a serial killer brother unfolds in a disturbing, shocking way. It's not just about horror; it shows the complex family dynamics and the impact of violence.
The classic 'PHANTASM' combines elements of science fiction and horror, raising questions about reality and death. Its surreal style captures the fears of childhood, resonating with anyone who grew up in the dangerous environment of the late 70s.

How ‘Puss in Boots' Reveals the Key to Human Happiness (Seriously)

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 158 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Philosophy Happiness Society Literature

Appreciating what you have is key to happiness. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, think about the good things in your life.
The characters in 'Puss in Boots' show that friendship and love matter more than wishes. Sometimes, you realize what you want is already around you.
Envy not only makes you unhappy, but it can also lead you down a dark path. Being grateful helps you enjoy life better.

Listening is the whole deal

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Literature Creative Process

Listening is really important in music and art. It helps you connect deeply with what you're experiencing, whether it's a song or a piece of writing.
Movies like _Perfect Days_ show us the beauty of simple life moments, like taking photos and enjoying music, reminding us to appreciate everyday experiences.
When creating something, many artists say they listen to their work. It’s like the art guides them on what to do next—this shows how important it is to be open and receptive during the creative process.

A new and improved Film and TV Newsletter Directory

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film TV Media Writing Design

The Film and TV Newsletter Directory has been updated and is back up and running. It showcases various film and TV Substack newsletters.
The updates to the directory faced challenges due to technical issues and design limitations within the Substack platform. A new format was developed to make it visually appealing and user-friendly.
The directory allows authors to be mentioned and notified when their newsletters are highlighted. However, there are concerns about some authors disabling mentions, which posed a problem when trying to update the directory.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 659 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Horror Music Nostalgia

In 1988, many horror films were released, making it a great year for horror fans. Movies like 'Night of the Demons' stood out with their unique style and practical effects.
'Ghost Town' mixes western themes with horror, featuring a sheriff facing off against undead outlaws. It's an interesting take on classic cowboy stories.
'Trick or Treat' reflects the fears of the 1980s about heavy metal music and Satanism. The movie taps into that era's moral panic, making it a unique snapshot of its time.

The way you wanted to feel

Austin Kleon • 5295 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Parenting Philosophy

Riding a bike can make you feel like a kid again, giving you a sense of joy you wanted when you were younger. It's important to give yourself those little joys in life.
Think about what you loved doing as a child because it can help you discover your passions today. Reflecting on those moments can guide your hobbies and career choices.
Creative work often connects with childhood memories. Embracing what made you happy as a kid can inspire you to be more creative and fulfilled now.

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” Should Be Considered a Classic

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Comedy Media Entertainment Reviews

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a classic movie that blends humor with deep emotions. It uses real-life situations to make people laugh and feel, which is rare in comedies today.
The movie features strong performances from Steve Martin and John Candy, showing the importance of their characters' relationships. It teaches us to appreciate the good intentions behind annoying people in our lives.
Unlike many modern comedies, this film has relatable characters and a meaningful story, proving that simple and funny movies are still possible and valuable.

The Profile: Larry Page’s money man & Hollywood’s favorite gangster

The Profile • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Theater Acting Literature Music

Al Pacino is a master actor known for playing memorable villains. His performance in roles like Michael Corleone is often seen as a benchmark for acting excellence.
Pacino believes that to truly act, one must absorb the character deeply, allowing their personality to emerge rather than merely pretending to be someone else.
Creating great art means connecting emotionally with the audience. If you tap into real feelings, your work can resonate much more and leave a lasting impact.

A big pile of imperfect things

Austin Kleon • 5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education

Reading big books can be enjoyable, especially when you take your time with them. Some people like to read them in parts over several weeks.
It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
Finding joy in what you like can lead to happiness. It's about discovering new things to appreciate and even learning to like things you didn't before.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Design

Success is about doing what you love and getting to keep doing it, day after day. It's not about reaching a final goal, but enjoying the process.
Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
Artists like Steve Albini believe that goals can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on enjoying the process can lead to true success.

Psycho

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24

🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Media Psychology

The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

Funny Ha Ha (2002) by Andrew Bujalski

Tao Lin • 879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music Philosophy

The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
The ending is unique and surprising, leaving viewers with a sense of closure that feels earned and satisfying, even without traditional resolution.

Drawing Eno

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Film Creativity Generative Art Documentary

The documentary about Brian Eno is exciting and unique because it creates a different version every time it's shown. This encourages viewers to watch it in theaters for a fresh experience.
It uses a special system called Brain One to generate the film. This system combines new interviews and personal clips from Eno’s archive, making each showing feel like a new story.
The movie has interesting marketing advantages. Since every version is different, it gives people a reason to see it on the big screen instead of waiting for it to stream.

Some kinds of monsters

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics

Taking breaks from technology can be refreshing and help us focus on enjoyable activities like listening to music or reading. Simple changes can lead to significant positive effects in our daily lives.
Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

Basic pleasantries

Austin Kleon • 7613 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Film Literature

A total solar eclipse will happen soon, and many events are planned. It's great to watch these events in everyday settings, like your backyard.
Being playful as you grow older can make life more enjoyable. Staying curious and lighthearted is a good approach to aging.
Politeness can go a long way; simple gestures like saying 'Hello' or 'Thank you' can really brighten someone's day. Treating others with respect is important.

Figure it out

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 03 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media

Reading is valuable! Check out books that focus on writing good sentences; they can help improve your own writing.
Exploring how artists work can inspire creativity. Look into features and documentaries about artists at different stages of their careers.
Listening to music and podcasts about music can open your mind to new genres and artists. It’s a great way to relax and discover something new.

Mikhail's TV Digest #19 Sums Up a Slow Period

Textual Variations • 99 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Pop culture Entertainment

The newsletter shares updates on past posts and new thoughts from the writer. It's a way to keep subscribers informed about recent topics.
There's a focus on analyzing popular shows and movies, including criticism and reflections on changes in narratives. This helps viewers understand the content better.
The writer is aiming for more consistent output in the future, indicating a commitment to regular updates and new articles.

Why is this Michael Keaton thriller Censored on Amazon?

Textual Variations • 165 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Film Censorship Streaming Media Entertainment

The movie 'Pacific Heights' has a censored version on Amazon that blurs nudity and mutes swear words. This makes it feel funny and odd, affecting the film's serious tone.
It's unclear who decided to censor the film, but it likely wasn't Amazon itself. The owners may have done it to attract more viewers or advertisers.
With more streaming platforms introducing ads, there are concerns that censorship could become more common. People expect to see the full version of films and should be informed if it's edited.

When you hear it

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media Nature

Experiences like a solar eclipse can be felt with your whole body, not just seen. Sounds from nature during such events can be unique and delightful.
Creating a mixtape or playlist can be a fun way to share music inspired by special events like an eclipse.
Rejecting ideas can hurt your creativity. It's important to explore your own thoughts and not just follow what others want.

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

Freddie deBoer • 8446 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Film Literature Critique Fandom Characterization

In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

When Japanese Animation Cracked the Oscars

Animation Obsessive • 6099 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Creative industry Influence

Japanese animation made a significant impact at the Oscars when 'Spirited Away' won in 2003, marking the full acceptance of Japanese animation into Hollywood's mainstream.
Koji Yamamura's film 'Mt. Head' brought Japanese independent animation into the spotlight, showcasing a unique style and storytelling approach that influenced a new generation of animators globally.
The animation world mourned the passing of Akira Toriyama, a legendary manga artist known for 'Dragon Ball,' whose work has had a lasting impact on global animation and storytelling.