The hottest Film Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

THE BROOKLYN BOHEMIA OF '80S AND '90S

The Nelson George Mixtape • 373 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in the '80s and '90s were hubs of African-American and Latin creative talent.
  2. The Brooklyn Boheme era included artists from various fields like music, literature, and film.
  3. Spike Lee's party in Fort Greene Park inspired Nelson George to work on a book about that vibrant and ambitious time.

ANDRE HARRELL: GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

The Nelson George Mixtape • 373 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Andre Harrell was a influential figure in the music industry, specifically in the founding of Uptown Records and grooming talent.
  2. Harrell had a keen eye for cultural trends and was skilled at identifying emerging talent and styles.
  3. His mentorship extended beyond race and he was known for nurturing and guiding many individuals in various fields.

Fast days, slow company

gen yeet • 373 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Film
  1. Memory is like a true fiction, a subjective version of the past that exists in our heads.
  2. Non-linear storytelling and abstraction in fiction can keep readers engaged and intrigued.
  3. Movies like Midnight Cowboy and Past Lives explore themes of unfulfilled romance and longing, leaving room for interpretation.

A good heist novel, an excellent animated movie for adults and kids, and four new songs I like

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A great heist novel can be really exciting and fun to read. It's full of action and clever plot twists.
  2. There's a new animated movie that's perfect for both kids and adults. It's visually stunning and family-friendly.
  3. Music lovers might enjoy checking out some new songs that have been released recently. They add a fresh vibe to your playlist.
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Photo of the Day -- weekend

Photo of the Day • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The comparison of historical images to modern ones shows that some aspects of life remain constant over time.
  2. Through visual examples, the post highlights the similarities and differences in various historical events and figures.
  3. The post uses photography to reflect on the past and present, illustrating the continuation of certain themes through time.

I'm in love...

Wild Holy & Free • 679 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The author shares a personal story about their love for Judy Blume and the impact her books had on their life.
  2. Seeing Judy Blume's book turned into a movie was a special experience for the author and their mother.
  3. The movie experience created a memorable moment for the author and their mother, highlighting the power of storytelling across generations.

My Recommendations for 2026

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 22 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A wide-ranging set of cultural recommendations spans movies, books, albums, articles, and podcasts to explore in 2026.
  2. Many picks center on modern themes like loneliness, identity, political change, masculinity, feminism, and the effects of technology and AI.
  3. The selection mixes mainstream hits with overlooked multilingual and niche works and models swapping phone scrolling for more deliberate reading and listening.

Films About Flies

Animation Obsessive • 627 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Flies are often seen as symbols of death and decay, especially in horror movies. Their creepy presence adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Jocasta's Silence 2

coldhealing • 353 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Oedipal narrative conflicts involve rejection of parental influence and adolescent identity assertion.
  2. In storytelling, conflicts with mothers focus on emotional understanding, while conflicts with fathers revolve around parental authority and judgment.
  3. Narratives like 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' explore complex mother-daughter dynamics and the generational struggle for understanding.

Combining 143 World War II movies into one series

ww2supercut’s Substack • 3 HN points • 14 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The World War II Supercut combines 143 movies into a 12-hour series. It aims to make the timeline of the war easier to understand by using clips from popular films.
  2. Creating this supercut was a huge task that involved a lot of research, editing, and watching movies quickly. It's important to break big projects into smaller, manageable parts.
  3. The project highlights a bias in films, as many popular WWII movies mainly reflect Western perspectives. The creator tried to include a variety of viewpoints but found it challenging.

A ticket to the freak show

Austin Kleon • 1458 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Reading can be a great way to escape tough times. Enjoying books like 'Three Men in a Boat' can really lift your spirits.
  2. Connecting with art and culture through activities like museum tours can be inspiring and help you appreciate history.
  3. Taking care of your creative self is important. Good advice includes protecting your time, reading good books, and spending time alone.

Beaten by Beginners

Animation Obsessive • 1255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The Oscars have a long history with animation, dating back to 1932.
  2. Winning an Oscar for an animated film is prestigious but also contentious.
  3. Consider subscribing to Animation Obsessive for more insights on animation industry.

No thank you!

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Sharing is valuable, whether it's insights, recommendations, or personal experiences. It's a way to connect with others.
  2. Books about writing can really help improve your skills and understanding of the craft. Some classic titles are must-reads for any aspiring writer.
  3. Watching great films or exploring new art can inspire creativity. There's always something to learn or enjoy in different forms of media.

Ask Me Anything #3

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 196 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Creative stamp design ideas: Sappho or Lavender Menace theme
  2. Newsletter writing process: Research-intensive posts take up to 8 hours
  3. Lesbian culture and community: Online and IRL spaces have different impacts

Do we as viewers become more sensitive to screen violence over time?

Textual Variations • 132 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Many people seem to feel more sensitive to violence in movies as they get older. This change can surprise those who used to watch scary films without a problem.
  2. Seeing real-life violence in news and media might make it harder for viewers to handle fictional violence. It's like the more we see, the more it affects us.
  3. This shift in sensitivity raises questions about how our experiences shape what we can tolerate in films. It makes you wonder if it’s normal to become more uneasy about violent content over time.

⬜ Studio Ghibli vibes vs. history

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The film The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli offers a fantastical, immersive experience for viewers of all ages.
  2. The movie carries historical depth, drawing inspiration from a 1937 novel addressed to counter militant nationalism in Japan.
  3. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, encapsulates profound themes through abstract storytelling and dreamlike elements, challenging conventional standards of ambition in art.

"Anatomy of a Fall".

News Items • 176 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Laure Sudreau recommended a film called 'Anatomy of a Fall' by Justine Triet.
  2. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Festival in 2023.
  3. The story follows the trial of a woman who is suspected of something.

Hollywood Will Not Fall for This “Cast Normal-Looking Actors” Stuff

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Hollywood prioritizes attractive actors because entertainment is largely commerce. Nice-to-look-at performers boost ratings, marketing, and the chances a show will make money.
  2. Casting average-looking actors can make stories feel more authentic and grounded. Still, it's uncommon because production constraints (long seasons, casting difficulty) and audience habits push producers toward eye candy.
  3. Viewers project themselves onto on-screen characters, so creators cast people who are relatable but slightly idealized in appearance. That small boost in attractiveness helps audiences connect and keeps them tuning in.

Oscars: Scrap "Top Gun"

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The Ukrainian World Congress wants 'Top Gun: Maverick' removed from the Oscars because it is funded by a Russian oligarch.
  2. They believe the film's lack of direct mention of Russia as an enemy is misleading and supports propaganda.
  3. The Congress is asking for a broader rejection of films tied to Russian money due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Making of 'Chie the Brat'

Animation Obsessive • 1166 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The film 'Chie the Brat' by Isao Takahata is underrated but worth discovering.
  2. The movie is a comedy about a girl in Osaka and is immersive, low-key, goofy, and touching.
  3. Despite not being a major hit in theaters, the film was produced by a world-class team in a few months.

Do We Really Need Another Round of Another Round?

Rough Cuts • 137 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Remaking a foreign film in English for accessibility may not capture the original's nuanced sensibilities.
  2. Watching foreign films with subtitles can introduce you to amazing stories and perspectives.
  3. A good film can tackle deep themes like alcoholism without feeling preachy, and even provide moments of humor.

I'm Tom Hanks

Opaque Hourglass • 279 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A chance encounter with a celebrity like Tom Hanks can lead to unexpected opportunities and self-reflection.
  2. Sometimes in life, we regret missed opportunities and wish we had acted differently in the moment.
  3. Celebrity encounters and dreams can make us reflect on our own identity and the nature of self-perception.

New Work: Because of You

Cybernetic Forests • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The film "Because of You" explores the ethical implications of using human data without consent
  2. HeLa cells taken without Henrietta Lacks' consent played a crucial role in medical advancements
  3. The film dives into the complexities of identity, datafication, and generative AI

No one left to kill me

Message from the Underworld • 275 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie 'Ichi the Killer' is known for its extreme violence, gore, and difficult-to-watch scenes.
  2. The film presents a dark existential comedy where the line between hero and villain is blurred.
  3. The director Takashi Miike creates a spectacle in 'Ichi the Killer' to make a statement about society and bring to life the extreme nature of the source material.

Reading the World: Documentary About My Dear Friend Mark Crispin Miller

Tessa Fights Robots • 9 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Mark Crispin Miller is presented as a brave, pioneering, non‑partisan dissident and a deeply valued friend.
  2. A new documentary about him, directed by his wife Amy Smiley, has a trailer online and a donation page for people who want to support the film.
  3. Readers are encouraged to support the creator through paid subscriptions or donations. The publication stresses that its material is for educational purposes and not professional advice.

Thoughts of a most impure and libidinous character

Wrong Side of History • 180 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Censorship decreased a lot at the end of the 20th century, which people started to see as a negative thing. Society began to value freedom and expression over restrictions.
  2. The Hays Code, which limited what could be shown in American movies, was a reflection of older moral values. It stopped filmmakers from including things like profanity, sexual content, or sympathy for criminals.
  3. This code and similar restrictions ended around 1968, leading to a more permissive society. Changes in laws around divorce, abortion, and homosexuality also played a part in this shift.

Name changes are a common sense decision

This Week in Birding • 157 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🔬 Science Film
  1. The American Ornithological Society is changing bird names named after controversial figures to be more inclusive and reduce offensive associations.
  2. The decision to change bird names may lead to confusion among birders about identifying species.
  3. Organizations like the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance are grappling with financial and awareness impacts due to the naming decision.

BlackBerry's Ode to Corporate Competence

Rough Cuts • 157 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie delves into the rise and fall of BlackBerry as a product, focusing on the competition between different visions for its future.
  2. The film is distinct from 'The Social Network' in style and tone, offering an entertaining take on corporate stories.
  3. Contrary to common interpretation, 'BlackBerry' presents a nuanced perspective on corporate influence, success, and the impact of competition from superior products.

Study something you love in depth!

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Focus on what you love and study it deeply. Spending time on something you enjoy can reveal new insights and spark creativity.
  2. When exploring an artist's work, you can go in order or pick and choose pieces that interest you. Both approaches can bring value to your understanding.
  3. Share your learning journey with others. It helps you connect with similar fans and encourages you to keep going, all while enjoying the process.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Oedipus's self-inflicted disability was tragic - what disabilities might his parents have had?
  2. Families can have conflicts over individuality - like in movies where children pursue different paths from their parents.
  3. Communication barriers between parents and children can lead to sad desynchronization, but can be resolved with effort and understanding.

The Winnipeg Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1508 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Winnipeg is a city that requires curiosity and appreciation for what it is.
  2. Winnipeg has architectural gems, cultural venues, and exceptional cuisine.
  3. Winnipeg's cheap cost of living attracts artists and musicians, making it a unique and vibrant city.

Five... Pieces of London's Kubrickian History

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. London offers locations where you can explore and experience Kubrick's legacy, as he spent much of his career working around London.
  2. Beckton Gas Works in London was a notable filming location for movies like Full Metal Jacket, For Your Eyes Only, and 1984, showcasing its versatility on the silver screen.
  3. John Rogers' book 'This Other London' highlights how certain areas in London have changed over time, offering a unique perspective on locations featured in Kubrick's films.

vol 3. monthly recs & rabbit holes

Wellness Wisdom by Patricia Mou • 137 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Monthly recommendations and exploring rabbit holes can lead to discovering new ideas and perspectives.
  2. End-of-life dreams can hold deep meaning and offer insight into the transition between life and death.
  3. Boring drafts in writing can paradoxically lead to more engaging storytelling by focusing on minute details and avoiding being overly self-conscious.

Dispatch from Sundance

Chance Operations • 158 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The documentary 'Eno' premiered at Sundance to sold-out audiences and sparked discussions about the future of technology and film.
  2. The film 'Eno' is created using generative software, resulting in a unique viewing experience every time it's shown.
  3. There has been significant press coverage and excitement surrounding the film 'Eno' and its innovative approach to filmmaking.

Massive Update Post

Chance Operations • 257 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Massive update on the Venice Biennale and a sneak peek at limited posters for the film 'Eno'.
  2. Experience a new design film about LOT-EK's innovative upcycling practices.
  3. Upcoming limited-edition posters for the documentary 'Eno' showcase revolutionary generative software.

why isn't there an A24 for kids?

Both Are True • 316 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Kids' shows often lack quality and depth, making parents feel frustrated. There's a desire for children's entertainment to be more meaningful and engaging.
  2. There's a call for a new type of kids' entertainment, similar to the indie film vibe, that tackles real emotions and experiences. The idea is to create stories that aren't just light and fluffy.
  3. Finding good, classic content for kids can be a challenge. Parents want options that are both entertaining and enriching for their children.