The hottest Film Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Tár

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Todd Field, the director of Tár, had a long break from making films due to Hollywood's complicated processes, but his return with Tár showed he still has great talent. His films often dive deep into themes of power and tragedy.
  2. Tár explores complex issues around power dynamics and the consequences of unethical behavior. The film uniquely portrays a female abuser, challenging traditional narratives around power and accountability.
  3. The ending of Tár suggests that her true fulfillment comes from being able to create and manipulate time through music, rather than from traditional values of success or art, highlighting a deeper understanding of what power can mean.

'Brotherhood of the Wolf,' revisited with Indignity's Tom Scocca

Read Max • 395 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie 'Brotherhood of the Wolf' is a wild mix of genres like kung fu, horror, period drama, and conspiracy thriller set in 18th-century France.
  2. The film captures a turn-of-the-millennium 'Bootleg Cinema' vibe with its commitment to each genre element and its unique visual style.
  3. The narrative of the movie cleverly navigates historical and philosophical themes, presenting surprising twists and unique characters like Monica Bellucci's role and the Vatican conspiracy.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, December

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There's an event called Patch in Dublin for young entrepreneurs to start new projects. It's a good chance for 16 to 21-year-olds in Europe to get involved.
  2. A world champion Scrabble player recently won championships in French and Spanish without knowing the languages. This shows just how unique and skilled he is.
  3. You can now compare multiple chatbot responses at once to see which is best. This helps understand how different AI models work.

Notes on Lost in Translation

As Ever • 2 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film captures a pre-smartphone loneliness that could still breathe and lead to meaningful, face-to-face encounters. Modern technology would likely have erased the conditions that let this strange intimacy happen.
  2. Tokyo is shown as a vivid, often warm backdrop rather than the source of alienation; the real emptiness comes from the characters' own interior desolations and fantasies. Coppola's painterly visuals, soundtrack, and loose, improvisational style create the film's moody atmosphere.
  3. The relationship feels equal parts performance and genuine feeling, with both characters afraid to collapse their fantasies into real life. The ambiguous ending suggests growth and hard-won awareness more than a tidy romantic escape.

The Spirit of Audubon

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. During the Silent Film Era, the Audubon Society and other conservation-minded individuals created films to entertain, educate, and promote bird conservation through dramas and documentaries.
  2. Filmmaking played a crucial role in promoting bird protection and educating the public during the early 1900s, with nature documentaries and dramas used for classrooms, lectures, and theaters.
  3. The film 'The Spirit of Audubon' showcases how Audubon societies embraced movies to spread bird knowledge, showcasing a shift towards using films as an educational tool to engage the public and especially children.
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It's time for us to hang out again

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The Zoom hangouts are starting back up after a busy holiday period. It's a chance to reconnect and have fun together.
  2. There will be a movie screening of 'Ordinary People' on January 29, 2023. It's a classic film that explores family dynamics in tough situations.
  3. After the movie, there will be time to discuss it with everyone. It's a great way to enjoy a film and share thoughts with friends.

Half-Baked July

From the Desk • 36 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. People have mixed feelings about Wes Anderson's work. Some love his unique style, while others feel he focuses too much on style and not enough on deeper stories.
  2. We often see products that look great but might not be good at all. It's important to look beyond the nice packaging and branding to find real quality.
  3. Chasing dreams often involves doing a lot of boring or hard work. Success can come from sticking with the tough parts of a job or hobby, even if it seems crazy.

Taylor Sheridan's Lightbulb Moment (Tapping into your creative energy)

Neckar’s Notes • 90 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Creative energy is essential for success. Like light bulbs, we need to be connected to a source to shine our brightest.
  2. Taylor Sheridan's career shows that persistence can lead to breakthroughs. After years of struggle, he shifted from acting to writing and directing, which changed everything for him.
  3. True change comes from understanding who you really are and being true to yourself. Sheridan found success when he embraced his true identity instead of trying to fit into a role.

Windows

Soaring Twenties • 262 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The Symposium on Windows features a variety of creative works like essays, fiction, and short films.
  2. Different artists interpret the theme of Windows in unique and imaginative ways.
  3. The Symposium is a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and talent to a wider audience.

A man's gotta have a code, but there's a limit

Situation Normal • 74 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Having a personal code is important, but it can lead you into complicated situations. It's what guides a hero's actions in tough choices.
  2. Choosing your battles wisely is key to maintaining your sanity and focus. If you fight every fight, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.
  3. As you grow older, it's wise to be pickier about which issues you care enough to engage with. Save your energy for the hills that are really worth fighting on.

Gen X Women: The Forgotten Barbie Movie Audience

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Gen X women are often overlooked, especially regarding popular culture like movies. Many believe that younger generations are the main audiences, but Gen X has significant feelings about these films too.
  2. Watching the Barbie movie brought a mix of laughter and emotions for Gen X women. They connected deeply with its themes, relating to their own experiences as moms and through midlife challenges.
  3. The movie resonates with older women who feel seen and heard, emphasizing the importance of their perspectives. Their reactions show that they have rich stories and feelings that matter, even if they're not always highlighted.

What are you watching?

Men Yell at Me • 121 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The show 'Somebody Somewhere' is very uplifting and emotional. It made the viewer feel a lot of joy and love.
  2. The reviewer finds it to be one of the most affirming shows they've experienced lately.
  3. They plan to share more detailed thoughts about the show once their review is finished.

'Ordinary People' Screening Sunday, Jan 29

Disaffected Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 29 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There is a screening of the movie 'Ordinary People' on January 29 at 2:30 pm Eastern Time on Zoom. It's a good idea to check your local time zone for the correct time.
  2. The film is praised for its strong portrayal of parental narcissism, with Mary Tyler Moore giving a standout performance as a cold and repressed mother.
  3. Paid subscribers can access the link for the screening, and there's an option for a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The Rise of the New Romanticism

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 72 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Movies and music are changing, with superhero films and major pop stars like Taylor Swift losing their dominant cultural grip. People are starting to seek new forms of art and storytelling that resonate more deeply with their lives.
  2. There's a growing frustration with technology, especially AI, as people question its real benefits and whether it genuinely improves our lives. Many are yearning for more human connection and less tech dependence.
  3. A new cultural movement, reminiscent of Romanticism, is emerging. People are valuing authenticity and reality over the superficial aspects of digital life, seeking to create meaningful experiences and engagements in the physical world.

Who Are You?

moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies • 407 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Life Lesson: You are an individual who can choose, not just the categories you fit into.
  2. Authentic characters make movies relatable; be real and natural in writing and acting.
  3. People see each other based on preconceived notions; reveal your true self to break down barriers.

Does the Pope Go to the Movies?

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Movies are a powerful art form that can touch people's souls and create connections among audiences. They encourage us to reflect on life in a unique way.
  2. Experiencing films in a theater with an audience can change how we feel about them, making the experience richer than watching alone at home.
  3. The Pope's message to filmmakers highlights the importance of art in society, suggesting that filmmakers can contribute to a shared deeper understanding and connection with others.

Brief note on stylisation and formulaicity*

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Stylisation refers to a unique approach in art where form and content stand out from each other. It can bring something fresh but might also lessen the impact of the subject being represented.
  2. Formulaicity means using a predictable framework or pattern in storytelling. While some formulaic works can still be enjoyable, if they're poorly executed, they can end up being boring.
  3. When a work is both stylised and formulaic, it can be entertaining but often falls short of greatness. It's important that both style and execution are well-balanced for a piece to stand out.

Voluntary Human Extinction: The Definitive Documentary

Bet On It • 90 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The documentary explores the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, which suggests that humans should stop reproducing. It's a unique topic that may not seem entertaining at first.
  2. The filmmaker, Tim Kyle, does a great job presenting the ideas in an engaging way. Even kids can find it enjoyable, as noted by a viewer's 12-year-old daughter.
  3. Despite its serious subject, the documentary has good production quality and can be fun for everyone in the family.

The State of the Culture Is...Not Bad, Actually

The Ruffian • 215 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Hollywood is showing signs of a mini-renaissance with a recent surge in quality films and more diverse storytelling, bucking the trend of blockbuster dominance.
  2. While concerns about a decline in mainstream culture persist, there are still pockets of innovation and quality in mediums like books, TV, music, and film, hinting at a complex and multifaceted cultural landscape.
  3. Previous golden ages in commercial art forms, like Hollywood in the 1970s, have occurred during periods of transition and uncertainty, suggesting that creativity flourishes when traditional norms are disrupted.

GODMODE (2023), Dana Greenleaf & Chris Comfort

Do Not Research • 59 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The film GODMODE released in 2023 was written and directed by Dana Greenleaf and Chris Comfort.
  2. The cast and crew of GODMODE includes individuals like Sarah Abbey, David Cardoza, and more, with contributions from various professionals such as the director of photography and composer.
  3. The film production received support from Do Not Research and involved a team of skilled individuals for different roles like editing, sound, costumes, makeup, and more.

Review: Oppenheimer

Obvious Bicycle • 328 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film 'Oppenheimer' is more of a conventional biopic than an intricate Christopher Nolan flick.
  2. The movie covers multiple aspects of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life but focuses too much on less important elements.
  3. While technically excellent and entertaining, the film lacks depth in exploring Oppenheimer's personality and the profound impact of nuclear weapons.

Why Aren’t Hollywood Movies Classy Anymore?

Shades of Greaves • 58 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Modern movies and TV shows often include mature themes like nudity, profanity, and violence, which can make them uncomfortable compared to the classic Hollywood era.
  2. There's a concern about the decline of moral values in films, with modern movies sometimes glorifying negative behaviors like gang violence and drug abuse.
  3. The nostalgia for the elegance of classic cinema reflects a desire for media that upholds traditional American values and societal structures.

Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' Should've Ended in Tragedy

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The extended television revision of Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' is set to premiere as an original series on Hulu.
  2. Luhrmann revisited the film during the COVID lockdown and felt dissatisfied with the theatrical ending, hinting at a potential tragic alternate ending.
  3. The film 'Australia' is a deliberate blend of reality and fantasy, tackling historical themes while also playing with romantic and ironic elements.

Pro photography isn’t dead; it isn’t even sick

Perfecting Equilibrium • 58 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Professional photography is evolving with technology, focusing more on fast impact visuals for online consumption.
  2. The essence of photography lies in capturing memories and moments, not just producing technically perfect images.
  3. Movies and videos won't replace still photography as the power of photography is in freezing the decisive moment for study and reflection.

Popsicle Moments

The Odin Times • 58 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Magic Castle Hotel stands out by creating defining moments like the Popsicle Hotline
  2. Significant increase in companies mentioning AI leads to competition for who will succeed
  3. Loneliness is a growing issue in society that needs attention and potential solutions

Walking While Woman

Ladyparts • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Walking can be a way to clear the mind and shake off stress.
  2. Pregnancy and motherhood can have long-lasting physical impacts on a woman's body.
  3. Attacks on reproductive rights are rooted in misogyny and control over women's bodies.

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

Textual Variations • 99 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The newsletter shares updates on past posts and new thoughts from the writer. It's a way to keep subscribers informed about recent topics.
  2. 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.
  3. The writer is aiming for more consistent output in the future, indicating a commitment to regular updates and new articles.

We need a new mythos

PashaNomics • 1 implied HN point • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Fiction and popular myths shape how generations see the future and influence real-world politics and policy.
  2. The steady diet of dystopian stories has been harmful: it desensitizes people, narrows how we think about power, and can spur unrealistic or destructive political behavior.
  3. We need a new, realistic but optimistic mythos that shows competent, good leaders and collective projects—portraying how to responsibly build technology and long-term institutions like space colonization.

Best of T.V. 2023 and Revisiting 'Home Alone 2'

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. 2023 was a breakout year for the author, leading to more productivity and stronger writing skills.
  2. The author reflected on their best work in 2023, including topics like film catalogs, George R.R. Martin's progress, and Apple TV features.
  3. A revisit of 'Home Alone 2' led to a new perspective, highlighting enjoyable moments and quotes in the movie.

REPOST: "Baby It's Cold Outside" is Good, So Bite Me and Happy Holidays

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The song’s lyrics reflect an aggressive, pressuring gender dynamic that is legitimately problematic and out of date.
  2. Despite its flaws, the song is a musical time capsule with catchy melodies and many classic renditions, so people can still enjoy its historical and artistic value.
  3. Decisions about canceling cultural works should be nuanced: condemn harmful aspects but weigh them against quality and context rather than discarding everything with flaws.

The greatest movies never made

Artificial Ignorance • 71 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. AI is being used to create fake movie trailers that are surprisingly popular on platforms like YouTube. Many viewers enjoy them for entertainment, even if they know they're not real.
  2. The rise of these AI trailers shows how technology has made it easier for anyone to create content. This lowers the barriers for creativity and allows more people to share their ideas.
  3. There are concerns about the quality and potential for misleading content, similar to past issues with algorithm-driven videos. It's important to balance creativity with honesty in storytelling.

Six Theories About Why Comedy Movies Died

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
😂 Humor Film
  1. Comedy movies are becoming less common in Hollywood today. The best comedies list includes mostly older films, indicating a sharp decline in new comedic content.
  2. Recently released comedies aren't making it big like they used to. The last decade has seen very few comedies that stand out or resonate with audiences.
  3. People are questioning why comedies aren't working anymore. There's a lot of speculation about what has changed in the entertainment industry that affected comedy films.

Dingus of the Week: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Men Yell at Me • 298 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was criticized for having a problem with the positive portrayal of a father on the children's show Bluey
  2. Small towns are not just about white guys and guns, they can be diverse and have a lot going on
  3. Parenting responsibilities are often still heavily gendered, and the burden is often on mothers

Why Are There a Million NIMBY-Themed Movies and No YIMBY-Themed Ones?

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Popular movies lean on a simple underdog-versus-developer story, making homeowners sympathetic and developers easy villains because that emotional conflict is easy to tell.
  2. Pro-housing (YIMBY) stories are hard to dramatize and sell, since supporting development involves complex tradeoffs and lacks a single, easy-to-hate antagonist that fits classic screenwriting beats.
  3. This storytelling bias has real consequences: it hides how anti-development choices harm people by keeping housing scarce, worsening commutes and pollution, and protecting incumbents who benefit from the status quo.

Michael Mann Proves He's an Auteur by Continually Revising his movies

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Michael Mann is known for continually revising and reissuing his movies, showcasing his auteur style through subtle changes.
  2. Mann's editing style involves small, surgical alterations to existing footage, aiming to refine details rather than make big sweeping cuts.
  3. Advancements in technology enable Mann and filmmakers like him to continuously improve and modify their works, leading to potential future revisions and restorations.

American War

KERFUFFLE • 31 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Movies about the Vietnam War focused on moral lessons and the personal struggles of soldiers. They showed the dark side of war and questioned the heroism often portrayed in earlier films.
  2. In contrast, the film _Warfare_ represents the Iraq War without trying to teach a lesson. It depicts soldiers as skilled professionals just trying to survive, reflecting a more cynical view of war.
  3. Modern audiences already understand the harsh realities of war, so they don't need to be convinced of its brutality. Instead, films now aim to show the truth without needing to persuade or moralize.