The hottest Film Substack posts right now

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Fix Your Hearts or Die!: A Short Ode to David Lynch (RIP)

Counter Craft • 910 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Tribute Media Music
  1. David Lynch was a visionary artist whose work greatly influenced American cinema and television. His shows and films changed how we think about storytelling in media.
  2. Lynch blended different tones in his art, mixing horror with humor and beauty. This combination made his work feel real and relatable.
  3. Even in death, Lynch's legacy lives on through his art, which captures the complexity of life and human emotions. His stories remind us of the beauty and mystery of existence.

The way you wanted to feel

Austin Kleon • 5295 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Parenting Philosophy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Movie Recommendations: 3 Wordless Features

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Recommendations Cinema Media
  1. Recommending good movies is important because it helps people discover great films instead of just focusing on negative critiques. It shows that you care about what you love and want to share it with others.
  2. Wordless movies can tell powerful stories through visuals and music alone, making them relatable to everyone regardless of language. This opens up new ways for filmmakers to connect with audiences worldwide.
  3. The success of wordless films highlights the need for movies that are unique and confident, pushing filmmakers to create innovative content rather than just following trends.

Zvi's 2024 In Movies

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1299 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Reviews Cinema Media Entertainment
  1. Watching movies in theaters is way better than at home. The experience with big screens and better sound makes a big difference.
  2. People become more picky about movie quality when they watch more films. This means great movies stand out more when you watch less overall.
  3. Tracking and reviewing the movies you watch can help you learn about your own tastes and make better choices in the future.

Stop Making Sense

The Ruffian • 534 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Film
  1. Art doesn’t always need to make sense. Sometimes, it's okay to enjoy things that feel profound even if we can't explain them.
  2. We often prefer mysteries over puzzles. While puzzles have clear answers, mysteries make us think deeply and keep us engaged.
  3. Current culture pushes for clear and simple art because of instant gratification. However, artists like David Lynch and Bob Dylan show us the beauty in ambiguity and complexity.
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T.V. News: Pledges, Hiatus, Wong Kar Wai Revisions

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Art Entertainment
  1. The author plans to take a break from publication to catch up on other priorities, which might cause gaps in the schedule this Spring. They hope to return to a regular posting schedule by May.
  2. Wong Kar Wai's classic film 'In the Mood for Love' is being reissued in China with new footage, and there are discussions about changes that may come with this release.
  3. The new animated series 'Invincible Fight Girl' is praised for its authentic anime style and storytelling, blending action with comedic elements in a unique way.

When Auschwitz Becomes a Theme Park

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Tourism History Memory Trauma
  1. Tourism at Holocaust sites like Auschwitz can feel wrong and disrespectful to many people. It's strange to combine such serious history with entertainment.
  2. The movie 'A Real Pain' explores the impact of the Holocaust on future generations and how it shapes their identities. It's a personal story about understanding family and history.
  3. There's a disconnect in Poland where some people feel distant or unwelcoming toward Jewish history and culture, which can lead to a cold atmosphere during visits. This ambivalence is troubling for many visitors.

A great new sci-fi novel for Iain M. Banks fans, a masterpiece French crime epic, and a great new jangly power-pop album

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books Music Film Literature Art
  1. There's a new sci-fi novel that fans of Iain M. Banks will likely enjoy. It's about space travel and alien intelligence.
  2. A thrilling French crime story set in prison is now available on Netflix. It’s a gripping watch if you like intense dramas.
  3. A fresh album inspired by bands like Hüsker Dü and Big Star has been released. It's catchy and worth a listen.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Visual Arts Television Storytelling
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The Year's End

Animation Obsessive • 10135 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Art Film Media Storytelling
  1. Animation has had a year of ups and downs. Big hits and mass job losses coexisted in America, while Japan's animation scene is growing despite some challenges.
  2. There are plenty of inspiring stories in the animation world, like independent creators making feature films or successful documentaries about past works. Art continues to find a way to shine through difficulties.
  3. The newsletter aims to celebrate good work and share intriguing stories, showing that even in tough times, passion and creativity can lead to great achievements.

The Absurd Genius of Netflix Christmas Films

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1743 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Media Holidays Trends Popular culture
  1. Netflix's holiday films, like 'Hot Frosty,' are intentionally over-the-top and silly. They embrace a kind of absurdity that attracts viewers despite being labeled as bad.
  2. Despite awful reviews, these films become hugely popular, sometimes hitting top viewership numbers on Netflix. People enjoy them even when critics don't.
  3. This phenomenon shows how different audiences have varying tastes. Some viewers love the escapism and fun of these cheesy holiday movies.

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Make Villains Evil Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Theater Traditions
  1. Villains are often given sad backstories nowadays, making them less scary. It's nice to see a movie where the villain is just pure evil, like in _Nosferatu_.
  2. The film _Nosferatu_ creates a chilling atmosphere, focusing on darkness and fear. It's set in a time when there was no electricity, which adds to the spooky vibe.
  3. Traditional Christmas decorations used to be very dangerous, like lighting trees with candles. These traditions reflect how people once dealt with the darkness of winter nights.

One of 2024's Best Films Was Made in Pakistan

Animation Obsessive • 9956 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art Music Storytelling
  1. The Glassworker is a unique animated film from Pakistan that explores themes of art and war. It highlights the importance of creativity even in difficult times.
  2. The creators of The Glassworker spent ten years making the film, overcoming challenges to set up their animation studio in Karachi. They aimed to prove that high-quality animation could be produced in Pakistan.
  3. The film combines local culture with a universal fantasy feel, using the story of glassblowing to reflect the journey of its creators. It's set against the backdrop of their experiences growing up during conflict.

A big pile of imperfect things

Austin Kleon • 5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education
  1. 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.
  2. It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
  3. 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.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Media
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Design
  1. 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.
  2. Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
  3. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. 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
  1. The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
  2. Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
  3. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The Rise of the New Romanticism

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 72 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Film Music Society
  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.

Some kinds of monsters

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics
  1. 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.
  2. Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
  3. Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

‘Looking Forward’: A Brief Film for Our Times.

Breaking the News • 1141 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Documentary Creativity
  1. The film 'Looking Forward' combines AI and real-world footage to highlight the contradictions of our time. It's a unique mix that encourages viewers to think deeply about today's world.
  2. It has a hopeful message about how we face challenges, showing that optimism and pessimism can exist together. This balance is important for understanding our current situation.
  3. The film is not just informative but also visually impressive, making it enjoyable to watch. It features interesting moments that capture the audience's attention.

Thank you, and remember, the universe is in your basement

Both Are True • 298 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Creativity Philosophy Writing
  1. David Lynch believes everyone has creativity and happiness inside them. It's okay to be positive and embrace the good in life.
  2. Cinema can express emotions and experiences that are hard to put into words. It connects with our feelings in a unique way.
  3. It's important to just create and share your work, instead of always explaining why you're doing it. The act of creating speaks for itself.

Gift Ideas for the Animation Inclined

Animation Obsessive • 7086 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art Design Entertainment
  1. There's a new gift guide for animation fans that features a mix of DVDs, Blu-rays, and books. It includes something for everyone, so you can find unique gifts this holiday season.
  2. Two short films worth checking out are 'Sierra' and 'Luki & the Lights'. Both tackle important themes and have received praise at film festivals, with 'Sierra' being available for free online.
  3. Recent animation news includes awards for films like 'Flow' and updates on various international projects. It's a great time to discover exciting new animated works from around the world.

A Burning City

Animation Obsessive • 8521 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Illustration
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo's short film 'Combustible' showcases his unique storytelling style, featuring a deep emotional core and a focus on the Edo period in Japan. It's a departure from his earlier work like 'Akira', emphasizing a personal and experimental approach.
  2. The animation in 'Combustible' combines traditional art styles with modern technology, allowing for intricate designs and details that highlight the beauty of the Edo era. Otomo aimed for a blend of history and contemporary techniques.
  3. Despite its compelling qualities, 'Combustible' remains relatively obscure compared to Otomo's more famous works. Nonetheless, it proves that he is a versatile director with a wide range of creative capabilities beyond just 'Akira'.

Movie Review: Anora

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Humanities Social Issues Entertainment
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

Who Killed 'Fraidy Cat'?

Animation Obsessive • 9328 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Storytelling
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Animating in Present Tense

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Visual art Film Music Cultural Commentary
  1. Sasha Svirsky is a self-taught animator who values improvisation over traditional rules. He creates unique animations by following his feelings, resulting in lively and often chaotic films.
  2. His work touches on important themes like oppression and the impact of war, often reflecting real-world events. Svirsky's art resonates deeply with viewers and highlights pressing issues.
  3. In animation news, the European co-production system continues to produce noteworthy films, such as 'Kensuke’s Kingdom,' which is a nostalgic adventure tale with a memorable score that emphasizes emotional storytelling.

Basic pleasantries

Austin Kleon • 7613 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Film Literature
  1. 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.
  2. Being playful as you grow older can make life more enjoyable. Staying curious and lighthearted is a good approach to aging.
  3. 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
  1. Reading is valuable! Check out books that focus on writing good sentences; they can help improve your own writing.
  2. Exploring how artists work can inspire creativity. Look into features and documentaries about artists at different stages of their careers.
  3. 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.

why isn't there an A24 for kids?

Both Are True • 316 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Parenting Entertainment Media Art
  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.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Arts
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

Animating Out of Spite

Animation Obsessive • 8700 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Cultural Commentary Visual Arts
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Hope, Small but Strong

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Film Animation Media Storytelling
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

When you hear it

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media Nature
  1. 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.
  2. Creating a mixtape or playlist can be a fun way to share music inspired by special events like an eclipse.
  3. Rejecting ideas can hurt your creativity. It's important to explore your own thoughts and not just follow what others want.

Automation in Movie Theaters Gives Me the Creeps

Textual Variations • 198 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Automation Cinema Media
  1. Automation in movie theaters is increasing, leading to fewer staff and a less engaging experience for viewers. People feel uneasy seeing machines replace human jobs and the emptiness of the theaters.
  2. The closing of a popular David Lynch Facebook page highlights issues with automated customer service. It shows how difficult it can be to get assistance from large companies like Meta when they rely heavily on machines.
  3. The alternate Pizza Hut version of 'Demolition Man' demonstrates how movie marketing has evolved over time. It's a fun twist that changes the film's context for different audiences, reflecting how product placement has shaped cinema.

Rundell, Ibsen, Gogh, Yoshida, Tanizaki, Atwood, Dolan, Bate, Chaucer, Orbital, Liberalism, Future, Monsters, Justice, Autism, Ass

The Common Reader • 815 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Film Theater
  1. Katherine Rundell is a talented children's author, and her books are worth reading for both kids and adults. Her work promotes the importance of great children's literature.
  2. Ibsen's play 'Wild Duck' can be boring because it feels overly structured and focused on heavy themes. However, seeing it performed in Norwegian adds to its emotional depth.
  3. Van Gogh's exhibition has some beautiful works, even if he's not a favorite. Experiencing art with family can create lasting memories.

Reflections on Y2K and a Crappy Year on Substack

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Film History Personal Reflection Humor
  1. Y2K was a big deal back in 1999, with many people fearing that computers would fail and cause chaos. Thankfully, it turned out to be mostly nothing, and it was a weird moment in history.
  2. 2024 was a tough year for many, especially for writers trying to grow their audience on platforms like Substack. It can be hard when things don't go as planned.
  3. Albert Pyun, a low-budget filmmaker, has a director's cut of his 1990 'Captain America' movie that many fans are excited to see. It's a chance to understand his vision better.