The hottest Film Substack posts right now

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The femcel crypto-degen catalog model and the serial killer

Read Max • 922 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There's been a lot of talk about a little AI from China that really made waves in Silicon Valley this week. It seems to be a big deal in tech discussions right now.
  2. A new dark web movie explores intense themes like true crime, cryptocurrency, and mental health issues. It sounds like a gripping watch for those interested in these topics.
  3. A new album has been released that combines sounds similar to Radiohead. If you enjoy multi-instrumental music, this could be a great addition to your playlist.

John Menick: The Narco-Image

Do Not Research • 718 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Viewer-consumers today are like addicts, seeking more and more content - movies, TV shows, clicks - leading to extreme viewing habits.
  2. The media industry has created a dependency on what's termed as 'narco-images,' which deliver intense, explicit, and shocking content to desensitized audiences.
  3. Capitalist consumerism mirrors addictive behavior, pushing for continuous product consumption and loyalty, resulting in harmful consequences just like the tobacco and opioid industries.

How Documentary Went Off the Rails

The Ankler • 353 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival were bold and commercial.
  2. Last year's Sundance had few notable documentary sales, signaling a downturn.
  3. Despite industry pessimism, filmmakers at this year's Sundance found hope for the genre.
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Not knowing what’s impossible

Austin Kleon • 2477 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Sometimes, not knowing what can't be done can lead to amazing creations, just like Orson Welles with 'Citizen Kane'. It shows us the power of ignorance in fostering creativity.
  2. When faced with frustrating or silly ideas, a good response is to explore and contradict them, like what philosopher Mary Midgley did in her writing. It's a way to keep thinking and learning.
  3. Finding joy in our passions, like movies or music, helps us connect with ourselves. Looking back at what we loved as teens can reveal a lot about who we are today.

Recommendations

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A writing workshop can be a great way to get feedback on your work and discuss ideas with others. Learning and sharing in a group setting helps boost creativity and energy.
  2. Teaching workshops outside of a traditional school setting can be rewarding and fun. Planning future workshops can lead to even more opportunities for writers to grow.
  3. Books and movies can deeply influence our lives, and sharing recommendations can help others find quality stories. Building a list of favorites can make it easier to discover new reads and films.

Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie 'Barbie' is all about world-building and creativity. It mixes different genres and offers a fun view on feminism, showing that it's not just about power, but also understanding emotions and relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Killers of the Flower Moon' focuses on the dark side of American history. It tells a sad story about greed and racism, showcasing how these forces affected the Osage people and their lives.
  3. Both films represent different styles of storytelling. 'Barbie' uses imagination and humor, while 'Killers of the Flower Moon' highlights serious historical themes, inviting viewers to think deeply about America’s past.

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

Counter Craft • 910 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  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.

A Killing For Our Time

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Classic, warmly human movies that used to bind people together are now rare, and that older era of middlebrow, widely beloved filmmaking feels largely gone.
  2. His murder by his son is a terrible, almost unimaginable family tragedy that also feels emblematic of a wider cultural unraveling.
  3. The president’s cruel reaction to the killing shows how political life has normalized brutal rhetoric, and it forces a reckoning that we collectively enabled leaders who act this way.

A Wild and Shimmering Life

Culture Study • 2334 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Katie Gee Salisbury's book on Anna May Wong sheds light on the complex negotiation of popular media and gives a fresh perspective into Wong's storied career.
  2. The book highlights the critical importance of personal experience in biography writing, emphasizing the subjective nature of telling someone's life story.
  3. The discussion on Hollywood's past and present shows that while progress has been made in Asian American representation, there are ongoing challenges and biases in the industry that still exist today.

My third eye

Austin Kleon • 1998 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Comfort work is the work you do when you're unsure of what else to tackle. It can help ease feelings of uncertainty.
  2. Books and stories about loneliness often explore the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, which can be a complex topic.
  3. Discovering new music and films can be inspiring and enjoyable. It's great to find fresh sounds that you love or revisit old favorites.

Why We’re Obsessed with JFK Conspiracies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Film
  1. Many people are really curious about JFK's assassination and the theories surrounding it. These theories often stem from a mix of history and pop culture.
  2. The 1991 movie _JFK_ played a big role in shaping public interest in these conspiracy theories. It questioned the government's involvement in the assassination and got people talking.
  3. Recently, the idea of releasing more documents on JFK's assassination has garnered attention, especially with Donald Trump's involvement. It shows that the topic is still relevant and controversial today.

The Joker: 'I'm Just Ahead of the Game'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. We’re in a late-stage madness where a tiny, ultra-wealthy elite holds power and often behaves recklessly and corruptly.
  2. The ruling class lacks a consistent moral code — they break rules when it suits them while expecting everyone else to follow theirs, which erodes civilization’s norms.
  3. Those in charge care more about staying in power than preserving order, so they tolerate or even welcome chaos as long as they remain on top.

Like Spike

HIDDEN.RSRCH • 628 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. In 1986, Spike Lee made history with his film debut and acting in 'She's Gotta Have It.'
  2. Spike Lee's character Mars Blackmon had an iconic style that included 1985 Air Jordan 1s.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only.

An American Werefolf in London

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film leans more toward comedy than pure horror, and it’s genuinely enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.
  2. Setting an American werewolf in London feels plausible because cities host many Americans and people often tolerate eccentricity, so odd things go unnoticed.
  3. The rural pub full of wary locals is convincingly portrayed, but the scene with a working gum machine on the Northern line feels implausible since those machines rarely worked.

Ranking Every "Mission: Impossible"

Obvious Bicycle • 263 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The 'Mission: Impossible' series is not just for action fans; it has thrilling moments that can surprise even those who usually don’t watch action movies.
  2. Tom Cruise's willingness to perform dangerous stunts himself adds a level of authenticity and excitement to the films, making them stand out in the action genre.
  3. Each 'Mission: Impossible' movie has a fun and engaging structure, allowing them to be enjoyed as standalone films while still offering an overarching storyline.

THE SOUND OF FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

The Nelson George Mixtape • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The sound design of 'Apocalypse Now' by Walter Murch played a crucial role in making Francis Ford Coppola's film memorable and visionary.
  2. Walter Murch revolutionized movie sound through his work on 'The Godfather,' 'The Conversation,' and 'Apocalypse Now,' contributing to cinematic masterpieces.
  3. Sam Wasson's book provides insights into Murch's artistic journey and his significant contributions to sound design in film, making it a great read for cinephiles.

How 'Chicken Run' Stayed Aardman

Animation Obsessive • 3857 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. When creating 'Chicken Run,' Aardman faced the challenge of maintaining their unique style amidst growth and Hollywood partnership.
  2. Nick Park and the Aardman team worked hard to preserve their quirky, British humor while collaborating on 'Chicken Run.'
  3. The film 'Chicken Run' is considered a successful example of balancing creative vision with external influences, retaining the essence of Aardman's work.

My Review of "Melania"

I Might Be Wrong • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film feels like a blatant money-laundering/bribe project rather than a genuine documentary.
  2. It’s excruciatingly dull and obsessively focused on trivial moments—coat fittings, furniture choices, and long transit shots—so it reveals almost nothing interesting.
  3. Huge bids and heavy marketing with no real access expose political cronyism that revives careers and wastes money, which comes off as an insult to viewers' intelligence.

Jordan Peele's Divided Aesthetic

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Jordan Peele's film _Get Out!_ was groundbreaking because it mixed horror with comedy and highlighted the awkwardness and hidden racism in America. It showed that racism is deep-rooted and not just a product of overt actions.
  2. Peele's later films, _Us_ and _Nope_, struggle with the same themes but seem less clear in their messages. While they aim to critique social issues, the storytelling sometimes veers into confusion.
  3. The success of _Get Out!_ has led to a genre of films that exaggerate social issues and trauma, but this can make the realities of those issues seem cartoonish and oversimplified, leading to less effective critiques.

Fly-fishing in a business suit

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. This week features a mix of cool recommendations, including a thrilling international book and a stylish 1990s movie.
  2. There's interesting reading on sports conspiracy theories and financing in soccer, plus a new eurodance-pop album that's really enjoyable.
  3. The writer loves getting suggestions from readers for books or movies they might like, and they offer a free trial for new subscribers.

Whatever happened

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Nostalgia can be comforting, so it's okay to revisit old books and memories when things get tough.
  2. It's fun to discover new and interesting art and media, like books and podcasts, that bring inspiration and joy.
  3. Sharing experiences and recommendations can help build community and keep creativity flowing.

You can help me escape

Austin Kleon • 1878 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. It's a good time to enjoy the changing seasons and reflect on seasonal thinking. Fall brings an opportunity to re-evaluate our daily routines.
  2. Finding the right book can be a generous escape, as they can draw readers in so deeply that they want to stay up late reading.
  3. Embracing imperfection is important for creativity. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them instead of striving for perfection.

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

It was not a request

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Many people today struggle with hands-on skills, like cutting paper, which shows a disconnect from traditional crafts.
  2. Artists like Steve Keene focus on quantity over perfection, believing that producing more work can lead to better creativity.
  3. There's a shared appreciation for music and movies, with a nostalgia for past artists and a love for engaging stories told through film.

American Fiction and The Holdovers

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie 'American Fiction' challenges the current view of wokeness in art. It argues that reducing people to simple racial stereotypes limits true understanding and representation of complex human experiences.
  2. In 'The Holdovers,' the characters struggle with awkwardness and emotional distance. The film shows how hard it can be for people to connect, especially men, and it avoids the usual happy endings found in many films.
  3. Both films show the importance of honesty in storytelling. 'American Fiction' dives into the messy realities of life, while 'The Holdovers' highlights the idea that sometimes keeping things private can be a way to protect oneself.

How Woke Led to Cultural Decadence

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3438 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Cultural critics are concerned about the decline in original storytelling in movies, with studios relying more on established franchises.
  2. The influence of 'woke' ideology on art can limit the creation of compelling works by disregarding the natural differences and gendered characteristics between men and women.
  3. Wokeness has impacted art in areas like race representation in fantasy worlds, creating challenges for new storytelling while established franchises remain unaffected.

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 Film
  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.

If Joan Didion wrote 'Little Drummer Girl'?

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There's a new espionage novel that mixes rich settings with themes similar to Joan Didion and 'Little Drummer Girl.' It sounds intriguing for fans of deep storytelling.
  2. The roundup includes recommendations for unexpected topics like the Murdoch family and some odd mysteries, which could make for interesting reading.
  3. There’s a one-take action movie mentioned that blends suspense with gritty action, perfect for anyone who enjoys intense thrillers.

On Barbie and Oppenheimer, inevitability and guilty

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. _Barbie_ and _Oppenheimer_ films are compared with a focus on the inevitability and guilt associated with historical events.
  2. Film _Oppenheimer_ explores themes of guilt and responsibility regarding the Manhattan Project and the use of atomic bombs.
  3. Population shifts in London over the decades have seen fluctuations, with various factors influencing the city's growth and decline.

Envy Desire

Crumpstack • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The short film 'Envy/Desire' is described as a subversive piece of cinema that challenges the audience's perception.
  2. The audience at the Sovereign House consisted mainly of young hipsters, with unique individuals like a fat bearded guy wearing a T-shirt saying 'RACEPLAY EXPERT'.
  3. To continue reading posts like 'Envy/Desire', one can subscribe to Crumpstack for a 7-day free trial and access to the full post archives.

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 Film
  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.

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 Film
  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.

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.