“The early ’90s depicted in Slacker feel closer to our current epoch – the recession-tainted youth aimlessly wandering the streets, emailing their resumes into the void. But watching the film today, one can’t help but feel a certain if they only knew forbearance for the naively innocent radicalism of the time – the way they compared George H. W. Bush to Hitler, they way they casually drop slogans like ‘Remember, terrorism is the surgical strike capability of the oppressed!'”
Tag: 03.20.12
Why Has Hollywood Made So Many Recent Flops?
“Several insiders I spoke to argued that today’s studio and network chiefs are more confused than ever about what their audience wants, a lack of certainty that encourages them to look for answers — and cede control — to high-powered creative minds.”
Frank Gehry Defends His Eisenhower Memorial Design
Gehry did not attend the hearing, but sent a letter defending the sculpture of a young Eisenhower, saying it is intended to inspire children and “give them courage to pursue their dreams and to remind them that this great man started out just like them.”
Shakespeare From The World’s Newest Nation
“Their country is less than nine months old and still coping with the aftermath of decades of war, widespread poverty and an education system badly in need of repair, with around 80% of the population illiterate. But a theatre company from South Sudan wants to show a different side of the country when it participates in the World Shakespeare festival at the Globe theatre in London.”
What Is It About Communism And Red?
The Red Army. Red China. “Red-diaper babies”. The “Red Menace”. The Red Detachment of Women. The national flags of the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. How did this one color become so associated with Communism? Slate‘s Explainer explains.
Kevin Costner Versus The Sculptor
Costner is battling Peggy Detmers, an artist who was commissioned by the Hollywood star to create 17 bronze sculptures depicting buffalo and Native Americans. The sculptures were originally intended to be displayed at Costner’s planned South Dakota resort called the Dunbar, named after his character in the Oscar-winning 1990 movie “Dances With Wolves.”
When 100 Cellos Vibrate
“Sunday’s sundry cellos swelled fabulously, and they exhaled just as fabulously. Cello vibrations seemed to infuse all the senses, not just hearing. The hall shimmered. The cellos could be felt through the skin, tasted, smelled.”
Why Are We Drawn To Tragedies?
“In inflation-adjusted dollars, three of the top 10 movies of all time — Gone With the Wind, Doctor Zhivago, and Titanic — are tragedies. Why do we willingly subject ourselves, again and again, to these sad stories?”
China Becomes World’s Top Antiques Market
China has overtaken the US as the world’s biggest market for art and antiques, according to The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF).
Thanks To X-Rays, Van Gogh Canvas Is Re-Authenticated
“A still life once thought to be by Vincent van Gogh but later downgraded to the work of an anonymous artist because of doubts about its authenticity is indeed by the tormented Dutch impressionist, researchers said Tuesday.”