Written and directed by Halina Reijn (“Bodies Bodies Bodies”); at forty-nine is well-studied on staving off aging formulas (Botox, Juvéderm, plastic surgery) and grappling to maintain an aura of youth; in “Babygirl” her weapon of choice is Nicole Kidman, who at fifty-seven, is as perfect a human specimen in existence; in “Babygirl” she is the quintessential contemporary woman: ivy league …

At times faithful to the horrifyingly sensational 1922 silent film “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror”, directed by F. W. Murnau (1888-1931), adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”; director Robert Eggers interaction seethes with titillation, tools of the contemporary and gorgeous, gory cinematography. German Expressionism pulsating at the core of 1922’s masterpiece is tempered with the six elements evident in the films …

In Saturday’s New York Times, columnist Michelle Goldberg address the “sexual politics” of the upcoming film “Babygirl” starring the ubiquitous actor, Nicole Kidman. I have not seen the film but have experienced the others mentioned: “Wicked”, “Nightbitch”, “The Substance”, “Anora”, all centering around female empowerment, control over the “male gaze” and the vicissitudes vanquished in their triumph. History, religion, culture …

Director Pablo Larrain’s third tribute to a feminine icon: “Jackie” 2016, starring Natalie Portman; “Spencer” 2021, gloomy actor, Kristin Stewart and the final film of the trilogy, “Maria” featuring the preeminent Diva, operatic legend, Maria Callas depicted by Angelina Jolie. In essence I found the trinity lacking in pungency, power and engrossment. Possibly Larrain’s awe of the protagonists clouded his …

Watching this nebulous, evocative film, Thomas Mann’s (1875-1955) “Death in Venice” kept plundering the forefront my mind; a distinguished writer so obsessed with a much younger boy that it destroys his rationale, eventually leading to his demise. In “Queer”, replaced by a decadent, drug and alcohol addicted “William Lee”. Daniel Craig’s, metamorphosis is astounding, erased is the 007, suave, “shaken, …

Director Justin Kurzel could not have selected a timelier era to debut this true travail which occurred in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1980’s; a white, antisemitic cabal led by charismatic Robert Mathews (a superb Nicholas Hoult), messianic leader of The Order and believer in the annihilation and recreation of the American government; funded by organized bank robberies. Enter …

One of the weirdest, strangest, but oddly compelling films of the year; based on 2021’s Rachel Yoder’s novel of the same title; I did not read the book, so the premise came as a shocking example of the most extreme postpartum depression ever depicted or imagined. An intentionally weightier Amy Adams growls, chews and roars as she slowly turns into …

“This is the end-for me, the beginning of life”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s (1906-1945) last words on the day he was hung by the Nazis, April 9th, at 39 years of age, days before the end of the war. It was a tragic conclusion to a life lived without regret; a life where a darkened shadow of doubt never interfered with the …

Director Ridley Scott  has had twenty-four years to ruminate on the success of 2000’s “Gladiator”, winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Scott), Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Supporting Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) Best Original Screenplay (David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson); “Gladiator II”  bests its forerunner in cinematography, battle sequences (bloodied, severed limbs and heads) aerial views …

Never has wickedness been served so mellifluously, deliciously, supercalifragilisticexpialidociously sensational as in director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked”; a film so splendidly crafted, acted, choregraphed it was impossible to breathe with the breath, depth of its wonder. Every glittering glorious moment resonates with truth, integrity and lessons for living, understanding and embracing the goodness of the unknown, outlier, no matter their …