Orson Welles needed money. That’s how this story begins. Back in 1946, Welles was putting the finishing touches on an ambitious stage production of Around the World in 80 Days—a musical!—and funds were running dry. So he called studio boss … Continue reading THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI
How many times can you watch a movie before you discover its secrets? I’ve probably seen Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane more than any other movie. That’s not something I set out to do; it just sort of happened that way. Ten years ago, … Continue reading Fun with aspects ratios in THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI
Watching movies in the 21st century is no longer a question of where, but why. It could be everywhere: Multiplexes, art house theater, film societies, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, public transportation, parks—name the space and you’ll be able to watch … Continue reading THE CONFORMIST (IL CONFORMISTA)
The year is 1918, and Red troops are rounding up the White guards. War is on, and the insurgents are to be executed. But as the victors take their time playing by the rules of engagement, a fresh batch of … Continue reading The Best in 2022 Home Video Release
A driven perfectionist and a kitchen tyrant, Charlie Trotter was known for putting Chicago on the fine dining map in the 1990s and for never serving the same dish twice—and that’s over 25 years of service, 10 courses a night. … Continue reading LOVE, CHARLIE: THE RISE AND FALL OF CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER
Fifteen-year-old Olga (Anastasiia Budiashkina) isn’t sure where she belongs. Her mother is a Ukrainian journalist covering the unrest and revolution building in Kyiv. The year is 2013, and things are getting testy in the streets and harder for Olga to … Continue reading OLGA
It opens in an African coltan mine. Black bodies dig through the rocks for precious metals. “Metal precious currency,” the narrator intones. “Third and First world currency. Black market currency… That old black-bodied currency.” Men with guns demand the workers … Continue reading NEPTUNE FROST
Like most love stories, this one begins at the movies. London, 1971: A young actor goes to see the latest release, A Clockwork Orange, and is transfixed. The garish colors, the violence, the sex, the terror, Malcolm McDowell’s theatrical performance; the young … Continue reading FILMWORKER
It’s only a paper moon. Sailing over a cardboard sea. But it wouldn’t be make believe if you believe in me. —Billy Rose and Yip Harburg “Paper Moon” The names Harold and Lillian Michelson are not synonymous with cinema, but … Continue reading HAROLD AND LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY
Michael J. Cinema 
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