‘Anora’ Is Pure Cinema and the Best Picture Race Is Completely Up in the Air

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Oct 21, 2024

John Crowley, director of ‘We Live in Time,’ is known for his heartfelt romantic dramas. In this discussion, he shares insights on his collaboration with stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, revealing what drew him to their performances. The conversation dives into the complexities of cinematic storytelling versus theater, highlighting Crowley’s dedication to exploring sincere romantic narratives. They also touch on the unpredictable Best Picture race, with a focus on the urgency and emotional depth of the newly released film ‘Anora.’

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INSIGHT

Open Best Picture Race

The Best Picture race is wide open this year, lacking a clear frontrunner like recent years.
Sean Fennessey notes the unusual uncertainty compared to previous years with dominant films.

INSIGHT

Anora's Best Picture Potential

Anora is a strong contender for Best Picture, despite its unconventional subject matter.
Sean Fennessey considers it a frontrunner in the current race.

ANECDOTE

The Brutalist's Reception

The Brutalist received positive reviews at festivals, with A24 releasing a striking poster.
Sean Fennessey praises the film's powerful and monumental qualities, suggesting Academy appeal.

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Blitz

Hetty Burlingame Beatty

Blitz, written by Hetty Burlingame Beatty, is a historical fiction novel that takes place during World War II. The story revolves around the life of a young girl and her connection with a horse named Blitz. Blitz, initially a fire-horse, faces various challenges including an injury, being bought by a cruel owner, and eventually finding a better life. The novel highlights themes of resilience, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals.

Gladiator

Philip Wylie

Gladiator, a historical epic, follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed and forced into slavery. The film is known for its intense action sequences, Russell Crowe's powerful performance, and its exploration of themes such as honor, revenge, and the corrupting influence of power. The film's depiction of the Roman Empire has made it a popular and influential work. The film's impact on popular culture is undeniable, with its imagery and quotes remaining instantly recognizable. The film's enduring appeal lies in its thrilling action and its exploration of complex themes.

Hard Truths

Think and Lead Like a Green Beret

Mike Waltz

In this book, Mike Waltz shares his personal experiences and lessons from his time as a Green Beret, advisor at the Pentagon and White House, and as a congressman. He applies the principles of unconventional warfare to leadership and governance, emphasizing traits such as restraint, moral high ground, and resilience. The book is praised by various notable figures for its insightful and inspirational take on leadership and the importance of maintaining a problem-centric mindset.

Challenger

A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space

Adam Higginbotham

This book provides a comprehensive and riveting history of the Challenger disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1986. Higginbotham delves into the years leading up to the accident, detailing the ambitions, ingenuity, and political cynicism that undermined the space shuttle program. The narrative follows the seven members of the doomed crew and the designers, engineers, and test pilots who struggled to get the first shuttle into space. It highlights the ominous warning signs ignored by NASA, the investigation driven by leakers and whistleblowers, and the broader context of the space race and its impact on the NASA space program. The book is a masterful blend of human drama and scientific detail, exposing the complex costs of innovation and the fatal compromises made in the pursuit of national prestige.

Anora

Tessa Escalera

Anora is the first book in the Elven Princess series by Tessa Escalera. It follows the journey of a 12-year-old elven princess as she navigates the onset of war. The series is designed for middle-grade readers and explores themes of adventure, magic, and personal growth.

The Brutalist

Brady Corbet

Nosferatu

Henrik Galeen

Bram Stoker

F. W. Murnau

Conclave

Lawrence D. Klausner

Conclave, written by Lawrence D. Klausner, is a novel that explores themes and settings that were relevant at the time of its publication in 1981. The book is known for its engaging narrative, although specific details about the plot are not widely available. It is a work of fiction that has been cataloged and sold through various bookstores and libraries.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Mohamed Rasulaf

THE NICKEL BOYS

Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.

The Piano Lesson

August Wilson

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, 'The Piano Lesson' by August Wilson is the fourth play in his Pittsburgh Cycle. The play revolves around the Charles family, particularly the siblings Boy Willie and Berniece, who argue over whether to sell their family's heirloom piano. The piano, decorated with carvings of their ancestors, was originally traded by their white slave owner for two of the family's members. The conflict between Boy Willie, who wants to sell the piano to buy land, and Berniece, who insists on keeping it as a family legacy, is intertwined with themes of family history, cultural heritage, and the haunting presence of their ancestors' ghosts. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990 and is a powerful exploration of African American identity and the struggle to come to terms with the past[2][3][4].

A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg

Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, 'A Real Pain' follows David and Benji, cousins who embark on a week-long road trip to Poland to honor their recently deceased grandmother. The film balances humor and heartbreak as the cousins navigate their differences and confront their family's history, including the Holocaust. The movie features a cast that includes Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jennifer Grey, and it has received praise for its original screenplay and the performances of its leads.

The Wild Robot

Peter Brown

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she finds herself alone on a remote, wild island after a shipwreck. With no idea how she got there or what her purpose is, Roz must adapt to her harsh surroundings by learning from the island's hostile animal inhabitants. She befriends the animals, including an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, and becomes a part of the island community. However, her mysterious past eventually comes back to haunt her, forcing her to make difficult choices that impact her new family and the island itself. The novel explores themes of technology vs. nature, community, and personal responsibility[2][3][5].

Queer

A Novel

William S. Burroughs

Saturday night

Marjorie Holmes

The Room Next Door

Renée Shann

Unfortunately, the provided sources do not offer a detailed description of the book's plot or themes. It is listed as a hardcover book published by Collins.

All We Imagine is Light

Payal Kapadia

Directed by Payal Kapadia, 'All We Imagine is Light' follows two nurses on a road trip, delving into themes of connection, intimacy, and the complexities of their lives. The film is notable for being the first Indian film in the Cannes Competition in three decades and has won several awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes and the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Pretty woman

Julia Swift

Pretty Woman est une comédie romantique classique de 1990 mettant en vedette Julia Roberts et Richard Gere. L'histoire suit Vivian Ward, une travailleuse du sexe qui est engagée par Edward Lewis, un homme d'affaires prospère, pour l'accompagner à des événements sociaux. Leur relation se développe au cours du film, et ils finissent par tomber amoureux. Le film est connu pour son humour, son romantisme et sa représentation de la relation entre une travailleuse du sexe et un homme d'affaires.

Dune Part 2

Frank Herbert

Juror Number 2

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Efrem Sigel

This book is a riveting memoir that details Efrem Sigel's experience as a juror in a murder trial in East Harlem. It goes beyond the trial itself, delving into the author's two-year investigation of the conditions in NYCHA housing projects, schools, and the criminal justice system that contributed to the involvement of young people in drug-selling and criminal activity. The book highlights the efforts of educators, nonprofit leaders, and criminal justice reformers to find pathways to success for these young people.

The Sing Sing Files

One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice

Dan Slepian

The Sing Sing Files is Dan Slepian’s cinematic account of challenging the broken criminal justice system. The book follows Slepian’s years of prison visits, court hearings, and street reporting that led to a series of powerful Dateline episodes and eventually to the freedom of six innocent men. At the heart of the story is Slepian’s deep and lasting friendship with Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, who aided Slepian in his investigations from his cell in Sing Sing until his own release in 2021. The book is a powerful argument for reckoning and accountability, highlighting the flaws in the justice system and the impact of wrongful convictions on individuals and society.

Dylan goes electric!

Elijah Wald

In 'Dylan Goes Electric!', Elijah Wald delves into the cultural, political, and historical context of Bob Dylan's seminal performance at the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965. The book provides new insights into Dylan’s artistic evolution, his affinity to blues, his complex relationship with the folk establishment and his mentor Pete Seeger, and how he reshaped popular music. Wald breaks down the myth surrounding this event, focusing on the social, cultural, and political changes of the 1960s and how Dylan's decision marked a significant shift from folk to rock music, making it a defining moment of the era.

Wicked

The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Gregory Maguire

In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz[1][3][4].

Maria

A Novel of Maria von Trapp

Michelle Moran

This novel delves into the life of Maria von Trapp, focusing on her dissatisfaction with the creative liberties taken in the Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music'. It offers a dual timeline narrative, contrasting the real Maria with her portrayal in the musical. The book explores Maria's early life, her marriage, and her family's experiences, providing a more nuanced view of the von Trapp family.

Pressure Cooker Cookbook

Amelia Perez

This cookbook by Amelia Perez offers a variety of recipes designed to be cooked quickly and easily using a pressure cooker. It includes 50 meals that are both flavorful and convenient for home cooking.