Rating Sundance Fresh Air January 31, 2005 • Critic-at-large John Powers gives his take on the offerings at this year's Sundance Film Festival, which wrapped up over the weekend.
Clint Eastwood's Ageless Approach to Directing January 29, 2005 • At 74, Clint Eastwood is still creating Oscar-nominated films at an age when many directors have long since lost their steam. Many credit his direct approach to the movie business, which endears him to fellow actors and brings films in under budget.
Highlights from Sundance January 29, 2005 • New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell finds gems at the Sundance Film Festival. Highlights include Hustle and Flow, featuring a strong performance from Terrence Howard, the high-school film-noir Brick and Rise, a documentary about young dancers from Los Angeles.
Revealing the Racy Original Cut of 'Babyface' January 29, 2005 • In 1933, Warner Brothers released the film Babyface, starring Barbara Stanwyck. As a pre-code film, it's always been known for provocative material. But until Mike Mashon, curator at the Motion Picture Division of the Library of Congress, found a never-before-seen cut, no one knew just how racy it really was.
77th Annual Academy Awards 'Million Dollar Baby' Fresh Air January 28, 2005 • Film critic David Edelstein reviews Million Dollar Baby, a boxing tale directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the movie, alongside Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman. The film has won critical acclaim and is now up for seven Oscars, including best picture.
Culture Slate's Summary Judgment: 'Hide and Seek,' 'Alone in the Dark,' 'Aliens of the Deep' January 28, 2005 • Writer Mark Jordan Legan summarizes what movie critics are saying about this weekend's movie releases -- Hide and Seek, Alone in the Dark and the IMAX film Aliens of the Deep.
Culture Robert De Niro Plays 'Hide and Seek' January 28, 2005 • NPR's Mike Pesca talks with legendary actor Robert De Niro about his role in the new horror film Hide and Seek and his hit-or-miss silver screen legacy.
Documentaries Best Bet at Crowded Sundance January 28, 2005 • Los Angeles Times film Critic Kenneth Turan talks about the buzz at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Turan profiles the movies, stars and the big deals being made by the studios.
Xeni Tech The 3-D World of 'Aliens of the Deep' January 28, 2005 • Day to Day technology contributor Xeni Jardin reports on the new film by Oscar-winning director James Cameron, Aliens of the Deep. The film, presented in 3-D at IMAX theaters, documents life two-and-a-half miles below the surface of the sea.
Martin Scorsese's 'Aviator' Takes Flight January 27, 2005 • Martin Scorsese's latest film, The Aviator, earned 11 Oscar nominations and may be his best chance yet to win for best director. Scorsese talks about shooting the flight scenes of his latest epic about another filmmaker, Howard Hughes.
On the Scene at the Oscar Nominations January 26, 2005 • Who'll be vying for an Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony Feb. 27? NPR's Tony Cox finds out from celebrity entertainment reporter Tonya Hart who's on hand at Tuesday's nomination announcement in Beverly Hills.
John Ridley's Favorite Presidential Films January 26, 2005 • As the nation looks to the inauguration celebrations in DC, NPR's Tony Cox speaks with film director and producer John Ridley about some of his favorites inauguration moment, and some of the most notable Hollywood movies focused on the presidency.
Culture Ice Cube on 'Are We There Yet' January 26, 2005 • Producer Roy Hurst talks with rapper turned actor Ice Cube about his new role in the movie Are We There Yet?
'Symbiopyschotaxiplasm' at Sundance January 26, 2005 • Award-winning filmmaker William Greaves talks with NPR's Tony Cox about the revival of his film Symbiopsychotaxiplasm in it's new form, Take 2 1/2. The ever-evolving film, began in 1968, follows the lives of a couple with a troubled marriage. The movie is screening at the Sundance Film Festival.
Books Sidney Howard and Hollywood's Golden Age January 26, 2005 • In this week's Day to Day book bag, critic David Kipen remembers screenwriter and national literary figure Sidney Howard. Howard wrote the screenplay for Gone With The Wind and other acclaimed films from the golden age of Hollywood.