Down Year for Oscars Widens Field of Contenders November 30, 2006 • The 2006 awards year has been disappointing, with only one or two films becoming blockbusters. In Hollywood, advertising reps for both major trade publications bemoan the drop in studios' Oscar campaigns. But as in nature, Hollywood hates a vacuum: Movies that would normally not be considered Oscar-caliber are filling the awards gap with campaigns of their own.
Culture Danny DeVito's Eclectic Taste Fresh Air November 30, 2006 • Actor, producer and director Danny DeVito was first known for his role as Louie on the TV comedy Taxi. He directed War of the Roses, Hoffa and Death to Smoochy, and produced Erin Brockovich and Pulp Fiction. DeVito is now starring in Deck the Halls.
Timeless Holiday Movies November 30, 2006 • Murray Horwitz and listeners give their picks for the "Best Holiday Movies of All Time."
Books John Leguizamo on Latinos in Hollywood November 27, 2006 • Comedian and author John Leguizamo talks about his new book, Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends and what it's like to be a Latino in Hollywood.
Review Summary Judgment: 'The Fountain', 'Bobby' November 24, 2006 • Slate contributor Mark Jordan Legan offers a roundup of what critics are saying about the weekend's releases, including The Fountain, Bobby, Tenacious D and Christopher Guest's latest mockumentary, For Your Consideration.
Opinion 'Borat' Under the Microscope Fresh Air November 24, 2006 • The controversial new hit film Borat provides insight into how documentary and reality TV are really made. These programs all shape and color their characters, whether their intention is farce or sober assessment of a serious subject.
Culture Robin Williams' Prodigious Career Fresh Air November 24, 2006 • Actor and comic Robin Williams is co-starring in the new animated feature Happy Feet. Recently, he starred in the film The Night Listener.
Review Holiday Movies: Intrigue Plus Treacle November 23, 2006 • The year 2006 is unlikely to set any box office records, but it's on track to break the $9 billion mark for only the fourth time in history -- that is, if the holiday films that open before the end of this year do business.
Books Running in Rocky's Famous Footsteps November 22, 2006 • Michael Vitez and Tom Gralish's new book, Rocky Stories: Tales of Love, Hope and Happiness at America's Most Famous Steps captures the stories of people who've run up the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Opinion Let's All Go to the Lobby: Holiday Movie Preview November 22, 2006 • This holiday weekend millions of Americans will ditch their families and head to the movies. Luckily, it's the time of year when Oscar contenders are starting to be released. Madeleine Brand talks with Slate movie columnist Dana Stevens about films that will be opening in the next few weeks.
Obituaries Film Director Robert Altman Remembered for Actors Touch November 22, 2006 • Film director Robert Altman died Monday at the age of 81. Altman was the man behind MASH, Gosford Park and, most recently, A Prairie Home Companion.
Review Culture 'Deja Vu' is First-Class Fun November 22, 2006 • Deja Vu is in the business of confounding expectations. It's not the routine potboiler starring Denzel Washington that the advertising indicates. The film makes little sense, but that hardly matters because it's some first-class genre fun.
Opinion Sweetness And Light How to Make Your Very Own Sports Movie November 22, 2006 • Commentator Frank Deford performs in a made-for-radio sports movie. Pick your sport, pick your characters, it does not matter. It comes out the same every time.
Culture Elliott Gould on Robert Altman November 21, 2006 • Actor Elliott Gould recalls time spent with director Robert Altman. They worked together on several films -- notably M*A*S*H, The Long Goodbye and California Split.
Obituaries Film World Mourns Director Robert Altman November 21, 2006 • Director Robert Altman, known for such movies as M*A*S*H, Nashville and The Player, dies at 81. He was nominated five times for Oscars and won a lifetime achievement award this year.