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Movies: Movie Reviews and Commentary on New and Classic Films NPR Movies podcast, movie reviews, and commentary on new and classic films. Interviews with filmmakers, actors, and actresses.

Movies

Sunday

Business

TV, Film Productions Lured Back to the United States

A few years ago, film and TV production fled the United States for Canada and Eastern Europe. Now, several U.S. states are offering financial incentives to lure movie production back. Between the weak dollar and the incentives, it seems to be working.

TV, Film Productions Lured Back to the United States

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Review

Culture

'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress'

The French-language film Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is based on an autobiographical novel by Dai Sijie. The book was published all over the world, though not in the author's native China. Now he's adapted it as a screenplay, and directed the movie, too.

'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress'

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Saturday

Friday

Summer Festivals

Free Range: A Small Town's Big Screen Dreams

The town of Wrenshall, Minn., population 308, hosts the second-annual Free Range Film Festival. Held in a barn, it offers short films, features and documentaries from largely Midwestern amateur filmmakers.

Free Range: A Small Town's Big Screen Dreams

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'Hustle and Flow' Takes In Cash

A hustler dreams of becoming a rap star in the new movie Hustle and Flow, which won the Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Despite a limited release, Hustle and Flow made $8 million in its opening weekend. Hustle and Flow writer and director Craig Brewer talks about his movie.

'Hustle and Flow' Takes In Cash

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Garrison Keillor: A Voice for the Movies

The Prairie Home Companion host is starring (a bit reluctantly) in a fictional film about his own show. Keillor talks about working with Robert Altman, Meryl Streep and other above-average Hollywood luminaries.

Garrison Keillor: A Voice for the Movies

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Review

Culture

'Elevator to the Gallows'

Film critic Kenneth Turan, takes a look at the restoration of the iconic French film, Elevator to the Gallows. Made in 1957, it is a melding of French cinematography and American music that Turan is thrilled to see in theaters.

'Elevator to the Gallows'

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Thursday

Environment

Filmmaker Herzog's 'Grizzly' Tale of Life and Death

Fresh Air

The new documentary Grizzly Man by German filmmaker Werner Herzog tells the story of Timothy Treadwell, who lived for 13 years -- and died -- among the bears in Alaska. Treadwell and his girlfriend were found dead in October 2003, killed by the animals he had grown to love so much.

Filmmaker Herzog's 'Grizzly' Tale of Life and Death

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Talk of the Nation's Summer Film Festival

Best Summer Blockbusters

Summer at the movies means big-budget, flicks with lots of action, special effects and little to no plot. We kick off our movie series with your choices for the all-time best blockbuster.

Best Summer Blockbusters

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'The Aristocrats': Anatomy of a Dirty Joke

The Aristocrats, a documentary by magician/comic Penn Gillette and comedian Paul Provenza, follows the genesis of "the filthiest joke ever told." The real joke is, it's not a joke -- the "humor" comes in how the joke is told, and the dirtier the better.

'The Aristocrats': Anatomy of a Dirty Joke

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Wednesday

Bringing Le Carre's 'Constant Gardener' to the Big Screen

Fernando Meirelles, director of the Brazilian film City of God, joins us to talk about his latest movie The Constant Gardener. Based on the John Le Carre novel, the movie tells a story of love, betrayal and big pharmaceutical companies set in East Africa.

Bringing Le Carre's 'Constant Gardener' to the Big Screen

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Author Interviews

Jaffe's 'Best of Everything' Stands the Test of Time

Rona Jaffe's hit 1958 book The Best of Everything is being reissued, along with a DVD of the 1959 movie. Renee Montagne speaks with Jaffe about the smashing success of her first novel.

Jaffe's 'Best of Everything' Stands the Test of Time

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Tuesday

Analysis

Analysis

Slate's Hollywood Economist: Studio Death Spiral?

After two weeks of strong box office sales, Hollywood's box office revenues slid again this past weekend and have been down most of the year. Speculation is building that Hollywood is facing a demise. Alex Chadwick talks with Slate contributor Edward Jay Epstein about what some are calling Hollywood's "death spiral."

Slate's Hollywood Economist: Studio Death Spiral?

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Sunday

Pawlikowski's Classy 'Summer of Love'

Pawel Pawlikowski is one of Britain's most decorated filmmakers. Now his latest film has reached the United States, amid much critical praise. My Summer of Love revolves around two girls of different classes who meet and find themselves drawn to each other.

Pawlikowski's Classy 'Summer of Love'

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Saturday

Contest Gives Teens a Shot at the Big Screen

Aspiring Spielbergs and Coppolas across the country are taking part in a contest called Fresh Films, where they hire actors and film their short screenplays. The best teen filmmakers will be announced in mid-August.

Contest Gives Teens a Shot at the Big Screen

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