Culture Hong Kong Detective Movie: 'Infernal Affairs' September 25, 2004 • A new detective film has taken Hong Kong by storm. Now Infernal Affairs, an interlocked story of police undercover work targeting gangs, is opening in the United States. NPR's Bob Mondello has a review.
Japanese Director Miike: An Acquired Taste September 25, 2004 • Takashi Miike is one of Japan's leading -- and most prolific -- action and horror film directors. He's made more than 60 movies in the last 13 years, and he's just 44 years old. He's a household name in his country and he's won a sizeable cult following around the world. His new film is called Gozu; it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and is now opening in theaters in the U.S. Hear Beth Accomando of member station KPBS.
Culture Actors Tucci and Nixon Talk Up 'New Yorker' Festival September 25, 2004 • The 2004 New Yorker Festival begins next weekend -- NPR's Scott Simon talks to actors Stanley Tucci and Cynthia Nixon, both panelists on a festival session entitled "The Method: Acting Onstage and Onscreen."
Culture Moviemaking and Reality TV in 'Film School' September 25, 2004 • The director of The Kid Stays in the Picture, Nanette Burstein, has a new reality series on the Independent Film Channel. Film School tracks four NYU students as they struggle to make their films -- and a career. Hear Burstein and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.
Shirley Chisholm's Presidential Run, on Film September 25, 2004 • NPR's Scott Simon talks with Shola Lynch, director of a new documentary, Chisholm '72 - Unbought and Unbossed. The documentary follows Brooklyn Rep. Shirley Chisholm as she criss-crosses the country during her 1972 presidential campaign.
'The Film Crew' Takes on 'Sky Captain' September 25, 2004 • The former cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000 once again teams up to offer humorous commentary on the movies. Under the moniker 'The Film Crew,' Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Michael J. Nelson are "dedicated to making bad movies fun, and good movies even more fun." They provide a reading of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
Culture Bob Mondello on 'Shawn of the Dead' September 24, 2004 • George Romero's 1968 horror movie Night of the Living Dead inspired numerous sequels, remakes and spin-offs. But NPR's Bob Mondello says none has been quite as "lively" as Shaun of the Dead, the comic British version that opens in theaters Friday.
Opinion Marcelo Ballve: Che Guevara's Eccentric Family September 24, 2004 • The new film The Motorcycle Diaries focuses on the life of revolutionary Che Guevara before he became a revolutionary. Commentator Marcelo Ballve -- whose family was close to Guevara's in Argentina -- says the communist icon's eccentric parents played an important role in shaping their son's fate, which included a prominent role in the Fidel Castro revolution in Cuba.
Comedians Actor and Comedian Bernie Mac Fresh Air September 24, 2004 • His new film is Mr. 3000. It's about an aging baseball star who returns to the diamond. He's the star of The Bernie Mac Show, a sitcom on Fox. Mac has been a stand up comedian for many years and often appears in films, including Spike Lee's Kings of Comedy. This interview originally aired on Nov. 27, 2001.
Brit Zombie Comedy 'Shaun of the Dead' Fresh Air September 24, 2004 • Film critic David Edelstein reviews Shaun of the Dead, an English comedy about zombies.
Culture Slate's Summary Judgment: 'The Forgotten,' 'First Daughter,' 'The Motorcycle Diaries' September 24, 2004 • Slate contributor Ben Williams offers a weekly round-up of what film critics are saying about the weekend's major new movie releases, including The Forgotten, First Daughter and The Motorcycle Diaries.
Kenneth Turan: 'Motorcycle Diaries' September 24, 2004 • Film critic Kenneth Turan reviews the Brazilian movie Motorcycle Diaries. It's the story of a young Che Guevara, the Argentine revolutionary and comrade of Fidel Castro who died almost 40 years ago. The movie opens Friday.
'B' Movie Director Russ Meyer Dies September 22, 2004 • Russ Meyer, who directed such classics as Vixen, and Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, died Saturday at his home in the Hollywood Hills. He was 82. Meyer's Beyond the Valley of the Dolls was widely panned but also admired for its kitschy sense of humor. Hear NPR's Neda Ulaby.
Ken Tucker: New Ramones Documentary Fresh Air September 22, 2004 • Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews End of the Century, a new documentary film about the Ramones. All members except the drummer have passed away; Johnny Ramone, the lead guitarist, died Sept. 15, 2004.
Political Satire: 'Silver City' in Theaters September 21, 2004 • Independent filmmaker John Sayles' latest picture, about an election campaign in a Midwestern state, is called Silver City. NPR's Bob Mondello says it's a political lampoon in which similarities to real campaigns and campaigners are entirely intentional.