Patt Morrison and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Henry Sheehan review this week’s releases, including “A Most Violent Year,” “The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death,” [REC]4: Apocalypse,” and more. Also, as the new Obama biopic “Southside With You” explores Barack and Michelle’s beginnings, we explore the history and future of presidential movies. Then, a reflection on 2014 in loss and change throughout the film industry. TGI-Filmweek!
FilmWeek: ‘A Most Violent Year,’ ‘The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death,’ ‘[REC]4: Apocalypse,’ and more
Patt Morrison and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Henry Sheehan review this week’s releases, including “A Most Violent Year,” “The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death,” [REC]4: Apocalypse,” and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
A look at past and present presidential movies
A new Obama biopic, “Southside With You,” is slated to explore Barack and Michelle’s beginnings in Chicago. The movie will focus on their first date around the city in 1989, a day that changed both of their lives forever. Tika Sumpter will play Michelle Obama (her maiden name is “Robinson”), and the role of Barack Obama has yet to be cast.
While the filming is set to begin in July in Chicago, there is a rich history of presidential movies gone by. From “Wilson” to “Sunrise At Campobello” to “The President’s Lady” and more, various presidents have been portrayed across the silver screen. Typically these movies are done after the current President’s tenure, sometimes as a reflection of a bygone era, and we will travel throughout the decades to see how such movies are received and how they could even shape a president’s legacy.
Are you excited to see a portrayal of the Obamas’ love story? Will this film have an impact on the President’s legacy, or will it be just another part of the cultural impact he leaves behind?
Guests:
Julian Zelizer , Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University and the author of multiple books, including “Jimmy Carter” (Thorndike Press, 2010), and “The Presidency of George W. Bush: A First Historical Assessment” (Princeton University Press, 2010)
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
A reflection on 2014 in loss and change throughout the film industry
Another year has come and gone, and with it comes a reflection on the film industry and how it has changed.
Part of that change comes from the people who have passed away and how their work will continue to be seen and enjoyed by future generations. Another part of that change comes from how the year has shaped film and how film has shaped the year.
From the Sony hack leading to a video-on-demand release of “The Interview” to the 12-years-in-the-making release of “Boyhood,” 2014 is sure to influence the shape of 2015 in film. How did 2014 change film for you?
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com