The Frame

In the 1973 movie "Westworld," Michael Crichton created a fantasy world that now doesn't seem so far-fetched in the new HBO series; Desert Days may be jokingly called "Oldchella," but the promoters are laughing all the way to the bank; Get Lit was founded with the goal of using poetry to increase teen literacy ... and it’s working.

“Delusion: His Crimson Queen” is a haunt for people who will pay for the privilege of being scared, while "Hollywood Premiere Party: The Show" lets movie fans have the red carpet treatment; as rumors swirl about Netflix being sold, the streaming service continues to throw its weight around.

Between "Portlandia," "Documentary Now" and "Seth Meyers: Late Night," Fred Armisen may be the hardest working man in show business; since its release in May, Ezra Edelman's "O.J.: Made in America" continues to resonate as a chronicle of the relationship between African-Americans and law enforcement.

Google announced a slew of new products today, including the Pixel phone, Chromecast Ultra and the Daydream VR headset; Willie Bobo was a Latin music legend from the '60s-'80s. His son, Eric, has assembled an album of his father's previously unreleased music; for 40 years, filmmaker Terrence Malick has been working on a documentary about the origins of the universe. We talk to the producers who shepherded the project into existence.

We debate the issues surrounding the film, "The Birth of a Nation," and its writer-director-star, Nate Parker; remembering two L.A. cultural icons: Gordon Davidson of the Center Theatre Group and conductor Sir Neville Marriner, the first music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

The creators of “For the Record” build cabaret-like stage shows around classic pop songs used by top filmmakers; "Saturday Night Live" returns in the heat of the presidential campaign; L.A. singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart uses the city as inspiration on his latest album.

Bell says the title of his new comedy album refers to his being called on as a news show commentator only after more prominent people are unavailable; Kirsten Johnson is an award-winning documentary cinematographer who has woven footage from her 25-year career into a documentary memoir called “Cameraperson."

Filmmaker Andrea Arnold cast “American Honey” with amateur actors, including Sasha Lane, who was discovered on a beach in Florida; the Wanda Group's purchase of American movie theaters and production companies has some members of Congress worried; there's an effort to make vinyl copies of a recording of life on earth that was sent into outer space.

The success of "Between Two Ferns" with Hillary Clinton explains why Funny or Die opened a bureau in the nation's capitol; a new state bill aims to prevent websites like IMDb from publishing the age of actors and actresses; Grammy nominee Austin Wintory composed the music for the new video game, "Abzu."

Director Mira Nair's new movie, "Queen of Katwe," tells an inspirational story that's set in Uganda, showing a side of Africa not often seen in big studio movies; TV producers are high on reboots and remakes, with no sign of slowing; photographer Phil Toledano's bizarre attempt to deal with his death anxiety is documented in the film, "The Many Sad Fates of Mr. Toledano"

The director of "Interstellar" (seen with Matthew McConaughey) is a rare creature in Hollywood; Pink Floyd revives songs that are 20 years old; Tyler the Creator transitions from rapper to carnival barker; and the AFI Fest opens in Los Angeles.

Why the biggest pop star broke up with the world's biggest streaming service; election day ends a great comedy campaign season; and two young L.A. musicians give opera a modern-day makeover.

The “Nightcrawler” writer-director (leaning on car door) explains how he cast L.A. as a character in his movie; a new stage production examines the legacy of the Black Panthers; and art writer Jori Finkel has the latest news about architect Frank Gehry and collector Eli Broad.

Our guide to Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican commemoration of All Souls’ Day, which is a popular tradition in Mexican-American communities; the Comikaze pop culture convention is in LA this weekend.

Choking, torture and waterboarding — are extreme haunts going too far?; a postcard from San Francisco's idyllic music festival; and why hasn’t there been a Wonder Woman movie?

Jake Gyllenhaal goes deeper, and darker, in his new movie; Song Exploder dissects Julia Holter's "Horns Surrounding Me"; and actors between gigs scare up some cash by working in haunted houses.

Neil Patrick Harris has become the go-to host for award shows, and now NBC will build a variety show around him; after a five-year closure for renovations, the Picasso Museum once again opens its doors.

"Ouija" won the weekend box office, but are game-based films guaranteed to be hits?; a film archivist unearths early works by some horror masters; and who are Hollywood’s MVS — Most Valuable Stars?

The chief make-up artist of 'The Walking Dead' on how to get zombie-fied for Halloween; Yarn-bombing is the new public art; Geeking out on this week in pop culture.

Benjamin Millepied's dance troupe hits the stage this weekend; soul singer Alice Russell on touring as a new mom; and ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ mixes hip hop and improv in a new TV show.

Effie Brown talks about being a black producer in Hollywood; lovers of literature take over North Hollywood's arts district; “Laggies" director Lynn Shelton on unconventional movie relationships.

The Met debuts the controversial opera "The Death of Klinghoffer"; Del Casher's lasting mark on the sound of rock 'n' roll; and a photographer turns a van into a rolling camera.