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"

Adam Driver went from the Marines to Julliard where he tapped into his emotions, now he's one of the best actors of his generation. Indie rocker Liz Phair reconsiders how singing about sex got her pigeon-holed. And why is China mad at "South Park"? Plus, "Parasite" filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho tackles class dynamics and economic inequality inside a funny film.

The singer, who has roots in both Mexico and the U.S., takes on issues of the day in her latest album; what we know about the re-named Michael Jackson musical; R&B singer Michael Marshall transforms a '60s hippie anthem for "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."

An exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography depicts barriers all over the world — from prisons to refugee camps to fences at the U.S./Mexico border; studio musicians are seeking streaming revenue; singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya.

The South Korean director blends horror, comedy and sci-fi into an entertaining story about class struggle; "South Park" is banned in China; Nellie McKay moves her quirky music to the stage.

The actor's solo show examines the dark and often funny work of absurdist playwright, Samuel Beckett; how is "cancel culture" affecting pop culture?; Janet Jackson's “Rhythm Nation 1814” turns 30.

Antonio Banderas talks about reuniting with Pedro Almodóvar for "Pain and Glory"; how is "Cancel Culture" affecting what we see and hear?; the documentary "Diego Maradona"; the creators of Amazon's "Undone"; and the latest from singers Lupita Infante, Jay Som and Gaby Moreno.

The veteran R&B singer has had a long stop-and-start career, but she's still demonstrating her sense of adventure and musical curiosity; James Franco faces a lawsuit that alleges sexual harassment at his former acting school; "Joker" composer Hildur Guðnadóttir.

Forty years after its release, Alexandre Philippe's documentary looks back at Ridley Scott's landmark film; how is Warner Bros. marketing "Joker"?; “Variedades: Little Central America, 1984” is a theatrical performance that puts today’s migration crisis in conversation with the past.

The actor plays a film director in Pedro Almodóvar's autobiographical film; Plácido Domingo resigns as general director of L.A. Opera.

The new HBO documentary by Asif Kapadia examines the life and career of the talented and troubled soccer legend; living in the era of Big Podcast; Gaby Moreno's new album; Jessye Norman, RIP.

The documentary, shot entirely on cell phones, follows an Afghani family's efforts to flee the Taliban and seek asylum; the Endeavor talent agency's growth plan hits a snag; singer/songwriter Jay Som.

Jill Soloway closes out "Transparent" with a massive musical finale; Robbie Roberston and Rhiannon Giddens each reflect on their lives in music, we hear the remarkable story of "Unbelievable" and look back at Janet Jackson's 1989 album Rhythm Nation.