The Cannes Film Festival is about to begin. Here are the key films making their debut
For 12 days this week, the eyes of the movie world will be on the Cannes Film Festival. The Cote d’Azur spectacular — which starts on Tuesday — will play host to some of the most anticipated movies of the year in a constant parade of glamorous red carpets and megawatt premieres. This year, Hollywood studios are mostly on the sidelines. But for more than 78 years, Cannes has been an unparalleled showcase for some of the best in cinema. Highlights include new films by James Gray, Pawel Pawlikowski and Pedro Almodovar.
Venice Biennale opens without a jury amid strife over Russian and Israeli participation
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Geopolitical tensions have spilled over into the Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition. The event opens Saturday with no Golden Lions after the jury quit in protest of Israel’s and Russia’s participation. Protests erupted outside their pavilions. The jury limited its action to countries under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Visitors will vote for the best national pavilion and participant in the main show, “In Minor Keys.” Winners will be announced November 22. Ahead of the opening, protesters objecting to Israel’s participation clashed with police. Earlier in the week, feminist groups from Ukraine and Russia converged on the Russian Pavilion.
From Taylor Swift to the Oscars, 400-year-old ‘Hamlet’ flourishes in the age of TikTok
NEW YORK (AP) — William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is having a resurgence with various adaptations and performances worldwide. A National Theatre production is at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a movie version set in London’s South Asian community stars Riz Ahmed. Anthony Hopkins is delighting fans on TikTok with some of Hamlet’s soliloquy. Eddie Izzard is taking her one-person production of “Hamlet” on a worldwide tour. Harvard scholar Jeffrey R. Wilson says “Hamlet” resonates today as it allows audiences to explore deep emotions and process angst. Director Chela De Ferrari’s neurodiverse “Hamlet” highlights the play’s timeless relevance.
Amy Grant reflects on her new album, resisting labels and writing dark songs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amy Grant’s new album, “The Me That Remains,” reflects her journey of healing after a serious bicycle accident in 2022. The Grammy-winning musician has often defied labels throughout her career, moving between Christian and secular music. Her latest work explores themes of personal recovery and faith. Grant shares that writing music again felt therapeutic, helping her reconnect with her creative self. She acknowledges ongoing challenges from her accident but feels physically strong. Grant’s willingness to explore darker themes in her music connects her to herself, others, and her faith, emphasizing honesty and curiosity in her artistic journey.
‘The Sheep Detectives’ is the starry, family-friendly whodunit you didn’t know you needed
“The Sheep Detectives” is not your average talking animal movie. This family-friendly film, featuring voices like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Patrick Stewart, follows a flock solving a murder mystery. Opening Friday, Hugh Jackman stars as a shepherd whose animals secretly understand his murder mystery bedtime stories. When he dies mysteriously, the sheep use their knowledge to help solve the case. Screenwriter Craig Mazin describes the film as more than just silly fun, with themes for families to discuss. In the almost 20-year journey to adapt Leonie Swann’s novel “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story,” Mazin says they aimed high.
Movie Review: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman and an octopus in ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’
Sally Field and Lewis Pullman star in the Netflix adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” streaming Friday. Field plays a 70-year-old widow who only confides in the old octopus at the aquarium where she cleans at night. Pullman plays a newcomer to the small Pacific Northwest town who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Field. The octopus, voiced by Alfred Molina, narrates. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that it’s a stronger literary adaptation than filmmaker Olivia Newman’s prior attempt and that its emotional impact may sneak up on you. It’s rated. R.
Movie Review: Billie Eilish and James Cameron make concert movie magic with ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’
NEW YORK (AP) — Billie Eilish’s new concert film, “Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” offers an immersive 3D experience. Co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, the film captures her performance at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena. Releasing Friday, it highlights Eilish’s innovative approach to concert films, blending audience interaction and behind-the-scenes insights. The film showcases her minimalist set and energetic performances, offering fans a unique perspective. It also explores Eilish’s desire to connect with her audience, making it a compelling watch for fans and newcomers alike.
‘Uncut Gems’ producer Oscar Boyson made a movie for the Letterboxd generation
“Our Hero, Balthazar” is a unique film that defies easy categorization. It follows a wealthy New York teenager, played by Jaeden Martell, who travels to Texas to stop a school shooting. The movie blends black comedy, thriller, and satire, offering commentary on performative activism and gun culture. Filmmaker Oscar Boyson, known for his work with the Safdie brothers, directed and co-wrote the film. Despite industry challenges, Boyson embraced a grassroots marketing approach, using social media and word-of-mouth to reach audiences. The film’s authentic settings and talented cast add depth to this engaging cinematic experience.
In legal dispute over ‘The View,’ ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speech
NEW YORK (AP) — ABC is accusing the Trump administration of trying to chill free speech and hinder open political discussion. The dispute involves the morning talk show “The View” and equal time rules. ABC’s filing to the FCC, made public Friday, involves one station in Houston but suggests a broader battle with the administration. The network argues that “The View” has a bona fide news exemption, granted over 20 years ago. Trump’s FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, has indicated he wants to challenge the exemption. The administration’s criticism of “The View” echoes its displeasure with late-night hosts who criticize Trump, especially ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel.
An Iranian museum holds a rare exhibit of American art, reflecting on war
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — One of Iran’s top museums is holding a rare exhibit of American artists, drawing art lovers at a time when the two countries are locked in conflict. Tehran’s Museum of Contemporary Art put on display six works by three American Pop artists of the 1960s, mainly chosen for their anti-war themes. The pieces come from the museum’s large collection of American and European modern art that was acquired by the wife of the former shah in the 1970s. Most of it has been kept out of view since the Western-backed monarch was ousted by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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