Published in Universal Cinema Long before I watched My Favorite Cake, I was struck by the power of some of the scenes shown in its trailer. I wasn’t alone and this wonder was shared by thousands of… My Favorite Cake: That daring quest called life
Published in Universal Cinema Iranian cinema has long been known for its poetic films and, more recently, for its intense dramas. But one oft-ignored Iranian genre is comedy, a rarity on the festival circuit. In… Breakfast with Giraffes: Iranian absurdism for absurd times
Among the absurdly bad faith (or shockingly ignorant) arguments made to justify the occupation policies of Israel toward the Palestinian people are those that point out at how vibrant and fun can life be in many of the Palestinian cities under Israeli occupation. How could it be so bad if they post so many cool pictures on Instagram?
You don’t need to buy the racist, pro-occupation arguments to marvel at the vibrancy of life in Palestinian cities. This urban energy is only one aspect of Palestinian resilience in face of adversity and occupation, immortalized in a refrain of a poem by Rafeef Ziadah: “We teach life, sir.”
Published by Universal Cinema Magazine
Ned Kelly, the late 19th-century Irish-Australian gang leader, has long had a hold on creative imaginations. Executed at the young age of 25 in 1880, Kelly had led a gang that fought the authorities head on in pre-confederation Colony of Victoria. He went on to become a legend of Australia’s bushranger culture and eventually a national hero. His story has proved irresistible for artistic adaptation. In fact, Australia’s The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) is sometimes known as the first feature-length dramatic film in world history. Among actors who’ve portrayed him are such household names as Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger.
Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang (2020) is the latest attempt. This is fourth feature by the 45-year-old Australian director whose 2011 debut, Snowtown, was based on the true story of a series of murders in the Australia of 1990s. With Macbeth (2016) and Assassin’s Creed (2016), Kurzel has previously shown his wide range in adaptation, moving seamlessly from William Shakespeare to a video game.
True History Of The Kelly Gang (2020) | Anarcho-Freudian Fantasies In The Antipodes