Modern art photography

The “parabellum” in the title of John Wick: Chapter 3 comes from the Latin Si vis pacem, para bellum — translation: If you desire peace, prepare for war , a line spoken by one of the movie’s great character actors. As effective as that line is, though, my favorite is a much simpler one that comes from our hero, John Wick (Keanu Reeves), when he’s asked, “What do you need?” His answer? “Guns. Lots of guns.” Oh. Hell. Yes. If the line sounds familiar, it comes from what is arguably Reeves’ most famous movie, The Matrix (1999). But America was a different place 20 years ago, there were no Democrat presidential candidates promising to take away our Second Amendment rights and imprison us using fascist executive orders; there were no cable news outlets spreading fake news in a desperate effort to disarm us. In 1999, the line sounded blunt, utilitarian; today it sounds, smells, and feels like freedom — like what art should be: a finger in the eye to the stuffy … [Read more...] about ‘John Wick 3 — Parabellum’ Review: Exhilarating Martial Arts Classic

Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Road to Perdition, The Hustler, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and so many other films became the legacy of one of America's most beloved actors. In each film, acting legend Paul Newman brought poise, class, style, humor and a touch of rebelliousness to the screen, delighting his fans since his early days on live television, Broadway and his first film in 1954. But perhaps even more memorable than his legendary career, Newman had a feature that set him apart from the rest and captured the hearts of America: his striking (albeit color-blind) baby-blue eyes. Throughout his extensive career, Newman was photographed a great deal, and James Clarke's newest book, Paul Newman: Blue-Eyed Cool, features the photograph collections of six top celebrity photographers who each captured the essence of Newman's charm and charisma, both on- and off-screen, over time. "You know, I've loved movies and reading about movies since I was kid and so any … [Read more...] about Book review: “Paul Newman: Blue-Eyed Cool,” a Hollywood legend in photos

Legendary French heroine Joan of Arc will be portrayed as nonbinary in a radical departure from the historic figure's usual depiction at London’s Globe Theatre. A patron saint of France, who is beloved for her role in the Siege of Orleans between 1428 and 1429 — a major French military victory over the English during the Hundred Years War — the new interpretation of her life will be performed at the theater that was home to famed British playwright William Shakespeare . Nonbinary actor Isobel Thom will play the role in “I, Joan,” scripted with “they” and “them” pronouns by Charlie Josephine, who is also nonbinary, the Globe said in a news release. It will directed by Ilinca Radulian, who identifies as a woman. “Our story of Joan is full of joy and love and hope and magic and revolution,” Thom told NBC News by email Saturday. “Storytelling and art is a platform to share experiences, to stretch imaginations, to excite and inspire, to explore language, and to … [Read more...] about Joan of Arc to be portrayed as nonbinary in new production at London’s Globe Theatre