2025-05-30 00:00:25.839

10. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) Wielding a Belarusian accent like a weapon, Huston joins the Wickiverse as The Director, head of the Ruska Roma syndicate, who is forced to help Wick when every assassin in Manhattan is trying to kill him. She can also be seen bullying a dancer, a taste of things to come since The Director will be back very soon, in Ballerina, the new Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas (out on 6 June). 9. Enemies, A Love Story (1989) In 1949 New York, a Polish refugee finds himself married to three women. Paul Mazursky’s adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s tragicomedy is like straight-faced Woody Allen, and Huston nabbed her second Academy Award nomination for playing Tamara, a cynical yet sensitive concentration camp survivor. A pity the film doesn’t revolve around her instead of her less compelling husband. 8. Ever After (1998) Drew Barrymore makes an adorable proto-feminist heroine in this daft but charming revisionist Cinderella. Meanwhile, Huston’s eyebrows are working overtime, but she still imbues her wicked stepmother with more nuance than we usually see in a panto villain. If only Disney had taken this as the model for their live-action fairytale remakes. 7. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) In Woody Allen’s darkest film, Huston plays Dolores, a flight attendant whose lover (Martin Landau) takes drastic action when she threatens to ruin his marriage. Allen himself stars in a lighter parallel thread, but it’s the Dostoevskian half that packs the punch here, helped by Huston’s fearlessly uningratiating performance as a woman at the end of her tether. 6. The Grifters (1990) Stephen Frears’ film of Jim Thompson’s novel about a trio of small-time scammers in Los Angeles is powered by Huston’s Oscar-nominated performance as a bleached-blond con artist whose feelings towards her adult son (John Cusack) may be more than just maternal. It’s scrappy, lowlife Greek tragedy, capped by Huston’s gut-wrenching howl of despair. 5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) In the first of her five films for Wes Anderson, Huston plays Etheline, wife of a neglectful patriarch (Gene Hackman), and holds her own amid the wacky characters and directorial quirks by playing it low-key, almost naturalistic. No wonder her accountant (Danny Glover) is smitten. 4. The Addams Family (1991) Was there ever such a delightfully romantic couple as Huston and Raul Julia as Morticia and Gomez Addams? Barry Sonnenfeld’s directing debut is little more than a procession of deliciously morbid sight gags and punchlines ripped straight from the original New Yorker cartoons, but who cares when Huston is giving a masterclass in deadpan delivery, and looking fabulous with it. “Don’t torture yourself, Gomez. That’s my job.” 3. Prizzi’s Honor (1985) On the set of John Huston’s black comedy, Anjelica overheard someone saying, “Her father is the director, her boyfriend’s the star, and she has no talent.” She duly silenced any whispers of nepotism by stealing every scene she was in, as Maerose, a scheming mafia princess trying to win back her ex (Jack Nicholson, with whom she had a long-term relationship). She was the third generation of Hustons to bag an Academy Award. 2. The Witches (1990) In a perfect world, Huston would have won another Oscar for her formidable German-accented turn as the Grand High Witch in Nicolas Roeg’s film of Roald Dahl’s kiddie horror-comedy. Roeg insisted she wear a “sexy” dress, and before she removes her wig to reveal her true witchy self in all its Jim Henson Creature Shop hideousness, she does indeed look splendid, as well as terrifying. 1. The Dead (1987) Huston, who grew up in her father’s house in Galway, fits right in with the Irish ensemble cast of the director’s small but perfectly formed final film, adapted (by her brother Tony) from a story by James Joyce, set during and after a party in snowy Dublin, 1904. She is deeply affecting as a woman whose melancholy reminiscence of a long-lost love triggers a bittersweet epiphany in her husband. “One by one, we are all becoming shades,” he reflects. Sublime.

2025-05-17 00:00:22.674

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 abuse memoir, is a powerful and emotionally charged film. It recounts a writer's journey of recovering from abuse and transforming pain into literary success. The film interweaves present-day struggles with childhood memories, exploring themes of failed relationships, substance abuse, and the lasting impact of trauma. Imogen Poots delivers a compelling performance as Lidia, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of abuse by her father. The film also touches upon Lidia's complicated relationship with her body, her sexuality, and her pursuit of artistic expression. The narrative is punctuated by Lidia's reading list, highlighting the influence of writers like Vita Sackville-West, William Faulkner, and Kathy Acker on her own development as a writer. Despite some stylistic indulgences, the film is ultimately an earnest and heartfelt exploration of trauma, recovery, and the complexities of the creative process. Stewart's direction elicits strong and intelligent performances from the cast.

2025-05-13 00:00:21.074

A doctor, who always avoided the idea of becoming a physician, found a passion for problem-solving and pursued a career in medicine. Years later, while studying for exams during Covid, he started watching movies seriously. He began with "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" but decided to watch every Nicolas Cage film chronologically, which took him about three months. He developed a deep respect for Cage's craft, focusing on his acting rather than his personal life. While many associate Cage with internet memes, the doctor argued that his more outlandish performances make sense within the context of the films. He acknowledged Cage's involvement in some bad movies, particularly mentioning "211", but overall enjoyed the experience, even discovering Cage's talent in rom-coms. The project helped him connect with people, as everyone has an opinion on Cage. His newfound passion even spilled into his work, as he got a Cage-inspired tattoo and discussed it with patients. He appeared on "Mastermind" with Cage as his specialist subject, further showcasing his dedication. After completing his Cage project, he embarked on another, watching "Joker: Folie à Deux" ten times in various formats. Although he found other similar projects difficult to sustain, he concluded that nothing compares to the unique experience of watching every Nicolas Cage film.

2025-05-12 00:01:02.552

For a fortnight every May, Cannes hosts more stars than there are in heaven. This year's festival promises even more glitz and glamour, with a massive Hollywood presence. Tom Cruise returns with "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," while Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d'Or. Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest" and Ethan Coen's "Honey Don't!" will play out of competition. The competition for the top prize features a mix of established and emerging filmmakers, including the Dardennes brothers, Sergei Loznitsa, Lynne Ramsay, Wes Anderson, Joachim Trier, Jafar Panahi, Kelly Reichardt, and newcomers Carla Simón and Mascha Schilinski. Seven women directors are nominated for the Palme d'Or, a positive step for gender representation. Ari Aster makes his Cannes debut with "Eddington." Beyond the main competition, actors are stepping behind the camera, with Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson directing their own films. The festival also addresses global events, including the Israel-Hamas war. The festival's film market will likely discuss the potential impact of President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films. Cannes's recent success in aligning with the Oscars adds to its prestige. The festival's ability to launch breakout hits remains its greatest asset.