The word “socialism” is often used as a boogeyman to scare voters, with little or no reference to actual substance. Enter Yael Bridge’s “Big Scary ‘S’ Word,” a stuffed compendium of formulations from experts, historical precedents and just-folks testimonials. Hope is not a policy, as the saying goes, so Bridge
Read moreHome »
Between this film and “Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm,” there seems to be a minor vogue for documentaries about recording studios this year. The pretext for doing “Under the Volcano” — about the short-lived AIR studio on Montserrat in the Caribbean — is better than solid: The state-of-the-art facility,
Read moreThe actor Val Kilmer is not only the subject of “Val,” a documentary directed by Ting Poo and Leo Scott. He also receives a cinematography credit, having shot many of the home movies and video diary entries that give the film its visual texture. More a self-portrait than a profile,
Read moreThe documentary “No Ordinary Man” examines the life and death of Billy Tipton, a jazz musician who came into prominence in the 1930s, and whose career lasted for over 40 years. Billy was described by his friends as a consummate gentleman, and he cherished his family, with three children he
Read moreThe name of the boat is Truth, which is only one of the piquant details in Joshua Zeman’s seafaring documentary, “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52.” Another is a coda that audiences will appreciate sticking around for. The cetacean in question — known as 52 because his call broadcasts
Read moreIt’s inevitable that a documentary about music will get you thinking about rhythm. What’s not always a given is that a project will be able to match the energy of whatever artist they’re profiling. If things start to move at a pace that feels wrong, rushed, or manic, the music
Read moreOver 500,000 Americans have died from opioid overdoses since 2000. This tragedy is often referred to as a crisis, which is a term that Alex Gibney dismisses early in “The Crime of the Century,” his latest HBO documentary. A crisis is typically something that happens unexpectedly and can’t be prepared
Read moreComedian Tom Arnold and his sister Lori Arnold are opening up about their troubled past — including Lori’s reign as a drug “queenpin” who helped kickstart the meth epidemic in the Midwest. The siblings’ story is explored in the new discovery+ docuseries Queen of Meth. Tom Arnold says his sister
Read more“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” inched one step closer to being Oscar nominees on Tuesday when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlists for nine categories. “Wuhan Flu,” from the “Borat” sequel, and “Husavik,” from the Will Ferrell comedy
Read moreIt’s an understatement to say that real life is more shocking than the movies these days, but documentary filmmakers have always known this to be true. As the nonfiction medium continues to churn through the most popular moment in its history, this year’s documentary highlights met their moment and then
Read more