Cinema

Autumn de Wilde Makes Feature Debut with “Emma.”

March 11th, 2020

Photographer and music video veteran Autumn de Wilde makes a bold statement with her feature directorial debut, punctuating the title of the oft-adapted Jane Austen favorite with an emphatic period as if to suggest she gets the last word with this particular edition of “Emma.” Sumptuously designed, elegantly appointed, and spectacularly costumed and coiffed, de Wilde’s fresh rendition has a piquant flavor complemented as much by self-aware sexiness as the abundant pastel hues on…

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Sam S. ‘Kindred Creatures’ Interview

March 4th, 2020

Bismarck-based filmmaker Samuel Sprynczynatyk’s “Kindred Creatures” is a feature-length documentary that explores the world of farm animals and the sanctuaries that rescue them. The movie also addresses animal rights and animal activism. For Sprynczynatyk, a long-time vegan, “Kindred Creatures” is a dream project that advocates the position that “animals are somebody, not something.”

HPR’s Greg Carlson talked to Sprynczynatyk about the new movie.

GC: You are a very young…

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The Ice Cold Horror of ‘The Lodge’

February 26th, 2020

“Goodnight Mommy” filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala continue to carve up chills, thrills, and nightmares in “The Lodge,” a Sundance 2019 favorite finally receiving the theatrical release it rightfully deserves. With an unrelentingly oppressive atmosphere in the claustrophobically framed location of the title, “The Lodge” is perfect slow-burn arthouse horror that never cheats and always rewards the patience and intelligence of the viewer. Accordingly, jump scares…

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Pictures of You: Stella Meghie’s ‘The Photograph’

February 19th, 2020

Stella Meghie writes and directs “The Photograph,” a romantic drama that weaves together the cross-generational journeys of a mother and daughter finding themselves with and without the love that might otherwise nurture and sustain them. Starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, Meghie’s earnest valentine demonstrates enough restraint to transcend the soapiest coincidences of the story, which is occasionally burdened by a comfortable pace that allows viewers time to get ahead of…

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Director Cathy Yan Visits the Irrepressible Harley Quinn in ‘Birds of Prey’

February 12th, 2020

Even before the release of David Ayer’s dreadful “Suicide Squad” in 2016, Warner Bros. announced a forthcoming feature in the DC Extended Universe for breakout character Harley Quinn. Producer and star Margot Robbie buckled down, developing a project in competition against other potential Quinn movies being considered at the studio. Director Cathy Yan’s “Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” showcases the two-time Oscar nominee in a colorful and…

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Celebrating Human Rights and Social Justice: Experimental and Animated Film Series

February 12th, 2020

film still from Gulf

by Kris Gruber
perriex1@gmail.com

High Plains Reader spoke with the executive director of The Human Family, Sean Coffman, about the North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival, and the special screening of eight experimental and animated films at the Fargo Theatre on February 20th. The Human Family promotes human rights and social justice through film and art. This is a free, one night only event -- the public is encouraged to reserve their spot, as seating is limited. Go to:

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‘The Turning:’ Sigismondi Struggles with Henry James Oft-Told Tale

February 5th, 2020

The telling one-two punch of a January release date dump and a rocky production history spells serious trouble for Floria Sigismondi’s “The Turning,” a supernatural horror based on Henry James’ timeless “The Turn of the Screw.” A one-time “passion project” championed by no less a light than Steven Spielberg, the original incarnation of the film was developed for Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo before a Scott Z. Burns script rewrite failed to convince Amblin…

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Sanctified: Great film in the Bad lands

January 30th, 2020

cover design by Raul Gomez

In this part of the world there’s something about a good western that resonates among us. Whether we grew up watching them with our families or whether we developed a love for the genre as an individual. This especially rang true for Dan Bielinski who grew up watching John Wayne films. When Bielinski traded in the lights of New York City for the Northern lights of North Dakota to direct the theatre program at the University of Mary in Bismarck he fell in love with Western North…

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Chukwu Directs a Powerful Woodard in 2019 Sundance Winner ‘Clemency’

January 29th, 2020

In January of 2019, Chinonye Chukwu made history as the first black woman to win the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition of the Sundance Film Festival. “Clemency,” which Chukwu also wrote, is only the filmmaker’s second feature, but it unfolds with the confidence of a veteran at the helm. A harrowing, close-quarters examination of the human cost of capital punishment, the film is anchored by Alfre Woodard’s sensational performance as prison warden Bernadine…

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Kotevska and Stefanov Score Oscar Nomination with Golden ‘Honeyland’

January 22nd, 2020

Nearly one year ago, Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov’s stunning documentary “Honeyland” collected a trio of awards following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Those accolades, including special jury recognition for both cinematography and “Impact for Change,” as well as a Grand Jury Prize, were the first indicators of the film’s critical potential. The recent announcement of an Oscar nomination marks the conclusion of a successful journey that features…

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