In 'A Real Pain,' Jesse Eisenberg asks: What is the purpose of 'tragedy tourism'?
Eisenberg's film follows two cousins on a Jewish heritage tour of Poland, which includes a stop at the Majdanek death camp. The story draws on his own family history — and his struggle with OCD.
With 'Pedernal,' Susan Alcorn Expands Pedal Steel Guitar's Range
Pedal steel guitar is a staple of country music, but Alcorn bends it around odd corners. Her quintet's new album is beyond category — roaming betwixt jazz and improvised music and rock and country.
Remembering Long-Time 'Jeopardy!' Host Alex Trebek
Trebek, who died Nov. 8, started hosting the quiz show in 1984 and went on to earn the Guinness World Record for most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter. Originally broadcast in 1987.
Remembering Dancer And Choreographer Marge Champion
Champion, who died Oct. 21, danced with her husband Gower in the movie musicals Till the Clouds Roll By, Showboat and Lovely to Look At. Originally broadcast in 2001.
Jazz Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant Doesn't Want To Sound 'Clean And Pretty'
MacArthur fellow McLorin Salvant sings jazz standards as well as forgotten early songs. "In jazz, I felt I could sing these deep, husky lows," she told Terry Gross in this 2015 interview.
Future Presidents Should Be Held More Accountable, 'After Trump' Author Says
Jack Goldsmith, former legal counsel to George W. Bush's White House, says no matter when Trump leaves office, his successor will face tough questions about how to reconstruct the battered presidency.
Cornet Player Ron Miles Embraces His Pop Influences On 'Rainbow Sign'
Much of the music on Miles' new album has a poppy accessibility — but it isn't quite easy listening. Instead his quintet stretches the material and lets things get a little warped.
'Atlantic' Writer Says Current Election Is A 'Stress Test' Of American Democracy
Atlantic writer Barton Gellman discusses what the election has revealed about our system's weaknesses — and what he's learned about the Trump and Biden legal strategies if the election is contested.
'How To Make A Slave' Author On The Advice That Changed His Writing Career
Jerald Walker talks about growing up on Chicago's South Side, raising his two sons in a predominantly white suburb and preventing his essays from turning into clichés about the Black experience.
From Springsteen To Stevie Wonder, Veteran Musicians Capture The Moment
Three new songs from established acts speak to the times: "Ghosts," by Bruce Springsteen; "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate," by Stevie Wonder; and "Didn't Want to Be This Lonely," by The Pretenders.