Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
In this haunted house horror you see what the ghost sees — and it's terrifying
In Steven Soderbergh's supernatural thriller Presence, a family finds they aren't alone in their new house. It's a ghost story told masterfully from the ghost's point of view.
'Beanpole' Captures The Devastation That Lingers, Even After War Has Ended
by Justin Chang
Set in Leningrad shortly after World War II, Beanpole centers on two women who find themselves deeply scarred by their wartime experiences with the Red Army.
'The System's Broken' And 'Joker' Director Aimed To Explore That On Screen
by Terry Gross
Todd Phillips has been nominated for an Oscar for his film, a Batman villain origin story (of sorts) that explores mental health and the lack of social services. Originally broadcast Jan. 6, 2020.
Killing Of Iranian General Opens Up 'New Frontier' In Assassination, Journalist Says
by Terry Gross
New Yorker writer Adam Entous says the U.S. could face further retaliation from Iran for the death of Qassem Soleimani: "If you look at their history, they take a long time before they strike back."
Edie Falco Shines As LA's Top Cop In The CBS Drama 'Tommy'
by David Bianculli
In addition to solving a case each week, Tommy features ongoing story lines involving the police chief's interactions with colleagues and family members. The scripts aren't fantastic — but Falco is.
Destroyer Turns Nightmares Into Dreams With The Moody Album, 'Have We Met'
by Ken Tucker
Led by New Pornographers member Dan Bejar, the band takes inspiration from The Twilight Zone and Edgar Allan Poe to evoke a distressed intensity on its new record.
'Giri/Haji' Is A Story Of Cultural Cross Pollination Unlike Anything Else On TV
by John Powers
A Tokyo police detective heads to London to bring back his gangster brother in this BBC series, which is playing on Netflix. Giri/Haji is a thriller that bursts with compelling scenes.
How A Heart Attack Brought Antonio Banderas Closer To 'Pain And Glory'
by Terry Gross
The Spanish actor has been nominated for an Oscar for his role as a screenwriter and director who has stopped working because of physical and emotional pain. Originally broadcast Sept. 30, 2019.