Film offers 'Hard Truths' about why some people are happy — and others are miserable
Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives a phenomenal performance as a profoundly unhappy woman. There isn't a lot of plot, but director Mike Leigh builds his stories from the details and detritus of daily life.
Remembering Folk Singer/Songwriter Dan Hicks
Hicks, who died on Saturday, began performing with his band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks in the late '60s. Rock historian Ed Ward has an appreciation. Originally broadcast Jan 10, 2002.
Sia Reclaims Songs She Wrote For Others On 'This Is Acting'
The Australian songwriter who has written hits for Rihanna, Beyonce and Katy Perry just released an album of her own. Critic Ken Tucker likes Sia's singing, in part, because of its imperfections.
Chris Offutt Reveals A Family Secret In 'My Father, The Pornographer'
Offutt's late father went from running a small insurance agency to writing more than 400 books, mostly pornography. Originally broadcast March 2, 2015.
Coen Brothers Spoof Old Hollywood, With Mixed Results, In 'Hail, Caesar!'
The new period comedy by Joel and Ethan Coen takes place backstage at a 1950s Hollywood studio. Reviewer David Edelstein says that despite flashes of brilliance, the film "feels thin."
Lizzo Brings Ideas, Humor And Sass To 'Big Grrrl Small World'
The vivacious alt-rapper Lizzo mixes rap, gospel and neo-soul on her new album. Critic Milo Miles says Big Grrrl Small World will win listeners over with its energy and hooks.
'Egyptian Jon Stewart' Bassem Youssef Will Now Satirize U.S. Democracy
Bassem Youssef created what became the most popular TV show in Egypt's history, but the government had the show cancelled, and Youssef fled Egypt.
'The Yid' Puts A Brash, Screwball Spin On Soviet Anti-Semitism
Paul Goldberg's debut novel is an ambitious historical fantasy about Stalin's 1953 plan to purge Jews from the Soviet Union. Critic Maureen Corrigan says The Yid is a wildly inventive "what if" story.
Who Are America's 'Homegrown Terrorists'?
CNN's Peter Bergen describes how the Internet and social media have been used to radicalize and recruit Americans to jihad — and how some new jihadists then use those same tools to draw in others.
