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.
'Leave Me Alone' Blends Harshness With Beauty
Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album by the Spanish quartet Hinds. "These four women revive the notion of do-it-yourself punk musicianship," Tucker says of Leave Me Alone.
'I Regret Everything': Toni Morrison Looks Back On Her Personal Life
"It's not profound regret," Morrison tells Fresh Air. "It's just a wiping up of tiny little messes that you didn't recognize as mess when they were going on." Originally broadcast April 20, 2015.
Messy And Absurd, 'London Spy' Mixes Espionage With Genuine Emotion
Fresh Air critic John Powers says the five-part BBC America show pulls off something ambitious: It keeps viewers enthralled with its intensity, while catching them in "a lingering emotional undertow."
Groove Master Benji Hughes Sings 'Songs In The Key Of Animals'
The singer-songwriter plays most of the instruments himself on his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says you can hear a love for pop music in Hughes' silly sentiments and artful arrangements.
'Hidden History' Of Koch Brothers Traces Their Childhood And Political Rise
Jane Mayer, author of Dark Money, says the Kochs didn't grow up in "the usual cozy, all-American family." Their parents were away much of the time, and competition between the brothers was fierce.
Childhood Resentments Mix With Tragedy In 'The Past'
Four adult siblings agree to spend one final summer vacation together in Tessa Hadley's new novel. Reviewer Maureen Corrigan says The Past is "as disturbing as it is diverting."
