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.
The 'Complete Bee Hive Recordings' Buzz With The Energy Of '70s Mainstream Jazz
A new 12-CD box set by Mosaic features a number of superior musicians who aren't household names, like saxophonists Nick Brignola and Sal Nistico. Critic Kevin Whitehead has a review.
Author Richard Ford Says 'Let Me Be Frank' About Aging And Dying
The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's most recent book centers on a 68-year-old man dealing with his aging body, a dying friend and his ex-wife, who has Parkinson's. Originally broadcast Nov. 12, 2014.
Black Comedy 'Crisis' Is Marred By A Hollywood Ending
Sandra Bullock is a high-strung political consultant on the loose in Bolivia in Our Brand is Crisis. Critic David Edelstein says that despite clunky touches, the film offers "good screwball turns."
Three Songs That Expose Frayed Nerves And Yearning
Critic Ken Tucker considers three songs by three artists: Elvis Costello's "I Can't Turn It Off," Lana Del Rey's cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and Eleanor Friedberger's "Alphabet City."
From 'Carol Burnett' To 'Mad Men', Here Are Four DVD Box Sets Worth Buying
Despite the popularity of streaming services, DVD box sets continue to be released, and embraced, by serious fans and collectors. TV critic David Bianculli details four recent releases he treasures.
Spellbinding 'Witches' Offers A Fresh Take On A Familiar Story
In her new book, Stacy Shiff evokes the world of Salem, Mass., and the bitter winter of 1692 when 19 people were hanged for witchcraft. Reviewer Maureen Corrigan calls The Witches a "haunting" tale.
Oncologist Discusses Advancements In Treatment And The Ongoing War On Cancer
During his decades-long career, oncologist Vincent DeVita helped develop the combination chemotherapy regimen that cures most cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma. His new book is The Death of Cancer.
Remembering San Antonio's Horn-Infused Doo-Wop Scene
From the early '60s until the mid '70s, a multi-cultural music scene thrived on the west side of San Antonio, Texas. Ed Ward looks at two releases on Numero that open a small window on this music.
