A culture critic reflects on the limits of language -- and the magic of silence
Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker writer Hilton Als says we "don't actually have much silence left" in our world. His latest exhibition challenges the way we see art, identity and storytelling.
If You Strip The Bondage, '50 Shades' Is A Conventional Love Story
The film, based on E.L. James' best-selling novel, has been denounced by decency brigades. But it's a surprisingly mild, corny romance that affirms traditional values: It's Jane Eyre with ropes.
David Carr Called Himself 'Part Pirate, Part Thug' But Also 'A Decent Person'
Carr, media columnist for The New York Times, died Thursday after collapsing in the newsroom. He was 58. Carr talked with Fresh Air in 2008 about his memoir and in 2011 about the future of journalism.
'Ida' Director Made Film To 'Recover The Poland' Of His Childhood
The film is set in 1962 in Poland where director Pawel Pawlikowski lived until he was 14. Up for an Oscar for best foreign language film, Ida is about identity, faith, guilt and socialism.
Fresh Air Remembers '60 Minutes' Correspondent Bob Simon
Simon was killed in a car accident Wednesday. He was 73. He was a CBS reporter for nearly 50 years. In 1991, he was detained by Iraqi soldiers. He talked with guest host Marty Moss Coane in 1992.
Schneider Quartet's Haydn Recordings Reissued
Among the best loved recordings from the 1950s were 15 LPs of Haydn string quartets. They originally appeared on the Haydn Society label, but were never reissued on CD until now.
New Comedy 'Schitt's Creek' From Canada Is A Reboot Of 'Green Acres'
The sitcom on Pop network is about a wealthy family that is thrust into poverty. Their interactions with the locals is the main story, and the main source of comedy — and it's worth checking out.
Editor Picks Religions For The First Norton Anthology of World Religions
The anthology includes ancient and contemporary interpretations of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Daoism. Editor Jack Miles discusses primary texts, extremism and death.
