Movie Interviews

David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike play real-life couple Seretse and Ruth Khama in A United Kingdom.

David Oyelowo On The Real 'United Kingdom' Marriage And Its Diplomatic Fallout

4:46pm February 24, 2017

by NPR Staff

The film tells the story of Ruth Williams, a London typist, and Seretse Khama, heir to the throne of modern-day Botswana. In 1948, their interracial marriage sparked a political firestorm.

Arts

For Film's Creators, 'Moonlight' Provided Space To Explore A Painful Past

1:42pm February 24, 2017

Playwright Tarell McCraney and filmmaker Barry Jenkins drew on their childhood experiences in making Moonlight, which has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. Originally broadcast Oct. 19, 2016.

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Arts

Mike Mills Grapples With His Mother's 'Tricky Ghost' In '20th Century Women'

1:42pm February 24, 2017

The director has been nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay about a woman figuring out how to raise her teenage son on her own. Originally broadcast Dec. 19, 2016.

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The classic film Casablanca marks its 75th birthday this year. One little known fact? Humphrey Bogart was shorter than Ingrid Bergman, so he had to stand on a box during filming.

Arts

After 75 Years, Here's Looking At You, 'Casablanca'

10:30am February 24, 2017

by Susan Stamberg

Did you know Humphrey Bogart had to stand on a box for scenes with tall Ingrid Bergman? NPR's Susan Stamberg visited the soundstage where the 1942 classic was filmed — and returned with stories.

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Of the 25 Best Picture nominees Stacy Smith examined, she found only two examples of an actor over 60 who was essential to the story. The characters appeared in Birdman and Spotlight -- and both were played by Michael Keaton.

Arts

In A Film Industry Focused On Youth, Older Characters Are Tough To Find

8:12pm February 21, 2017

by Ina Jaffe

A study of the 25 films nominated for Best Picture Oscars over the past three years found less than 12 percent of the characters were people over the age of 60.

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Choreographer Mandy Moore was lying underneath a car on the LA freeway, counting and calling out steps, throughout the 47 takes it took to shoot La La Land's fun-filled opening scene.

Arts

Behind This Exuberant Dance Number? Planning, Precision And Practice

9:47am February 21, 2017

by Susan Stamberg

Choreographer Mandy Moore was lying underneath a car on the LA freeway, counting and calling out steps, throughout the 47 takes it took to shoot La La Land's fun-filled opening scene.

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Writer/director/producer Jordan Peele on the set of Universal Pictures' Get Out.

National

In 'Get Out,' Jordan Peele Tackles The 'Human Horror' Of Racial Fear

11:03pm February 19, 2017

by NPR Staff

Jordan Peele discusses his new film in which he addresses the politics of race. It's about an African-American man meeting his white girlfriend's family for the first time and the horror that ensues.

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Re-recording mixer Kevin O'Connell earned his 21st Oscar nomination for Hacksaw Ridge. According to the Academy, he holds the record for most Oscar nominations without a single win.

Arts

After 21 Nominations, Will Sound Mixer Kevin O'Connell Finally Win His Oscar?

7:58am February 19, 2017

by Danny Hajek

O'Connell earned nominations for work on Top Gun, Transformers, Armageddon and many more. Losing streaks are never fun, but O'Connell seems at peace. "It hasn't been the right time for me," he says.

La La Land composer Justin Hurwitz on set with star Ryan Gosling.

Behind 'La La Land,' A Long Relationship Between A Director And A Composer

12:51pm February 18, 2017

by Maureen McCollum

La La Land is the third collaboration between writer and director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz. Their first was actually a senior thesis that was released to critical acclaim.

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Arts

'Manchester By The Sea' Director Explores The Depth Of Grief

3:03pm February 17, 2017

Kenneth Lonergan's film, which has been nominated for six Oscars, is about a janitor who returns to his hometown after the death of his brother. Originally broadcast Nov. 30, 2016.

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