Movies

Music & Culture

Napoleon's piano adds authenticity to the music of Ridley Scott's movie

5:04am December 04, 2023

by Olivia Hampton

British composer Martin Phipps discusses how he used an 1808 French piano that once belonged to Napoleon for part of the score of Ridley Scott's biopic of the one-time emperor.

The twelve days of Christmas come to life in new movie from director Reginald Hudlin

5:07pm December 01, 2023

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Reginald Hudlin, director of the movie Candy Cane Lane, in which a house decoration contest leads leads to Eddie Murphy battling the 12 days of Christmas come to life.

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Twelve-year-old Mahito journeys into an otherworldly realm in The Boy and the Heron.

Arts

In 'The Boy and the Heron,' Miyazaki asks: How do we go on in the midst of grief?

1:37pm December 01, 2023

by Justin Chang

Hayao Miyazaki's beguiling new fantasy combines the excitement of a boy's grand adventure and the weight of an older man's reflection. The hypnotic story is a partial self-portrait by an anime master.

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Jonathan Majors' career hangs in limbo as assault trial begins

5:12pm November 30, 2023

by Eric Deggans

Before his arrest, Jonathan Majors' star was on the rise. His film Magazine Dreams has been pulled from the release calendar, and Marvel has paused upcoming projects pending the outcome of this trial.

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Some SAG-AFTRA members are concerned about AI provisions in tentative deal

5:13am November 30, 2023

by Mandalit del Barco

Hollywood performers are voting on whether to ratify a new contract with major studios and streamers. Some union members question whether the deal protects them from artificial intelligence issues.

Actor Jonathan Majors arrives at court for jury selection in a domestic violence case.

Actor Jonathan Majors' trial begins in New York City, after numerous delays

5:11pm November 29, 2023

by Neda Ulaby

With a plum role as Marvel villain, Jonathan Majors' stardom seemed certain, until an alleged altercation with a girlfriend derailed his Hollywood career. The actor's trial has started in New York.

Jon Batiste unveiled his first symphonic composition, American Symphony, at New York's Carnegie Hall on September 22, 2022. An eponymous documentary by Matthew Heineman follows his life with his wife.

Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad share journey of 'two extremes' in American Symphony

8:08pm November 28, 2023

The same day musician Jon Batiste got 11 Grammy nominations, his partner, writer Suleika Jaouad, began chemotherapy. The new documentary American Symphony recounts their journey.

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Two lonely souls (Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen) come together in Fallen Leaves.

Arts

Sentimental but not soppy, 'Fallen Leaves' gives off the magic glow of a fable

2:44pm November 27, 2023

by John Powers

Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki's melancholy romantic comedy about two lonely souls trapped in dead-end jobs builds to a gorgeous ending — with a great and revelatory final joke.

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Andrew Caira (left) and Adam Parbhoo (right) star in a performance of Saw the Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw at Manhattan's AMT theater.

Arts

A musical parody of 'Saw' teases out the queer love story from a cult horror hit

9:04am November 26, 2023

by Brianna Scott

A love story is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Saw franchise, but that's exactly what a new musical is – and then some.

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A new documentary shows the impact of book bans in Florida public schools on the kids

8:08am November 25, 2023

by Scott Simon

In her directorial debut, Sheila Nevins' chronicles the impact of book bans in Florida public schools. She tells NPR's Scott Simon what inspired her to profile those most affected — the students.