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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor

Daniella is the co-Arts Editor and is studying Marketing and Creative Writing, but lately has gone through the utterly clichéd phase of life known as an “existential crisis.” In her mind, it is still the 1970s because Pink Floyd reigns supreme and Jack Nicholson is a heartthrob. When Daniella abandons the delusions of her own mind and returns back to 2018, she enjoys writing, playing tennis, and absorbing all the film and music she can find. Daniella loves a good chat, so strike up a conversation about the best Italian film, why “The Wall” is a better album than “Dark Side of the Moon,” or how Freud’s theories aren’t that far-fetched, and you won’t be disappointed.

All content by Daniella Nichinson
Zahraa Aldoujaili and Yara Aliadotter in "Amateurs."

Tribeca 2018: Swedish Film ‘Amateurs’ Is a Little Amateur

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 26, 2018
"Amateurs" tap into the heart of what makes filmmaking so special, as well as the struggles of the craft itself.
Poster for "Duck Butter," which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival this past week.

Tribeca 2018: ‘Duck Butter’ Is Experimental Intimacy

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 24, 2018
Miguel Arteta’s dramedy “Duck Butter” is bold, beautiful and absurd.
 Over 200,000 rape kits remain untested in the U. S.

Untested Rape Kits Exposed in ‘I Am Evidence’

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 17, 2018
“I Am Evidence" explores the horrifying reality that there are over 200 thousand and counting untested rape kits in the United States.
Music Industry Finally Says #MeToo

Music Industry Finally Says #MeToo

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer April 4, 2018
In the wake of the 2018 Grammy Awards, the music industry has finally begun to shed light on its troublesome past.
Diversity: Hollywood’s Two-Way Street

Diversity: Hollywood’s Two-Way Street

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 4, 2018
The 90th Academy Awards was meant to be an extraordinary event for various reasons. Film in 2017 seemed to represent the gradual shift in America’s culture.
Tisch first-year Sam Slocum and GLS first-year Skylar Knapp of Been Stellar.

Been Stellar Talks Midwest and Ben Stiller

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer April 2, 2018
NYU garage-punk band Been Stellar talk name, new music and home with WSN.
Heather (Zoë Kravitz) at a karaoke bar in Aaron Katz's GEMINI.

‘Gemini’ Is a Sexy Yet Surface Neo-Noir

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer March 29, 2018
Aaron Katz’s newest film “Gemini” boasts a glossy visual aesthetic and strong performances from Zoë Kravitz and Lola Kirke.
Marion Cotillard stars in Arnaud Desplechin’s new film “Ismael’s Ghosts."

The Ambitious and Ambiguous ‘Ismael’s Ghosts’

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer March 26, 2018
Arnaud Desplechin’s “Ismael’s Ghosts” is a harrowing tale of loss and filmmaking. It opened Friday, March 23 at Quad Cinema.
Richard Levine’s "Submission", starring Stanley Tucci, explores the topic of sexual harassment on college campuses.

Tucci Shines But ‘Submission’ Falls Flat

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer March 7, 2018
In his newest film “Submission,” writer and director Richard Levine’s tries to explore the topic of sexual harassment on college campuses.
Poster for "Tonya Harding" at The Gateway on Feb. 28. All the bands who performed were not fronted by straight white men.

The Gateway Showcases Female and Non-Binary Bands

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer March 7, 2018
Four New York-based bands took to the stage at The Gateway on Wednesday night –– a night of bands that are not fronted by straight white men.
BØRNS Electrifies Terminal 5

BØRNS Electrifies Terminal 5

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer February 23, 2018
Youthful pop and vintage rock 'n' roll musician BØRNS electrified Terminal 5 on Thursday night.
Free tampons in the bathroom of the Forbes building.

Free Menstrual Hygiene Products Not Always Available

Nicole Rosenthal, Contributing Writer February 20, 2018
After NYU agreed to provide free feminine hygiene products, five out of six dispensers were found to be either empty or still charging 25 cents.
A scene from the 1992 Disney film Aladdin.

Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ Controversy Casts Shadow on ‘Black Panther’

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer February 13, 2018
If you were ready to applaud Disney for its efforts towards casting minorities on “Black Panther,” its upcoming “Aladdin” live-action remake says otherwise.
Tennis Brings A-Game to Brooklyn Steel

Tennis Brings A-Game to Brooklyn Steel

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer January 26, 2018
Denver-based husband and wife duo Tennis played its biggest show yet at Brooklyn Steel on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Brittany Claybrooks

Building the Foundations of Success
Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor December 7, 2017

“Education was always like my sport,” Brittany Claybrooks said during a First Generation College Students panel hosted by NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service....

“Last Christmas” by Wham!, featuring the duo George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, Is one of the staff recommendations for best original holiday song.

Staff Recs: Best Original Holiday Songs

For the last staff rec of the semester, WSN staff members reveal their favorite original holiday hits.

Miraculously restored from the original cut of film, “The Passion of Joan of Arc” tells the story of the fabled warrior Joan in her last hours.

Beautiful Classic ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ is Restored to Life

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer November 29, 2017
The classic "The Passion of Joan of Arc" has been brought back to life at the Film Forum.
Northern California-based musician and producer Zack Arnett, who goes by SUR, found his creative inspiration somewhere between Red Rock and Big Sur.

SUR: On His Anthemic Debut and Inspiration

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer November 28, 2017
Up-and-coming California based musician SUR sits down with WSN and chats about his childhood, source of musical influence and the style of his sound.
Former NYU professor James Franco directs and stars in ‘The Disaster Artist’

James Franco Turns ‘Disaster’ Into Masterpiece

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor November 27, 2017
Over 15 years ago, Tommy Wiseau made a film called "The Room." Now, James Franco has created a film about that film, "Disaster Artist," which comes out this Friday.
Theater release  for Louis C.K.’s film “I Love You, Daddy” was cancelled all across the country after allegations of sexual misconduct.

Life Imitates Art in ‘I Love You, Daddy’

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer November 13, 2017
Louis C.K.'s new film "I Love You, Daddy" is seen in new light with recent allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Destination Unknown” tells the story of holocaust survivors as they try to find the light in a world filled with darkness. The film hits screens Nov. 10th.

A Powerful Portrait of the Holocaust

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer November 8, 2017
Claire Ferguson takes a new approach at examining the Holocaust in her new documentary "Destination Unknown."
“Thelma” follows the character of Eili Harboe as she experiences the supernatural.

Supernatural Lesbian Film Thrills

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer November 6, 2017
"Thelma" is a Norwegian supernatural thriller that delves into sexuality, religion and the supernatural.

“My Friend Dahmer” follows the story of main character Jeffrey Dahmer in his late high school years and the events that eventually led him to become a serial killer. It is set to hit theaters on Nov. 3rd.

Ross Lynch Trades Disney For Dahmer

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer October 30, 2017
Ross Lynch transforms into one of America's most famous serial killers in Marc Meyers' newest film, "My Friend Dahmer."
Félicité is a free-willed woman working as a singer in a bar in Kinshasa. Her life is thrown into turmoil when her 14-year-old son gets into a terrible car accident and in order to raise money to save him, she sets out on a breakneck race through the streets of electric Kinshasa – a world of music and dreams.

‘Félicité’ is a Musical Beauty

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer October 23, 2017
"Félicité," Senegal's submission for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, tells a poignant story of motherhood, music and the struggle for equality.
Brooklyn-based indie-pop duo Cults performed an intimate show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Oct. 17. The overall breathtaking performance featured gorgeous visuals and dreamy vocals.

Cults Dazzles in Williamsburg

Nicole Rosenthal, Staff Writer October 23, 2017
Cults, a Brooklyn-based indie-pop duo, performed in Williamsburg last Tuesday.
Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) is a respected  surgeon leading a flawless life with his family, and when Martin, a fatherless teen, begins insinuating himself into the family's life, a secret which would shatter Dr. Murphy’s life is revealed.

The Twisted Brilliance of ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 16, 2017
Yorgos Lanthimos' "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" tells the story of a cardiovascular surgeon with a seemingly perfect life, but there's more to the story than meets the eye.
NYU dropout Woody Allen released his new film “Wonder Wheel” at the New York Film Festival. The film tells the story of a couple in the 1950s living in Coney Island.

Painful Nostalgia in ‘Wonder Wheel’

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 16, 2017
NYU alumni Woody Allen closed out the 55th New York Film Festival with "Wonder Wheel," a story of nostalgia and disappointment.
“Call Me By Your Name”, originally a novel by the former NYU professor Andre Aciman, has been adapted by the Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. The story follows 17-year-old Elio, learning the hardships of adulthood and discovering his self-identity.

The Beautiful Tragedy of ‘Call Me By Your Name’

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 10, 2017
"Call Me By Your Name" is a touching, deeply moving story of two men in 1983 who fall in love, adapted from the novel written by former NYU professor Andre Aciman.
Female Rockers’ Fight for Equality in a Male-Dominated Arena

Female Rockers’ Fight for Equality in a Male-Dominated Arena

Nicole Rosenthal, Contributing Writer October 5, 2017
Female rock musicians have been making their voices heard in the male-dominated music scene.
The Enduring Politics of Warren Beatty

The Enduring Politics of Warren Beatty

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 5, 2017
A Hollywood legend and icon, Warren Beatty has cemented his role as an influential political filmmaker by telling provocative and important stories.
In Last Flag Flying, three Vietnam War veterans reunite in the funeral of one’s son and decide to take a trip to his home in suburban New Hampshire together.

NYFF 2017: ‘Last Flag Flying’ Presents a Lifetime of War

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 2, 2017
"Last Flag Flying" deals with the trauma of war, telling the story of three Vietnam veterans with humor and wit.
The new Rube Östlund movie, The Square is a comedy-drama that follows a museum curator and the obstacles he faces when hiring a public relations team for his new installation. The movie hits the cinemas on Oct. 27 in the US.

NYFF 2017: ‘The Square’ is Magnificently Enigmatic

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor October 2, 2017
"The Square" is a satirical film about a Swedish museum, dealing with the nature of good in society.
NYFF 2017: Family, Frustrations and Fine Art in ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’

NYFF 2017: Family, Frustrations and Fine Art in ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor September 28, 2017
Our film editor reviews The Meyerowitz Stories, as a part of the New York Film Festival.
The Florida Project has not received as much acclaim as other movies released this year, but WSN considers it to be one of the top films of the season.

NYFF 2017: Magic of Childhood in ‘The Florida Project’

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor September 26, 2017
In Sean Baker's "The Florida Project," the darkness of the state is revealed.
On Sept. 8, upwards of 40 people ran through the Washington Square Arch like anime character Naruto. CAS Sophomore Iffat Nur organized the viral event.

Students Run Wild for Naruto

Nicole Rosenthal, Contributing Writer September 25, 2017
CAS sophomore Iffat Nur's Run Through Washington Square Arch Naruto Style and Scream Like Goku In Front of Washington Square Arch events have garnered national interest and spawned copycat events throughout the country.
“Victoria & Abdul” is a comedy-drama film based on real life relationship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim.

‘Victoria & Abdul’ Lacks Depth

Guru Ramanathan, Contributing Writer September 18, 2017
"Victoria & Abdul" is a period drama like no other; exploring the platonic relationship between two unlike characters with glimpses of humor.
In his latest role as Brad Sloan, Ben Stiller's character compares his present to the glory days of college.

‘Brad’s Status’ Finds Humor in Insecurity

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor September 12, 2017
"Brad's Status" continues Ben Stiller's foray into indie films, telling the story of one man's mid-life crisis.
Dayveon explores the life of gangsters with the aim of being a coming of age story.

‘Dayveon’ Shows Promise, But Lacks Strength in Its Characters

Guru Ramanathan, Contributing Writer September 12, 2017
"Dayveon," written, produced, directed (and everything else) by debut filmmaker Amman Abbasi, is a coming-of-age gangster film about innocence and loss.
State Champs played an intimate and high energy show at White Eagle Hall.

State Champs Shake Up White Eagle Hall

Nicole Rosenthal, Contributing Writer September 11, 2017
State Champs brought the house down at White Eagle Hall, with six unique acts electrifying the audience.
"I Do... Until I Don't" follows three couples and their take on the arguably lifelong commitment of marriage.

“I Do…Until I Don’t” is Funny, But Transient

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor September 5, 2017
"I Do... Until I Don't" attempts to solve the age-old conundrum of the value of monogamy.
Nothing says New York film classic like Woody Allen’s Manhattan, showcasing some of the city’s iconic views.

Essential New York Films to Appreciate New York

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor September 5, 2017
Many, many films have captured the essential essence of New York City -- here are our choices of the ones that did it best.
"Call Me by Your Name" is a new film by Luca Guadagnino with high praise and award expectations.

The Reign of Indie Films This Fall

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor August 28, 2017
As we wave goodbye to summer blockbusters, fall indies are gearing up to kick off the season with a bang and provide students with an escape from the mundanity of their textbooks.
Tommy Swerdlow as Tommy, TJ Bowen as TJ and Blake Heron as Blake chill in the car in “A Thousand Junkies.”

Tribeca 2017: ‘A Thousand Junkies’ is a Comedic Ode to Addiction

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer May 1, 2017
Playing at the Tribeca Film Festival, "A Thousand Junkies" draws from the lives of those involved with the film to tell an honest and at times comedic story about addiction.
At the Radio City Music Hall on April 29, “The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II” played back-to-back in honor of the 45th anniversary.

Tribeca 2017: An Anniversary You Can’t Refuse

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer May 1, 2017
At a special anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival, "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II" were screened back to back, followed by a conversation with the cast and crew, including Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro.
Dustin Hoffman participated in Tribeca Talks: Directors Series alongside Noah Baumbach to talk about filmmaking inspirations and techniques.

Tribeca 2017: Dustin Hoffman and Noah Baumbach Tease and Talk Filmmaking

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer May 1, 2017
During the Tribeca Film Festival, acclaimed actor Dustin Hoffman interviewed indie auteur Noah Baumbach, where the two shared career stories and talked all things filmmaking.
Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman star in the classic film interpretation of Charles Webb’s novel, “The Graduate.” The 50th anniversary 4K restoration of the film premiered on Sunday.

‘The Graduate’ Restored in 4K for 50th Anniversary

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 26, 2017
In honor of the legendary film "The Graduate's" 50th anniversary, select theaters will show a 4K re-release of the critically-acclaimed classic.
Rob Brydon [Rob] and Steve Coogan [Steve] in Michael Winterbottom's “The Trip To Spain .”

Tribeca 2017: In ‘The Trip to Spain,’ Middle Age Is a Comedic Journey

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 26, 2017
English comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon adapt their popular TV show "The Trip" into film for the second time in this hilarious romp through Spain.
Retired New York City Police detective Frank Serpico at his cabin in the woods in Antonino D'Ambrosio's film "Frank Serpcio".

Tribeca 2017: Documentary ‘Frank Serpico’ Lauds an Honest Cop

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 26, 2017
Antonino D'Ambrosio's new documentary "Frank Serpico" retells the story of the famous New York City cop in Serpico's own words, reinforcing the message that doing the right thing is always the right thing.
“Free Fire,” the explosive action-comedy by Ben Wheatley which parodies the classic era of gangster film in 1970s Boston, opens April 21.

‘Free Fire’ Is Coordinated Chaos

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 17, 2017
The deadly hilarious film "Free Fire" parodies an entire era of gangster movies with a veritable cannon's worth of impact and laughs.
Charlie Hunnam as the British explorer, Colonel Percy Fawcett, in the cinematic rendition of David Grann’s Amazonian epic, “The Lost City of Z.”

‘The Lost City of Z’ Revives the Historical Epic Film

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 13, 2017
The real-life tale of explorer Percy Fawcett was turned into a book and now, into a film that gives the man the proper honor he deserves, plus an engaging and fascinating movie to boot.
Katell Quillevere’s third feature film, "Heal the Living," depicts the devastating affects of a car accident. The stunning juxtaposition of visuals portray the clashing of unrelated lives into one story.

Film ‘Heal the Living’ Weaves Stories of Loss and Chance

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 12, 2017
Katell Quillevere's new film "Heal the Living" is a slow burn, and a carefully crafted examination of narratives of grief.
“Shot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock” highlights photographer Mick Rock, who captured famous shots of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, among others. The documentary  opens Friday, April 7 at the Metrograph at 7 Ludlow St.

New Doc Highlights the Man Who ‘Shot!’ Rock ‘n’ Roll

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 6, 2017
"Shot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock" puts the focus on one of the biggest names of rock you've never heard of — famed rock music photographer Mick Rock.
The Blur Between Netflix and Film

The Blur Between Netflix and Film

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer April 6, 2017
Netflix just bought the rights to Martin Scorsese's next gangster film, starring Robert De Niro — is this the beginning of the end for movie theaters?
Jon Nguyen captures artist and director David Lynch’s essence in his newest documentary, “David Lynch: The Art Life.” The film illustrates Lynch’s journey to success despite his dissatisfaction with his life.

‘The Art Life’ Illuminates David Lynch’s World

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer March 28, 2017
Jon Nguyen's new documentary on the prolific David Lynch traces one of the most mysterious, enigmatic directors back to his artistic roots — painting.
Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film, "After the Storm," depicts a man's struggle to reconnect with his ex-wife and son. The film's main strength is its simplistic and subtle details that create a complex narrative of domestic life.

The Light Comes ‘After the Storm’

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer March 20, 2017
With a painstaking eye for simplicity and detail, Hirokazu Kore-eda's film "After the Storm" breaks down the life of an unexceptionally complex family into something striking and beautiful.
Lee Morgan, the legendary New York jazz trumpeter, poses with his wife and murderer, Helen More. The new documentary by Kasper Collin, “I Called Him Morgan,” retells the life of the musician.

Jazz Meets Murder in Documentary

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer March 20, 2017
Opening soon at the Film Society at Lincoln Center, "I Called Him Morgan" gives proper credit to one of the most tragically underrated jazz trumpeters, Morgan Lee, whose life was cut short at age 33 when his wife shot him during a show in the East Village.
“The Other Half,” directed by Joey Klein, will be released in theaters on Friday, March 10. The film reveals the difficulties of a relationship under mental illness.

Taste the Darker ‘Half’ of Relationships in New Film

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer March 9, 2017
"The Other Half" is a memorable feature film debut for director Joey Klein — especially considering he tackled the complex and all-too-human story of a couple struggling to deal with trauma.
With their series called "Gimme Shelter: Hollywood North," Anthology Film Archives is trying to bring back "tax shelter films."  These films are usually characterized as being incredibly realistic despite their low budgets.

Anthology Revives Tax Shelter Films

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer February 22, 2017
In its new series highlighting films made during the rush of production following Canada's revolutionary Cost Allowance Act, the Film Anthology Archives is showing "Blood Relatives," a murder mystery with grits and twists abound.
Kristi Jacobson's new documentary, "Solitary", illustrates the uncomfortable reality of solitary confinement through the lives of prisoners at Virginia's Red Onion State Prison.

A Devastating Look Into Isolation in “Solitary”

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer January 31, 2017
Kristi Jacobson's new documentary "Solitary" explores the lives of prisoners forced into isolation.
A film about Warren Buffett, “Becoming Warren Buffett,” shows various aspects of this billionaire’s life, from his rise in success to his underlying humility.

“Becoming Warren Buffett,” an Inspiring Story about an Inspiring Man

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer January 30, 2017
HBO's new documentary "Becoming Warren Buffett" takes a larger-than-life icon of our age and makes him into something almost unimaginable — human.
The Anthology Film Archives’ review of Dennis Hopper’s career will run from December 2nd to the 11th.

Anthology Honors the Legacy of Dennis Hopper

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer November 30, 2016
In a well-deserved honoring of actor David Hopper, Film Anthology Archives will be screening his films for just over a week - including the iconic "Blue Velvet."

Bobby Sands: 66 Days documents the story of a young Irishman who went on a hunger strike against the IRA.

From a Hunger Strike To a Revolution

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer November 28, 2016
The new documentary on the famed hunger-striker Bobby Sands gives a hauntingly human look at the Irish icon.
"Ne Me Quitte Pas", a story about two men who ponder about life issues, will be released on this Friday, November 18th.

“Ne Me Quitte Pas” Is a Slow But Worthwhile Meditation on Life

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer November 18, 2016
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" offers comfort in its mundane observation of two cantankerous old men's lives.
A 1998 political satire, “Bulworth” was brought back to the big screen at the Metrograph Theater as the election draws near.

‘Bulworth’ Relevant 20 Years Later

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer November 7, 2016
"Bulworth" might have been released in 1998, but its political satire seems eerily familiar in the context of today's presidential race.