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
Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson May 8, 2020

Working at WSN was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had while at NYU. It gave me the opportunity to express my love of film and the arts in a city rich with culture. From...

Will Ferrell as Buddy in Elf, a classic Christmas film that promises to deliver laughs and holiday spirit year after year. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Holiday Films

As November comes to an end and we recover from the pounds of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce consumed at Thanksgiving, the holiday season begins to close in. Whether...

Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin as long-time best friends in The Kominsky Method, which finds humor in aging. (via facebook.com)

‘The Kominsky Method’ Ruminates on Life, Death and Enlarged Prostates

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Nov 28, 2018
Netflix’s latest original series brings two Hollywood legends to the small screen and lets them find comedy in their old age.
Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Hot takes on Hollywood Hall-of-Famers.
The cast of A Fish Called Wanda. (via flickr.com)

Staff Recs: Best Film Ensembles

Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
From left to right, clockwise: “Lush” by Snail Mail, “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel, “Magic Potion” by The Black Keys and “Collection” by Soccer Mommy. (via spotify.com)

Staff Recs: Best Albums for Fall

“Lush” by Snail Mail Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor I am not going to lie: I fell in love with the album “Lush” when I discovered Snail Mail early last spring. I was lucky...

Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart in The Front Runner. (Courtesy of Sony Pictures)

From ‘Front Runner’ to Political Pariah

Politics and celebrity collide in “The Front Runner,” which tells the story of 1988 presidential hopeful Gary Hart, whose campaign was derailed by rumors of an extramarital affair.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Nov 5, 2018
Politics and celebrity collide in “The Front Runner,” which tells the story of 1988 presidential hopeful Gary Hart, whose campaign was derailed by rumors of an extramarital affair.
Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet. (via twitter.com)

Staff Recs: Best Villains

Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

This week we’re getting spooky niche with our unpopular opinions and taking a look at supernatural villains!

The spookiest day of the year is upon us: Halloween. All the ghosts and goblins come to play on this night of tricks and treats. Halloween is a pop culture phenomenon — the basis...

Gary Hart during his 1987 presidential campaign. (via commons.wikimedia.org)

Gary Hart and the Year Politics Collided With Celebrity

One fateful week in 1987 and how it changed the future of politics.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Oct 29, 2018
One fateful week in 1987 and how it changed the future of politics.
John Travolta and Uma Thurman in a scene from Pulp Fiction, which boasts one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Movie Soundtracks and Scores

The release of "Mid90s" has reminded audiences of the importance of a great soundtrack. Check out WSN's top picks for best movie soundtracks and scores.
Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Unpopular Opinions: Albums

Think you have a hot take on an underrated or overrated record? See how it holds up against WSN's picks in Unpopular Opinions: Albums edition.
Masked serial killer Michael Meyers in Halloween. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Scariest Horror Movies

Halloween is creeping up, so here are our picks for Scariest Horror Movies to terrify you on a dark, lonely night.
Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

The 20th century birthed a plethora of renowned authors, some overrated and some underrated. This week, the Arts Desk tackles Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors.
A collage depicting the many artists and movements in pop culture influenced by the Velvet Underground. (Photo by Daniella Nichinson)

The Velvet Underground Through the Lens of ’60s New York

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Oct 15, 2018
The Velvet Underground Experience, a new immersive exhibition, takes you down the history of one of history's greatest bands and the 1960s-era New York that influenced it.
Greta Gerwig and Sam Levy on the set of Lady Bird. (Courtesy of A24)

Staff Recs: Best Actors-Turned-Directors

With Bradley Cooper being the latest actor to try his hand at directing, here are our top picks for best actors turned directors.
(photographs by Katie Peurrung)

Rachel Main

Telling Stories in Search of Universality
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Oct 11, 2018

Writing is a cathartic experience. It’s a time for the writer to face the blank page, nothing standing between them and what they want to say. It is also a meditative process...

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Not all directors are created equal. Here are our thoughts on some underrated and overrated filmmakers.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly in Chicago.

Staff Recs: Hollywood Movie Musicals

Celebrate the premiere of "A Star Is Born" with our personal picks for the best movie musicals.
Unpopular Opinions: Film & TV Protagonists

Unpopular Opinions: Film & TV Protagonists

Main characters we love to hate.

When it comes to central characters in film and TV, viewers can quickly develop deep, unshakable convictions. Everyone hates Joffrey. Everyone loves Daenerys. But what if you think...

Members of boy group *NSYNC.

Staff Recs: Best Early 2000s Jams

Unabashedly indulge your bedazzled former self and rock out to these early 2000s hits.
Unpopular Opinions: Cinematic Classics

Unpopular Opinions: Cinematic Classics

Don't be shy about hating some of these classic films.
 Kali Uchis and Tyler, The Creator in the Perfect music video.

Staff Recs: Best Songs To Fall In Love To

Fall is the season when everyone wants to find in love — here are the best songs to indulge your inner romantic.
Fall is the season when everyone wants to find in love — here are the best songs to indulge your inner romantic.
Walter Sobchak (left), played by John Goodman, and Jeffrey Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges, in The Big Lebowski. The movie came out 20 years ago.

20 Years of Soiled Rugs, Bowling and the Dude

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, "The Big Lebowski" continues to be a timeless cult classic loved by audiences.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Sep 21, 2018
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, "The Big Lebowski" continues to be a timeless cult classic loved by audiences.
Screenshots from some of the shows mentioned. From left to right: Alex Strangelove, Mudbound, Ozark, Nailed It! and Sacred Games.

Staff Recs: Best Netflix Originals

Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
 Mia Goth and Dakota Johnson in a scene from Suspiria.

Staff Recs: Our Most Anticipated Films of Fall 2018

Many of this fall's film releases are highly anticipated, but these are the ones we're looking forward to the most.
This fall's film releases are highly anticipated, but these are the ones we're looking forward to the most.
“John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection” is now playing at the Film Forum.

John McEnroe and the Sport of Cinema

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Sep 4, 2018
A new sports documentary highlighting John McEnroe's run at the 1984 French Open explores the player's battle with himself and the intersection of tennis and cinema.
The movie poster from “First Reformed.”

Ethan Hawke: Cassavetes Reborn

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Sep 4, 2018
With films like "Boyhood," "First Reformed" and his most recent directorial effort "Blaze," Ethan Hawke makes art for the sole purpose of art.
Skirball Center hosted a discussion about the Stonewall riots and the NYU community’s long-standing involvement in LGBTQ issues.

Skirball Unveils Exciting Fall Season

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor Aug 26, 2018
NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts gears up for an exciting fall season.

Brittany Claybrooks

Building the Foundations of Success
Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor Dec 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.
Former NYU professor James Franco directs and stars in ‘The Disaster Artist’

James Franco Turns ‘Disaster’ Into Masterpiece

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor Nov 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.
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 familys 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 Oct 17, 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 Oct 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 Oct 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.
The Enduring Politics of Warren Beatty

The Enduring Politics of Warren Beatty

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor Oct 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 Oct 3, 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 Oct 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 Sep 29, 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 Sep 27, 2017
In Sean Baker's "The Florida Project," the darkness of the state is revealed.
In his latest role as Brad Sloan, Ben Stillers character compares his present to the glory days of college.

‘Brad’s Status’ Finds Humor in Insecurity

Daniella Nichinson, Film Editor Sep 13, 2017
"Brad's Status" continues Ben Stiller's foray into indie films, telling the story of one man's mid-life crisis.
I Do... Until I Dont 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 Sep 6, 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 Sep 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 Aug 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 Apr 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 Winterbottoms “The Trip To Spain .”

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

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer Apr 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 DAmbrosios film Frank Serpcio.

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

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer Apr 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 Apr 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 Apr 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 Apr 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 Apr 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 Apr 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 Mar 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-edas new film, After the Storm, depicts a mans struggle to reconnect with his ex-wife and son. The films 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 Mar 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 Mar 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 Mar 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 Feb 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 Jacobsons new documentary, Solitary, illustrates the uncomfortable reality of solitary confinement through the lives of prisoners at Virginias Red Onion State Prison.

A Devastating Look Into Isolation in “Solitary”

Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer Feb 1, 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 Jan 31, 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 7, 2016
"Bulworth" might have been released in 1998, but its political satire seems eerily familiar in the context of today's presidential race.

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