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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

Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor

Guru Ramanathan is a senior in Tisch majoring in Dramatic Writing. Born in India, but living in Boston for most of his life, he was initially very confused by the lack of Dunkin’ Donuts in New York City but grew to love Starbucks' hot chocolate. Guru lives and breathes film to the point where every other thing he says is probably a movie quote, and he was also a tennis and piano player for 10 years each. If you ever need to find him he will probably be writing something on the seventh floor of Bobst or the Dramatic Writing department’s half of the seventh floor in Tisch. Follow him on Instagram @i.am.gru and listen to his podcast, “The Passion Project.”

All content by Guru Ramanathan
Behind the Scenes With the NYU Mixtapes Preparing for Concert

Behind the Scenes With the NYU Mixtapes Preparing for Concert

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor October 12, 2018

The Mixtapes are one of NYU’s most popular a capella groups, currently led by Musical Director Sam Dhanraj, a senior in Steinhardt. They recently released their first single...

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)

Hammerkatz

Sketches, Not Skits!
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 11, 2018

An extravagant businessman walks into a classroom to meet with his son’s elementary school teacher. The father is horrified to find out that his son has been flinging poop at...

Melissa Lozada-Oliva

Melissa Lozada-Oliva

Doesn't Want to Be Relatable
Alex Cullina, Books & Theatre Editor October 11, 2018

Poet and performer Melissa Lozada-Oliva has never known how to keep her own secrets. “I have a deep need to confess things,” she said. “A big part of being a performance...

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Not all directors are created equal. Here are our thoughts on some underrated and overrated filmmakers.
Tayari Jones (Left) and Darin Strauss (Right) engaged in discussion. (Photo by Claire Fishman)

‘An American Marriage’ and a Distinctly American Writer

Claire Fishman, Contributing Writer October 9, 2018
Acclaimed novelist Tayari Jones visited the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House to discuss her new book "An American Marriage" and her writing process.
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.
Nina performing stand up

Tisch Alum Makes Her Debut With Hidden Gem ‘All About Nina’

Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a magnetic performance as a damaged stand-up comedian.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 2, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a magnetic performance as a damaged stand-up comedian.
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.
A scene from the 6 hour play Analogy Trilogy.

A Jewish Nurse, a Gay Man and a Wealthy Heir Walk into Skirball

Claire Fishman, Contributing Writer September 25, 2018
Dramatist Bill T. Jones six-hour "Analogy Trilogy" took place at NYU’s Skirball Center last Saturday, consisting of scenes that included a psychiatric ward, a Jewish internment camp, and an American prison.
Still from the film "The Last Suit."

Friendship Is Everlasting in ‘The Last Suit’

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor September 24, 2018
The beauty of friendship shines a warm light the daunting journey of a Jewish Holocaust survivor in "The Last Suit"
 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.
Richie Merritt and Matthew McConaughey in "White Boy Rick."

‘White Boy Rick’ Misfires

"White Boy Rick" delivers a scene-stealing performance by Matthew McConaughey, but fails to impress everywhere else.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor September 17, 2018
"White Boy Rick" delivers a scene-stealing performance by Matthew McConaughey, but fails to impress everywhere else.
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.
Catherine Devine, a sophomore in CAS, dancing.

Fighting for Legitimacy, Ballerinas Resort to Rented Basements

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor September 10, 2018
WSN speaks to Camille Barbin and Catherine Devine, the faces behind the university's first ballet company, the NYU Ballet Collective.
 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.
MoviePass recently overhauled its subscription service, upsetting some users.

MoviePass Failed but New Services Are on the Horizon

MoviePass gave us more than just a great bargain — it revived the moviegoing experience.
Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor September 6, 2018
MoviePass gave us more than just a great bargain — it revived the moviegoing experience.
Movie poster from “The Wife.”

Sidelined on Screen, Glenn Close Shines as ‘The Wife’

Alex Cullina, Film Editor September 4, 2018
Glenn Close turns in a career's best performance in the new film "The Wife."
Tessa Thompson as Detroit in "Sorry to Both You."

Best of Summer Film

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor August 26, 2018
As summer winds down, relive some of the season's best and most memorable films.
Evan Rosado and Raul Castillo in "We the Animals."

‘We the Animals’: A Portrait of Childhood

Alex Cullina, Film Editor August 26, 2018
Jeremiah Zagar's new film "We the Animals" creates an emotionally and visually stunning narrative about childhood.
Matthew Broderick and Géza Röhrig in "To Dust."

Tribeca 2018: A Complex Examination of Grief in ‘To Dust’

Alex Cullina, Staff Writer April 30, 2018
"To Dust" follows Shmuel, a Hasidic Jew, and the grief surrounding his wife's death. It won the audience award at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
Liv Hill in "Jellyfish."

Tribeca 2018: ‘Jellyfish’ Is a Valiant First Effort for James Gardner

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 30, 2018
If one were to judge James Gardner’s film “Jellyfish” on its synopsis, their initial assumptions may deceive them.
"The Night Eats the World" follows one man's story after an outbreak of flesh-eating zombies.

Tribeca 2018: ‘The Night Eats the World’ Is A Great Zombie Movie

Alex Cullina, Staff Writer April 26, 2018
“The Night Eats the World" follows one man's journey after an outbreak of flesh-eating zombies.
John Krasinksi in "A Quiet Place."

Staff Recs: Intelligent Horror Films

In honor of "A Quiet Place" getting a sequel and "Get Out" winning an Oscar, WSN has compiled a list of the most intelligent horror films for your viewing pleasure.
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.
Author Min Jin Lee spoke at this year's launch for undergraduate literary magazine "West 10th."

Min Jin Lee Talks Representation at ‘West 10th’ Launch

Alex Cullina, Staff Writer April 23, 2018
Min Jin Lee, acclaimed author of the bestselling book “Pachinko,” spoke at the official launch of this year's issue of "West 10th," the official journal of NYU's undergraduate Creative Writing program.
 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.
The Rise of Queer Cinema

The Rise of Queer Cinema

Alex Cullina, Staff Writer April 4, 2018
In the last few years, it seems like there has been an increase in the number of films both by and about queer people.
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.
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.
Phoebe Legere in "Speed Queen" at Dixon Place.

A Forgotten Queer History in ‘Speed Queen’

Alex Cullina, Staff Writer March 26, 2018
“Speed Queen” is a one-woman show starring Phoebe Legere and directed by Lissa Moira. It ran at the Dixon Place through March 24.
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.
Performers in “RIOT,” an interactive dance experience showing in Skirball Center of Performing Arts.

The Politics of Joy in ‘RIOT’

Alex Cullina, Contributing Writer February 20, 2018
“RIOT,” Irish theater collective THISISPOPBABY’s multi-genre theater piece, is 100 minutes of spectacle –– both joyful and political –– being deadly serious and ridiculously fun.
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.
Novelist Zadie Smith being interviewed by New Yorker staff writer Doreen St. Félix at the Barnes and Noble on 82nd Street and Broadway last Thursday.

Zadie Smith Talks New Book ‘Feel Free’

Alex Cullina, Contributing Writer February 12, 2018
Acclaimed novelist, essayist and short story writer Zadie Smith gave a talk at Barnes and Noble, where she covered a wide range of topics in her essays.
Joe Carman throws a punch in Jeff Unay’s new documentary, “The Cage Fighter,” now showing at the IFC Center on Sixth Avenue.

The Two Worlds of a ‘Cage Fighter’

Alex Cullina, Contributing Writer February 5, 2018
Joe Carman has a secret. A retired mixed martial arts fighter and the subject of Jeff Unay’s new documentary “The Cage Fighter,” Joe has broken the promise he made to his family to stay out of the ring.
“A New Brain” is a 1998 musical based on the book of William Finn and James Lapine that follows the life of songwriter Gordon Schwinn who is diagnosed with a brain condition. Hosted by The Gallery of Players, the play runs until Feb. 18.

‘A New Brain’ Is a No Brainer

Alex Cullina, Contributing Writer February 5, 2018
Drawn largely from creator William Finn’s own life, "A New Brain" follows a creatively blocked songwriter who is hospitalized with a mysterious brain condition.
The 2018 Oscars Awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will honor the best films of 2017 on March 4, 2018 in Los Angeles.

NYU at the Oscars, Again

Alex Cullina, Contributing Writer January 26, 2018
The Academy Awards' efforts to reform and diversify its membership shone a little brighter this year with wide-ranging nominees and multiple NYU alums.

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.
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.
“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.
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.