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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

All content by Madeline Kane
A small film crew stands in a cathedral with camera equipment, filming a woman in a long blue dress. A woman in a long blue dress. Behind the film crew, two people sit with cellos, and larger group of people are seated like an audience.

Review: ‘Maestro’ is a grand celebration of an American icon

Bradley Cooper’s sophomore directorial effort sees the star almost unrecognizable as Leonard Bernstein, exploring his tumultuous relationship.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer December 4, 2023

Hollywood favorite Bradley Cooper stars as American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein in his sophomore directorial effort, “Maestro.” With career-best performances from...

Still from the film “Carmen.” Actress Melissa Barrera as Carmen in a black dress with bedazzled red accents. Actor Paul Mescal as Aiden wearing a tan t-shirt.

Review: ‘Carmen’ modernizes the iconic opera

In his directorial debut, renowned choreographer Benjamin Millepied created a dreamlike yet unsteady presentation of song, dance and word.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer April 24, 2023

Benjamin Millepied’s dynamic directorial debut “Carmen” is based on the acclaimed opera of the same name, by French composer Georges Bizet. While the original was set in...

A photograph of Director Benjamin Millepied in a gray t-shirt, against a blurred background of various buildings against the sky.

Q&A: Benjamin Millepied on bringing a classic love story into the 21st century

The French choreographer spoke with WSN to talk about his love of the original “Carmen” opera, his directorial debut in its new film adaptation and what he hopes audiences will take away from his interpretation.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer April 24, 2023

Born and raised in Bordeaux, France, Benjamin Millepied first started dancing at the age of 8 when his mother, a ballet dancer herself, became his first teacher. After spending...

A family — including a mother with a blonde bob haircut who is wearing a white shirt and a black dress, a son, and a father wearing a gray, plaid three-piece suit — watches a movie in the theater.

Review: ‘The Fabelmans’ is Spielberg at his most vulnerable

In a career notable for poignant moments, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg gets more personal than ever in this Oscar-nominated, semi-autobiographical tale. 
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer March 8, 2023

In a career spanning over half a century, Steven Spielberg has tackled a wide array of subjects in his movies: dinosaurs, archaeologists, aliens, combat soldiers, sharks, rebelling...

In a dimly lit bar, Russian political dissident Alexei Navalny looks into the camera, wearing a dark blue fleece and a light blue buttoned shirt.

Review: ‘Navalny’ is a profound portrait of the Russian activist

Nominated for an Oscar and now streaming on HBO Max, “Navalny” portrays a man who became the face of a movement.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer March 3, 2023

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reaffirmed the horrors of President Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime to the world. With strict censorship rules and aggressive law enforcement,...

A movie still featuring a close-up profile of a woman looking to her left, with a sliver of sunlight hitting her face. She stands outdoors with a fence in the background.

Review: ‘Nanny’ offers a refreshing take on the worker-immigrant experience

Winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, NYU alum Nikyatu Jusu’s debut feature takes a new approach to portraying the immigrant experience. The film is playing in select theaters and will be made available for streaming on Amazon Prime starting on Dec. 16.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer November 30, 2022

In American pop culture, the immigrant experience is typically portrayed with shaky camera movements, dull and colorless settings, and people who are physically, emotionally and...