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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

A girl dancing at a party with purple lights.

WSN’s guide to the 62nd New York Film Festival

In anticipation of this year’s New York Film Festival, WSN has put together a list of must-see movie premieres that you will want to secure tickets for before they sell out.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor September 9, 2024

This year, the New York Film Festival — which runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14 — will celebrate its 62nd anniversary. With the festival’s Main Slate featuring films from 24...

A woman and a young girl in a kitchen hold their hands above a bowl of sprouting plants.

Review: ‘Shayda’ is poignant story of domestic abuse, national identity and healing

Based on a true story, Noora Niasari’s new film is a biopic that captures a tumultuous journey of domestic abuse and immigration.
Chloe Haack, Contributing Writer March 1, 2024

An impressive feature debut based on director Noora Niasari’s early life, “Shayda” is a masterful exploration of religious expectations, domestic abuse and the resilience...

A man wearing protective goggles looks through a small circular window that is emitting bright light.

The case against ‘Oppenheimer’

Leading the pack with 13 Oscar nominations, including best picture, it’s time to ruffle some Nolan-heads and reassess the biopic.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer February 13, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. It’s hard to ignore Christopher Nolan’s success as a filmmaker. With eight Academy Award...

A bride and groom, both with dark brown hair, are standing behind a wedding cake, with bride and groom figures on top. There are white candles and white flowers on two sides of the cake, as well as a wreath with white flowers behind them.

Review: On the perils of premature womanhood in ‘Priscilla’

Sofia Coppola’s newest film paints a vulnerable and overdue portrait of Elvis’ enigmatic wife.
Maggie Turner, Contributing Writer November 3, 2023

Based on Priscilla Presley’s autobiography, “Elvis and Me,” acclaimed director Sofia Coppola’s latest film “Priscilla” arrived in theaters Nov. 3. In a cultural climate...

To the left of the photo there is someone wearing a blue shirt, looking down. Behind them there is a landscape with a blue sky, clouds, and hills.

Review: Joan Baez says goodbye her own way in new documentary

“Joan Baez I Am a Noise” follows the political activist and musician as she embarks on her farewell tour and looks back on her storied career.
Holden Lay, Staff Writer October 6, 2023

Early on in “Joan Baez I Am a Noise,” the titular musician says “I always said I didn’t want to do a farewell tour, because people who say that always come back. But maybe...

An illustration of Malcom X wearing a black suit, a gray hat and a pair of glasses with black frames against a red background.

Celebration of Black cinema and civil rights in America: ‘Malcolm X’ turns 30

Three decades ago since its release, the Brooklyn Academy of Music hosted a screening for Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” to commemorate the legacy of the film and the enduring memory of the civil rights activist. 
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer December 9, 2022

Over one thousand New Yorkers gathered at the opulent Howard Gilman Opera House to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X”  biopic on Nov. 22. The Brooklyn...

 Benjamin Dickey and Alia Shawkat in "Blaze."

‘Blaze’ and the Unsung Country Legend

Natalie Whalen, Film Editor March 22, 2018
Ethan Hawke's "Blaze" follows the life of little-known country blues singer Blaze Foley. It recently competed at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
Poster for the new film, "The Young Karl Marx," directed by Raoul Peck.

Meet ‘The Young Karl Marx’

Jessica Xing, Staff Writer February 28, 2018
“The Young Karl Marx” is a new film following the controversial figure behind "The Communist Manifesto" and Marxism.
Netflix's upcoming original film, "The Most Hated Woman in America," is a biopic of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the head of The American Atheists Organization. The film will be available on March 24.

Melissa Leo is One to Love in ‘Most Hated Woman in America’

Sophie Bennett, Staff Writer March 21, 2017
The new Netflix documentary "The Most Hated Woman in America" gives the powerful story of Madayln Murray O'Hair — a woman both admired and hated for her advocacy for separation of church and state before her life was cut short in a brutal murder.
Natalie Portman portrays First Lady Jackie Kennedy, in Jackie.

Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells JFK’s Story

Zach Martin, Editor at Large December 7, 2016
The new biopic "Jackie" pays respect to the legacy not only of one of America's most iconic presidents, but the woman who orchestrated his memorial.
Joseph Gorden Levitt stars in Oliver Stone’s new feature film “Snowden” based on the story of Edward Snowden, former employee of the CIA.

‘Snowden’ Sparks Privacy Debate

Bradley Alsop, Staff Writer September 19, 2016
In the new biopic about Edward Snowden, director Oliver Stone leads a chilling inquiry into the concept of privacy in America.
"Elvis & Nixon" is a film starring Michael Shannon as Elvis Presley and Kevin Spacey as President Nixon.

Tribeca 2016: ‘Elvis and Nixon’ Shames the Figures it Depicts

Tony Schwab, Staff Writer April 27, 2016
"Elvis & Nixon," starring Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey, recounts the story of the two men meeting at the White House.