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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

Professor Spike Lee Gives Talk on ‘Do the Right Thing’’s Writing Process

Professor Spike Lee Gives Talk on ‘Do the Right Thing’’s Writing Process

Tisch Alum and Professor Spike Lee discussed his generation-defining 1989 film at NYU Skirball Center.
Charles Smith, Contributing Writer November 26, 2019

Filmed entirely on one block in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” examines the race relations between the Italian American and African American...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, directed by Marielle Heller, is a story based on the real-life friendship between journalist Tom Junod and television star Fred Rogers. (Via Facebook)

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ is a Lesson in Forgiveness and Healing

The new film about children’s television icon Mr. Rogers is a touching tribute to how one man’s kindness helped shape the life of someone in need.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor November 25, 2019

How should we deal with anger? Why do we hold onto it instead of attempting forgiveness, hard as forgiveness may be? How can we begin to constructively deal with feelings holding...

Waves is a drama film released by A24 on November 15. (Via Twitter @wavesmovie)

‘Waves’ Verges on Cinematic Sensory Overload

“Waves” is a gripping family drama that captivates with experimental sound design and visual components.
Alexandra Bentzien, Contributing Writer November 17, 2019

Don’t expect to watch “Waves” like a movie. That’s what it is, technically, but it is precisely “Waves’” technical elements that elevate it beyond all cinematic convention...

NYU alum Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang’s “One Child Nation” delves into China’s inhumane one-child-policy through heartrending personal interviews that reflect a tension between government policy and families. (via Amazon Studios)

‘One Child Nation’: Fighting for the Right to Choose

Propaganda is a powerful tool, and China abused it. NYU alumna Nanfu Wang reflects on the iron grip of China’s propaganda in her newest documentary.
Megan Chew, Contributing Writer November 11, 2019

As far as China is concerned, Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang’s documentary film “One Child Nation” does not exist. The film was wiped clean from any reporting platforms in...

Primarily set in an opera house, “Varda by Agnès,” is the renowned documentarian’s posthumous film that beautifully accounts – and transcends – her life and her career. (Photo Courtesy of Mk2 Films)

‘Varda by Agnès’: a Revolutionary Retrospective

Agnès Varda’s posthumous swan song is an inspirational love letter to the cinematic arts.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Contributing Writer November 11, 2019

Whether you remember her as a fierce documentarian, French New Wave pioneer, fervid feminist, installation-piece wizard or potato-lover, there’s no doubt AgnèsmVarda has etched...

Searching for Mr. Rugoff is a documentary exploring the life of Donald Rugoff, a successful art film distributor who once owned NYU’s Cantor Film Center. (Via Twitter)

‘Searching for Mr. Rugoff’ Immortalizes a Titan of the Film Industry

The documentary tracks the life of a man who once owned NYU’s Cantor Film Center and brought “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” to the United States.
Nicholas Weid, Contributing Writer November 4, 2019

Before watching “Searching for Mr. Rugoff,” I did what most viewers would probably do — I googled Donald Rugoff. I hadn’t known the name before hearing the title and as...

(Illustration by Jorene He)

Off-Third: Happy Alumni Weekend From Oliver Stone

Just one of the many problematic filmmakers to pass through the halls of this university.
Abby Hofstetter, Opinion Editor October 31, 2019

Happy Alumni Weekend from Off-Third, WSN’s satire section. Try not to take us too seriously. I’d been nervous to interview Oliver Stone. To call the Tisch alumnus multifaceted...

The Whistlers is a 2019 Romanian crime thriller film directed by Corneliu Porumboiu. (Via Facebook)

‘The Whistlers:’ A Loving Callback to Noir

Director Corneliu Porumboiu rides the line between exactness and confusion in his intricate web of plots and deceit.
Nicholas Weid, Contributing Writer October 30, 2019

“The Whistlers” is the latest film from Romanian New Wave director Corneliu Porumboiu, who flexes his cinephile roots in this genre mashup of noir and westerns.  Police...

Tokyo Twilight, a Japanese drama film, was originally released in 1957. (Via Wikimedia)

‘Tokyo Twilight’: Ozu’s Metaphorical Landscape of Heartbreak and Change

Master Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu illustrates a complex narrative of transformation through the breaking of a family and the evolution of Tokyo.
Alexandra Bentzien, Contributing Writer October 27, 2019

Yasujiro Ozu’s “Tokyo Twilight” (1957), restored in 4K at Film Forum on Houston Street, documents the simultaneous evolution of the Sugiyama family and the eponymous Japanese...

Knives Out is a mystery film that is scheduled to release in theaters on November 27, 2019. (Via Twitter)

‘Knives Out’ Is a Lighthearted Whodunnit

With an all-star cast and witty dialogue, "Knives Out" is a fun murder mystery that keeps the audience guessing.
Nicholas Pabon, Contributing Writer October 27, 2019

For years, Rian Johnson has wanted to write a mystery film inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, whose novels have been developed into such films as “And Then There Were...

The Lighthouse, a thriller movie directed by Robert Eggers, released on October 18, 2019. (Via Facebook)

‘The Lighthouse’ Merges Classic Saltwater Horror with Modern Experimentalism

Robert Egger's latest film proves there is indeed enchantment in the light.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor October 20, 2019

“The Lighthouse” could have been nothing more than a novelty. The stylish black and white veneer of the film that harkens back to early cinema ensured a unique visual treat...

(via Flickr)

‘Memory: The Origins of Alien’ — An Otherworldly Collaboration

Alexander Philippe’s new documentary explores the origins of Ridley Scott’s revolutionary science fiction film.
October 17, 2019

This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Alien,” and director Alexander O. Philippe is leading the festivities. On Oct. 4, Philippe’s new documentary “Memory: The Origins...