Author: Jay Ruud

An American Tragedy Theodore Dreiser (1925) Does anybody really read Dreiser anymore? I remember being rather unimpressed by The Financier in my course in “American Realism and Naturalism” back around 1970. And I did try Sister Carrie decades later but it left me pretty cold. Nevertheless, in my undaunted quest to read all the books on Modern Library’s list of the… Continue reading An American Tragedy

Pixie Barnaby Thompson (2020) Facts for You: Where to Watch: Rent on Prime Video  Rating: R Length: 1 hour 33 minutes  Names You Might Know: Olivia Cooke, Alec Baldwin, Colm Meaney Language: English He Said: Barnaby Thompson, a successful British producer of such films as Wayne’s World, Hope Springs and An Ideal Husband, tries his hand at directing… Continue reading Pixie

The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett (2020) I remember when I was a kid, back in the dark ages, when dinosaurs roamed the land, a controversial movie came out entitled I Passed for White (1960). My older sister wanted to see it but my parents weren’t too sure it was appropriate viewing. Based on a novel by… Continue reading The Vanishing Half

Nomadland Chloe Zhao (2020) Facts for You: Where to Watch:Included on Hulu Length:1 hour 48 minutes  Names You Might Know:Frances McDormand, David Strathairn Language:English He Said: This is the current movie that everyone seems to be talking about. Or at least posting about. It was released on February 19, in limited release in theaters (which… Continue reading Nomadland

A Promising Young Woman Emerald Fennell (2020 Facts for You: Where to Watch:Rentable on Amazon Prime Length:1 hour 54 minutes  Names You Might Know: Carey Mulligan with supporting roles played by Connie Britton, Laverne Cox, Jennifer Coolidge and Alison Brie Language: English She Said: This black comedy suspense film from emerging creative powerhouse Emerald Fennell (Call… Continue reading A Promising Young Woman