Crimson staff writer
Lanz Aaron G. Tan
Latest Content
‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ Review: An Expressionist Twist on a Shakespeare Classic
That’s what makes “The Tragedy of Macbeth” feel remarkably fresh: Writer-director Joel Coen paints his latest film in unapologetic, ethereal strokes of black-and-white expressionism.
Artist Profile: Paul Thomas Anderson on His Filmmaking Process and Navigating Love in ‘Licorice Pizza’
Suffice to say, there haven’t been many rosy stories in Anderson’s films of late. But that’s changed a bit with “Licorice Pizza” — at least on the surface.
Arts Vanity: In the Mood for Films
My biggest goal as film executive has always been to nudge writers into loving film, and helping them find new films to love. Nothing has touched me more than having a writer or exec say that I’ve changed how they view films.
‘Licorice Pizza’ Review: A Delectable Serving of Nostalgia and Good Vibes
Equal parts funny and endearing, “Licorice Pizza” is about finding love in the unlikeliest of places.
‘Eternals’ Review: Chloé Zhao Injects the MCU with a Refreshing Dose of Humanity
Zhao’s latest isn’t exactly what Marvel fans expect — but by diminishing the action and doubling down on the characters, “Eternals” is more thought-provoking than many of its MCU peers.
‘Dune’ Review: A Visually Stunning, Emotionally Lacking Sci-Fi Epic
Whatever “Dune” lacks in original storytelling, it more than makes up for with its methodical pace, awe-inspiring cinematography, and powerful sound design.
‘No Time to Die’ Review: A Fitting, Emotional Finale for Daniel Craig’s Bond
Craig’s swan song farewell is packed with strong character work, adrenaline-fueled action scenes, and a surprisingly effective emotional sendoff.
'Annette': Can a Film Ever be Too Strange for its Own Good?
“Annette” is a film that, logically, shouldn’t exist. And yet, here it is, willed into its oddball existence by French filmmaker Leos Carax (“Holy Motors”).
‘One Night in Miami…’ Dissects Power in America
Based on Kemp Powers' stage play of the same name, Regina King’s directorial debut “One Night in Miami…” is a thoughtful (if conventionally plotted) thesis on power and civil rights in America.
Arts Vanity: Quarantine Films About Quarantine
Well, 2020 didn’t end up being the year that I nor anybody else expected when it came to film. But here are four films about quarantine to watch in quarantine to soothe all your lockdown woes.
From NYFF: ‘French Exit’ is a Rare Disjunctive Delight
It’s eccentric with a capital “E” and a complete tonal mishmash that shouldn’t work on a conceptual level, but director Azazel Jacobs’ absurdist satire “French Exit” salvages a vibrant, beating heart from the unlikeliest of places.
From NYFF: ‘Red, White and Blue’ is a Powerful Introspection
It’s not as euphoric as “Lovers Rock” or as exciting as “Mangrove,” but director Steve McQueen's “Red, White and Blue” is a cogent, politically charged meditation on structural racism.
From NYFF: ‘Tragic Jungle’ is Tragically Forgettable
Olaizola’s film is supposed to be an otherworldly experience — a fever dream fraught with woozy visions of unexplained horrors and carnal desires. But “Tragic Jungle” is neither evocative nor frightening; in fact, it’s rather bland.
From NYFF: ‘The Truffle Hunters’ is a Tale of Two Cities
“The Truffle Hunters” is a film about how elite sellers have managed to prop up a multi-million dollar industry that sells exclusively to the world’s crème de la crème by exploiting small town elderly truffle hunters in the Northern Italian countryside.