The Godfather
Columns

The Godfather at 50: Inside the Academy’s New Exhibit — and Don Corleone’s Office

The Academy Museum recently debuted a fantastic new exhibit that celebrates The Godfather just in time for its 50th anniversary. The exhibit was lovingly curated by the Museum’s Assistant Curator, Sophia Serrano, with support from Curatorial Assistant Esme Douglas and in collaboration with both Paramount Pictures and American Zoetrope. Released in 1972, The Godfather broke box office records en route to becoming the highest-grossing film ever, at the time, and […]

Secrets of the Hollywood Archives
Crafts

Craig Barron and Ben Burtt on How Secrets of the Hollywood Archives Reveals the Movie Magic of the Industry’s Golden Era

Earlier this summer, The Criterion Channel premiered a series of newly-created short documentaries titled Secrets of the Hollywood Archives that was produced by Visual Effects Artist Craig Barron and Sound Designer Ben Burtt, both of whom are Oscar winners. Secrets of the Hollywood Archives explores the movie magic and technical tricks employed by artisans of the past, utilizing the vaults of major movie studios. The five-minute shorts offer a deep dive […]

Alien
Community

Inside the Academy Museum, From The Wizard of Oz to Raiders of the Lost Ark and Spike Lee’s Poster Collection

Last fall, the Academy Museum opened after many years of careful planning, and Below the Line was given a tour of the facility by one of its curators, Jenny He. The Museum was well worth the wait, as it’s an impressive achievement to behold. The structure itself is the old May Company Building, a local landmark that has been seen in films such as The Big Lebowski, Suburbia, and Miracle Mile, […]

Bond in Motion
Community

Bond in Motion Exhibit at Petersen Auto Museum Is a Must-See for Any 007 Fan

If you’re in Los Angeles and looking to check out some cool movie memorabilia that will leave you both shaken and stirred, head over to the Petersen Auto Museum, which is currently hosting Bond in Motion, a comprehensive exhibit featuring the vehicles from the James Bond franchise. When you first enter the exhibit, it’s a bit overwhelming (in a good way), as every era of Bond is represented here. I was like […]

Spike by Spike Lee
Book Reviews

How Spike Lee’s Photography Book SPIKE Captures the Director’s Evolution as an Artist

Late last year, Chronicle Books released the first-ever career-spanning book of photography celebrating the work of iconic auteur Spike Lee. Titled SPIKE, it features hundreds of never-before-seen photographs by David Lee, Spike’s brother and longtime still photographer. With its colorful purple cover emblazoned in giant gold letters, this bold and beautiful 360-page book is comprised of a striking collection of both personal and professional photos that paint a portrait of Lee as a young […]

In the Heat of the Night
Community

A Tribute to Sidney Poitier, One of the Most Important Stars in Hollywood History

Sidney Poitier was not only one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen, but a trailblazing legend who inspired entire generations of actors. He passed on Friday at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of classic films that have entertained and enlightened audiences for years. Poitier was the first bonafide Black movie star and the first to win the Oscar for Best Actor. He was a transformational […]

Camera

Roger Deakins on His New Photography Book Byways and Why the “Little Things” Catch His Eye

Late last year saw the release of a brand new book of photography by legendary cinematographer Roger A. Deakins. The appropriately titled Byways is Deakins’ first book of photos, and it’s certainly a striking departure from his grandiose film work, which includes personal favorites of mine such as Sid and Nancy, The Shawshank Redemption and Barton Fink. More recently, Deakins has been busy shooting epic films like Sicario, Blade Runner 2049 and […]

Awards

Best Documentary Nominee – Icarus

Bryan Fogel Uncovers An International Conspiracy in Icarus on Netflix “I found the Lance Armstrong doping scandal fascinating. Here was the most tested athlete in the world and he managed never to test positive. I’m interested in the process. I contacted anti-doping scientist, Don Catlin and asked him if what Lance Armstrong did is still possible,” said director Bryan Fogel on the subject of his new documentary film, Icarus. The […]

Blog the Line

Director Series: Jake Goldberger Explores Awkward New Love in Almost Friends

            “I was in a coffee shop doing a screenwriting assignment. I had to do the first ten pages, but had writers block. A kid came in, and he had an amazingly awkward conversation with a girl behind the counter. I transcribed it and turned it into the first section of the script. My writing class really responded to it, so I decided to write […]

No Picture
Awards

Bobak Kalhor’s A Dying King The Shah of Iran

A Dying King is the story of how the Shah of Iran mysteriously left the country for a 19 month exile, privately seeking treatment for Cancer at hospitals around the world. He traveled from Egypt to Morocco, Bahamas, Mexico, the U.S, then Panama and back again to Egypt where he died at the age of 60. His death had profound consequences for the future of the Middle East and the […]