Stephen Farber
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Articles by Stephen Farber
Big Bucks, No Whammies, Part 2: So You Won. Now What?
By STEPHEN FARBER Part one argued that patient access was never the finish line; it was the foundation. This is about what we build now that we are standing on it. Every good game show has a second round, and the second round is always harder. The first round was about getting health information out of the buildings that held it. Regulation, standards, and a decade of unglamorous plumbing have brought us to an important threshold.
Big Bucks, No Whammies: Patient Access Was Never the Finish Line
By STEPHEN FARBER If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember Press Your Luck. Contestants stood in front of a flashing game board chanting, “Big bucks… no Whammies… STOP!” hoping the next square held cash instead of the mischievous cartoon character that erased everything they had won. For years, assembling your own medical history felt remarkably similar.
‘The Revisionist’ Review: Alison Brie and an Excellent Dustin Hoffman Lead a Strong Cast Through a Weak Story Original
Dustin Hoffman, Alison Brie and Tom Sturridge in 'The Revisionist.' Tribeca Film Festival Movies about writers face a rare challenge: After all, how cinematic is it to show someone tormented by a blank page or an unresponsive computer? The Oscar-winning Capote had the dramatic advantage of a protagonist investigating a horrific mass murder. But that was an exception.
‘The Revisionist’ Review: Alison Brie and an Excellent Dustin Hoffman Lead a Strong Cast Through a Weak Story
1 day ago Don’t waste your time, here’s what’s worth it. If you spend any time online, you know that in the past few years, Amazon Prime Day has become as big a shopping phenomenon as Black Friday. It used to be that Prime Day was the one day a year aside from Black Friday you could score unbelievable …
‘Tuner’ Review: Slick, Engaging Caper Boosted by Dustin Hoffman and a Wildly Charismatic Leo Woodall Original
Dustin Hoffman (left) and Leo Woodall in 'Tuner.' Toronto Film Festival Few directors of documentaries have ever made such a striking transition to dramatic films as Daniel Roher, the director of Tuner. An Oscar winner just a few years ago for Navalny, Roher has now crafted an engaging mix of character study and suspense caper. Well received in Telluride and Toronto last year, the movie should find an appreciative audience in theaters and beyond.
‘Mr. Burton’ Review: Harry Lawtey Plays Richard Burton in a Poignant Drama About the Actor and His Adoptive Father Original
Toby Jones and Harry Lawtey star in 'Mr. Burton.' Warren Orchard/Courtesy of Icon Film Distribution Seven-time Oscar nominee Richard Burton continues to have an intriguing afterlife, four decades following his death. At this year’s BAFTA awards, a movie about his early life, Mr. Burton, earned a nomination for best British Film. Mr. Burton, directed by Marc Evans, was also one of the audience favorite films at January’s Palm Springs International Film Festival.
‘Glenrothan’ Review: Brian Cox’s Scotland-Set Directorial Debut Combats Sibling-Drama Clichés With Good Acting Original
'Glenrothan' Courtesy of TIFF One of our very best actors, Brian Cox, makes a somewhat belated directorial debut with the Toronto world premiere Glenrothan, in which he also stars. Set in his native Scotland and lovingly photographed, the film tantalizes even without a terribly original story. Family conflicts ripple and get fairly predictably resolved. But the cast gallops right past the clichés.
‘Dragonfly’ Review: Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn Dazzle in a Bleak British Shocker Original
It’s always risky to mix genres, but some movies pull off the trick with more skill than others. Dragonfly, which had its world premiere this week in Tribeca, starts as an intimate character drama, with two Oscar-nominated British actresses — Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough — at the top of their game.
‘In Cold Light’ Review: Maika Monroe and Troy Kotsur Boost a Flawed but Fast-Paced Crime Thriller Original
Movies about drug dealers in trouble are nothing new, but the Canadian thriller In Cold Light, which had its world premiere in Tribeca, benefits from a strong cast and breakneck pacing. In prizing visceral impact over narrative clarity, the film sometimes leaves too many unanswered questions, but there isn’t much time to criticize while the film is racing forward.
‘Westhampton’ Review: Finn Wittrock’s Charisma Can’t Quite Save This Thin Character Study About a Filmmaker Reckoning With His Past Original
Finn Wittrock is the main reason to watch writer-director Christian Nilsson’s Westhampton, a fairly stock character study about a man coming home to reckon with past mistakes. Wittrock has enlivened several earlier films and television dramas, earning an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of one of serial killer Andrew Cunanan’s victims in the Ryan Murphy miniseries The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, and another nomination for a season of Murphy’s American Horror Story.
Caregiving Starts Before the Care
Most families and support circles tell themselves they will handle the challenges of aging when they arise. But will they, and at what cost? Studies show that families and support networks that engage in early planning reduce stress levels by up to 30 percent compared to those who wait until a crisis hits.¹ Many people believe that love will carry them through the hard moments of aging. And while love is essential, it is not a substitute for preparation.
British Film Institute brings impressive wares to TCM Fest 2025
One of the highlights of this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival was a tribute to the British Film Institute’s remarkable preservation program, now celebrating its 90th year. The tribute included 6 movies, all presented in pristine 35mm prints, and they represented an extraordinary range—from a 50th anniversary screening of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, Jaws, to less frequently revived movies like David Lean’s Blithe Spirit and Martin Ritt’s Edge of the City.
THR Critics Pick the Best Films From the Fall Festivals
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Apocalypse in the Tropics Brazilian documentarian Petra Costa chronicles the dire state of democracy with this eye-opening exposé, delving into the troubling ties linking Christian evangelism and politics. Getting up close and personal with some powerful people amid a wave of social and political unrest, she shifts between the epic and the intimate, history and the present, to shed light on a phenomenon not only in her home nation, but around the world.
By David Rooney Verified, Jon Frosch Verified, Lovia Gyarkye, Sheri Linden Verified, Leslie Felperin, Jordan Mintzer, Stephen Farber, Caryn James Verified
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Read THR's Reviews of the Movies Screening at the Toronto Film Festival (Updating)
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By Stephen Farber, Leslie Felperin, Daniel Fienberg Verified, Lovia Gyarkye, Angie Han Verified, Caryn James Verified, Jordan Mintzer, David Rooney Verified
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TIFF 2024: Read THR’s Reviews of the Movies Screening at the Toronto Film Festival (Updating)
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As the Toronto International Film Festival gets underway, The Hollywood Reporter’s critics weigh in on this year’s crop of titles, from biopics to documentaries, sweeping epics to intimate character studies, tear-jerking dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies. Several of this year’s slate have already debuted at other festivals throughout the year.
By Stephen Farber, Leslie Felperin, Daniel Fienberg Verified, Lovia Gyarkye, Angie Han Verified, Caryn James Verified, Jordan Mintzer, David Rooney Verified
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TIFF 2024: Read THR’s Reviews of the Movies Screening at the Toronto Film Festival (Updating)
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Dakota Johnson 5 hours ago Dakota Johnson's Sheer Lace Slip Dress Is An 'Underwear As Outerwear' Double Whammy Elle - Clementina Jackson • 5h Who doesn't love an unexpected 'free the nipple' moment? While all eyes are on the dramatic gowns and mega-watt diamonds at the Venice Film Festival, New York is gearing up for the start of its SS25 show season that officially begins tomorrow, on September 6.
By Stephen Farber, Leslie Felperin, Daniel Fienberg Verified, Lovia Gyarkye, Angie Han Verified, Caryn James Verified, Jordan Mintzer, David Rooney Verified
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'Greatest Showman' Director Tackles Robbie Williams Biopic, With a Simian Twist and Mixed Results Original
It is sometimes amazing to see what directors who have made a successful movie can get away with. One hit, and studios are willing to hand these people a fortune for their dream projects. Heaven's Gate comes to mind as one archetypal example, but there are many other misfires from award-winning filmmakers. A few years ago director Michael Gracey scored a surprise smash with an original musical, The Greatest Showman.
Jason Reitman Chronicles the Lead-Up to the First 'SNL' Show in Alternately Fresh and Frustrating Fashion Original
It used to be called a "high concept" movie, back in the days when Saturday Night Live was the hottest thing on television. Make a movie about the origins of that late-night comedy show, but not over a period of weeks or months - just in the 90 minutes before the first episode went on the air in October of 1975. We follow the stresses of the show's creators and watch the stars practice their sketches while the musicians rehearse and the NBC executives fret.
Ralph Fiennes Gives a Career-Best Performance in Edward Berger's Gripping Vatican-Set Drama
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‘Conclave’ Review: Ralph Fiennes Gives a Career-Best Performance in Edward Berger’s Gripping Vatican-Set Drama
Director Edward Berger, who made one of the best movies of 2022 with a vivid adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, shifts gears rewardingly to a movie set almost entirely inside the Vatican. Conclave, adapted from the popular novel by Robert Harris, demonstrates Berger’s versatility and also offers one of the best roles of his career to Ralph Fiennes, who is supported by an expert ensemble.
James Carville Doc Is a Punchy Portrait of a Political Provocateur Original
There is one problem with the lively new James Carville documentary, Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid, premiering at Telluride: For much of the film, Carville worries about the dangers of having Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate. Obviously, the movie (which was acquired by CNN Films) was conceived and filmed before Biden dropped out of the race.
Dennis Quaid Headlines an Overly Reverential Tribute to a Controversial Politician
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Dennis Quaid Headlines an Overly Reverential Tribute to a Controversial Politician
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Dennis Quaid Headlines an Overly Reverential Tribute to a Controversial Politician
Twenty years ago, Ronald Reagan became the subject of The Reagans. Starring James Brolin and a superb Judy Davis, the very controversial TV movie elicited scornful reactions from Reagan acolytes and barely made it to the airwaves. But no one should have similar reactions to the reverential Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid as the former president. No one, that is, except people looking for a sharp, lively piece of cinematic entertainment.
What The Heck Is “Home-Based Long-Term Care”?
What The Heck Is “Home-Based Long-Term Care”? Marta, an 83-year-old widow, lives in the home she and her late husband purchased 44 years ago. This home, filled with memories, gives her a sense of independence. However, as her health declines, Marta and her family face the difficult decision of how best to provide for her long-term care needs.
The Seemingly Invisible Consumers with The Greatest Spend
In today's rapidly evolving market landscape, one demographic is often overlooked yet holds immense opportunity: older adults. As companies strive to innovate and capture diverse audiences, including older adults in product planning, development, and roadmaps is not just a smart move-it's a necessity. Here's why. The Power of the Purse Older adults represent a substantial and growing economic force. In the United States alone, consumers aged 65 and above spend an estimated $3.2 trillion annually¹.
There's Something Sour About "The Sugarland Express"
April 28, 1974 There's Something Sour About 'The Sugarland Express' By STEPHEN FARBER oping to cultivate an American New Wave, critics have recently given considerable attention to several young directors, including George Lucas ("American Graffiti"), Martin Scorsese ("Mean Streets"), Ralph Backshi ("Heavy Traffic") and John Hancock ("Bang the Drum Slowly"). Two more names can now be added to the list of contenders.
‘Freud’s Last Session’ Review: Ace Turns by Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode Are Undercut by Subplot Overload
Bigger and longer are not always better. Case in point: Freud’s Last Session, the lavish film based on a modest off-Broadway play that captivated theater audiences a decade ago. Playwright Mark St. Germain worked with director Matthew Brown (The Man Who Knew Infinity) to reshape his two-character drama about an imaginary conversation between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis as they debate the existence of God.
‘Leave the World Behind’ Review: Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali in Sam Esmail’s Not Quite Satisfying Dystopian Vision Original
Anyone who still needs convincing that we live in a fractured world may be startled by the futuristic nightmare drama Leave the World Behind, which had its world premiere at AFI Fest. Others might find something a bit stale in its portrait of racial suspicion and environmental catastrophe. Fine performances help to bolster a problematic picture written and directed by Sam Esmail, adapted from Rumaan Alam’s best-selling novel.
The Monk and the Gun
It’s only when you realize that this is indeed an aimless feature film where any symbolism or real-life commentary isn’t going to make much of a mark. That and the fact that this fearless director sees this oddly flat, though congenial, project as a comedy quickly all fall into a narrative hopelessly lost in a sea of tedium. Read More
‘The Monk and the Gun’ Review: From Bhutan, a Wry Satirical Comedy About Democracy and Violence Original
Anyone who wants to travel the world — vicariously, of course — will get a kick out of The Monk and the Gun, a film from Bhutan that had its world premiere at this year’s Telluride Film Festival. Director Pawo Choyning Dorji earned an Oscar nomination for best international film of 2021 for his Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, an enjoyable comedy-drama about the advent of modern technology in the remotest sections of Bhutan.
Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn Shine in a Taxi-Set Two-Hander
Christy Hall makes a modest but rewarding directorial debut with Daddio, a two-hander starring Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson, the latter of whom also deserves credit for lending support to the offbeat project as producer. The movie opens with a young woman (Johnson) getting into a taxi at JFK airport. Her cab driver (Penn) seems pleased that she is not in thrall to her cell phone but actually is open to conversation.
‘Daddio’ Review: Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn Shine in a Taxi-Set Two-Hander Original
Christy Hall makes a modest but rewarding directorial debut with Daddio, a two-hander starring Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson, the latter of whom also deserves credit for lending support to the offbeat project as producer. The movie opens with a young woman (Johnson) getting into a taxi at JFK airport. Her cab driver (Penn) seems pleased that she is not in thrall to her cell phone but actually is open to conversation.
Annette Bening and Jodie Foster Are Superb in a Moving Tribute to Marathon Swimmer
Filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin held the first screening of their Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, in Telluride five years ago. So it seems appropriate that their first narrative feature, Nyad, also has its world premiere at Telluride this year.
Annette Bening and Jodie Foster Are Superb in a Moving Tribute to Marathon Swimmer
Filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin held the first screening of their Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, in Telluride five years ago. So it seems appropriate that their first narrative feature, Nyad, also has its world premiere at Telluride this year.
‘Nyad’ Review: Annette Bening and Jodie Foster Are Superb in a Moving Tribute to Marathon Swimmer Original
Filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin held the first screening of their Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, in Telluride five years ago. So it seems appropriate that their first narrative feature, Nyad, also has its world premiere at Telluride this year.
‘The Holdovers’ Review: Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti Reunite for an Imperfect but Rewarding Campus Dramedy Original
It has been six years since Alexander Payne directed his last film, Downsizing, so to watch his new movie is something of an event. The Holdovers — which Focus Features will release later this fall — marks Payne’s reunion with Paul Giamatti, the star of Sideways, and once again the two spark each other in a rewarding way. This new movie is not without its flaws, but it is an engaging and often touching comic drama that builds power as it moves toward its immensely satisfying conclusion.
‘Chasing Chasing Amy’ Review: An Illuminating Deep Dive into Kevin Smith’s Complicated Classic Original
This month sees the theatrical release of the documentary about Midnight Cowboy that made the festival circuit last year. At the same time, a new doc about another controversial gay-themed movie has its world premiere at Tribeca. Chasing Chasing Amy will also close next month’s Outfest in Los Angeles. This picture has a backstory as fascinating as the tale told in Kevin Smith’s 1997 romantic dramedy, Chasing Amy.
‘Rachel Hendrix’ Review: Director Victor Nuñez Makes Welcome Return With Poignant Drama
When he made his first feature, Gal Young ‘Un, in 1979, director Victor Nuñez was a pioneer in an American independent film movement still in its early stages. Over the next several decades, Nuñez continued to work on personal projects on his home turf of northern Florida. He worked rewardingly with gifted actors like Ed Harris in A Flash of Green and launched Ashley Judd’s acting career with Ruby in Paradise in 1993.
‘Rachel Hendrix’ Review: Director Victor Nuñez Makes Welcome Return With Poignant Drama
‘Rachel Hendrix’ Review: Director Victor Nuñez Makes Welcome Return With Poignant Drama 27 February 2023 by Stephen Farber The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News When he made his first feature, Gal Young ‘Un, in 1979, director Victor Nuñez was a pioneer in an American independent film movement still in its early stages. Over the next several decades, Nuñez continued to work on personal projects on his home turf of northern Florida.
‘Seneca — On the Creation of Earthquakes’ Review: John Malkovich Travels Back to Nero’s Rome in Misconceived Historical Fantasy Original
There is one thing to be said for Seneca — On the Creation of Earthquakes, which has its world premiere in Berlin this week. It may be the first major film set in ancient Rome in a couple of decades. But those who are hoping for a vivid adventure like Gladiator or Spartacus or even a campy hoot like Quo Vadis will be sorely disappointed by this bizarre effort to create a historical fantasia. John Malkovich has a rare starring role and acquits himself solidly enough.
‘Of an Age’ Review: Small-Scale Gay Australian Romance Strikes Big Erotic Sparks
Focus Features was behind such memorable gay movies as Brokeback Mountain and Milk. They keep their tradition alive with a new Australian film from director Goran Stolevski. Of an Age will not match those landmark films in terms of either box office or awards glory, but it could touch audiences that seek it out. In the tradition of an earlier gay indie movie, Weekend, which unfolded over the course of just a couple of days, this new picture proves that economy can be a virtue.
‘Of an Age’ Review: Small-Scale Gay Australian Romance Strikes Big Erotic Sparks
‘Of an Age’ Review: Small-Scale Gay Australian Romance Strikes Big Erotic Sparks 07 February 2023 by Stephen Farber The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News Focus Features was behind such memorable gay movies as Brokeback Mountain and Milk. They keep their tradition alive with a new Australian film from director Goran Stolevski. Of an Age will not match those landmark films in terms of either box office or awards glory, but it could touch audiences that seek it out.
‘Shot in the Arm’ Review: A Pointed Documentary About the Anti-Vax Movement
Although it doesn’t break any new ground, Shot in the Arm — a documentary that had its world premiere recently in Palm Springs — tackles a pertinent topic about resistance to vaccines and the craziness that continues to swirl around this issue.
‘Shot in the Arm’ Review: A Pointed Documentary About the Anti-Vax Movement
‘Shot in the Arm’ Review: A Pointed Documentary About the Anti-Vax Movement Although it doesn’t break any new ground, Shot in the Arm — a documentary that had its world premiere recently in Palm Springs — tackles a pertinent topic about resistance to vaccines and the craziness that continues to swirl around this issue.
‘Wildcat’ Review: A Wildlife Doc Full of Human Feeling Original
Telluride saw the world premiere of a new wildlife documentary called Wildcat that has unmistakable appeal to animal lovers as well as admirers of astonishing true-life stories. Amazon will screen the movie this fall. The South American ocelot that is at the center of this tale of animal rescue and liberation will attract audiences, but the human characters in this saga hold at least as much appeal.
‘The Corridors of Power’ Review: A Disturbing History of Genocide and Foreign Policy Failure Original
Loading your audio article Dror Moreh, the Oscar-nominated director of The Gatekeepers and another doc about the Middle East, The Human Factor, broadens his scope productively in his new documentary, The Corridors of Power, which had its world premiere screenings in Telluride. Doreh assembled an impressive array of diplomats from several administrations over the past 40 years, and he comes up with a deeply disturbing examination of genocide during recent decades.
‘Sr.’ Review: Robert Downey Jr. Pays Affectionate Tribute to His Indie Film Pioneer Father Original
Loading your audio article Among all the diverse documentaries that had their premieres at this year’s Telluride Film Festival, Chris Smith’s Sr. stands as one of the most unique and affecting. The film is on one level a portrait of indie film pioneer Robert Downey Sr., who was part of the American New Wave that energized cinema in the late 1960s.
‘Merkel’ Review: A Thoughtful, Admiring Doc About a German Political Pioneer Original
Loading your audio article Since Angela Merkel left office last year after a remarkable 16-year reign as German Chancellor, the timing is perfect to examine her history and her legacy. German-born filmmaker Eva Weber has seized the challenge and created a thoughtful portrait of Merkel.
‘The Wonder’ Review: Florence Pugh Dazzles in Sebastian Lelio’s Mesmerizing Study of Faith and Abuse
Loading your audio article World premiering at Telluride and to be distributed by Netflix this fall, The Wonder scintillates for a number of reasons. For one thing, its study of religious fanaticism and sexual abuse touches a nerve in today’s culture. It also represents perhaps the finest achievement to date of Chilean director Sebastian Lelio, who won an Oscar for A Fantastic Woman and also helmed such well received movies as Gloria (and its American remake, Gloria Bell) and Disobedience.
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