- Social:
National Society of Film Critics
Film critic for the Christian Science Monitor and president of the National Society of Film Critics; author of Rainer on Film: Thirty Years of Film Writing in a Turbulent and Transformative Era
PROFILE
Peter Rainer
Host
FROM Peter Rainer
Which Way, L.A.?
Class Warfare Goes to the Movies It's been two years since Occupy Wall Street dramatized the increasing concentration of wealth in America's upper social stratosphere. That's about the time it takes to create and produce a movie and, sure enough, some of the latest Hollywood fare has more than a tinge of class-consciousness. There's social warfare in a future dystopia, magicians who pull off Robin Hood-style heists and Los Angeles teenagers who burglarize the homes of the rich and famous. How well do they mirror today's social reality? Is that what movies should do?
To the Point
Class Warfare Goes to the Movies It's been two years since Occupy Wall Street dramatized the increasing concentration of wealth in America's upper social stratosphere. That's about the time it takes to create and produce a movie and, sure enough, some of the latest Hollywood fare has more than a tinge of class-consciousness. There's social warfare in a future dystopia, magicians who pull off Robin Hood-style heists and Los Angeles teenagers who burglarize the homes of the rich and famous. How well do they mirror today's social reality? Is that what movies should do?
To the Point
Academy Pours Oscar Nominations on Lincoln “And the winner is…” or will be… one of nine films nominated today for this year’s Academy Award as best picture. They are: “Lincoln,” “Argo,” “Life of Pi,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Django Unchained,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Amour” “Les Miserable” and “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” We’ll get an assessment of what the Academy is up to.
Which Way, L.A.?
War's Medical Miracles and Who Gets to Use Them Like other wars, the war in Iraq has produced its share of medical miracles that help repay the sacrifices made by wounded veterans. But some involve high technology that is very expensive. On this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, we hear about some developments, who pays to make it available and how it's decided which veterans qualify. Also, civil rights cases are in the spotlight at the Supreme Court, and a film festival that celebrates military achievements.
To the Point
Hollywood Rolls Out the Red Carpet Again for the Oscars It may be a myth that people flock to the movies during tough economic times, but the film industry does hope that the audience for Sunday's Oscar Awards will be larger than those of recent years. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , Frost/Nixon , Milk , The Reader and Slumdog Millionaire are the best picture nominees. Has this been a good year? We get an authoritative assessment from Peter Rainer, film critic for the Christian Science Monitor and president of the National Society of Film Critics.
Which Way, L.A.?
Legendary Director Ingmar Bergman Dies The three directors said to have dominated the world of film in the second half of the 20th century are Federico Fellini , Akira Kurosawa and Ingmar Bergman . From Smiles of a Summer Night to Cries and Whispers to The Seventh Seal, says an obituary on today’s New York Times website, “Bergman dealt with pain and torment, desire and religion, evil and love.” Ingmar Bergman died today at the age of 89.
Which Way, L.A.?
Studios Try to Influence Oscar Voters Tomorrow's the last day of voting for this year's Oscars , which will be given out Sunday. In an attempt to curtail campaign spending, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has shortened the season between nominations and Oscar night. Has it worked? What is the role of the Internet? Film critics? Are certain genres more likely to win than others? We hear the latest buzz from Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times and Peter Rainer, film critic for the Christian Science Monitor and president of the National Society of Film Critics.
Recommended
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.