Cracks in the trust and faith we have in U2 frontman Bono are beginning to show. His longevity as an artist cannot be questioned. He, The Edge, and the rest of the Irish rock group, which rooted itself in punk but found a voice in pop, have provided much in the way of great music. But that was long ago. Twenty years ago, in fact. Bono: Stories of Surrender is Bono as pacifist first, poet second, and person of interest…

Another dose of bright colours and symmetrical filmmaking with culture vulture Wes Anderson. His quality is our enjoyment, and this thrill is found in The Phoenician Scheme, which has the director build on the already established sights and sounds. He plays the hits not because they are easy to adapt, but because that knowable design is a foundation to the more abstract events unfolding in this Benicio del Toro-starring feature. It may take some getting used to, the repetition of…

Venezia 79 Coverage - DAY 4

“All men are born with halters around their neck” - Herman Melville, Moby Dick.  

Obvious comparisons between Brendan Fraiser’s lead performance in The Whale as Charlie and the White Whale at the heart of the Herman Melville classic Moby Dick will be expected, but not accurate. Charlie is Captain Ahab, pushing through the storm of life with the desire to do just one thing right with it in his final days. His failings…