Film

Indian born film maker Mira Nair. Her new movie, "Mississippi Masala," is the story of an African-American man and an African Indian woman who come together in a little Southern town. Nair's previous film, "Salaam Bombay," got an Oscar nomination for best foreign film and won the Camera d'Or at Cannes.

Eleanor Coppola filmed a documentary called "Hearts of Darkness." It's a behind-the-scenes view of the making of Apocalypse Now. Coppola is the wife of director Frances Ford Coppola.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie, "Juice."

British writer, screenwriter and director Dennis Potter. Potter's television creations, such as "Pennies From Heaven" and "The Singing Detective," have been some of the most innovative ones ever presented on British or American TV. Potter's now made his film directorial debut, with the new movie "Secret Friends."

The first of a two-part interview with historian Ann Charters. She's spent 30 years studying the literature of Beat movement writers such as William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg. She's the editor of a new compilation called "The Portable Beat Reader" (published by Viking). Today, Charters discusses writer William Burroughs, his seminal novel, "Naked Lunch," and its new film adaptation. Tomorrow, Charters talks about her work with Jack Kerouac and the larger significance of the Beat movement.

Writer Patrick McGilligan. He's just written a new biography of film director George Cukor (KOOK-er), "A Double Life, George Cukor: A Biography of the Gentleman Director." (published by St. Martin's Press). Cukor's films included, "Little Women," "GasLight," "The Philadelphia Story," and "Dinner at Eight." This new biography reveals the part of his life that he kept private while he was alive, his homosexuality.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie "Rush," starring and Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh as a pair of undercover cops trying to stop a drug kingpin.

Cinematographer Ernest Dickerson. He shot all of Spike Lee's films. He's now making his debut as a film director with the movie, "Juice," for which he also wrote the script.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new film version of William Burrough's novel, "Naked Lunch."

Film critic Stephen Schiff runs down his picks for the best movies of 1991, and he discusses the trends in movies this year.

Filmmaker and screenwriter James Toback. Toback wrote the script for Warren Beatty's new gangster movie, "Bugsy." His previous films include "The Pickup Artist" and "The Big Bang."

In case you're spending New Year's Eve at home, we've asked a couple of experts to recommend some good home videos to rent...

First, Los Angeles Times film critic Peter Rainer ("RAIN-er") suggests some home videos you might have overlooked.

Then Michael Barson shares his picks for the best "B" movies, rock and roll films, and 50s sci-fi films.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Devil's Candy," Wall Street Journal reporter Julie Salamon's account of the making of the movie, "The Bonfire of The Vanities."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Prince of Tides." It stars Barbara Streisand (who also directed the film) and Nick Nolte.

Film critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new Disney animated film "Beauty and the Beast."

Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar. He made the campy comedies "Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" and "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down." His new movie, "High Heels" is a more sober story, the tale of a romantic triangle involving a mother, her daughter, and a murder.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Bugsy," Warren Beatty's new movie about gangster Bugsy Siegel.

Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews "JFK," the new Oliver Stone film about the Kennedy's assassination.

Filmmaker Isaac Julien. His new movie, "Young Soul Rebels," explores the rise of British funk clubs in late 70s London.

Photographer Susan Meiselas (My-SELL-us). She went to Nicaragua in the late 70s to photograph the Sandinista Revolution. She returned to Nicaragua recently to talk to the people she photographed more than ten years ago. Only this time she made a film about it, "Pictures From a Revolution."