Film

Film historian Kevin Brownlow is best known as the man who reconstructed the silent movie masterpiece Napoleon. His new book, Behind the Mask of Innocence, is an examination of how pre-World War One filmmakers, contrary to popular belief, addressed social issues of the day.

Film critic Stephen Schiff and book critic John Leonard look back at the movies and books of 1990. They give us their favorites from the year, and consider trends and highlights in popular culture.

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit interviews filmmaker Stephen Frears about his new film "The Grifters," based on the novel by writer Jim Thompson. Frears earlier films include "My Beautiful Laundrette," "Sammy and Rosie Get Laid," "Prick Up Your Ears," and "Dangerous Liaisons."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews what he says is Coppola's best movie since the last Godfather. He says it's not perfect, but it's better than anything else in theaters right now.

The Fresh Air critic read early reviews of the film, which warned parents away from the theater. He says these admonitions only encouraged him to bring his daughters to the theater.

The Stephen King adaptation is the actress's movie debut. Her work on stage has been highly praised, including her performances in "Night Mother" and "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune."

Kevin Whitehead, who normally reviews jazz for Fresh Air, looks at the new movie "The Russia House," an adaptation of the recent John LeCarre spy novel. Whitehead says it's neither good nor bad, but he likes Sean Connery's performance.

Altman is establishing himself as a Hollywood director; he also gained acclaimed for his television series Tanner 88, cowritten by Gary Trudeau. His new movie is "Vincent and Theo," about painter Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo.

Burton's new film is called Edward Scissorhands, starring Johnny Depp as the title character who navigates suburban life. Burton also directed one of the most popular films of all time "Batman," along with "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" and "Beetlejuice."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Sydney Pollack's new movie, a love story that's supposed to be steamy, but, according to Schiff, lacks both passion and political sophistication.

Pollack faced difficulty filming his new movie, in light of the antagonistic relationship between the United States and Cuba. His other films include Tootsie and the Oscar winning Out of Africa.

Kurys's films include Entre Nous and Peppermint Soda. Her new film, C'est La Vie" is the semi-autobiographical story about the summer when she was a young girl and her parents marriage broke up.

Critic Owen Gleiberman reviews Edward Scissorhands, the new movie directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. Gleiberman says the film shows Burton's artistry taking a new leap.

Kazan wrote the screenplay for the new movie "Reversal of Fortune." He also wrote the screenplays for "Patty Hearst" and "At Close Range."

The actor started his career during the era of the Hollywood studio system. In 1988, he went to China in 1988, and directed an all Chinese production of "The Caine Mutiny." Heston's written about that project in a new book, Beijing Dairy. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his decades-long career in cinema.

Critic Owen Gleiberman reviews the newest Stephen King film adaptation, about a romance novelist who is kidnapped and tortured by an obsessive fan.

Ed Pressman produced movies like "Wall Street," "Conan the Barbarian," and "Badlands." Three of his newest films out now are "Reversal of Fortune," "To Sleep With Anger," and "Waiting for the Light."

Whitelaw is well-known in Britain, but she's little-recognized in America. She can be seen in the new gangster movie, The Krays. Whitelaw also worked with playwright Samuel Beckett.

Critic Owen Gleiberman reviews the sequel to the very popular Three Men and A Baby, which he thought was bland. The new movie might not be great, but it's got an enjoyable, clash of cultures story.

Critic Owen Gleiberman reviews the home video version of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The movie has been a cult favorite at midnight showings for nearly fifteen years. Gleiberman says it's surprisingly tame and schlocky -- but it may not have been as popular if it were a better movie.