As I write this, I realize I am about to do something that, for the most part, is never done. I am going to criticize a critic. Filmmakers are never supposed to respond to a critic about their work. It's an unspoken rule of engagement. But in this case, I...

In 1959, JFK wrote an article in TV Guide talking about the influence of television on politics:

Television is a medium that lends itself to manipulation, exploitation, and gimmicks. Political campaigns can actually be taken over by the public relations experts, who tell a candidate not only how to use...

I have been reading about the Academy of Motion Pictures changes for the coming Oscar telecast. What seems clear is that the changes are basically about achieving higher ratings and appealing to a younger audience demographic. I thought I'd ask one of the so-called treasured demographically enhanced viewers what they...

I am beginning to lose my mind when I watch NFL football on Sunday. It's not the game that troubles me; it's the truck commercials. At one point during Sunday's game there was the Ford F-150. Big. Brawny. Unstoppable. All American. Did I see one commercial? No. In a short...

I think I saw the future of televised political debates this past week on CNN. I had not watched the past two political debates on this TV outlet before, and it was a completely different experience than the other channels. This was a hyper-version of a TV debate. Turbo-charged. The...

Over the years since directing Wag The Dog I have been asked whether Hollywood producers are directly involved in political campaigns. I hear rumors from time to time that they might be pulling the strings but no hard evidence. But my suspicion is, no Hollywood producer is involved in the...

Is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a great movie, a good movie? I don't know. I have to be honest with you, during the entire film, I kept thinking the French healthcare system sure seems good to me. My mind kept focusing on the hospital rooms, the bedding --...