The Ithacan

‘El Conde’: Chilean dictator turned vampire

By Patrick Mazzella, Staff Writer • September 25, 2023

Director Pablo Larrain has made a name for himself creating fairy tale-like reimaginings of real-life political figures, including Princess Diana of Wales and Jackie Kennedy. Now, in glorious black and white photography, Larrain offers a new take on brutal Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, known as “El Conde.” In a turn of elaborate magical realism, the former South American president is revealed to have been a vampire, hundreds of years old, who has spent his years squashing revolutions and enforcing a strict authoritarian ideology. Set in the mid-1990s, the count has decided it is time for him to die, but not without one final meal.

‘Deja View’ – “Pride” (2014)

September 14, 2022

Co-hosts Sydney Brumfield and Therese Kinirons kick off their new series focusing on queer media by discussing “Pride” (2014). Tune in to hear about this touching narrative and incredible characters.

Letter to the editor: Malcolm & Marie review is inaccurate

By Juliana Luis • March 5, 2021

Malcolm & Marie isn’t Oscar-worthy, but I couldn’t help but notice the review’s inaccuracies. The author’s analysis seemed based upon a single watch.

Review: ‘War Dogs’ film barks up the wrong tree

By Sam Fischer, Contributing Writer • August 30, 2016

Packouz and Diveroli’s relationship is certainly an entertaining one: The combination of Packouz’s snarky personality and Diveroli’s ignorance makes for funny dialogue. However, the protagonists of “War Dogs” aren’t dynamic; there doesn’t seem to be much growth or change for either character. Not to mention, the story itself didn’t do a great job of making the audience feel connected to the characters.

Review: Big stars fail to bring ‘joy’ to viewers

By Angela Poffenbaugh, Staff Writer • December 29, 2015

If one is looking for a movie that lives up to the joyous sounding title, prepare for an entirely opposite and disappointing experience.

Review: ‘Foxcatcher’ provides riveting character study

By Byron Bixler, Staff Writer • January 21, 2015

Directed by Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher" stars Steve Carell as paranoid billionaire John du Pont and Channing Tatum as world-class wrestler Mark Schultz in a psychologically thrilling drama.

Review: Cumberbatch’s performance drives Turing biopic

By Mary Ford, Assistant Life & Culture Editor • January 15, 2015

Directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightly, "The Imitation Game" reveals the story of a little-known cryptographic genius punished for his homosexuality.

Review: Farewell film from famed animator soars visually

By Daniel Wisniewski, Staff Writer • March 26, 2014

Hayao Miyazaki's farewell film oozes beauty.

Review: First-class casting saves dubious thriller

By Nina Varilla, Staff Writer • March 5, 2014

Superb performances maintain suspense in hard-to-believe thriller.

Review: Vibrant cast shines in witty true story

By Jackie Eisenberg, Accent Editor • December 11, 2013

Judy Dench and Steve Coogan have wonderful chemistry in dramatic film.

Review: Clumsy storyline kills period film

By Nina Varilla, Staff Writer • December 11, 2013

John Krokidas' "KIll Your Darlings" suffers from its sloppy storyline.

Review: Director’s visuals overshadow storyline in sci-fi flick

By Bernadette Javier, Staff Writer • September 2, 2013

Director Neill Blomkamp's science-fiction film "Elysium" is visually stunning but focuses too little on the plot.