Denzel Washington in 'Flight'
When he dives into character study ("Malcolm X," "The Hurricane," "Training Day"), Washington's performance moves beyond the screen and into our conscience.
Anthony Kaufman
Joaquin Phoenix in 'The Master'
Phoenix's physical transformation into the animalistic alcoholic Freddie Quell is like no other performance this year, as bold and convincing as the work of former Method actor master Marlon Brando.
Daniel Day-Lewis in 'Lincoln'
If Day-Lewis could win an Oscar for his portrayal of a corrupt oil man in "There Will Be Blood," consider how much stronger his chances are this time.
Horror director's fairy-tale turn
"If you can be disgusted and scared and laugh at the same time," says filmmaker Tommy Wirkola, "that's the ultimate mix for me."
Grindhouse meets arthouse
Sex, drugs and violence -- not just the stuff of shlock. Why even art films need an exploitation angle.
Foreign-Language: Tough subject matters hope to win voter love
Bolstered by an impressive series of accolades -- including an Oscar best picture nom, along with nods as best film of the year by the European Film Awards and the Los Angeles Film Critics and best…
Slamdance play boosts global resumes
Long known as the bastard offspring of Sundance, the Slamdance Film Festival, now entering its 19th year, has become a full-grown adult, no longer sheltered from the outside world, and increasingly…
Sundance helmer sees ads as an entrée
In the world of Fredrik Bond, people are always moving -- dancing, falling, running -- through time and space, with energy and panache.
Lindholm: Scribe brings reality to nail-biting drama
With his two feature films, the 2010 prison drama "R" and the recent thriller "A Hijacking," Tobias Lindholm has exhibited a knack for tense storytelling and palpably gritty realism.
Thomas: Mormon upbringing fuels unique coming-of-ager
Rebecca Thomas attributes her distinct filmmaking vision to a unique upbringing: "I grew up as a Mormon in Las Vegas, surrounded by all things holy and righteous, but with Sin City just at my…
