By Anne Brodie Binge-watch Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful films to raise your game. Known as the horror meister due to the publicity campaign around Psycho, his work is so much more than that. Over fifty years, Hitchcock created gems in diverse genres, comedy, thrillers, romance, and character studies, in unexpected and interesting milieus. Certainly, suspense is a common factor, but he… View Post
Caring for an aging or ill loved one? Feeling stressed, isolated or uncertain in how to provide the best care? You are not alone. As Canada’s population ages, more than 8.1 million family and friend caregivers have become an essential member of their loved one’s healthcare team. With current efforts underway to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 infection rate,… View Post
By Anne Brodie Don’t expect anything that remotely resembles today’s political correctness, instead suck it up and give in to the Technicolor glories of the musicals of Hollywood’s Golden Age. These include but are not limited to the eye-popping Singin’ in the Rain, Wizard of Oz, Show Boat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me in… View Post
By Anne Brodie We’re stuck at home, but with a little creativity, we can maintain good spirits and equilibrium. Watching shows and films is obviously the opiate of the people in the best of times. Now it’s crucial. Be sure to get outside for socially distant walks, bake, read and clean and commune with friends and family by whatever means… View Post
By Anne Brodie First Cow is a deceptively simply told fable that gets under the skin and lingers. Two men in the Klondike have vague dreams of cashing in on the 1896 gold rush. Kelly Reichardt whose films I deeply admire takes us back in time to the brutal unforgiving north full of dreamers and dangers. John Magaro and Orion… View Post
By Anne Brodie There’s a history of strong showings of Icelandic films at the Toronto International Film Festival dating back to the early eighties. Programmer and film scholar Steve Gravestock has programmed Nordic film year-round and for the festival since 1999, introducing us to a wealth of unique and distinctive work. He focuses on the rich history of the films… View Post