In 'Force Majeure,' Society Crumbles Under An Avalanche
The wickedly funny Swedish black comedy follows a family after its patriarch makes a selfish, split-second decision in a time of crisis.
Arts
'The Heart Machine' Finds Subtlety In The Perils Of Online Dating
Zachary Wigon's debut feature explores what happens when a man suspects that his long-distance girlfriend, whom he met online, might be living in the same city.
You'll Want To Accept The Dinner Invitation To 'The Immortal Evening'
On a cold evening in London in 1817, painter Benjamin Haydon hosted a dinner with the likes of Keats and Wordsworth. Critic Stanley Plumly recreates the crackling conversation about art and science.
Accentuate The Positive
What do Beyoncé, André the Giant, and a soufflé have in common? Why, the accents in their names, bien sûr! The answers in this final round will be words, names, or phrases containing an accent.
'Season Of The Witch' Shines A (Black)Light On The Occult In Rock
Rock 'n' roll rebellion is mainstream today, but Peter Bebergal's new book summons a more shadowed past, when artists like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin brought an occult mystique to the music.
Herbie Hancock: 'On A Path To Find My Own Answer'
In a candid interview, the ever-innovative pianist traces the lines between Buddhist chants, Sly Stone and Miles Davis, while shedding new light on some hard facts about his past.
Book News: Joan Didion's Life, As Seen On Kickstarter
The nephew of the iconic essayist and novelist hopes to produce a documentary on her life, and he's turned to crowd-funding to make it happen. Also: There's been much ado about the dictionary lately.
#ColorFacts: A Weird Little Lesson, In Rainbow Order
Where'd the term "red tape" come from? Why are the Simpsons yellow? And is there a rhyme for orange? We answer these pressing questions — and more — in a new look at your old friend Roy G. Biv.
'Republic Of Imagination' Sings The Praises Of Literature
The author of Reading Lolita in Tehran returns, this time with a paean to the importance of literature in a democratic society. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Azar Nafisi may be preaching to the choir.