Tag Archives: documentary

June 2025 Viewing Diary

Posted on July 3, 2025 by sheila

The last couple of months – really since the beginning of the year – I’ve only had room in my head for re-watches of stuff I already know. It was crunch time for the Frankenstein book. Plus politics and pretty … Continue reading →

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Review: My Mom Jayne (2025)

Posted on June 27, 2025 by sheila

What an interesting emotional documentary, directed by actress Mariska Hargitay, about her mother, Jayne Mansfield. I reviewed for Ebert.

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Review: Prime Minister (2025)

Posted on June 13, 2025 by sheila

I reviewed Prime Minister, a very interesting documentary about Jacinda Ardern’s tumultuous time as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand. It has a somewhat unique format – at least compared to other similar documentaries.

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“Guys, film this so the world will see this chaos.”

Posted on February 28, 2025 by sheila

20 Days in Mariupol, directed by Mstyslav Chernov) And film it they did. There was no other choice for Best Documentary in 2024. No other valid choice, I mean. Many good documentaries appeared, of course, but as far as I … Continue reading →

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“I have already been accused of trying to drown a boatload of wild Irishmen on Aran!” — Robert Flaherty

Posted on February 16, 2025 by sheila

Today is the birthday of the so-called “father of documentary film” Robert Flaherty, a man whose accomplishments cannot be ignored, and yet these same accomplishments are still, rightfully, debated to this day. Known mostly for his two films about “primitive” … Continue reading →

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January 2025 Viewing Diary

Posted on February 2, 2025 by sheila

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992; d. James Foley) I saw this one in the theatre back in the day. There’s a revival coming up on Broadway and Bill Burr is going to be in it. It’s kind of perfect! He’ll be … Continue reading →

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Review: Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story (2025)

Posted on January 24, 2025 by sheila

This was delightful. I reviewed for Ebert.

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2024 National Society of Film Critics Awards

Posted on January 4, 2025 by sheila

In my second year as a member of the NSFC, we met this morning at Elinor Bunim in Lincoln Center and voted on this year’s films. These things can be pretty grueling – and today was no different – just … Continue reading →

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December 2024 Viewing Diary

Posted on January 1, 2025 by sheila

The Last Showgirl (2024; d. Gia Coppola) Pamela Anderson gives my favorite performance by a woman this year. I reviewed the film for Ebert. Dark Waters (2019; d. Todd Haynes) I love movies about rapacious evil corporations, and a dogged … Continue reading →

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2024 Year in Review

Posted on December 27, 2024 by sheila

Here’s a roundup of most of the things I’ve written this year: here on my site, for Rogerebert.com, for my newsletter, and for my new column at Liberties Journal. Every year it’s the same thing. I spend so much time … Continue reading →

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