'Never Let Me Go' proves magnificent book-to-screen transition
“Never Let Me Go” is a thoroughly depressing, yet captivating film, held together by magnificent acting and moments that reaffirm that true love really exists.
“Never Let Me Go” is a thoroughly depressing, yet captivating film, held together by magnificent acting and moments that reaffirm that true love really exists.
Oliver Stone has always loved stirring the pot. His movies have been the subject of intense criticism for the controversial liberties taken with historical figures and events. However, fifteen years ago, few would have questioned his ability to take the drama of human history and craft an excellent film from it. In “Platoon” and “JFK,” Stone utilized tight storylines and believable, complex characters to shed light on sensitive issues. However, that Oliver Stone is nowhere to be found in “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.”
On Saturday, Dupont Circle played host to the first 17th Street Festival, attracting families, dog-walkers and dancing transvestites. The Street Festival brought together the 17th Street community with artists, musicians and locals who celebrated the end of renovations on their street.
Free music? Yes. Legally? Even better. Virgin Mobile’s FreeFest was back this year in full eclectic force at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., on Sept. 25.
Want to explore the world of niche art without leaving campus? The Katzen Art Center has American, far-Eastern and alumni exhibits on display.
Running for public office is hard. We’ve had that idea pounded into us for a long time, and seen it in every recent election. It’s hard if you’re black, a woman or someone who thought it would be a good idea to make a sex tape with their mistress while seeking a party nomination. Heck, it’s just hard for everybody. That’s why, when The Scene heard the news that a student would be running for the local neighborhood commission to make our voices heard (insert patriotic marching music here), we thought it might be a good idea to collect the best media representations of running for office. Future candidate, these might help ease some suffering in the coming fight.
Every other week, The Eagle will be asking the assistant music directors and DJs at WVAU what they’re currently listening to. Here’s what they’re recommending.
I like to think that spending some time away from my beloved university has given me some perspective on its goings-on. Then I begin to realize that I am across the Atlantic. Why should I know or care about things going on back at AU? I am thoroughly over-connected.
I am just going to say it — “The Vampire Diaries” is one of the best shows on television right now. Unfortunately, no one is watching it. Most people, including myself, initially wrote it off as some cheap “Twilight” knock-off. As a result, virtually no one gave it a chance.
In an interview with The Eagle, actors Keir Gilchrist and writers/directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden discussed the real world appeal of their new film, “It’s Kind Of A Funny Story.” Based on the book of the same name written in 2006 by Ned Vizzini, the movie delves deep into the heart of an overwhelmed young boy who winds up in the adult psychiatric ward of a Manhattan hospital. Craig, played by newcomer Keir Gilchrist, finds himself suicidal after an overabundance of stress at school, struggles with friends and eventual physical ailments including lack of sleep and trouble eating. Sound familiar?
Domino’s, McDonald’s, Mayflower, Subway, the occasional Chipotle … sound like regular dinner options? On the few nights that you decide to forgo a meal swipe and not eat in the Terrace Dining Room or the Tavern, you should make it special. Now, of course you’re going to say, “We’re all college students and none of us can really afford a nice meal in D.C., so what’s the point?” But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some quality restaurants in D.C. to try out and cheap tricks to get the most food for your money. There’s no reason we shouldn’t go out, enjoy great food and try new things just because our wallets are a bit light.
Serena Lin was born to be a pageant queen. She’s involved in countless charities (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Smithsonian Young Benefactor’s Society, etc.), has perfect hair and speaks multiple languages (Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese). And yet, she competed in her first pageant last Friday, in Miss Chinese American in Bethesda.
Kelly Smith Beaty has had a rollercoaster of a year. From a job at the top of her industry, to unemployment and finally to primetime television on “The Apprentice,” the AU alumna is on a career path that shows no signs of stopping.
When it comes to sexuality on college campuses, there’s perhaps nothing more controversial than what’s known as the “hook-up culture.” Sexual experiences outside of romantic relationships, casual encounters facilitated by alcohol and the blurred line around consent all inspire a range of attitudes and opinions. However, the very nature of the controversy means that we definitely shouldn’t stop talking about it.
The word “freshman” has much more emotional weight than its definition would suggest. Often associated with angst, new beginnings and even bullying, everyone has distinct memories conjured up by that year (whether they like those memories or not). So far I have had two freshman years — high school and college. Though I am likely in the minority, I love the feeling of being a freshman. Sure, it’s reassuring to know where to go, have a set group of friends and be aware of what professors, peers or food to avoid, but for me, being comfortable is boring.
Fall TV is finally back with some intriguing new pilots in the line-up. After viewing some “for final review” pilots — versions of the pilot that are not quite finished for broadcast, but offer the raw impressions of the show in question — it’s safe to say that the upcoming TV season has a lot of promise, and these are some of the shows that will have thumbs on the remotes and the TiVos fired up.
Here in D.C., there are no shortages of volunteer opportunities. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a cause to support or a group in need of help. That doesn’t mean new non-profits aren’t welcome in a city full of them, especially one that may bring an outlet for pirate supplies. Dave Eggers’ 826 project, which focuses on giving young children the opportunities to improve their reading comprehension and writing skills, combines a healthy sense of whimsy with the one-on-one attentions that produce great students. And now they have proper showing right here in the District with the new 826DC.
It’s a sad fact that even for D.C. natives, the genre of go-go is still very much a well-kept secret in the 40 years of its musical history. The vibrant blend of percussion-heavy funk and R&B as epitomized in local legends such as Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers commands a large following in popular clubs. While it may not enjoy the commercial success of the many subgenres it would later influence, go-go can still be enjoyed by party-goers and busybodies alike. As part of The Eagle’s ongoing coverage of one of D.C.’s most important cultural contributions, here’s a list of some of the greatest go-go albums from the District’s finest.
Every year autumn promises to bring crisp weather, pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks and a stack of enjoyable reads to curl up in a wool blanket with. This fall, expect to find science fiction, politics, fantasy, crime and suspense hitting the bookshelves in several highly anticipated novels of 2010.
Fashion’s Night Out, the international event created to celebrate the joys of fashion, made a big splash in D.C. Friday, Sept. 10, as the cobblestone streets of Georgetown were full of people in search of good deals and a good time. Over 80 stores, restaurants and salons kept their doors open to shoppers until 11 p.m.