🖤 Issue No. 2: Roma

Roma, Pharrell's LEGO film to close BFI, and other industry news.

August 02, 2024

Dear friends,

Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a film that beautifully captures the essence of visual storytelling and the intricacies of daily life in a way that is both intimate and profound.

📽️ Roma (2018)

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón

Synposis: A year in the life of a middle-class family's maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s.

Our take: Alfonso Cuarón's Roma stands as a masterclass in visual storytelling, where every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and intimacy. The film's striking black-and-white cinematography employs long takes and a deliberate pacing that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the mundane yet poignant rhythms of daily life, reflecting the complexities of class and identity without resorting to overt dramatization. Cuarón's ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion and connection, particularly through the mesmerizing performance of Yalitza Aparicio, transforms this slice of life into an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates with both personal and universal truths.

How to watch: IMDb

🎞️ Favorite Frames

The screen grabs and film excerpts in this newsletter are used for educational purposes under fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners. Contact us with any concerns.

What We’re Reading

SCREEN DAILY: Pharrell Williams LEGO Film 'Piece By Piece' to Close BFI London Film Festival
The animated feature, showcasing Pharrell Williams' life through LEGO, will make its UK premiere on October 20, following its international debut at the Toronto Film Festival.

DEADLINE: Joan Chen Acquires Life Rights to Dr. Qin Huilan and Wei-Lai
The actress and director's new project will explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Huilan, who became a fashion icon at 70 after being encouraged by her son to embrace social media and fashion, culminating in her participation in the 2024 MiuMiu Paris Fashion Week.

DEADLINE: ‘Inside Out 2’ Overtakes ‘The Avengers’ To Crack All-Time Top 10 Movies At Global Box Office
The animated sequel has reached a global box office total of approximately $1.524 billion, surpassing both 'Furious 7' and 'The Avengers' to secure its place among the top-grossing films of all time.

VARIETY: Jamie Lee Curtis Apologizes for Criticizing Marvel and Promises to Improve
The actress acknowledged her previous remarks about Marvel as "stupid" and has reached out to Marvel Studios' president Kevin Feige, committing to refrain from further negative commentary regarding the franchise.

THE GUARDIAN: Un oeuf is enough: have we had our fill of movie Easter eggs?
The proliferation of Easter eggs in films like "Deadpool & Wolverine" has sparked debate over whether these fan-centric surprises enhance or detract from the viewing experience, as audiences express fatigue from excessive references and cameos.

THE GUARDIAN: The Silence is Deafening: Why This Year’s Environmental Films Are Nonverbal
This year's environmental films, including "Hundreds of Beavers," "In a Violent Nature," and "Sasquatch Sunset," utilize minimal dialogue to deepen the connection between audiences and the natural world, highlighting humanity's impact through nonverbal storytelling.