Newsweek Entertainment

Film: The Problem With 'Breathless'

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:58:37 GMT

Every cinephile knows to at least pretend to like . Jean-Luc Godard's first feature—a witty mashup of American noir and French chic—is as much an art-house staple today as it was in 1960, which is precisely why it's getting the 50th-anniversary reissue treatment this month. Think of Belmondo aping Bogart with his cigarette, Seberg flacking the , or the director's game-changing jump-cuts, and you realize that various elements of the film have never gone out of style. This may get me booted from the club, but I'll come right out and say it: isn't one of Godard's most interesting creations. (, and the septuagenarian's recent films all rank higher for me.)

Facebook: The Novel

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:58:02 GMT

The internet makes periodic, seemingly in-nocuous appearances throughout Jennifer Egan's new novel, . In the first chapter, a character considers Googling her psychiatrist. Later, members of an African safari reconnect on Facebook, and a character's 9-year-old daughter spends much of her time "in a pink beanbag chair, doing homework on her laptop and IMing her friends." But it is not until the final chapter, titled "Pure Language," that it becomes apparent that Egan is using online communication and social networks to explore the way the Internet makes traditional narrative struc-tures feel obsolete.

Movies: Italy Porn (For Ladies Only)

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:57:03 GMT

There is a fantasy, spawned by W. Shakespeare, propagated by H. James, embraced by A. Hepburn and the Twins Olsen, that today goes something like this: a sad modern lady, one intimately familiar with the Lean Cuisine family of products, packs white linen pants, slinky black dresses, and several packs of Kleenex. She boards a plane, fed up with her soul-crushing home life. But upon arrival in glimmering Italia— She falls in love with the first man she encounters, and the pair consummate their attraction not just with physical love but with dinners alfresco and , sipped from these adorable bistro glasses you totally can't find back home. She becomes unmoored from her mores—she might bite into a San Marzano tomato like it's an apple, its juices dribbling down her forearm unchecked, or chop off all her hair. A Vespa—preferably a cream-colored one with caramel leather seats and a tanned, suede-loafer-sporting owner—is likely involved.

Hollywood's Summer Fetish: The Middle East

Fri, 28 May 2010 20:14:03 GMT

This summer, two movies takes us on a road trip to the Muslim world. Talk about escapism.

On 'American Idol,' Simon Cowell's Cruel Streak

Mon, 24 May 2010 23:54:18 GMT

In our culture of meanness, prickly Simon Cowell is a patron saint. As the 'American Idol' judge bids farewell, a look at his legacy.

The Existential Nature of 'Lost'

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:32:41 GMT

A response to our Josh Alston's 'Lost' wrapup: There's a real, existential meaning Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof's long-running TV show.

'Lost' Finale Encapsulated the Show's Essence

Mon, 24 May 2010 05:01:58 GMT

The Lost finale will cause endless debate. In that way, it was a perfect encapsulation for the entire series.

Jesse Eisenberg vs. Michael Cera: Who's Winning?

Thu, 20 May 2010 20:30:30 GMT

Among the 'Tiger Beat' set, Michael Cera collects the panties. But it's older, wiser Jesse Eisenberg who has our hearts.

'Lost'—How Will It End?

Thu, 20 May 2010 19:41:56 GMT

The more we find out about 'Lost,' the more lame and silly the whole thing seems. Why the show would do better to avoid answering the big questions.

Hank Jones: A Legendary Work Ethic

Tue, 18 May 2010 17:21:09 GMT

To the 91-year-old jazz legend, the pursuit of perfection was never-ending.

'Law & Order': A Show to Set Your Watch By

Mon, 17 May 2010 23:32:35 GMT

Yeah, it's formulaic. You know exactly when Guest Star Who Represents a Current Issue is going to proffer a suspciously airtight alibi. But that's why we'll miss it so much.

In Praise of Monopoly

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:56:30 GMT

In which the author lauds one old-school product that's managed to survive the transition from paper to digital.

Why You Aren't Watching BET's 'Sunday Best'

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:09:28 GMT

On BET's 'Sunday Best,' the singers can sing and the competition is fierce—unlike a flagging 'American Idol.' So why aren't you tuning in?

Movie Review: Taking Joan Rivers Seriously

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:28:39 GMT

We mock her face, her voice, her jokes. It's time to take Joan Rivers seriously.

NEWSWEEK's Gay Actors Story: The Debate Continues

Thu, 13 May 2010 01:47:41 GMT

As people in the blogosphere and beyond hotly debate a NEWSWEEK story on gay actors, two gay activists try to separate fact from friction.

An Appreciation for the Songs of Jimmy Webb

Mon, 10 May 2010 14:03:27 GMT

Funny how time changes your appetite for things—even for "Wichita Lineman."

The Stones Come Back From Exile--Again

Fri, 07 May 2010 20:19:58 GMT

Rock radio may have gone soft, but 'Exile on Main St' is still musical Viagra.

Movie Review: 'Iron Man 2' Soars With Downey

Thu, 06 May 2010 22:04:01 GMT

Hollywood is obsessed with sequels, and for once it delivers a great one.

Country Singer Chely Wright Comes Out as Lesbian

Wed, 05 May 2010 20:46:08 GMT

Chely Wright just came out of the closet. Never heard of her? You will.

A Love-Hate Relationship With Birds

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:30:13 GMT

Turkeys, cardinals, bald eagles—love 'em! It's those darned starling/crow look-alikes—not to mention those maddening finch/robin sound-alikes—that ought to be stuffed.