All articles tagged with #social commentary
Jean Smart won her second straight Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV comedy (Hacks) and used the moment to urge the audience to “do the right thing,” speaking not just as an actor but as a citizen and mother about maintaining civility amid a tense national climate.
Getdown Services, a lively indie duo from Bristol known for their genre-blending and humorous yet socially aware lyrics, are gaining popularity with their energetic performances and satirical take on culture and masculinity, and they are optimistic about their future with a second album in progress and a strong independent presence.
Kristin Chenoweth stars in the Broadway adaptation of 'The Queen of Versailles,' a musical that satirizes American excess and the 2008 financial crisis through the story of a wealthy family building a massive mansion. The show blends humor and tragedy, with Chenoweth delivering a standout performance, though the production's scale and shifting tone challenge its emotional impact.
'The Queen of Versailles' is a Broadway musical based on a documentary about Jackie Siegel's quest to build a replica of Versailles, but it feels unfinished, with a mix of satire and social commentary that struggles to find its focus, despite a strong performance by Kristin Chenoweth.
Pluribus, a new sci-fi series from Vince Gilligan starring Rhea Seehorn, explores a world where people are unnaturally happy, blending social commentary with genre tropes and a compelling human story, making it one of 2025's smartest shows.
Nora Garrett, a first-time screenwriter, discusses her experience working on the film 'After The Hunt' with director Luca Guadagnino and stars Julia Roberts and others, exploring themes of academia, power dynamics, gender roles, and social issues inspired by recent political events, notably the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.
Paul Thomas Anderson's film 'One Battle After Another' explores America's ongoing struggles with inequality, violence, and revolution through a star-studded narrative that highlights the limitations and frustrations of previous generations while emphasizing the importance of the next generation's fight for freedom. The film critically examines systemic white supremacy and societal complacency, ultimately focusing on the resilience and potential of Black women and youth as the future of change.
Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show highlights Latin culture and identity, while also raising questions about the inclusion of social and political symbolism, given the NFL's history of managing performances and artists' political expressions.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a modern remaster of the 1997 classic, emphasizes themes of class struggle and resistance, resonating strongly with contemporary social issues. The game retains its complex political narrative and strategic gameplay, while enhancing story depth with new scripts, voice acting, and gameplay tweaks, making its societal critique even more impactful and relevant today.
Banksy created a temporary artwork outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London depicting a judge beating a protester, likely in response to the UK crackdown on Palestine Action protests, highlighting issues of justice and political repression.
'Weapons' is a horror film set in a seemingly idyllic American town that explores dark themes like child disappearances, societal issues, and surveillance, blending suspense with social critique, and leaving viewers both scared and contemplative.
Zach Cregger's film Weapons is a tense and disturbing horror thriller that explores themes of mob mentality, community blame, and societal fears through a suspenseful narrative about a teacher whose students mysteriously disappear, using unsettling visuals and a Rashomon-inspired structure to provoke critical thinking and deliver intense horror moments.
During the harsh winter of 1511 in Brussels, snow sculptures were used as a form of political and social expression, depicting fears, frustrations, and current events, serving as a visual satire and community commentary, with some sculptures representing political figures and societal issues.
Tom Lehrer, a renowned musical satirist known for his sharp wit and social commentary in the 1950s and '60s, has died at age 97 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lehrer was celebrated for his humorous songs that tackled politics, nuclear issues, and social themes, influencing generations of comedians and musicians. He later dedicated himself to teaching mathematics at the university level.
Ari Aster's film 'Eddington' offers a chaotic, visceral social commentary on modern existence during the COVID era, exploring manipulation, political conflict, and societal divisions through a small-town setting and complex characters, with a focus on themes of control, inheritance, and digital influence.