Renowned film critic Owen Gleiberman has declared that Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest drama, “One Battle After Another,” is particularly relevant to today’s turbulent societal landscape. The film, which delves into themes of extremist politics, white nationalism, and rampant conspiracy theories, is being hailed as Anderson’s most compelling work since his 1997 hit, “Boogie Nights.” Despite the film being completed before Donald Trump retook office, Gleiberman argues that it effectively captures the current tumultuous cultural and political climate in the United States.
Gleiberman likens “One Battle After Another” to classic films such as “All The President’s Men” and “Network,” due to its profound portrayal of contemporary societal issues. In comparison, he criticizes last year’s A24 film “Civil War” for its lack of depth in depicting America’s polarized factions.
The release of Anderson’s film coincides with what Gleiberman sees as a turning point in American societal values, highlighted by the recent uproar regarding Jimmy Kimmel. He observes that while many Americans have remained indifferent to significant political changes during Trump’s presidency, any threat to their entertainment appears to galvanize them. Gleiberman suggests this reflects a deeper symbolic importance entertainment holds in American culture.
In the world of music, Sylvia Rhone’s retirement marks the end of an era for a trailblazer in the industry. Having begun her illustrious career as a secretary at Buddah Records in the 1970s, Rhone eventually rose to become the CEO of major label groups Warner, Universal, and Sony. Variety’s music expert Jem Aswad notes Rhone’s significant impact in the music industry, particularly during her tenure at Atlantic Records in the 1980s. Her notable achievements include working with renowned artists like Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, and Brandy, and launching the careers of acts like En Vogue.
Rhone’s formidable presence in the industry, particularly during the 1990s, paved the way for her to become a respected and, at times, feared business leader. Her story exemplifies resilience and tenacity in a challenging industry landscape.
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