Cinematic Insights

Interview With Melissa B. Miller Costanzo, Writer And Director Of ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: On Making A Contemporary Film With Nostalgic Roots

Writer and director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo’s feature debut, All These Small Moments, is a tender coming-of-age drama that explores the imprecise nature of transitioning into an adult and the surprising relationships that can shape us along the way. Starring Molly Ringwald in a role unlike any she has previously tackled and up and coming actor Brendan Meyer, this tale of a young man coping with the growing pains of adolescence through his obsession with an older woman is as equally humorous as it is cuttingly authentic.

Costanzo, being no stranger to the film industry having worked in the art department and as a producer on a number of prestige dramas, including If Beale Street Could Talk and The Fighter, demonstrated a strong visual eye as All These Small Moments is notable in its visual flair throughout. I was lucky enough to have the chance to speak with Costanzo about her new film, what inspired her, casting the iconic Molly Ringwald, and why it was important to limit the role of social media.

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ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

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Over the past few years there has been an abundance of riches as it concerns coming-of-age teen dramas. Unlike recent genre entries such as Love, Simon with its aims of inclusion and Eighth Grade with its commentary on the influence of social media’s role on teens, All These Small Moments goes back to basics, foregoing a contemporary hook completely. The film, however, possesses an uncommon honesty in its exploration of timeless themes related to growing up as we examine a young man and his unconventional infatuation with a woman in her 30’s.

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THE ASPERN PAPERS: Devoid Of Suspense Or Intrigue

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The Aspern Papers is a mystery period drama based upon the classic story published in the 1800s from the influential literary figure, Henry James. The original story has long been considered one of James’most acclaimed tales for its ability to generate mounting suspense while also creating complicated, well-developed characters. With a tale this celebrated and a cast including legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave, The Aspern Papers would appear to be a safe bet, however, none of the same praises can be applied to this dull adaptation from Julien Landais.

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MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS Season 2: As Bingeable As Ever

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It would be an understatement to say that there are currently a lot of superhero themed shows available to viewers. From the CW, Netflix, ABC, and the recent DC Universe streaming service it is a crowded and competitive landscape. Hulu entered the ring in 2017 with Runaways, a teen drama best described as The OC meets the The Avengers based upon the successful Marvel comic book of the same name.

With its eclectically diverse cast of teammates and perfect blend of family drama with superhero stakes, Runaways managed to standout from its peers. Season two continues to capitalize on what makes the show so unique, making it a worthy successor that is as bingeable as ever.

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MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS: A Queen’s Place in a Man’s World

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(2.5 / 4)

This historical drama is worth the price of admission alone for Margot Robbie’s transformative performance. However, plotting issues and overly imaginative historical inaccuracies get in the way and prevent Mary Queen of Scots from fully shining as a compelling character study.

Mary Queen of Scots, directed by Josie Rourke, is largely being marketed as a clash between two distinct queens who both believe themselves to be the rightful ruler of a divided country. With a screenplay from the former showrunner of House of Cards, Beau Willimon, it seems reasonable to expect a series of political maneuvers and machinations from each opposing monarch until a victor is ultimately crowned. The film, however, is largely not the story being advertised, as the film instead offers a feminist slant on historical events which cleverly plays with audience expectations of the ensuing conflict. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the film is suitably thought-provoking and riveting at times, even if the story is not without its issues.

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THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER: A Twisted Coming of Age Story

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(3 / 4)

Duncan Skiles’ creepy thriller works to simultaneously skewer the hypocrisy of religious extremists, while also contending that shying away from horrific realities can be just as terrifying as witnessing blood and gore.

The Clovehitch Killer directed by Duncan Skiles, is a serial killer mystery thriller that details the horrors that can lurk beneath even the most affable of our surroundings. It also happens to be a coming-of-age tale, not unlike 2017’s Super Dark Times, wherein acts of extreme violence are used allegorically to evoke the terrors associated with leaving the safety of childhood behind. Unlike the former film which focused on outgrowing your childhood friends, The Clovehitch Killer explores this idea in the even more intimate context of family. The film poses questions related to challenging the beliefs that were imprinted onto you from an early age whilst also serving as a memorably chilling mystery that will hold you in mounting suspense throughout its runtime.

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Why THE HOLIDAY Is The Perfect Embodiment Of The Christmas Rom-Com Craze

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After 12 years, Nancy Meyers’ frothy escapist film remains the golden Christmas rom-com benchmark that others attempt to emulate.

In recent years, Christmas-themed love stories have increasingly proliferated on the small screen, mostly from the likes of Hallmark and Lifetime during November and December. With streaming giant Netflix now throwing their Santa hat into the ring with a slew of romantic comedy offerings such as The Holiday Calendarand A Christmas Prince, the question of why this type of predictable, cookie-cutter story is so popular with viewers naturally arises.

One has to look no further than 2006’s The Holiday to understand why this genre has grown exponentially over the last few years.

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‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ Review

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(3.5 / 4)

Barry Jenkins has followed up his 2016 masterpiece ‘Moonlight’ with the same artful poetry. Through its accomplished blend of moving musical score, striking cinematography, and impeccable ensemble acting, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ captures all the sincerity of falling in love. It is impossible not to get swept away by this bittersweet poem about the power of optimism and community in an impossibly unjust environment.

Director Barry Jenkins returns to the big screen with his first film since his 2016 best-picture winning masterpiece Moonlight. While that coming of age drama revolving around the lifelong quest for identity was so powerful in part due to its exploration of sexuality in the context of the urban working class, its biggest strength was in the deeply personal poetic nature by which the film was told. In his follow up, Jenkins has adapted the 1970s novel If Beale Street Could Talk from influential social critic and novelist James Baldwin. It comes as no surprise to learn that the screenplay was written during the same time that Moonlight was written as Jenkins has created another mesmerizingly emotional tale of romance and sincerity.

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