R.I.P. Max von Sydow (1929-2020)

Max von Sydow

On March 8, 2020, actor Max von Sydow passed away at the age of 90 in Provence, France. Over the course of 60 years, he was known as a pillar of international cinema, rising to fame in The Seventh Seal, which was the first of 11 collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman. Later on, he would make a splash in American films ranging from traditional dramas (Hannah and Her Sisters) to horror (The Exorcist) and even blockbusters (Star Wars: The Force Awakens). He was known for having over 100 film credits, delivering powerhouse performances in each. Along with work in TV, stage, and video games, his charisma lasted up until his passing which even then he was busy working on another project. His massive output will continue to live on as a testament to what one can achieve as an actor when doing everything to make a role better. 

10 Great Films I Discovered Thanks to FilmStruck

Yesterday, November 29, 2018, FilmStruck shut down after a brief two year run. While it may not seem impressive in an era where companies like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have inspired anyone with an internet connection to make their own streaming service, the ambitions of the TCM/Criterion Collection-hybrid were unmatched and a reflection of how much cinephiles desired to see good cinema. It wasn't just a chock-a-block website with no-name titles popping up every two weeks. It was catered in unprecedented ways, providing behind the scenes content for cinema that ranged from world cinema to Hollywood classics to modern indie greats. While they're shut down, the reports of a reemergence in 2019 with The Criterion Channel is a welcomed blessing. To pay tribute to their greatness, I thought that I would share 10 films I watched via FilmStruck that made an impression on me (for a full list of what I did watch, you can find it here). If anything, I hope this get you to hop on board with The Criterion Channel and make it last, because it's the only thing like it and easily the best variety of cinema for your streaming service money. 

Watch This: The Famous Hepburn/Streisand Best Actress Tie of 1969

Left to right: Barbra Streisand and Anthony Harvey

There was a lot of reason that the 42nd Academy Awards - held on April 14, 1969 - stood out as something special. For starters, this was the year in which they didn't have any host and it would also be the year in which the Best Picture would go to their first (and so far only) X-rated film Midnight Cowboy. However, these details are overlooked in the history books in favor of something even more peculiar. This was the year in which a newcomer and a veteran performer tied in the Best Actress category. It was a trend that hasn't been seen before or since and introduced the world to the woman who was so thankful for the Academy making her miserable: Barbra Streisand.