Philip Christman

Philip Christman is a writer in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Articles by Philip Christman

Film

Quick takes

Feb 13, 2002 by Philip Christman

Gosford Park: One could easily mistake director Robert Altman for a misanthrope; his dark humor (famously displayed in M*A*S*H* and The Player) borders on meanness, while the parabolic ironies of a film like Nashville throw the audience off balance. "Is this guy making fun of the human condition?" we wonder.

Film

Slick violence

Mar 14, 2001 by Philip Christman

Snatch (2000), directed by Guy Ritchie

Guy Ritchie's Snatch, a British comedy (at least some of the audience was  laughing), puts its disregard for human life right up front. We watch a jewel heist and massacre, some brutal beatings and a guy getting his face smashed with a hammer--all during the credits.

Film

Drug world

Jan 31, 2001 by Philip Christman

Steven Soderbergh's Traffic places international drug trade in the broadest possible context, taking viewers into the lives of various people touched by cocaine trafficking. The film's tight script--an extraordinary balance by screenwriter Steven Gaghan of disparate storylines--and Soderbergh's terse, jumpy direction make it a riveting journey.

Film

It doesn't pay

Jun 21, 2000 reviewed by Philip Christman

Though it lacks the seriousness and the warmth of some of his best films, Small Time Crooks is the first Woody Allen film in roughly ten years to evince anything like a soul. It’s fun and funny, with a few perceptive moments and a hilarious performance by Elaine May.