The luck of Barry Lyndon
Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 picture was ridiculed on release. Fifty years later, it is considered a masterpiece
Alexander Larman
Alexander Larman is an author and books editor of Spectator World, our US-based edition
Friday
Thursday
No sign of a clear front-runner at this year’s Oscars
There are a few omissions that may raise eyebrows, some inclusions that are equally surprising
Monday
Better Man and the dangers of ambition
As soon as Michael Gracey’s bold decision was announced, it was met with both incomprehension and ridicule
Monday
The 2025 Golden Globes were an interim awards
Everyone will have their own grievances and delights as to this year’s award recipients
Thursday
Is Paris the world’s most bookish city?
Sorry, New York: you’ve got serious competition
Sunday
What’s up with Jim Carrey?
After showing the world how interesting an actor he can be, he has retreated deep into an unchallenging comfort zone
Tuesday
Carry-On is a highly accomplished, if deeply silly, thrill ride
The appeal with a film like this is not in its plot twists, but in watching a piece of generic Christmas-themed schlock done very well
Tuesday
This feels like an interim year for the Golden Globes
A quirky throat-clearer before something more straightforwardly commercial happens next year
Monday
Why is British espionage drama so in vogue?
We may not want to be on the receiving end of their attentions, but it’s hard not to be seduced, all the same
Monday
What will Elton John learn from Tammy Faye’s flop on Broadway?
Its failure mirrors that of American Psycho
Friday
Is Cormac McCarthy finished?
He has revealed that he himself was as flawed as any of his antagonists
Thursday
Reassessing Jerzy Kosinski
Why did the Being There writer’s life come to resemble a fairground rollercoaster?
Monday
Does Dune: Prophecy have what it takes to be a hit?
There may come a point that Dune fatigue sets in — and we may pinpoint this series as that very situation
Friday
Can Conan O’Brien save the Oscars?
He is an inspired choice
Thursday
Can a TV show survive the loss of its star?
The final few episodes of Yellowstone may offer an experience akin to watching King Lear without the king
Monday
The late Quincy Jones, a man of many talents
He delighted and occasionally shocked the world throughout his seventy-five-year career
Thursday
Is Rivals the most outrageous show on television?
Come for the outrageousness and scandal, stay for the surprisingly sweet heart at its center
Monday
Disclaimer is the best show on TV — and the most underrated
Sex, death and wealthy people being vile to one another — what’s not to like?
There’s more to Bordeaux than fine wine
The French city is rich in history, culture and class of all kinds
Tuesday
Are politician films really such a good idea, after all?
Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump drama The Apprentice has flopped
