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Movies

Decades ago, movies imagined a futuristic 2022

In 1973's Soylent Green, New York City is in the grips of widespread pollution and overcrowding. It takes place in 2022. Screenshot by NPR hide caption

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Screenshot by NPR

Decades ago, movies imagined a futuristic 2022

In 1973, Soylent Green imagined a New York City of 2022 — polluted, overcrowded, and facing environmental catastrophe. Other movies offered their own take on what was in store.

Decades ago, movies imagined a futuristic 2022

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Movie Interviews

For Kirsten Dunst, 'The Power of the Dog' is a cinematic love letter to her children

Fresh Air

Dunst says acting opposite her husband, Jesse Plemons, in Jane Campion's new Western is an experience she'll never forget: "It was very special. ... He's my favorite actor to work with."

For Kirsten Dunst, 'The Power of the Dog' is a cinematic love letter to her children

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Movie Interviews

Actor Clifton Collins Jr. plays an aging rider in the film 'Jockey'

Eyder Peralta speaks with actor Clifton Collins Jr. about his latest role as an aging rider in the film "Jockey."

Actor Clifton Collins Jr. plays an aging rider in the film 'Jockey'

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Here are Bob Mondello's picks for the year's best 10 films

In a year when many films didn't even open in theaters, there were still plenty worth talking about. NPR film critic Bob Mondello celebrates the best of 2021.

Here are Bob Mondello's picks for the year's best 10 films

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What's making us happy: What to watch, read and listen to this weekend

Alexander Skarsgård stars as Amleth and Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga in director Robert Eggers' Viking epic The Northman. Aidan Monaghan/© 2021 Focus Features, LLC hide caption

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Aidan Monaghan/© 2021 Focus Features, LLC

What's Making Us Happy: Recommendations From 'Pop Culture Happy Hour'

What's making us happy: What to watch, read and listen to this weekend

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: the trailer for The Northman, the novel The School for Good Mothers and more.

Pop Culture

Pop Culture Happy Hour team points out 2021's best films and TV shows

The end of the year means it's time to look back on the best films and TV shows of 2021. The hosts of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast share their favorites.

Pop Culture Happy Hour team points out 2021's best films and TV shows

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Maggie Gyllenhaal explores the difficulty of motherhood in her directorial debut

Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, offers a unique depiction of motherhood. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images hide caption

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Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Movie Interviews

Maggie Gyllenhaal explores the difficulty of motherhood in her directorial debut

The new movie The Lost Daughter shows a side of motherhood that Hollywood doesn't often depict.

Maggie Gyllenhaal explores the difficulty of motherhood in her directorial debut

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Kids need to see themselves reflected in media. Here are some recommendations

A page from the book The Me I Choose to Be by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley with photography by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers hide caption

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Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Arts & Life

Kids need to see themselves reflected in media. Here are some recommendations

We asked children's media experts to recommend their favorite new books, TV shows and video games with characters and storylines representing the diversity of the U.S.

Kids need to see themselves reflected in media. Here are some recommendations

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Review

Movie Reviews

In 'Parallel Mothers,' Almodóvar hitches unruly passions to women and family

Filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar takes a long, colorful look at motherhood in his melodrama Parallel Mothers, starring Penélope Cruz.

In 'Parallel Mothers,' Almodóvar hitches unruly passions to women and family

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We Hold These Truths

How film has shaped the American image of democracy

For NPR's series, "We Hold These Truths," Scott Simon spoke to film critics Wesley Morris and Mark Harris about movies that have shaped how Americans think of democracy.

How film has shaped the American image of democracy

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Movie Interviews

Maggie Gyllenhaal explores the honesty of being a mother in her directorial debut

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with actress Maggie Gyllenhaal about her directorial debut The Lost Daughter, which takes a unique look at motherhood. Now in theaters, the film will be on Netflix on Dec. 31.

Maggie Gyllenhaal explores the honesty of being a mother in her directorial debut

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Pop Culture

Filmmaker John Waters puts his own spin on Christmas

Fresh Air

In 2004, Waters shared music from his album A John Waters Christmas, an anthology of catchy, entertaining and ridiculous holiday songs that reflect his fascination with the odd and unusual.

Filmmaker John Waters puts his own spin on Christmas

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