Back Story
Our column on arts and culture distinguishes the back story from the foreground; the ephemera from what matters, and might last
Culture
“G20”, a rollicking new film, evokes an old ideal of America
It is outlandish in more ways than intended
Culture
Why “Adolescence” has become a global smash hit
Viewers encounter new dangers—and old ones—alongside its characters
Culture
At 100 “The Great Gatsby” is as urgent as ever, old sport
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal novel, America’s graft and glory are entwined
Culture
Surreal “Severance” brilliantly captures the reality of office life
Which is the real you—your “innie” or your “outie”?
Culture
Escapism and fear made “The White Lotus” a pandemic-era hit
Now the show about obnoxious American tourists has become a drag
Culture
Performing in a cinema near you: Bob Dylan and Maria Callas
Behind the boom in musical biopics
Culture
Witty and wise, “A Real Pain” is a masterpiece in a minor key
Jesse Eisenberg’s deceptively slight film asks big moral questions
Culture
Ovation inflation has spread from Broadway to London’s West End
Why do dud plays get standing ovations?
Culture
“Babygirl” and the trouble with equality
In Nicole Kidman’s new film, a female CEO has an affair with an intern. Boo or bravo?
Culture
Gifts for friends and enemies: a fictional guide
From the “Iliad” to “Succession”, storytelling can help with your Christmas shopping
Culture
In “Anora”, strippers and Russian heavies are not what you expect
Many stories rely on character types. The best reimagine them
Culture
What the row over Ta-Nehisi Coates’s book reveals about free speech
The deep message of “The Message” is about narrow-mindedness, not Israel