Expedient MEANS

Notes on Film, Art, Writing, Technology and other things by Steve A Furman

  • Another side of Churchill in “Darkest Hour” – Film Review

    Another side of Churchill in “Darkest Hour” – Film Review

    Oftentimes we hear of the larger than life figures of history through a fairly narrow window. Their stirring quotes and courage summed to make decisions, all the while carrying the weight of a country on their shoulders. Certainly if you read in depth biographies you get to see various sides, but the number of people Read more

  • mother! Breaks the Hollywood Mold and It’s Terrifying! – Film Review

    mother! Breaks the Hollywood Mold and It’s Terrifying! – Film Review

    mother! defies description! For those who took the leap or were led there unwittingly by a friend or spouse, you found yourself peering into the abyss. Writer, director Darren Aronofsky’s latest film was written in five days. It may take me five months to be satisfied enough about the whats and whys to let it Read more

  • “California Typewriter” QWERTY Shines in Important Documentary – Review

    “California Typewriter” QWERTY Shines in Important Documentary – Review

    This post has been updated: Since writing about this film. I purchased two typewriters. A 1954 Smith Corona Silent and a 1958 Olympia SM-3. The Olympia is a work of art. Despite the abundance of digital software applications available to web designers, many prefer to sketch out their initial ideas with pen and paper. It’s Read more

  • Paris in September

    Paris in September

    “He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo. Nothing is more fantastic. Nothing is more tragic. Nothing is more sublime.” — Victor Hugo. I recently spent a week in Paris with my oldest son. It was a return trip for me but first time for my adult son. We had a great time. Not as Read more

  • The Battle of the Sexes Revisited – Film Review

    The Battle of the Sexes Revisited – Film Review

    In The Battle of the Sexes, co-directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, written by Simon Beaufoy, revisit an early and important story of Women’s Liberation movement. Tennis was dominated by men, even though there was a small group of dedicated women players who would have to tag along behind and pick-up the scraps of promotional opportunities, attention and Read more

  • My 2017 Oscar Picks

    My 2017 Oscar Picks

    Ladies and gentlemen, the post you’ve all been waiting for. My picks to win the 89th Academy Awards. This year’s nominees gives us hope that the Academy has at least made some effort to look across the wonderful diversity that makes up the filmmaking community. The Academy released a list of 683 new members last year, Read more