Collecting art, collecting stories

The Dishman Art Museum on the Lamar University campus hosted a pair of shows, Jan. 19 through March 2. I wrote about them for ISSUE magazine. One of the shows, "Beaumont Collects," features work by Southeast Texas collectors. My partner, Ramona, and I were honored to have three pieces featured in the show. Two were …

Review: ‘The Shape of Water’ is ‘must-sea’ romantic thriller

Warning: This review may contain spoilers Can one really call a film a classic love story when the romance involves a mute orphan and a sea creature? Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” makes the case in favor in magnificent style. Set in Cold War-era 1962, the movie is a sumptuous visual affair with …

The Day I Rejected ‘Man Hands’

When I was young, probably around six or seven, my parents took me to the Tower of London for the day. I don’t remember much about the building, although I am sure I was impressed by the history (I was a bit of a nerd even then). What I remember most was meeting a Beefeater, …

Review: ‘The Post’ is a nostalgic love story

I am a sucker for a good love story, but not the sappy boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-and-girl-end-up-together type of love story. I mean the boy-finds-government-secrets, boy-gets-government-secrets-to-the-press, press-saves-democracy type. Make no mistake, “The Post” is a love story. Steven Spielberg’s latest film is clearly written to remind us all that despite cries of “fake news” and continual …

Review: ‘Disaster Artist’ finds heart in tale of ineptitude

What if one has a dream and the means to make that dream a reality? Does it matter if the skills one might need are absent? Is the pursuit and realization of the dream all that matters? That seems to be the central question of “The Disaster Artist.” The film centers on Tommy Wiseau, played …

Review: Oldman gives Oscar-worthy turn as Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’

I have lived in the United States for more than 35 years, well over half my life. I like to think I have assimilated well to the American lifestyle. Yet, for all that, there are moments when my Englishness rises to the fore. “Darkest Hour,” which is a terrific complement to Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk," is …

Who needs an editor (part 2)

“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” — Stephen King In my last blog, I argued that the editor’s role is to help the writer present his work in a concise, insightful manner. But how much is the editor responsible for the book or article’s …

Review: ‘Lady Bird’ resonates according to life experience

Why do films resonate with some people and not with others? There are films — and books, music, etc. — that I hated when I was young but came to appreciate later. Life does that, it constantly shapes and re-shapes perception. “Lady Bird” is that sort of film. Set in 2002, it follows Christine McPherson …

Who needs an editor? (part 1)

“Be a good editor. The Universe needs more good editors, God knows.” — Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. What is the role of an editor? The answer is both simple and complex. Simply put, it is someone who checks copy for errors in grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. More deeply, a good editor helps the writer present the …