Author Archives: Lee Russell Wilkes

Nuking the Fridge: An Opinionated Spielberg Retrospective

As Spielberg’s most famous character is currently being revisited without him, I feel it is time for an opinionated retrospective. The mainstream press holds on Spielberg’s every cinematic word (looking at you, Empire). Everyone sings his praises. Who wouldn’t want to sit and chat movies with Spielberg? Who wouldn’t want to be this guy? IContinue reading “Nuking the Fridge: An Opinionated Spielberg Retrospective”

Peckinpah’s Finest: The Argument for The Ballad of Cable Hogue

Don’t make me out no saint, but don’t put me down too deep. The what of the who? Right? I’m trusting you’ve never heard of this movie and I’m going to tell you why it’s worth your time. The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a comedy western, and to the surprise of many, the filmContinue reading “Peckinpah’s Finest: The Argument for The Ballad of Cable Hogue”

Minamata (2020): Review

“Check your settings. You cannot let your emotions run the show… focus on the photograph you want to take. Focus on what you want to say. Do it now.” W. Eugene smith Minamata (2020) tells the true story of mercury poisoning in a Japanese fishing community and the celebrated photographer that covered the story forContinue reading “Minamata (2020): Review”

On the Chachoengsao – Bangkok Train

Fighting to get a seat means you might not lose face but you might lose a limb. The reader should disavow themselves of the widespread delusion that train travel in Asia was ever a romantic experience. Those holding fantastical thoughts of exotic winds, picturesque villages and exotic locals are likely to be disappointed. The windContinue reading “On the Chachoengsao – Bangkok Train”

Reflections on Three Years in Myanmar

The recent military coup in Myanmar might seem of little importance to many of us – just political trouble in a country most could not find on a map, even if they cared to look. Not only did I find it, I spent three years living in Naypyidaw, the capital.     The Return of DemocracyContinue reading “Reflections on Three Years in Myanmar”

On Attending a Stranger’s Funeral in Thailand

Thai monks always remind me of Discworld wizards, vaguely comical, and either morbidly obese or so body-horror sinewy you wonder whether their organs are still on the inside. “My dear, you have black dress?” My heart sank. Nina’s English can be a little cryptic at times. She couldn’t mean did I have a black dress;Continue reading “On Attending a Stranger’s Funeral in Thailand”