The Rise of CliffsNotes Cinema
Oversimplified literary remakes miss the point of the works they are adapting.
Culture
Why Justin Bieber Played YouTube Onstage for Thousands of People
The pop star transformed the normal act of browsing your laptop into something interesting—and unsettling.
The New Age of Performance Anxiety
With the rise of screen culture, all the world has stage fright.
Where Did ‘Let Them’ Come From?
Years before Mel Robbins published her best-selling self-help book, a struggling writer posted a poem with a similar message.
What Do Crossword Puzzles Really Test?
In her new book, Anna Shechtman argues for puzzles that reflect a broader sense of common knowledge.
Why Does Romance Now Feel Like Work?
Two recent books dig into the crisis of modern love—and how we might forge more meaningful connections.
A Bloody Retelling of Huckleberry Finn
Percival Everett transforms Mark Twain’s classic.
Why That Big Abbott Elementary Cameo Made So Much Sense
As the show has gotten more popular, it hasn’t abandoned its distinct regional humor.
A Seriously Silly Oscars Moment
Ryan Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” was an irony-meets-sincerity spectacle.
Do Animals Have Fun?
Scientists want an evolutionary explanation for animal play. But maybe the answer is simply: It brings them joy.
A Very Normal Academy Awards. Whew.
Most of the expected favorites won, and nothing went tremendously wrong.
Jonathan Glazer’s Warning at the Oscars
The director of The Zone of Interest accepted his award with an anti-war speech that drew praise and confusion.
No More Best Supporting Actress Curse
Da’Vine Joy Randolph was grateful to win an Academy Award—and hopeful that it won’t be her last opportunity.
Scarlett Johansson’s Pitch-Perfect Impersonation
The actor surprised and delighted on last night’s SNL with her impression of Senator Katie Britt.