the conversation

RIP Gene Hackman, who'll be remembered as one of the Hollywood greats
Will Jeffery celebrates Gene Hackman's legacy, a Hollywood great whose commanding performances left a lasting impact.

Sick of toxic TV? Here are 7 reality shows that don’t rely on the ‘villain edit’
Here are seven reality TV shows that emphasise cooperation and compassion over 'villains' and conflict.

Donald Sutherland: Hollywood didn’t know what to do with him
The late Donald Sutherland was a versatile actor who took on diverse roles in a career than spanned 50 years.

Don’t feel bad about bingeing TV – humans have binged stories for thousands of years
Bingeing stories is an age-old human behaviour and nothing to feel guilty about, says a historian.

Netflix doco shows Alexander the Great as queer – what does history say?
Alexander the Great: The Making of a God has sparked controversy from those who claim the show is pushing an…

The Color Purple is a joyful exploration of black womanhood in the deep south
The new adaptation of Alice Walker's novel shows characters finding community despite the harsh realities surrounding them.

Schindler’s List at 30: Spielberg’s shattering masterpiece
Spielberg acquired the rights to Thomas Keneally’s novel in 1983, but was initially reluctant to take on the film.

Napoleon: busting myths in the new Ridley Scott movie
Did Napoleon really fire at the pyramids? A historian explains the truth behind the legends of Ridley Scott’s biopic.

Master and Commander at 20: an emblem of wholesome masculinity
Peter Weir's 2003 masterpiece offers a heartwarming alternative picture of male camaraderie.

The Exorcist: Believer is a sequel that shouldn’t exist
Believer is a 'retcon', a movie that ignores or re-imagines events in previous films ... but why?