French film offers turns, surprises
The chief preoccupation of the films of adventuresome French filmmaker Olivier Assayas is the proverbial passing of the baton. His latest, sixteenth feature, “Clouds of Sils Maria,” is a flawed…
Arts
Problematic writing inhibits spies’ comedy
Directed by Matthew Vaughn, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a mixture of action and comedy, sophistication and fatuity. With spectacular imagery, the film is an excellent choice for recreation; however,…
Plain, pure production sets Baumbach apart
I’d be hard-pressed to find a more apt comparison of the way different generations consume their media than the one to be found in a key moment that occurs in…
No “Mask” for this artist: Davé dishes about her new EP
A year ago, Ashni Davé quit her job and moved to Queens. It’s every artist’s biggest dream and greatest fear, foregoing steady employment to pursue a passion. As risky as…
Vassar Devils sing their way to collective a cappella success
While many of us might have spent spring break getting excited for Pitch Perfect 2, the Vassar Devils were experiencing the real-life excitement of a national a cappella competition. The…
Female-focused exhibition brings art form to forefront
For the next several weeks, the Art Library is privileged to present to the Vassar community an exhibition of artists’ books, entitled “Misbehaving: Artists’ Books by Women Artists,” on view…
Student work covers Palmer walls in annual exhibition
This week, it’s probably impossible for anyone to walk past the retreat without notice the Palmer Gallery now filled by numerous black and white drawings. While these works might not…
ASA screens Detroit film, Vincent Who?
On Wednesday April 8, in Rocky 200, Vincent Who? will be screened. The film starts at 7:00 and its producer, Curtis Chin, will be in attendance. Vincent Who? is a…
Lamar’s album takes political look at rap
A young rapper stirs in his urban, impoverished hometown. People begin to take notice of him at an early age: despite his humble beginnings and depressed surroundings, he makes his…
‘Whiplash’ tells tale of educational woes
Despite acknowledging that “Birdman”’s triumph at this year’s Academy Awards was well-deserved, my personal pick was and is still “Whiplash,” directed by Damien Chazelle. Perhaps I adore this film since…