Andres Guzman

Soft Sticks • 4th June 2021

Horror Films: Faux Your Consideration

There were a solid few months last year where many of us in the horror community were positive that Leigh Whannell’s exquisite and provocative take on The Invisible Man could warrant at least one nomination, specifically for Elizabeth Moss’ incredible performance. What we thought could have been a shoo-in was Jayro Bustamente’s La Llorona, a film that was nominated for a Critics Choice Award. On Oscar nomination day, we watched them get announced and hoped for something to appease us.

Film Cred • 4th June 2021

The Rest is Confetti: Mike Flanagan and Familial Trauma

While most people only began noticing Mike Flanagan recently with some of his bigger releases, it was Oculus that first grabbed my attention. Most filmmakers typically learn and build a style as they get older and make more films, but with Flanagan’s Oculus, it’s easy to see the foundation of the rest of his career. While there are many recurring images and themes throughout Flanagan’s filmography, none is more evident than familial trauma and how it affects his characters.

Film Cred • 1st June 2021

Review: 'In the Heights'

I was obsessed with Hamilton before I heard In the Heights for the first time. I didn’t think it would match, but it was very surprising when I realized it could match – and pass it. In the Heights sang about a life that I knew, not necessarily my life, but one that I could make appearances in. I’ve been patiently waiting for this film to be released. Seeing the trailer on a big screen moved me to tears, so I was almost positive that I would have the same reaction to the finished film.

Council of Zoom • 18th March 2021

Looking at Trauma and Grief Within 'Legion' and 'WandaVision'

In early 2017, I was very depressed, and it started getting to a point where I didn’t know how I’d find a way out. Around the same time, I stumbled upon Noah Hawley’s Legion and as I was watching the pilot, I fell into a trance. Hawley’s dialogue (and screenplay) felt as if it was written specifically for me. It felt as if I was watching magic happen on-screen, and it gave me a reason to believe in it.

Council of Zoom • 3rd February 2021

Why 'Gone Girl' Is a Great Romantic Comedy

I remember where I was the first time I saw Gone Girl. I was in a packed theatre with a close friend of mine. Moments before the film began I was texting my girlfriend at the time that the movie was about to start. I was in awe during the entire two and a half-hour run time. And then when it ended, he turned to me and made the same joke most people did after they saw the film “I’m glad I’m single.”

The UnderSCENE • 3rd February 2021

We’re All going To The World’s Fair [Sundance21]

I’ve been active on the internet for the last 15 years, minimum. After elementary school, I’d go home, go into the computer room, and log onto MSN and talk the night away. It was a routine, it was the way that I survived. At the time, I was an anxious little child – unaware of what was truly going on, even less aware of who I might end up becoming.

The UnderSCENE • 30th January 2021

On The Count of Three [Sundance21]

This is Jerrod Carmichael’s directorial debut, and along with Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch (who helped create Ramy), the film finds a wonderful balance of humour and sorrow. Walking the tight rope of being obscene and honesty.

The UnderSCENE • 18th January 2021

#RelationshipGoals

Jim and Pam, the biggest #relationshipgoals before there were hashtags.

Film Cred • 22nd December 2020

What 'Boyhood' and 'Lady Bird' Get Right About Memory

Living through 2020 has taught me two things – to appreciate what we have and that keeping track of time is a fool’s errand. There are moments throughout the year that stay clear, while many others are fuzzy.

The UnderSCENE • 2nd December 2020

A Conversation with Black Bear’s Lawrence Michael Levine

I had the great opportunity to interview the writer/director Lawrence Michael Levine.

The UnderSCENE • 19th November 2020

A Conversation with Sound of Metal’s Darius Marder

As you may have seen during this week whether it be the News write-up or the review that we just posted, I loved Sound of Metal. After three viewings (first time at TIFF last year, and the two over the past week), it is a film that I’ll continue to hold close and dear for the foreseeable future.

The UnderSCENE • 6th November 2020

A Conversation with Luca Guadagnino

In early September, I had the opportunity to watch the first half of We Are Who We Are and as I state in my review, I was blown away by it. Luca Guadagnino brought us a project that was explosive, meditative, and thought-provoking with a soundtrack that moves you physically, and emotionally.

The UnderSCENE • 10th September 2020

We Are Who We Are [Review]

Since Call Me By Your Name, Luca’s name has been everywhere including a Lord of The Flies adaptation, and also the Scarface film that the Coen Bros wrote.

The UnderSCENE • 18th July 2019

Discussing Toxic Masculinity with Jesse Eisenberg [Interview]

We go into minor spoilers (plot details) but if you do not want to be spoiled, watch The Art of Self Defense first. Without further ado, enjoy our interview with Jesse Eisenberg!

The UnderSCENE • 17th July 2020

A Conversation with The High Note’s Kelvin Harrison Jr.

This past week I got to speak to Kelvin Harrison Jr. on the phone about finding his voice, both as an actor and as an excellent singer in The High Note.