Mark Olsen writes about all kinds of movies for the Los Angeles Times as both a feature writer and reviewer. He creates a regular series on independent, documentary and foreign language films under the banner of Indie Focus, also curating and hosting the Indie Focus Screening Series. His work has also appeared in Film Comment, the New York Times, LA Weekly, Sight & Sound and other publications. He is from Kansas.
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Also this week: Road movies, including ‘Paper Moon,’ ‘It Happened One Night’ and ‘Two for the Road,’ plus a Guy Maddin retrospective that includes his new ‘Rumours.’
Oct. 4, 2024
Along with world premieres from Robert Zemeckis and Clint Eastwood, this year’s AFI Fest will showcase many titles that have launched on the festival circuit.
Oct. 1, 2024
Also this week: Francis Ford Coppola’s personal epic ‘Megalopolis,’ Johnnie To’s ‘Election’ and a live performance of Eiko Ishibashi’s ‘Gift.’
Sept. 27, 2024
From ‘SNL’ vets like Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig to movie stars, documentarians and reality TV judges, here are Hollywood’s favorite sketches from the first 50 years.
Sept. 25, 2024
Check out what film and TV stars such Jude Law, Tilda Swinton and more said were their favorite ‘SNL’ sketches from the series’ first 49 seasons.
Sept. 25, 2024
Also this week: Leonard Maltin presents 1930s Universal rarities, ‘Rhythm Thief’ restored, Haile Gerima’s new documentary and a double-bill of Alain Delon’s beauty.
Sept. 20, 2024
The latest film from Azazel Jacobs brings together Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen for a deeply moving drama about family, grief and letting go.
Sept. 19, 2024
Also this week: A new 35mm print of ‘Shampoo,’ a 4K restoration of ‘Paris, Texas,’ ‘Mi Vida Loca,’ a generous Beyond Fest lineup, news about Sundance and more.
Sept. 13, 2024
The possible new home for one of the film calendar’s key annual events in the U.S. will be announced at the conclusion of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Sept. 12, 2024
Two Jude Law movies, a career-best performance by Pamela Anderson, the return of Mike Leigh and more were among our favorite first-time watches at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Sept. 12, 2024