SEPTEMBER 12, 1986

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring De Sica's 'Children' from 1942. Impact: The release of De Sica's bleak tale led to an unexpected surge in the popularity of soap operas, as people sought out lighter fare to balance their existential dread. Eventually, this spawned a reality show where contestants compete to find the most depressing childhood story.. Fact: Did you know that 1942 was the year when everyone seemed to think that making movies about abandoned kids was a good idea? It's almost like they were trying to win an award for 'Most Depressing Film of the Year.'.
• Headline: Placido Domingo in Zeffirelli's Otello. Impact: Placido Domingo's performance in 'Otello' not only solidified his status as a tenor but also inadvertently inspired a future generation of musicians to believe that they, too, could perform Shakespeare while wearing costumes that looked like they belonged in a Renaissance fair.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Otello' was originally a tragedy, but after Zeffirelli’s production, many audience members reported leaving the theater with a newfound affinity for dramatic eye rolls..
• Headline: Exploring 'Night, Mother' with Sissy Spacek. Impact: The talky nature of 'Night, Mother' led to a cultural phenomenon where audiences decided they preferred films that were less about intense family dynamics and more about superheroes in spandex. Thus, the rise of the superhero genre can be traced back to a family drama that took itself way too seriously.. Fact: In a delightful twist of fate, 'Night, Mother' became a favorite among coffee shop patrons who wanted to sound intellectual while secretly scrolling through their phones during the slow parts..