Thompson on Hollywood

'Top of the Lake' Finale Recap: State of Emergency

Television

Certain episodes of television stand out not only within the course of a series, but within the course of a year. In 2012, it was the eleventh episode of “Mad Men,” titled “The Other Women” (incidentally also featuring a stunning performance from Elisabeth Moss). This year, the finale of “Top of the Lake” achieves that same skin-tingling, harshly heartbreaking, core-shaking status.

By Beth Hanna
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April 16, 2013 2:27 PM
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'Top of the Lake' Episode 5 Recap: The Body Knows What To Do

Television

This week’s episode of “Top of the Lake” finds its characters combating feelings of helplessness -- from the past, from a seemingly impenetrable mystery, and from death.

By Beth Hanna
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April 8, 2013 11:00 PM
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'Top of the Lake' Episode 4 Recap: A Devastating Revelation, and a Simple "Yes/No"

Television

How do the characters in “Top of the Lake” communicate with each other, and how quickly do they choose to divulge information? This is a central question in this week’s episode, which finds significance in both a harrowing, complex monologue and the two most basic written responses in our language.

By Beth Hanna
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April 1, 2013 11:00 PM
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'Top of the Lake' Recap 1: A Brilliant Beginning to Jane Campion's Dark, Deep and Dreamlike Mystery

Television

“Top of the Lake,” the new Sundance Channel miniseries created, written and directed in part by Jane Campion, is a masterfully twisty creation that floats just out of the reach of comfortable comprehension. Its characters, united in the search for a missing girl against an ominous backdrop of awesome scenery and local misogyny, move through scenes that are at once anchored in the real and yet have a dreamlike quality.

By Beth Hanna
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March 18, 2013 11:41 PM
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Trailer Watch: Jane Campion's Gorgeous, Twisty Mystery Series 'Top of the Lake,' Starring Elisabeth Moss

Television

Check out the U.K. trailer for Jane Campion's brilliantly unsettling mystery mini-series "Top of the Lake," premiering March 18 on the Sundance Channel. Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men") toplines as a tough young Kiwi detective investigating the disappearance of a local pregnant pre-teen in backwoods New Zealand.

By Beth Hanna
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February 25, 2013 1:09 PM
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Jane Campion to Head Cannes Short Film Jury and Cinefondation

Festivals

Jane Campion will head the Cinefondation and Short Film jury at the 66th Cannes Film Festival. Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Michel Gondry, Martin Scorsese, Hou Hsiao Hsien and John Boorman have previously held this position.

By Beth Hanna
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February 5, 2013 1:14 PM
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Weekend Recap: 'Only God Forgives' Teaser, Naomi Watts as Princess Di, Twenty-Somethings on 'Girls,' and HBO/Hulu Changes

News

Film Comment posted the "50 Best Undistributed Films of 2012," beginning with "Our Children" (Joachim Lafosse, Belgium/Luxembourg/France/Switzerland), followed by "Memories Look at Me" (Song Fang, China) and "First Cousin Once Removed" (Alan Berliner, U.S.). Read their full list here.