Alan Zilberman
@alanzilberman.bsky.social
Film critic at Washington City Paper. #FreeDC.
Nine Inch Nails scene report: like with the Baltimore show, a large cohort of their fanbase seem annoyed they have embraced dance music.
February 12, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Nine Inch Nails scene report: like with the Baltimore show, a large cohort of their fanbase seem annoyed they have embraced dance music.
James Van Der Beek does not get enough credit for The Rules of Attraction. His character is recognizable today's world: a malignant buffoon you could almost pity if he wasn't so dumb.
Off camera, especially during his cancer battle, he struck me as self-deprecating and courageous.
Rest in power.
Off camera, especially during his cancer battle, he struck me as self-deprecating and courageous.
Rest in power.
James Van Der Beek, who starred in the teen drama series "Dawson’s Creek," has died at 48
February 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM
James Van Der Beek does not get enough credit for The Rules of Attraction. His character is recognizable today's world: a malignant buffoon you could almost pity if he wasn't so dumb.
Off camera, especially during his cancer battle, he struck me as self-deprecating and courageous.
Rest in power.
Off camera, especially during his cancer battle, he struck me as self-deprecating and courageous.
Rest in power.
Dang. I always pleasantly surprised when he popped up.
My personal favorite was when he played the world's shittiest boss to Dennis Haysbert in HEAT.
My personal favorite was when he played the world's shittiest boss to Dennis Haysbert in HEAT.
Bud Cort, ‘Harold and Maude’ Star, Dies at 77
Bud Cort, who starred in 'Harold and Maude" and "Brewster McCloud," died Wednesday. He was 77.
variety.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Dang. I always pleasantly surprised when he popped up.
My personal favorite was when he played the world's shittiest boss to Dennis Haysbert in HEAT.
My personal favorite was when he played the world's shittiest boss to Dennis Haysbert in HEAT.
Scene report: after chipping away at it for nearly three weeks, I have finally dug out my car.
February 11, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Scene report: after chipping away at it for nearly three weeks, I have finally dug out my car.
Wow, this blew up!
To be clear, I am not here to litigate the intricacies of the job report revision process. I just think it's funny to encounter an example of "I happen to have Mr. McLuhan right here" in the wild.
I promise I'll go back to posting about movies, books, and punk rock shortly.
To be clear, I am not here to litigate the intricacies of the job report revision process. I just think it's funny to encounter an example of "I happen to have Mr. McLuhan right here" in the wild.
I promise I'll go back to posting about movies, books, and punk rock shortly.
Bluesky in a nutshell.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
February 11, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Wow, this blew up!
To be clear, I am not here to litigate the intricacies of the job report revision process. I just think it's funny to encounter an example of "I happen to have Mr. McLuhan right here" in the wild.
I promise I'll go back to posting about movies, books, and punk rock shortly.
To be clear, I am not here to litigate the intricacies of the job report revision process. I just think it's funny to encounter an example of "I happen to have Mr. McLuhan right here" in the wild.
I promise I'll go back to posting about movies, books, and punk rock shortly.
Bluesky in a nutshell.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
February 11, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Bluesky in a nutshell.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
Some context: BLS released its jobs numbers today, which were better than expected, and resistance libs would rather stay mad/conspiratorial than listen to actual on-the-ground experts that the data is still reliable.
They played "I'm Afraid of Americans" in New Orleans last week (thanks for the catch @aadowd.bsky.social), so here's hoping they realize the DC crowd - which is still dealing with National Guard on the streets - could use some catharsis!
Nine Inch Nails is playing DC tomorrow, their first time here since 2018. If they don’t play “I’m Afraid of Americans,” I think the entire crowd will be justifiably disappointed.
February 11, 2026 at 3:35 PM
They played "I'm Afraid of Americans" in New Orleans last week (thanks for the catch @aadowd.bsky.social), so here's hoping they realize the DC crowd - which is still dealing with National Guard on the streets - could use some catharsis!
Mark… you can still hire them.
(Media) SCOOP: Weeks ago, the owner of the Washington City Paper had offered to purchase The Washington Post's sports and local sections, keeping their desks alive.
The Post reporters were laid off and the desks were shut down instead.
www.theverge.com/policy/87683...
The Post reporters were laid off and the desks were shut down instead.
www.theverge.com/policy/87683...
Bezos could have saved WaPo’s sports and local journalists. He laid them off instead.
“The equation isn’t adding up.”
www.theverge.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Mark… you can still hire them.
Nine Inch Nails is playing DC tomorrow, their first time here since 2018. If they don’t play “I’m Afraid of Americans,” I think the entire crowd will be justifiably disappointed.
February 11, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Nine Inch Nails is playing DC tomorrow, their first time here since 2018. If they don’t play “I’m Afraid of Americans,” I think the entire crowd will be justifiably disappointed.
Reposted by Alan Zilberman
"Shout out also to Tiny Desk series editor Lars Gotrich, a nice guy and a great music writer who has a most excellent name. Lars Got Rich. Fucking sick. If that was my name, you couldn't tell me shit."
You can't tell me shit. (Thanks, @tombreihan.bsky.social 🙌)
You can't tell me shit. (Thanks, @tombreihan.bsky.social 🙌)
Geese's Tiny Desk Concert is really good
Geese's Tiny Desk Concert Is Really Good: Watch
An Australian TikToker recently ran into Geese frontman Cameron Winter at an airport, and they had a little impromptu interview. When asked what was next for Geese, Winter said, “We go deeper into the...
stereogum.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:00 PM
"Shout out also to Tiny Desk series editor Lars Gotrich, a nice guy and a great music writer who has a most excellent name. Lars Got Rich. Fucking sick. If that was my name, you couldn't tell me shit."
You can't tell me shit. (Thanks, @tombreihan.bsky.social 🙌)
You can't tell me shit. (Thanks, @tombreihan.bsky.social 🙌)
As of right now, the results are neck and neck! How? Why?!
Do you want to vote for arguably the finest animated film Disney ever made, or be an agent of chaos? No matter how you choose, be [Josh's] guest.
Do you want to vote for arguably the finest animated film Disney ever made, or be an agent of chaos? No matter how you choose, be [Josh's] guest.
February 10, 2026 at 7:17 PM
As of right now, the results are neck and neck! How? Why?!
Do you want to vote for arguably the finest animated film Disney ever made, or be an agent of chaos? No matter how you choose, be [Josh's] guest.
Do you want to vote for arguably the finest animated film Disney ever made, or be an agent of chaos? No matter how you choose, be [Josh's] guest.
We are far enough into the year that I am harshly judging the homeowners who, against all sense and good taste, still have up their Christmas decorations.
February 10, 2026 at 4:36 PM
We are far enough into the year that I am harshly judging the homeowners who, against all sense and good taste, still have up their Christmas decorations.
A former book critic at Washington Post Book World wrote about last week's cuts, and while the whole thing is worth reading, the end cuts through the bullshit of algorithm/click-driven generated content to articulate the need for actual criticism and culture.
www.newyorker.com/books/page-t...
www.newyorker.com/books/page-t...
February 10, 2026 at 2:16 PM
A former book critic at Washington Post Book World wrote about last week's cuts, and while the whole thing is worth reading, the end cuts through the bullshit of algorithm/click-driven generated content to articulate the need for actual criticism and culture.
www.newyorker.com/books/page-t...
www.newyorker.com/books/page-t...
Fell to my knees when I saw today’s high temperature, now my knee is all fucked up from sharp ice chunks digging into it.
looking at today’s forecasted temperature in the 40s, a single tear of joy streaming down my cheek
February 10, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Fell to my knees when I saw today’s high temperature, now my knee is all fucked up from sharp ice chunks digging into it.
About to find out whether I get to fill out another square on my bingo card.
February 9, 2026 at 11:41 PM
About to find out whether I get to fill out another square on my bingo card.
Post a banger that isn't in English.
I'm picking Otoboke Beaver, who shred and go harder than everybody.
I'm picking Otoboke Beaver, who shred and go harder than everybody.
February 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Post a banger that isn't in English.
I'm picking Otoboke Beaver, who shred and go harder than everybody.
I'm picking Otoboke Beaver, who shred and go harder than everybody.
Props to Laura Dern, who I think took more movies from the closet than pretty much everyone who has visited.
February 9, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Props to Laura Dern, who I think took more movies from the closet than pretty much everyone who has visited.
When the LCD Soundsystem track "Oh Baby" played over the superbowl ad for Starlunk, one of Elon Musk's companies, I thought of this great @slate.com essay.
At least James and the gang don't have to worry about losing their edge anywmore. It's gone.
At least James and the gang don't have to worry about losing their edge anywmore. It's gone.
LCD Soundsystem Used to Be the Coolest Band In the World. How Did They Get So Cringe?
Watching the set at the Knockdown Center, I became aware that my favorite band had become unfathomably lame.
slate.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM
When the LCD Soundsystem track "Oh Baby" played over the superbowl ad for Starlunk, one of Elon Musk's companies, I thought of this great @slate.com essay.
At least James and the gang don't have to worry about losing their edge anywmore. It's gone.
At least James and the gang don't have to worry about losing their edge anywmore. It's gone.
In a true "did not have that on my bingo card" moment, the year's first great punk record is by a French band.
Falling, by Youth Avoiders
from the album Defiance
youthavoiders.bandcamp.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:31 PM
In a true "did not have that on my bingo card" moment, the year's first great punk record is by a French band.
I am reading Sonny Boy, Al Pacino's memoir, and I got to a section where he talks about The Local Stigmatic, a film version of a one-act play he made in the 1980s.
He calls it one of his best roles, so out of curiosity, I watched it on YouTube. His English accent may be the worst I've ever heard.
He calls it one of his best roles, so out of curiosity, I watched it on YouTube. His English accent may be the worst I've ever heard.
The Local Stigmatic Pacino Speech
YouTube video by Nicholas Rowland
www.youtube.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:50 PM
I am reading Sonny Boy, Al Pacino's memoir, and I got to a section where he talks about The Local Stigmatic, a film version of a one-act play he made in the 1980s.
He calls it one of his best roles, so out of curiosity, I watched it on YouTube. His English accent may be the worst I've ever heard.
He calls it one of his best roles, so out of curiosity, I watched it on YouTube. His English accent may be the worst I've ever heard.
Reposted by Alan Zilberman
I doubt this has happened before: 11 of this weekend's top 15 movies were made independently, inc. 4 of the top 5. There is nothing holding down overall grosses and attendance more than the fact that studios have forgotten how to do what they used to do, which is to fill the pipeline with movies.
February 9, 2026 at 12:48 AM
I doubt this has happened before: 11 of this weekend's top 15 movies were made independently, inc. 4 of the top 5. There is nothing holding down overall grosses and attendance more than the fact that studios have forgotten how to do what they used to do, which is to fill the pipeline with movies.
You could pick a list of five entirely different characters and it would still be defensible.
1. Max Cherry
2. Bill
3. Vincent Vega
4. Major Marquis Warren
5. Mr. Pink
1. Max Cherry
2. Bill
3. Vincent Vega
4. Major Marquis Warren
5. Mr. Pink
ok fine one more post about The Adventures of Cliff Booth. real quick top five Tarantino characters
1. The Bride
T-2. Shoshanna Dreyfus
T-2. Hans Landa
4. Cliff Booth
5. Jules Winnfield
1. The Bride
T-2. Shoshanna Dreyfus
T-2. Hans Landa
4. Cliff Booth
5. Jules Winnfield
February 9, 2026 at 12:33 AM
You could pick a list of five entirely different characters and it would still be defensible.
1. Max Cherry
2. Bill
3. Vincent Vega
4. Major Marquis Warren
5. Mr. Pink
1. Max Cherry
2. Bill
3. Vincent Vega
4. Major Marquis Warren
5. Mr. Pink
“American Idiot” is the only thing non-dystopian part of the past hour’s broadcast.
February 8, 2026 at 11:26 PM
“American Idiot” is the only thing non-dystopian part of the past hour’s broadcast.
Reposted by Alan Zilberman
the people who want you to believe that generative AI can paint like Picasso tend to gloss over the fact that Picasso didn’t have hundreds of Picassos to learn from. He had to make something new, which a model trained on old art is definitionally incapable of doing.
February 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
the people who want you to believe that generative AI can paint like Picasso tend to gloss over the fact that Picasso didn’t have hundreds of Picassos to learn from. He had to make something new, which a model trained on old art is definitionally incapable of doing.
Matt Damon said “fortune favors the brave” in a Super Bowl crypto ad five years ago. If you listened to him, you almost certainly would have lost money.
He was paid in cash.
He was paid in cash.
happy Super Bowl Sunday! for all you commercials sickos, I make the case that this game's ad blitz will be to A.I. what 2022's was to crypto and 2000's was to the dot-com boom—with all attendant implications for our broader economy and the celebrity-promotion complex: slate.com/technology/2...
The Biggest Star of the Super Bowl Isn’t an Athlete—or Bad Bunny
We’ve seen this game before, and it doesn’t end well for anyone.
slate.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Matt Damon said “fortune favors the brave” in a Super Bowl crypto ad five years ago. If you listened to him, you almost certainly would have lost money.
He was paid in cash.
He was paid in cash.