J Hoberman
@jhoberman.bsky.social
Occasional film critic, Columbia adjunct, old VV staff writer
📚 Bridge of Light: Yiddish Film Between Two Worlds, The Red Atlantis: Communist Culture in the Absence of Communism, 3 books on Hollywood & the Cold War
🔜Everything is Now: NYC 60s Avantgarde
📚 Bridge of Light: Yiddish Film Between Two Worlds, The Red Atlantis: Communist Culture in the Absence of Communism, 3 books on Hollywood & the Cold War
🔜Everything is Now: NYC 60s Avantgarde
gothamist.com/news/ny-stud...
This is something. “We try not to prescribe curriculum but there are a small number of events of such historical importance that we feel it necessary to ensure all public school kids in New York are taught about these events” sez state Sen. John Liu (Queens Democrat)
This is something. “We try not to prescribe curriculum but there are a small number of events of such historical importance that we feel it necessary to ensure all public school kids in New York are taught about these events” sez state Sen. John Liu (Queens Democrat)
NY students would study Jan. 6 Capitol attack under pending bill
The measure aims to counter President Trump's bid to "gaslight the American people" on the siege, a sponsor said.
gothamist.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:52 PM
gothamist.com/news/ny-stud...
This is something. “We try not to prescribe curriculum but there are a small number of events of such historical importance that we feel it necessary to ensure all public school kids in New York are taught about these events” sez state Sen. John Liu (Queens Democrat)
This is something. “We try not to prescribe curriculum but there are a small number of events of such historical importance that we feel it necessary to ensure all public school kids in New York are taught about these events” sez state Sen. John Liu (Queens Democrat)
Just read and knocked out by Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata's early Scarlet Gang of Asakusa--a great big city novel, comparable in its hyper modernism to Berlin Alexanderplatz or Manhattan Transfer. What is its critical status? Is it being taught these days outside of Japanese lit courses?
January 6, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Just read and knocked out by Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata's early Scarlet Gang of Asakusa--a great big city novel, comparable in its hyper modernism to Berlin Alexanderplatz or Manhattan Transfer. What is its critical status? Is it being taught these days outside of Japanese lit courses?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/o...
"Mamdani is part of a long tradition in New York City that has framed itself as seeking to reclaim the demyocratic community of the city from wealth, power and greed" which is to say the likes of Donald Trump
"Mamdani is part of a long tradition in New York City that has framed itself as seeking to reclaim the demyocratic community of the city from wealth, power and greed" which is to say the likes of Donald Trump
Opinion | Welcome to the Mamdani Era, New York
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:34 AM
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/o...
"Mamdani is part of a long tradition in New York City that has framed itself as seeking to reclaim the demyocratic community of the city from wealth, power and greed" which is to say the likes of Donald Trump
"Mamdani is part of a long tradition in New York City that has framed itself as seeking to reclaim the demyocratic community of the city from wealth, power and greed" which is to say the likes of Donald Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
Why are we not surprised?
Why are we not surprised?
Trump’s Claims About Nigeria Strike Belie a Complex Situation on the Ground
www.nytimes.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
Why are we not surprised?
Why are we not surprised?
us18.campaign-archive.com?e=68e7433329...
Could this be the end of Bibi?
Could this be the end of Bibi?
'Leading Jews back to the ghetto': A Democrat's accusation that leaves Netanyahu cornered
us18.campaign-archive.com
December 25, 2025 at 10:26 AM
us18.campaign-archive.com?e=68e7433329...
Could this be the end of Bibi?
Could this be the end of Bibi?
reverseshot.org/interviews/e...
Very granular interview conducted by Jordan Crank when I was in LA in late September.
Very granular interview conducted by Jordan Crank when I was in LA in late September.
Text of Light: An Interview with J. Hoberman
Taking stock of what�s new and notable in the ever-evolving ecosystem of experimental cinema.
reverseshot.org
December 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
reverseshot.org/interviews/e...
Very granular interview conducted by Jordan Crank when I was in LA in late September.
Very granular interview conducted by Jordan Crank when I was in LA in late September.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/u...
"The data shows otherwise" but Miller himself is an example.
"The data shows otherwise" but Miller himself is an example.
Stephen Miller Cites Children of Immigrants as a Problem
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:14 AM
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/u...
"The data shows otherwise" but Miller himself is an example.
"The data shows otherwise" but Miller himself is an example.
‘Who Killed Santa Claus?’: The Night Before Christmas in Occupied France
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by J Hoberman
The fascist moment is global. Models self on Trump, reveres Pinochet, is a gender nationalist. Oh and his dad was a Nazi. Literally. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Far-right José Antonio Kast favored to win as Chile votes in presidential runoff
Trump-inspired former congressman expected to succeed Gabriel Boric but compulsory voting could create volatility
www.theguardian.com
December 14, 2025 at 11:15 AM
The fascist moment is global. Models self on Trump, reveres Pinochet, is a gender nationalist. Oh and his dad was a Nazi. Literally. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
What do Venezuela, Iraq, and Iran (and Greenland) have in common?
December 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
What do Venezuela, Iraq, and Iran (and Greenland) have in common?
newrepublic.com/article/2042...
It only took them a year to figure this out--should have been obvious to anyone looking at the numbers.
It only took them a year to figure this out--should have been obvious to anyone looking at the numbers.
A New Report Reveals the Real Reason Democrats Lost in 2024
It wasn’t because Biden voters shifted to Trump—but because so many of them stayed home. Here’s how Democrats can motivate them once more.
newrepublic.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:20 PM
newrepublic.com/article/2042...
It only took them a year to figure this out--should have been obvious to anyone looking at the numbers.
It only took them a year to figure this out--should have been obvious to anyone looking at the numbers.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/w...
In addition to glamorous Malevich, Ukraine could claim the Jewish writers Isaac Babel, Vasily Grossman, Mendele Mocher Sforim, Der Nister, & Sholom Aleichem.
In addition to glamorous Malevich, Ukraine could claim the Jewish writers Isaac Babel, Vasily Grossman, Mendele Mocher Sforim, Der Nister, & Sholom Aleichem.
Another Front in the War in Ukraine: Who Gets to Claim a Famed Artist?
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:37 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/w...
In addition to glamorous Malevich, Ukraine could claim the Jewish writers Isaac Babel, Vasily Grossman, Mendele Mocher Sforim, Der Nister, & Sholom Aleichem.
In addition to glamorous Malevich, Ukraine could claim the Jewish writers Isaac Babel, Vasily Grossman, Mendele Mocher Sforim, Der Nister, & Sholom Aleichem.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
“They haven’t had an election in a long time,” said the US president. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.” Spoken like Putin's sock puppet.
“They haven’t had an election in a long time,” said the US president. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.” Spoken like Putin's sock puppet.
Zelenskyy ‘ready for elections’ after Trump questions Ukrainian democracy
Zelenskyy says he would hold wartime elections within months given help from allies and Ukraine’s parliament
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
“They haven’t had an election in a long time,” said the US president. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.” Spoken like Putin's sock puppet.
“They haven’t had an election in a long time,” said the US president. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.” Spoken like Putin's sock puppet.
jewishcurrents.org/how-trumps-g...
As w previous “international” plans—from Oslo to Jared Kushner’s “Deal of the Century”—the Trump plan presents Israeli gains as concessions & Palestinian losses as rewards [along] w outsiders’ shameless pursuit of their own political & financial interests.
As w previous “international” plans—from Oslo to Jared Kushner’s “Deal of the Century”—the Trump plan presents Israeli gains as concessions & Palestinian losses as rewards [along] w outsiders’ shameless pursuit of their own political & financial interests.
How Trump’s Gaza Plan Is Enabling Another Israeli Land Grab
By codifying Israel’s demands, the new “peace process” guarantees that Palestinian territory will keep shrinking.
jewishcurrents.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:11 PM
jewishcurrents.org/how-trumps-g...
As w previous “international” plans—from Oslo to Jared Kushner’s “Deal of the Century”—the Trump plan presents Israeli gains as concessions & Palestinian losses as rewards [along] w outsiders’ shameless pursuit of their own political & financial interests.
As w previous “international” plans—from Oslo to Jared Kushner’s “Deal of the Century”—the Trump plan presents Israeli gains as concessions & Palestinian losses as rewards [along] w outsiders’ shameless pursuit of their own political & financial interests.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzTj...
A footnote to the Steve Cropper fest--this cover of his great song (written w Wilson Pickett), 5 1/2 minutes of soaring gospel energy, ending in 2 minutes of joyful call & response. No knock on the single but this version is pure uplift (& was astounding live)
A footnote to the Steve Cropper fest--this cover of his great song (written w Wilson Pickett), 5 1/2 minutes of soaring gospel energy, ending in 2 minutes of joyful call & response. No knock on the single but this version is pure uplift (& was astounding live)
The Chambers Brothers "In The Midnight Hour"
YouTube video by sbritt
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:20 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzTj...
A footnote to the Steve Cropper fest--this cover of his great song (written w Wilson Pickett), 5 1/2 minutes of soaring gospel energy, ending in 2 minutes of joyful call & response. No knock on the single but this version is pure uplift (& was astounding live)
A footnote to the Steve Cropper fest--this cover of his great song (written w Wilson Pickett), 5 1/2 minutes of soaring gospel energy, ending in 2 minutes of joyful call & response. No knock on the single but this version is pure uplift (& was astounding live)
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
“Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine,” Putin said, adding: “Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now.” Taco time! Blaming Europe, Putin will play our Dear Leader once again.
“Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine,” Putin said, adding: “Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now.” Taco time! Blaming Europe, Putin will play our Dear Leader once again.
Russia ‘ready’ for war if Europe starts it, Putin says, as US peace talks end without progress
Kremlin aide says Ukraine crisis is no closer to resolution after Witkoff talks, as Russian president accuses European powers of sabotaging peace
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
“Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine,” Putin said, adding: “Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now.” Taco time! Blaming Europe, Putin will play our Dear Leader once again.
“Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine,” Putin said, adding: “Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now.” Taco time! Blaming Europe, Putin will play our Dear Leader once again.
Off the pile #5: The Gracie Allen Murder Case
Laugh out loud funny. Working solo, Gracie is the most disruptive comic force since Harpo Marx. Her straight man is the overbearing & lubricious Warren William as detective Philo Vance (whom she insists on calling "Fido"). Did she write her own stuff?
Laugh out loud funny. Working solo, Gracie is the most disruptive comic force since Harpo Marx. Her straight man is the overbearing & lubricious Warren William as detective Philo Vance (whom she insists on calling "Fido"). Did she write her own stuff?
December 1, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Off the pile #5: The Gracie Allen Murder Case
Laugh out loud funny. Working solo, Gracie is the most disruptive comic force since Harpo Marx. Her straight man is the overbearing & lubricious Warren William as detective Philo Vance (whom she insists on calling "Fido"). Did she write her own stuff?
Laugh out loud funny. Working solo, Gracie is the most disruptive comic force since Harpo Marx. Her straight man is the overbearing & lubricious Warren William as detective Philo Vance (whom she insists on calling "Fido"). Did she write her own stuff?
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Maybe I'm being too 20th Century here but isn't the real point that Venezuela produces... oil? Like the largest proven reserves in the world?
Maybe I'm being too 20th Century here but isn't the real point that Venezuela produces... oil? Like the largest proven reserves in the world?
Venezuela Doesn’t Produce Fentanyl. Trump Is Targeting It Anyway.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Maybe I'm being too 20th Century here but isn't the real point that Venezuela produces... oil? Like the largest proven reserves in the world?
Maybe I'm being too 20th Century here but isn't the real point that Venezuela produces... oil? Like the largest proven reserves in the world?
Republicans Prove Irony Is Dead With Vote on Condemning Fascism newrepublic.com/post/203347/... via @newrepublic.com
Republicans Prove Irony Is Dead With Vote on Condemning Fascism
Republicans hate being called fascist, and yet ...
newrepublic.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Republicans Prove Irony Is Dead With Vote on Condemning Fascism newrepublic.com/post/203347/... via @newrepublic.com
Off the Pile #4
James Whale makes this pre-Code job--an upstairs-downstairs bedroom farce predicated on class privilege & mistaken identity--most watchable. Not Lubitsch (altho Hanns Kräly had a hand) but not bad. Casting e.g. Bela Lugosi & Lupe Velez would've made for wackier Ruritarian screwball.
James Whale makes this pre-Code job--an upstairs-downstairs bedroom farce predicated on class privilege & mistaken identity--most watchable. Not Lubitsch (altho Hanns Kräly had a hand) but not bad. Casting e.g. Bela Lugosi & Lupe Velez would've made for wackier Ruritarian screwball.
November 13, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Off the Pile #4
James Whale makes this pre-Code job--an upstairs-downstairs bedroom farce predicated on class privilege & mistaken identity--most watchable. Not Lubitsch (altho Hanns Kräly had a hand) but not bad. Casting e.g. Bela Lugosi & Lupe Velez would've made for wackier Ruritarian screwball.
James Whale makes this pre-Code job--an upstairs-downstairs bedroom farce predicated on class privilege & mistaken identity--most watchable. Not Lubitsch (altho Hanns Kräly had a hand) but not bad. Casting e.g. Bela Lugosi & Lupe Velez would've made for wackier Ruritarian screwball.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/m...
New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther found the film “an ugly, depressing view of life.” Perhaps one had to be 16 to see “Viridiana” as a grown-up version of Mad magazine. Call mine a case of arrested development, but I still do.
New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther found the film “an ugly, depressing view of life.” Perhaps one had to be 16 to see “Viridiana” as a grown-up version of Mad magazine. Call mine a case of arrested development, but I still do.
‘Viridiana’ Was Luis Buñuel’s Revenge
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:21 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/m...
New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther found the film “an ugly, depressing view of life.” Perhaps one had to be 16 to see “Viridiana” as a grown-up version of Mad magazine. Call mine a case of arrested development, but I still do.
New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther found the film “an ugly, depressing view of life.” Perhaps one had to be 16 to see “Viridiana” as a grown-up version of Mad magazine. Call mine a case of arrested development, but I still do.
Reposted by J Hoberman
Fuck yeah
A chorus of Jewish New York communities, including Bend the Arc, are repudiating the ADL's blatant Islamophobia in a joint statement.
Read more below:
Read more below:
Progressive Jewish groups say ADL's 'Mamdani Monitor' is 'Islamophobic and racist' - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Jewish organizations are split along ideological and strategic lines over how to interact with the mayor-elect.
www.jta.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Fuck yeah