With awards season in full swing, WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen joined Boston Public Radio on Tuesday to review some of the latest releases.
Bowen said "1917," the epic war film, used dramatic cinematography to bring the viewer on a harrowing journey.
"This takes us into a battle in World War I," Bowen said. "Sam Mendes', the director, he was inspired to make this on conversations he had with his grandfather, who was also in World War I, in smaller stature."
The protagonists are tasked with delivering a message through no man's land to warn troops to call off an attack.
“It appears as one long tracking shot. ... We’re with these two young men as they have to have this race to get to the front lines," said Bowen. "You share their perspective the entire time. It really takes you into and through battle.”
After its Christmas Day release, Bowen said Little Women got rave reviews but is not getting as much awards buzz as he expected.
"My frustration is, I don't know why it's not getting more awards traction. It's beyond my comprehension, all I can think of is that gender bias continues," he said.
The film adapts the Louisa May Alcott classic about the domestic lives of a New England family with four sisters, and Bowen said it "crackles" with a modern feel.
"Greta Gerwig has crafted a really truly exceptional film here in Little Women ... It's lush and it's great to see New ENgland represented in this way."
Bowen hosts Open Studio Fridays on WGBH. He also discussed Bombshell and a new ICA exhibit on the global refugee and migration crisis.
