Brandon Harris

Essays

JAY-Z's "Marcy Me" Is the Culmination of a Decades-Long Neighborhood Story

Read an adapted excerpt of Brandon Harris's 'Making Rent in Bed-Stuy' as it relates to a standout track on JAY-Z's '4:44.'
Brandon Harris
7.3.17
Film

'I Am Not Your Negro' Is a Brilliant Documentary About James Baldwin's Never-Finished Book

We caught up with director Raoul Peck to talk about the author's legacy, politics, and the ever-presence of history.
Brandon Harris
2.3.17
The They Come Out at Night Issue

'Loving' Director Jeff Nichols Has Great Affection for the Deep South

Jeff Nichols has built his reputation as a director of terse and unusual American dramas with a distinct regional flair. We spoke with him about difficult histories, the best BBQ joints in the South, and his dream of a commercial hit.
Brandon Harris
11.3.16
Film

The Tiny Chinatown Bank That Was Scapegoated After the Financial Crisis

Legendary 'Hoop Dreams' documentarian Steve James's newest film, 'Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,' tells the story of the only US bank prosecuted after the 2008 financial crisis.
Brandon Harris
10.6.16
Film

'Catfight' Is a Politically Minded Comedy About Two Women Tearing Each Other Apart

A gory satire about former college friends turned brutal enemies might be the goofiest offering at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Brandon Harris
9.19.16
Film

'Arrival' Is Sci-Fi at Its Smartest and Weirdest

Denis Villeneuve's much-anticipated film, now making the festival rounds, is big on capital "I" ideas and doesn't need show-offy effects to grab you.
Brandon Harris
9.14.16
the vice reader

Colson Whitehead Explains How He Grew as a Writer for 'The Underground Railroad'

Oprah's new favorite author talks to VICE about his fascinating new novel, the creative process, and why it's impossible to make fun of Donald Trump.
Brandon Harris
8.30.16
Film

​‘Hell or High Water’ Might Be the Best Crime Movie of the Year

The heist thriller about a pair of bank-robbing Texas brothers is as gripping as it is politically minded.
Brandon Harris
8.12.16
Stuff

The New 'Roots' Proves That Slave Narratives Are Still Important

The reboot of the seminal TV classic doesn't break new ground the way its predecessor did, but that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile.
Brandon Harris
6.14.16
Film

‘The Fits’ Is a Beautiful Movie Centered Around an Incredible New Child Actor

The remarkable new film stars 11-year-old dancer Royalty Hightower while tackling issues of race, class, and gender.
Brandon Harris
6.8.16
Film

'When We Were Kings' Is the Greatest Film Ever Made About Muhammad Ali

The classic documentary shows the Greatest at his most revolutionary during his run-up to fight George Foreman in Zaire in 1974.
Brandon Harris
6.7.16
Film

This Film Reveals the Cruel Dysfunction of the British Welfare System

The Palme d'Or-winning film by Ken Loach follows the struggle of two Brits attempting to navigate the shamefully unhelpful system.
Brandon Harris
5.27.16
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