As we experience this age of cinematic sequels, spinoffs, remakes, and reboots, author and historian Robert Hofler reminds us how a good story lends itself to being reimagined for different eras. He does this by taking us through the incredible history of the various film projects for A STAR IS BORN – on the 50th anniversary of the 1976 version. The book is subtitled: “The Most Filmed Hollywood Story of Love Found and Lost”.
Hofler does more than take us “behind the scenes” … he takes us deep inside Hollywood and reveals the inner workings, negotiations, and strategies involved with bringing the projects to the big screen. And what about those projects? Hofler researches the foundation, which takes us back to WHAT PRICE HOLLYWOOD? (1932) – based on the tumultuous marriage of silent movie star Colleen Moore and film producer John McCormick. This core story, with five credited and three uncredited writers, became the basis for four (so far) movies entitled, A STAR IS BORN. The years were 1937, 1954, 1976, and 2018. You likely think of them as Janet Gaynor/Frederic March (1937), Judy Garland/James Mason (1954), Barbra Streisand/Kris Kristofferson (1976), and Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper (2018).
Even as an acknowledged cinephile, I was taken aback by the drama generated by each of these productions prior to them ever hitting the silver screen. Whether it’s the powerful David O Selznick controlling all aspects in 1937 (often to the frustration of William Wellman), or the challenges incurred by working with uber-talented and often-medicated Judy Garland (and how it relates to Cary Grant), or the truly absurd dynamics of Barbra Streisand and her ambitious boyfriend (and hair stylist to the stars) Jon Peters, or the (to me) shocking revelation of the original director and female lead for the 2018 version, every chapter delivers eye-opening, and often jaw-dropping revelations about the film productions. On a personal note, the 1976 version is easily my least favorite (although I believe Kristofferson deserves more credit than he receives), yet I was so immersed in the details of that section of the book that I read through without once coming up for air.
Hofler’s book is not written for the casual movie fan. It’s for those who thrive on pulling back the curtain on the hard work and personal and professional drama that goes into the magic we see on screen. The ideal reader will be exhilarated (as I was) at learning how the script and screenwriting faced so many obstacles over the past 90 years or so – each attempt to modernize taking the challenges head-on. Even the climactic turn of events and final scenes were built to speak to an audience of the times. The most striking example of this was Bradley Cooper using a specific tragic event in rock music to shift his own film. For those looking for backstage details and a few lessons in Hollywood history, Robert Hofler has written the book for you. It certainly won’t trash your life.
The book is available beginning January 27, 2026
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. Artificial Intelligence ranks with politics as one of the hottest topics of conversation these days. Of course, we don’t yet know what role AI will play in society; however, we are pretty certain all aspects of our world will be touched in some form. This story from writer Marco van Belle and director Timur Berkmambetov (WANTED, 2008) is set only three years in the future, and the premise is that AI judges now decide criminal cases. As with most stories steeped in science fiction, your enjoyment of the film will depend on your willingness to buy into a concept that seems a bit far-fetched. But that buy-in will likely leave you entertained, rather than rolling your eyes (ok, maybe both), by what’s on screen.
Greetings again from the darkness. One might believe that celibate communal living and worship would have been an easier sell in the 1780’s than today, yet this film from writer-director Mona Fastvold (THE WORLD TO COME, 2020) and co-writer Brady Corbet (THE BRUTALIST, 2024) proves otherwise. It turns out the second coming and extreme shaking while worshipping requires a bit more faith than many possess. The film is based on the true story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers who, along with a small contingency, emigrated to the U.S. from England to spread their beliefs.
Greetings again from the darkness. Some losses hit hard. When Helen’s dad dies suddenly and unexpectedly, her downward spiral begins. Writer-director Philippa Lowthorpe and co-writer Emma Donaghue have adapted Helen MacDonald’s 2014 book/memoir for a screen version that moves about as slowly as any movie I’ve ever seen. That’s allowed when depression is taking hold (of Helen, not me).
Greetings again from the darkness. The Sundance Film Festival does a terrific job each year of selecting captivating short films. One of the films in the lineup of this year’s shorts program on January 24, 2026 is from Swedish filmmaker Lovisa Siren, and it’s a gem.
Better late than never, right?? The TOP 10 list is now posted, and as tradition demands, I have also included some bonus films and categories so that you might find something a bit out of the comfort zone to watch periodically. I watched 231 films in 2025 and I promise you … some were as expected, some were less than expected, and some were pleasant surprises. Here is the link to the list:
Greetings again from the darkness. “Laughter is the best medicine.” Proof comes in the form of filmmaker Mel Brooks and this two-part HBO Documentary from two Emmy award winning directors: Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. The title is a take-off on Brooks’ age and his decades-long-running gag, “The 2000 Year-Old Man”. This is a film for anyone who is a fan of any of Mel Brooks’ eleven feature film comedies, his long track record of comedy writing (TV, film, Broadway), or a general history of the comedy forum. Two parts cover the familiar pieces of his career, while also putting his work into historical perspective, and offering insight into his personal life, his inspirations, and his romance and friendships.
Greetings again from the darkness. A terrific opening sequence finds Captain Jackie Velez (Lina Esco, “S.W.A.T.”) being ambushed by a couple of masked men. She manages to send a text as she returns fire. It’s her final text. This film from writer-director Joe Carnahan (THE GRAY, 2011; SMOKIN’ ACES, 2006) and co-writer Michael McGrale (“CSI: Miami”) was inspired by true events within the Miami Police Department.
Greetings again from the darkness. As far as non-political topics go, none are hotter than Artificial Intelligence (AI). What is the potential? What are the risks? Will it be used for good or evil? Who will control its use? Who am I kidding … AI is very much a political topic, and all of these questions have political and social implications. Award-winning documentarian Adam Bhala Lough has the same questions and concerns that we all do, and he decides to seek answers from the face of and driving force behind AI: Sam Altman, the founder of AI research organization OpenAI, which developed the chatbot, ChatGPT.
Greetings again from the darkness. I really try to be a good citizen. I watch and read the news daily – even when it’s painful. I keep up with cultural and societal shifts. Despite my best efforts, every now and then something comes along that stuns me … catching me off guard to the point that I simply never suspected what’s really happening. My latest eye-opener comes courtesy of documentarian Benjamin Flaherty, who utilizes his own experiences (finally getting sober at age 41) to wake us up to the corruption that feeds the profitability of addiction centers (a billion-dollar industry).
Movie Reviews from the Dark 