Latest news with #AStolenLife
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cobb County removes 'American Psycho' from school libraries
The Brief Cobb County leaders have removed Bret Easton Ellis' novel "American Psycho" from school libraries over what they say is "sexually explicit content." The novel, which was made into a movie in 2000, is about a New York investment banker who has a secret double life as a sadistic serial killer. It's the 36th book to be removed from the county's school libraries since 2023. COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb County leaders say they've removed another novel from school libraries over what they say is "inappropriate material." With the removal of Bret Easton Ellis' "American Psycho," the school district has removed 36 books from its library shelves in the last three years. What we know Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced the removal at a school board meeting last week, saying that the book was removed due to its "sexually explicit content." Ellis' black comedic novel, which was published in 1991, was made into a popular film starring Christian Bale in 2000. The novel follows Patrick Bateman, a New York investment banker who hides a secret sadistic double life as a serial killer. The book's subject matter has been a source of controversy for decades, with many libraries and schools either banning it or challenging its inclusion since its publication. Some other countries have limited its sale to only people 18 years old or older. What they're saying "The Cobb County School District is not engaging in book-banning or book-burning," Ragsdale has said. "We are following well-established federal and state law and policies and practices of this District that have been with us for years, if not decades. Instruction in this District is built around Georgia state standards, not any individual or group's political agenda." The backstory "American Psycho" is the fourth book removed from school libraries in Cobb County this year. Last month, the county removed Jason Myer's "2011 novel "Dead End," which centers around a runaway teenage couple that features sexual assault, drug use, and graphic violence. Other books that have been removed include: "Triangles" by Ellen Hopkins explores the intertwined lives of three women, each grappling with personal struggles, desires, and the complexities of adulthood. The book delves into themes of love, infidelity, parenthood, loss, and self-discovery. "A Stolen Life" by Jaycee Dugard is a true crime book by American kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard, who spent 18 years sequestered and enslaved in California. The memoir describes what she died to survive and cope mentally with extreme abuse. "Laid" by James Dawson: This book is said to serve as a guide for teenagers navigating sexual relationships, offering advice on consent, safe sex, and emotional well-being, framed in a humorous and approachable manner. "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins: A powerful novel-in-verse that follows Kristina, a teenage girl whose life spirals out of control after she becomes addicted to crystal meth, leading to devastating consequences for herself and those around her. "Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins: This novel explores the lives of five teenagers, each grappling with their own issues and ultimately turning to prostitution as a means of survival, highlighting the harsh realities of exploitation and despair. "Push" by Sapphire: This raw and intense novel tells the story of Precious, an illiterate teenager in Harlem who endures horrific abuse but finds hope and empowerment through education and the support of those who believe in her. "Push" won several awards, including the Book-of-the-Month Club Stephen Crane Award for First Fiction and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. The film adaptation "Precious" won several Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie was rated R. "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur: A collection of poetry and prose divided into four parts, each dealing with a different aspect of life, love, loss, and healing, with a focus on the female experience and resilience. "It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover: A sequel to "It Ends with Us," this novel continues the story of Lily and Atlas, delving into their pasts and exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances. "The Infinite Moment of Us" by Lauren Myracle: A contemporary romance that follows two teenagers, Wren and Charlie, during the summer after high school as they navigate love, identity, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling: A darkly comic novel that explores the complexities of a small English town after the unexpected death of a local councilman, revealing the deep-seated tensions and secrets among the residents. "Identical" by Ellen Hopkins: This novel-in-verse tells the harrowing story of identical twin sisters, Kaeleigh and Raeanne, who struggle with the trauma of their abusive father, leading them down paths of self-destruction and mental anguish. "Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson: A memoir-manifesto that discusses the author's experiences growing up as a Black queer man, addressing themes of identity, family, and societal expectations through a series of personal essays. This book has been highly praised by critics and was nominated for several awards, including the ALA Stonewall Book Award and was listed as a William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist. "Juliet Takes a Breath" by Gabby Rivera: This coming-of-age novel follows Juliet, a young Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx, who comes out as gay and spends a transformative summer in Portland, Oregon, exploring her identity and activism. This book was highly acclaimed and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in LGBTQ Children's/Young Adult. "Monday's Not Coming" by Tiffany D. Jackson: A gripping mystery about Claudia, a young girl determined to find her missing best friend Monday, and uncover the dark truths that surround her disappearance and the community's indifference. This book won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent and was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult. "City of Thieves" by David Benioff: Set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, this novel follows Lev and Kolya, two unlikely companions on a dangerous mission to find a dozen eggs for a Soviet colonel, blending dark humor with the horrors of war. "Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews: This darkly comedic novel follows Greg, a high school senior who, along with his friend Earl, befriends a girl with leukemia. The book was adapted into an award-winning film in 2015, gaining significant critical acclaim. The movie was rated PG-13. "Flamer" by Mike Curato: A graphic novel set in the summer before high school, following a boy named Aiden as he struggles with his identity, bullying, and self-acceptance. The book has received several awards, including the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult Fiction. "Blankets" by Craig Thompson: An autobiographical graphic novel that explores themes of family, faith, and first love. It is a highly acclaimed work that won several prestigious awards, including two Eisner Awards and two Harvey Awards. "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover: This novel tells the story of Lily, a woman caught in a complex and abusive relationship. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky: A coming-of-age story about a high school freshman named Charlie, dealing with trauma, friendship, and self-discovery. It was adapted into a successful film in 2012, and the book has won numerous awards, including the ALA's Best Books for Young Adults. The film was rated PG-13. "Lucky" by Alice Sebold: A memoir recounting the author's experience of being raped in college and the impact it had on her life. It has been critically acclaimed and was a New York Times Notable Book. "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher: A novel about a teenage girl who leaves behind cassette tapes explaining her reasons for suicide. The book was adapted into a highly controversial Netflix series and has won awards like the California Book Award for Young Adult Literature. The TV series was rated TV-MA. The Source Information for this story came from the Cobb County School District and previous FOX 5 reporting.
Boston Globe
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Just the two of us: Splitting the screen with some memorable dual roles
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up De Niro's performance got me thinking about actors who have played dual roles, which led to this list. The criteria here are simple: The actor only plays two roles and — this is most important — they have to appear onscreen together in at least one scene. Advertisement Nicolas Cage appears in the dual roles of Charlie and Donald Kaufman in "Adaptation." Ben Kaller Nicolas Cage in 'Adaptation' (2002) As several movies have proven, one Nicolas Cage can be too many. But he does a great job playing a fictionalized version of the film's screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman, and Kaufman's twin brother, Donald. Charlie has writer's block while trying to adapt 'The Orchid Thief,' a real novel by the real author Susan Orlean (played here by Meryl Streep). Unfortunately, Donald, his freeloading brother, turns out to be the more successful screenwriter. The movie spirals out of control from there. I was in the critical minority on this one — I hated the last third of it — but the Oscars disagreed. Cage, Streep, and Chris Cooper all received acting nods (Cooper won), and Charlie shared a best adapted screenplay nod with Donald, his nonexistent twin brother. Bette Davis in 'A Stolen Life' (1946) and 'Dead Ringer' (1963) In both films, La Davis plays an identical twin who replaces her deceased sister. 'A Stolen Life' finds both Bettes in love with Glenn Ford, who isn't aware that the twin he married has died and has been replaced by the twin who actually loved him. Advertisement The awesome twist here is that this is a remake of the 1939 film starring Elisabeth Bergner. According to writer Mary Orr, who wrote the source material for 'All About Eve,' Bergner is the inspiration for that film's theater diva, Margo Channing. We all know who played Margo, don't we? Evil twin Davis kills her good twin and assumes her identity in 'Dead Ringer,' a better-than-expected thriller directed by the man who lit two iconic cigarettes in Davis's 1942 classic, 'Now, Voyager,' Paul Henreid. Big mistake, Bette! This one's a lot of fun, and it shouldn't be confused with the next movie on this list. Jeremy Irons and Genevieve Bujold in "Dead Ringers." 20th Century Fox Jeremy Irons in 'Dead Ringers' (1988) Irons plays twin gynecologists in David Cronenberg's psychological nightmare. 'Dead Ringers' is one of the body-horror director's sicker movies, which is really saying something. The Oscar-worthy Irons is fantastic here, giving two distinct performances and blurring the lines of identity. How disturbing is this film? Allow me to quote Irons's Claus von Bulow in 'Reversal of Fortune': 'You have no idea.' Lupita Nyong'o in 'Us' (2019) In Jordan Peele's excellent horror film follow-up to 'Get Out,' Lupita Nyong'o gives the best dual performance on this list. As the film's hero and her identical 'tether,' Nyong'o gets to fight herself in a climactic battle. Nyong'o should have beaten up the Academy, which ignored her brilliant work. While Peele follows the usual 'good twin, bad twin' formula, the surprise here is that, depending on your perspective, we're not sure which is which. Edward G. Robinson in 'The Whole Town's Talking' (1935) A rare comedy from Eddie G. (it's more of a farce) puts him in a dual role as a killer mafioso on the lam and the shy clerk who gets mistaken for him. Legendary director John Ford helms this entertaining movie based on a story by W.R. Burnett (he wrote 'The Asphalt Jungle'). The great Jean Arthur plays clerk Eddie's love interest, and the F/X work is pretty damn good for 1935. The only film on this list where the two roles have no explainable connection whatsoever. Advertisement Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin in 'Big Business' (1988) 'Airplane' co-director Jim Abrahams steps away from his partners David and Jerry Zucker for this occasionally funny comedy. Tomlin, no stranger to multiple roles, plays twins born at a West Virginia hospital. Midler also plays twins born there. An old nurse accidentally switches the twins, giving one Midler and one Tomlin twin to each parent. As farce is wont to do, all four women end up in different ranks of the same corporate conglomerate. Mistaken identities abound. This movie is confusing as hell, and not very good, but there's fun to be had watching Midler and Tomlin ham it up. Lee Marvin in 'Cat Ballou' (1965) In this comic western, quintessential tough guy Lee Marvin stars as Tim Strawn, an evil killer working for the men who want to steal the Wolf City, Wyo., family ranch of Cat Ballou (Jane Fonda). For protection, Cat hires perpetually drunk gunslinger Kid Shelleen (Marvin), who rides an equally drunk horse and happens to be Strawn's brother. (It's easy to tell them apart — Strawn doesn't have a nose.) Stubby Kaye and Nat King Cole play the singing Greek chorus who propel the plot through song. 'Half of this [Oscar] belongs to a horse someplace out in the Valley,' Marvin Advertisement Lindsay Lohan as Hallie "Hal" Parker and Annie "Ann" James in "The Parent Trap." Disney Hayley Mills and Lindsay Lohan in 'The Parent Trap' (1961 and 1998) In both versions of this Disney fan favorite, Mills and Lohan play a twin raised by one of their divorced parents. Neither knows of the other's existence until they are teenagers. Once they're properly introduced, they switch places in order to reunite their divorced parents. With kids like these, who needs alimony? Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'The 6th Day' (2000) In this sci-fi actioner, Ah-nuld discovers he's been cloned, and that clone has taken over his unsuspecting family. In his positive review, my predecessor Jay Carr wrote that this film 'puts the fun back into going to Arnold Schwarzenegger movies.' This may come as a complete shock to you, but Boston Globe film critics can be wrong! Adam Sandler in 'Jack and Jill' (2011) I had to put Adam Sandler's second-worst movie here for two reasons: One, the twins Sandler plays are, for a change, brother and sister; and two, Bobby De Niro's frequent acting partner, Al Pacino, Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.
