Jean Oppenheimer

‘Evan Almighty’ production designer Linda DeScenna: I built the ark

Published on June 21, 2007

In an accident of timing that surely has more to do with happenstance than with divine strategy, there will be a second Noah's Ark unveiled in Los Angeles this weekend, in addition to that at the Skirball. "Evan Almighty," a sequel of sorts to the 2003 hit film, "Bruce Almighty," is a comic updating of the biblical story. In it, God (Morgan Freeman, reprising his role) orders newly elected U.S. Rep. Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) to build an ark and fill it with animals."

Films: Danish director’s ‘After the Wedding’ is a full-fledged smash

Published on March 22, 2007

One of Denmark's most successful film directors, Susanne Bier, is starting to make a name for herself here in the United States. Given that her latest film, "After the Wedding," was one of the five nominees for this year's Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, it might be more accurate to say that she has made a full-fledged splash.

A Jew,  a Catholic and a film crew walk into a born-again summer camp

Published on September 28, 2006

"Jesus Camp," a documentary about a summer program at which evangelical children are taught to "take back America for Christ."

‘Match’ a Winner; Keep ‘Rumor’ Quiet

Published on December 22, 2005

"Match Point" marks a notable departure for Woody Allen, and not just because its story is set and was shot in England. Reminiscent in theme of "Crimes and Misdemeanors," though without the humor, there's a new tone to this film. Enough so that anybody entering the theater not knowing who made this picture would be hard pressed to guess it was Allen.