books | The Last Movie Guy

Bigger Than Life (1956): The Dark Side of the American Dream

Posted on 19 Days Ago by Hugo Pagan Soto

For Nicholas Ray, dismantling the famous “American Dream” was almost a mission. Throughout his work, the American director explored, from multiple angles, the idealized yet unrealistic conception of that utopian society. In Bigger Than Life (1956), he launches a frontal attack on the model family and on a society that suffocates the male figure, reducing him to the role of breadwinner, forced into success regardless of the consequences.

Roofman: The Incredible Life of Jeffrey Manchester -TIFF 2025

Posted on September 26 by Hugo Pagan Soto

As Jeffrey Manchester runs to evade the police, he reflects on the series of bad decisions that led him to this point of no return. Roofman (2025), directed by Derek Cianfrance, tells the incredible story of one of the most peculiar criminals the world has ever seen. Between 1998 and 2000, Manchester carried out between 40 and 60 robberies, most of them in McDonald’s restaurants. His unusual modus operandi earned him the nickname “Roofman,” since he would always cut a hole in the roof to gain access to the establishments he robbed.

Christy: Sydney Sweeney Steps Into the Ring – TIFF 2025

Posted on September 22 by Hugo Pagan Soto

On the night of November 23, 2010, Christy Martin was brutally attacked by her husband. After stabbing her several times, he shot her in the chest, left her for dead on the floor of their bedroom, and went to take a shower. Miraculously, Christy managed to stand up and walk to the street, where she found a driver who took her to a hospital. This episode in the turbulent life of the former welterweight champion feels like something out of a horror movie. In Christy (2025), directed by David Michôd, we revisit the life inside and outside the ring of one of the most dominant female boxers of all time.

Left-Handed Girl: Invisible Wounds , Generational Trauma -TIFF 2025

Posted on September 19 by Hugo Pagan Soto

“When the intention is not upright, one seeks side doors and paths to the left.”
(Chinese Proverb)

To understand Left-Handed Girl (2025), it is necessary to delve into certain aspects of Chinese culture. In Chinese tradition, strongly influenced by Confucianism, left-handedness was seen as a deviation from order and social harmony. The “right” represented what was correct, noble, and appropriate, while the “left” carried a negative connotation. Therefore, writing, eating, or greeting with the left hand was considered improper and was often corrected from childhood. Director Shih-Ching Tsou draws on this old tradition and her own experiences to structure her story.

Sacrifice: A Dark Satire on the Enviromental Crisis – TIFF 2025

Posted on September 15 by Hugo Pagan Soto

Mother Nature has spoken and says she needs the sacrifice of three people to restore order and prevent total collapse. Sacrifice (2025) by Romain Gavras relies on satire to present its discourse loaded with social and political critique. After gifting us the frantic Athena (2022), Gavras now delivers a more restrained and contemplative proposal. The French director exchanges fury for reflection without losing his critical gaze toward contemporary society.