Back Story
Our column on arts and culture distinguishes the back story from the foreground; the ephemera from what matters, and might last
Culture
“The Perfect Couple” and the new map of Moneyland
Depictions of the super-rich on screen reflect the times
Culture
Twenty-five years on, “Fight Club” punches harder than ever
Actually, the first rule of the cult film is that people never stop talking about it
Culture
On some holidays, beauty and bloodshed are entwined
In grand old cities like Verona, your gelato comes with a moral education
Culture
The drama of election night: a critical guide
In a bumper year for voting, elections are the top-billing show
Culture
What a row over sponsorship reveals about art and Mammon
It betrays childish misconceptions about money, morality and power
Culture
Jürgen Klopp’s masterclass in how to win—and lose
Two gestures capture the Liverpool manager’s method: the fist pump and the hug
Culture
The trial of Donald Trump, considered as courtroom drama
Sensational witnesses, high stakes—it has the classic elements. Sort of
Culture
Fed up with Biden v Trump II? Some succour from fictional rematches
From “Moby Dick”, “Star Wars” and “Rocky” to the presidential election
Culture
Salman Rushdie’s gripping take on being stabbed
“Knife” is a memoir about the attack in 2022 but also a love story
Culture
Kate Winslet explores how to be a good autocrat
“The Regime” is a silly show with a deadly serious point
Culture
Infatuation, kids, adultery: marriage is the theme of the Oscars
Together the nominees sketch a composite picture of marriage. Here it is
Culture
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” points to the future of theatre
A triumphant one-woman show relies on Sarah Snook, daring tech and your imagination
Culture
The real message of Vladimir Putin’s chat with Tucker Carlson
Russia’s president is not a man to be trusted, still less to emulate or admire
Culture
The meaning of the hysteria over Taylor Swift
It reflects the overlap of politics, conspiracy and celebrity
Culture
A new “Mr & Mrs Smith” is about more than action, money and sex
In the TV version, the assassins’ mission is to make you think about marriage