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Vikram Murthi

@fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social
2.7K followers 247 following 240 posts

A "reasonable man" (get off my case) / Contributing writer @thenation / Editor @downtime / Also @reverseshot @filmmakermag @vulture / vikrammurthi1 at gmail

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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Wrote about IT ENDS, one of my favorites of the year, its scrappy production (sorta reminiscent of how the Coens funded BLOOD SIMPLE), and the importance of "touching grass," i.e., talking bullshit with your friends for @defector.com Check it out! defector.com/it-ends-is-t...
defector.com
‘It Ends’ Is The Gen Z Horror Movie Of The Year | Defector
Earlier this year, Curry Barker and Kane Parsons became young Hollywood phenoms in quick succession. An actor and sketch comedian, the 26-year-old Barker wrote, edited, and directed Obsession, which i...
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
[sniff] I don’t want to sound pretentious here, but Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner comprise a dramaturgical dyad…
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Wrote about THE DRAMA, Sandy Hook, and my feelings about on-screen violence and cinematic red lines for @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/arch...
thenation.com
How Much On-Screen Violence Is Too Much?
I’ve always been a little sensitive about films that depict school shootings. But Kristoffer Borgli’s The Drama was an outlier.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Latest Kurt Vile is a fascinating example of “late-ish style.” New peak of inane, hyper-literal lyrical style, i.e., a ten-minute track about his looping pedal. Familiar melodies and guitar tone circle pet themes with varied purpose. As a fan, it’s fun and cool, but it’s also funny as all hell.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Lemme ask you something. When you go online, does anyone ever say to you, “Boards of Canada sucks”? …No. No, man. Shit no, man. I believe you get your ass kicked saying something like that, man.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Wrote about roast history, LARRY SANDERS, Norm Macdonald, and why the jokes designed to shock feel boring and prescribed. Gift link below. www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
theatlantic.com
The Meanest Tradition in Entertainment
Celebrity roasts have become crueler in their style of comedy, and almost unwatchable.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
LA MAISON DES BOIS (Pialat, ’71): The effortless accumulation of people, spaces, and details in service of illustrating the only life lesson worth learning: you will come to miss everything and everyone, often just as they start to fade away. “No one gets punished for being sad.”
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
CHRONOVISOR (Cosmic Salon, 2026): All the semi-structuralist stuff is max fun, i.e., What if you read over the shoulder of your philosophy prof who accidentally stumbled upon the existence of the Ark of the Covrnant at the library? Couldn’t stop grinning during the last 15 mins.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
The entire prologue—everything through the car exploding—is some of the best, near-perfect mainstream Hollywood filmmaking to exist in my lifetime. The rest is also quite good.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Snorted at the stolen SCHIZOPOLIS joke in PROJECT HAIL MARY.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
[Sweating after missing the discourse moment, adjusts tie] Has no one considered that Punch might not be properly humble? You’re a stranger and you carry this Linus blanket around! Lay lie, pay your dues, let them come to you…
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
I’m a guy of a certain age, so the first few notes of “Clint Eastwood” are transportive by design, but seeing Del on stage was a real “Oh! How nice” moment.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
On THE SECRET AGENT and SIRĀT, the ways that both films capture the atmosphere of fascism, and how they embrace helplessness without indulging in hopelessness. For @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/cult...
thenation.com
The Cinema of Societal Collapse
This year’s Oscar-nominated international feature films—especially The Secret Agent and Sirāt—tackle what it means to live and die under tyranny.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
On THE SECRET AGENT and SIRĀT, the ways that both films capture the atmosphere of fascism, and how they embrace helplessness without indulging in hopelessness. For @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/cult...
thenation.com
The Cinema of Societal Collapse
This year’s Oscar-nominated international feature films—especially The Secret Agent and Sirāt—tackle what it means to live and die under tyranny.
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Kath Barbadoro @kathbarbadoro.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
any time i complain about the degredation of our ability to express ourselves through language people go "language always changes, it wasn't the same 200 years ago either" but have u read letters from 200 years ago? they actually were better at expressing themselves through language than we are lol
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE (Johnson, 2026): “You think this is funny? My whole life is riding on this.”
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (Tykwer, 2006): You can’t be smelling like that White Baby
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Wrote a brief obituary for Frederick Wiseman, largely about ASPEN and IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, two films whose points of view shine through in editing and focus. Gift link below. www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
theatlantic.com
Frederick Wiseman Always Made His Point
The late filmmaker captured our essential American institutions—and the people trying to navigate them.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
For the @reverseshot.bsky.social symposium, I wrote about THE TARGET SHOOTS FIRST and the Hi-8 camera, selling out vs. buying in, the shadow of the ’90s on our current moment, and my tenure managing Downtime Magazine. A more personal piece than usual! Check it out! reverseshot.org/symposiums/e...
reverseshot.org
The Target Shoots First
When it comes to cinematic technological advances, the question is always how we use the tools we've been gifted or cursed with.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
If you haven’t already seen it, please seek out Tom Noonan’s debut feature WHAT HAPPENED WAS… One of the great American independent films of the ’90s directed by one of the very best American character actors ever.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
I’ve had Duvall’s delivery of “big, fat, BIG-TITTED HIT” burned into my brain since I was 14 years old.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Been listening to APOLOGIES TO THE QUEEN MARY on repeat for the first time since high school, which basically means strangers sometimes have to hear me mutter stuff like, “I got water and I got holes” like a fool.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
F1 is *fine*. The cars go zoom and the guys are mad. What’s the problem?
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
He’s gonna live until he’s like 95 yrs old, and when it finally happens it will be profoundly unsatisfying.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
A year ago, I had the opportunity to write some thoughts about my personal history with David Lynch, a sui generis filmmaker who, like so many others, meant the world to me. For @thenation.com. www.thenation.com/article/cult...
thenation.com
David Lynch’s Guts
His visceral films, which reflect the best and worst of American life, affected viewers in realms both conscious and unconscious.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
For the ~12 people who care, Sammy's DEBUT ALBUM is back on Spotify after being removed. Notable for being the only Pavement rip-off record, to the point where legal action might have been warranted, feat. a guitarist who went on to become a billionaire. open.spotify.com/album/5CwHg3...
open.spotify.com
Debut Album
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Did Mary Bronstein go an entire press cycle without being asked about Guided by Voices?
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Peter Labuza @labuzamovies.com · 08/01/2026
The run of Filmmaker Magazine under Scott & Vadim produced some of the most fascinating and important work on understanding indie film in terms of economics, technology, and the actual stakes of art. I was honored to write for Vadim, easily one of the best editors I've worked with. Hire Vadim!
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
If you enjoy my writing, much of that is because I was edited by, and worked alongside, Vadim, who made me a stronger, more perceptive critic, thinker, and viewer. Words can hardly express how much of a blow this is to “the culture.” Hire him.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
My first taste of Béla Tarr was THE TURIN HORSE and I was hooked from the masterful opening shot. His work is still essential and awe-inspiring. The best way to honor his legacy is to watch his films. The second-best way is to watch this mashup. youtu.be/ZZ3-7C6RYOE?...
youtu.be
The Turin Horse - opening scene
YouTube video by taylorbanson
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Well, this is specific.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
It’s been a bad year for myriad reasons, but as always, a sincere thanks to the lovely editors who commissioned work from me. Business is bad all around, so if you saw my byline and chose to engage with the writing, I appreciate it. May it continue. Good tidings. Here’s a photo.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Here's 30 of my favorite first viewings from 2025 in (autobiographically) chronological order.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Don’t really know how to contain my rage after a guy at the cinema took my coat off my chair and gave it to lost and found because he “thought someone had just forgot it.” Stared at this idiot for like five seconds before realizing I can’t blow him up with my mind.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
MEGADOC (Figgis, 2025): “All I’m saying is: What’s on the screen? Is it real or is it flickering light?” “It’s real!” “Okay, it’s not real.”
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
One of my favorite actors period. A true ringer, someone who elevated material just by showing up. His funny, unaffected delivery was unparalleled. There’s like half a dozen GENERATION KILL scenes that ran through my head after hearing the news. I found this one the quickest.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Definitive version. Have gotten a ton of mileage out of “You say that you’re a pervert, you’re a vulture / Don’t you wanna be popular culture?” youtu.be/i8yehVUF8h0?...
youtu.be
The National - Rylan (Live on KEXP)
YouTube video by KEXP
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Last month, I spent four days in Knoxville attending FILM FEST KNOX where I watched cool regional cinema and basked in the sights. Wrote about it at length for @filmmakermagazine.com.web.brid.gy. Please check it out. filmmakermagazine.com/132553-revie...
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Last month, I spent four days in Knoxville attending FILM FEST KNOX where I watched cool regional cinema and basked in the sights. Wrote about it at length for @filmmakermagazine.com.web.brid.gy. Please check it out. filmmakermagazine.com/132553-revie...
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Some insufficient, drive-by thoughts on MARTY SUPREME, one of the funnest and funniest movies of the year. Was happy with it not being “about” much, but then it reveals its hand at the last minute and everything snaps into place…
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Brendan C. Byrne @brendancbyrne.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
am kinda over the damn moon about this review of ANOTHER WORLD ISN'T POSSIBLE in The Whitney Review (but you'll have to buy it to see it)
review of Another World Isn't Possible
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Sorta in awe of this talk show appearance. Eight mins are spent discussing now-niche late ’70s, early ’80s TV character actors and LOVE BOAT storylines. Vic Tayback gets name checked thrice. Hanks mentions STALAG 17. Exclusively for nerds and anyone 65+. m.youtube.com/watch?v=0SKa...
m.youtube.com
Tom Hanks Talks Iconic “There’s No Crying in Baseball” Line, Toy Story 5 and This World of Tomorrow
YouTube video by Late Night with Seth Meyers
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Only for the heads: if you have the chance to see Kyle Kinane in the next few months, take the chance. As a fan from the beginning, he has his best hour in maybe a decade.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Spoke with Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar about TRAIN DREAMS, shooting the logging scenes, working with animals, and, um, my *very* different interpretation of the source text. For the most recent @filmmakermagazine.com.web.brid.gy issue now online. filmmakermagazine.com/131835-inter...
filmmakermagazine.com
Interview: Craig Bentley and Greg Kwedar on Train Dreams
Craig Bentley and Greg Kwedar discuss the making of the Denis Johnson adaptation Train Dreams.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Kinda funny that a pop star has a Substack at all, but I suppose it’s nice that every generation receives their own MEETING PEOPLE IS EASY (1998) in the form (blog post) they deserve.
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The Bar, which lines a wall with bawdy political paintings, once featured a portrait of a nude Mark Sanford in a loving embrace with a woman on the Appalachian. Since the public quickly forgot that particular sex scandal, I often explained its origins to curious tourists. Anyway.
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marshlands @marshlands.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
mayor zohran sir please immediately dispatch the boppers, gramercy riffs, turnbull ac's, hi-hats, electric eliminators, rogues, lizzies, orphans, punks and warriors to chicago to join the fight against ice
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Vikram Murthi @fauxbeatpoet.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
I’ll say I’m a cynical pessimist by nature, but the last time I felt this hopeful was when I canvassed and phone banked for Obama in 08 when I wasn’t old enough to vote for him. “I’m running outta heroes man. Guys like you are in short supply,” etc. etc.
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