For close to 40 years, filmmaker Jonathan Demme, Oscar-winner for "The Silence of the Lambs" (1990) has been working toward the creation of his own America — one in which many of us would enjoy living. The dream America of his films, from his low-budget indie “Caged Heat” (1974) through “Rachel Getting Married” (2008), is an America that welcomes all to the table. The phrase “unity in diversity” may sound passé, but this is the ideal all of Demme’s films have danced around.

Erich Segal turned popular writer whose first novel, “Love Story,” became a huge commercial success if not quite a critical one when it appeared in 1970, died on Sunday at his home in London. He was 72.

Kaza's debut film, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (1945), a sensitive adaptation of Betty Smith's novel, boasted fine performances, including Oscar-winning turns by James Dunn and Peggy Ann Garner.  Kazan won the Directing Oscar for "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947), which was considered at the time a bold indictment of anti-Semitism. However, viewed from today's perspective, it's too naïve and simple. "Gentleman's Agreement" also won the best film Oscar and best supporting actress for Celeste Holm.

Influentiall French director Eric Rohmer, a former film critic and founding member of the French New Wave, has died. He was 89.

Natalie Portman plays Grace Cahill in "Brothers," starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire. The film, which is directed by Jim Sheridan, is being released December 4 by Lionsgate.