The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Directed by Ken Loach

War in various forms is a terrifying event that takes many people’s lives. The Wind That Shakes the Barley film represents one side of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War. The plot focuses on the O’Donovan brothers, who initially fight together in the Irish Republican...

Comparison of “Metropolis” and “Modern Times” Movies

Introduction The films of Fritz Lang and Charlie Chaplin are of high value in the silent film environment and in general for the global film industry. They touch upon many issues and problems and give their vision of the future times. It is pretty interesting to view these films now,...

“Aliens”: A Dark and Unique Film

Aliens is a fantastic canvas that develops the mythology of the space saga. James Cameron, having replaced then Ridley Scott, was seemingly trying to consolidate his new status. Both James Cameron and Ridley Scott have made some of the most successful movies worldwide. Cameron took the opportunity to direct this...

“99 Francs” by Jan Kounen as an Immortal Film

In modern culture, there are works of art that have passed the test of time, and for many centuries, people have been turning to them. Literary works, which can be called timeless, are rather few in number, but they form the basis of human culture and civilization. In the modern...

Rebel Without a Cause: Clothing as a Character Development Tool

Rebel Without a Cause has been praised for capturing the complexity of emotions of an entire teenage generation. The movie has encouraged a wave of teenager dramas, and after the premier, it helped to solidify a completely new market in Hollywood, unique to the otherwise overlooked teenage demographic. Throughout the...

Theological Vision of “Pleasantville” by Gary Ross

The rapid development of Western civilization and the ongoing secularization of society cannot be doubted or reversed, with the societal rebuilding serving as a step toward new approaches to religious discipleship. Pleasantville (1998) is a movie that brilliantly shows how worldviews are transforming, causing rapid social change. In its essence,...

Bald Genius Stereotype: Raymond Reddington From “The Blacklist”

Character Description Character: Raymond Reddington. Television show: The Blacklist. The Blacklist is an ongoing American crime thriller television series that airs every Friday at 8 PM on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). The show premiered on 23rd September 2013 and is currently on its eighth season, claiming that it has...

“Harvest of Empire”: Immigration in the United States

Introduction Most Americans have never understood the challenging history lying behind the increased Latino population growth in the United States. Nevertheless, after watching the documentary, I realized that it is of great help in making a person know why America has many immigrants. Thus, this essay aims to provide a...

The “Hidden Figures” Movie by Ted Melfi

Hidden Figures is a 2016 American drama film based on actual events. It tells the story of three African-American women who played a significant role in developing the American space program. The film shows the problems they were facing in segregation in the 1960s and how they fought for their...

Rhetorical Analysis of a Film “Us”

Introduction The Film Theorists is a YouTube channel that, as the name suggests, discusses various theories about movies. In this case, the video essay is concerned with the 2019 horror film “Us” directed by Jordan Peele. The video argues that the central theme throughout the film is that of the...

“Inception” Directed by Christopher Nolan: Film Analysis

For this assignment, I have chosen the movie Inception and watched it online on the GoToTub platform, HD quality. In my opinion, this work of art is one of the best science fiction films of the last century. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the...

The Dramatized Real Story of Erin Brockovich

Abstract The paper revolves around the dramatized real story of Erin Brockovich. The story is retrieved from a film entitled Brockovich that was written by Susannah Grant. The story concentrates more on the health complications that the residents of Hinkley were facing as a result of consumption of contaminated water....

“Symphony of a Great City” by Walter Ruttman

An in-depth analysis of any film allows viewers to appreciate the work as a piece of art. It explains all the working parts and encourages a better understanding of what is happening on the screen. However, the whole film depends on the theme, characters, their conflicts, as well as on...

The Film Zodiac and Ethical Concerns

David Fincher appears to be one of the most prominent contemporary film directors, and Zodiac is among his works too. It is a detective produced following the namesake non-fiction book of Robert Graysmith, published in 1986, and released in 2007. The film is based on a true story, narrating the...

Cultural Significance of Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall”

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen in 1977. The movie tells a story of Alvy Singer, who is reflecting upon the reason why his relationship with Annie Hall ended. The film uses retrospection to return to unconscious decisions made in the past to understand the present,...

The Feminist Ideas in ”A Doll’s House” Movie by Patrick Garland

A Doll’s House is a British film that was directed by Patrick Garland in 1973. Actors Claire Bloom and Anthony Hopkins starred in this film. It is originally based on the play of the same name by Henrik Ibsen, which was written in 1879. The story is devoted to the...

Mise-En-Scène in Sofia Coppola’s Films

Sofia Coppola is a director known for her feminine movies and a signature style. She extensively uses camera movement, composition, color, and lighting to create a striking, intimate atmosphere and communicate the emotional energy of every scene (Vernallis et al., 2015). Focused on female characters and the alluring images of...

“Farewell”: Interpersonal Communication in the Film

Introduction Communication is a critical element in building interpersonal relationships between individuals in the modern world. The multiple spheres, including economic, political, social, and cultural, depend on effective communication for better understanding between people. With the growing influence of globalization tendencies on contemporary people, communication remains a vital tool capable...

Gender Roles: “Alice in Wonderland” (2010)

Introduction While women achieved some degree of equality with men in terms of economic, political, and social issues, their position remains stereotyped in many cases. The women’s movement that started in the 1960s allowed females to understand that they deserve equal rights and attitudes. Popular culture is one of the...

Lighting and Landscapes: The Movie “Call Me by Your Name”

Throughout the movie Call Me by Your Name, both lighting and landscapes play a central role in promoting the metaphorical semantics and emotional background. Elio is generally shown in darkness in a number of scenes, such as in the bathroom (Guadagnino 00:06:15-00:06:19). The dark lighting setting can also be observed...

African American Males in “Boyz n The Hood” Movie

The greater part of films is always aimed at the performance of social functions since the aim of a filmmaker is to influence society in one way or another. Usually the producer’s aim is to provide important knowledge and reflection of experience to the target audience. The film “Boyz N...

Document and Documentary in Examples

Webster’s dictionary defines a document as “an original or official paper relied on as the basis, proof, or support of something” and “something that serves as evidence or proof” (Websters Dictionary, 2008). This something can be an audio or video recording, electronic mail, a photograph, and other materials that can...

Film Production: Camera, Lighting and Sound

There is no universally accepted definition of mise-en-scene. People engaged in film production do not agree on different concepts the term might hold. In the most general sense, it denotes the design aspects of film production. The term was first used by Les Cahiers du Cinéma, an influential French film...

Film Studies. Authorship Theory in Examples

Introduction The concept of authorship has been a topic of multiple discussions in film theory during the last several decades. Its idea is to analyze the work of directors and authors, investigate their roles, and compare their contributions to a final product. In his article, Naremore says that modern motion...

Freud’s Ideas in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” Film

One of the themes that Freud finds in the relationship between humans and society is that “taboos, laws, and customs impose … restrictions, which affect both men and women” (27). According to the philosopher, there exists a constant struggle between one’s drive to reach happiness by means that may clash...

Gender and Sexuality in “The Exorcist” Film

Readings: Summary In retrospect, The Exorcist was a landmark movie that defined the very genre of horror movies, introducing innovative ideas that would, later on, be used for countless films and reiterated in a new light. Like any other horror movie, The Exorcist also rendered some of the social anxieties,...

Trends in Japanese Horror Cinema: Evolution and Global Impact

Summary The chapter, “Recent Trends in Japanese Horror Cinema” by Jay McRoy is a detailed account of how this genre has evolved in the Japanese film-making industry to assert global influence. The author starts by giving an elaborate background and history of Japanese Cinema which dates back to the origins...

“Doctors’ Diaries”: Documentary Review and Analysis

Being a healthcare specialist is not an easy task since successful work with people requires both professional medical knowledge and the understanding of social factors that cause health issues. The difficulties that health professionals face on a daily basis are illustrated in Doctors’ Diaries, a two-series documentary produced by NOVA...

“The Reflecting Pool” Video Art by Bill Viola

Throughout his career as a video artist, Bill Viola has created numerous single-channel videos and installations focused on exploring viewers’ inner spirituality and influencing deep levels of consciousness. His work has been deeply affected by the scholarly studies of Western and Eastern art, religion, and philosophy. While Viola’s current use...

The Impacts of Peak Oil: “A Crude Awakening”

The Actor-network theory presents a model to show the dynamics of science. ANT explores the structures and work of sociotechnical elements. Nowadays, it is used in various studies, including but not limited to economics, medicine, market, and management. The purpose of this paper is to explore how ANT can be...

Understanding Television: the Focus of Television Programming

Implications of Differences in Television Program Policy or Focus Television profitability depends highly on the attractiveness of the programs created. The key role of television producers is to make sure the viewers understand and enjoy what they are being shown. Viewers need to understand and be helped to distinguish what...

Gender Expectations in the Disney Film “The Little Mermaid”

Introduction This essay conveys messages about gender expectations in the Disney film, “The Little Mermaid”, and the article “Damsels and Heroines: The Conundrum of the Post-Feminism Disney Princes.” “The Little Mermaid” is one of the Disney’s animation movies, which create fully developed women characters whose thoughts are unique and they...

“Erin Brockovich” a Film by Steven Soderbergh

Abstract Introducing the key principles of qualitative research to the general audience via traditional media is not an easy task; however, despite the fact that Erin Brockovich featured a range of elements that are typical for qualitative research, it still became extremely popular among the general audience and was received...

Fireproof by Stephen Kendrick – Film Study

Fireproof is a 2008 chef-d’oeuvre film directed by Stephen Kendrick. The movie explores different family attributes, but the overriding theme is on marriage and divorce. The contemporary marriage institution is constantly faced with numerous challenges, which ultimately lead to divorce. In the movie, Fireproof, Caleb’s marriage is replete with conflict...

Spike Lee’s Crooklyn and Do the Right Thing: Family, Society, and Resistance

Description of Crooklyn Films are produced for several reasons, primarily targeting those who want entertainment. However, their impacts go beyond just entertainment. They can be powerful tools for engagement and education and a source of inspiration for viewers. Spike Lee directed two significant movies that serve these roles: Crooklyn and...

Fargo Film Analysis Through Conflict, Deviance, and Gender Theory

Introduction Fargo is a film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and it is a narrative that may seem ambiguous to some viewers. The story is filled with scenes of violence, anger, and fallen moral characters that can cause disgust toward one’s own person. However, among these negative aspects is...

Documentary Film: Combining Art and Social Awareness Through Storytelling

Introduction The documentary genre is a way for me to learn about real events. I think the artistic framing of stories allows one to convey the idea of the importance of events to a broad audience. At the same time, I understand that documentary filmmakers can add new facts to...

Intimacy, Isolation, and Gender Roles in The Graduate’s Portrayal of Early Adulthood

Introduction The journey of Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate, is explored in the widely regarded film The Graduate by Mike Nichols. The plot develops as Benjamin, feeling defeated and aimless in the face of adult duties and society expectations, returns to his parents’ suburban house. When he starts an...

Cinematic Techniques, Sound, and Tone in the “Rocky” Film

Notable Special Effects, Camera Tricks, and Stunts Rocky is one of the greatest films of the 1970s. It integrates various special effects, camera techniques, and stunts to appeal to the viewers. For instance, the movie employs a montage sequence where a series of shots are used to develop a continuous...

The Role of Anthropomorphic Animals in “Zootopia” and “Finding Nemo” in Addressing Social Issues

Introduction Anthropomorphic animals have long been crucial elements in motion pictures, captivating the audience’s attention. Having human personalities, ambitions, and perspectives, such animals remain the main characters in many movies, connecting with the viewers. However, not every viewer understands the complexity of such a phenomenon, its history, and its roles...

Adolescent Love in Ten Things I Hate About You: A Cinematic Analysis

Introduction Numerous films have been screened about adolescent love and sexuality, and perhaps among the most prominent ones is Ten Things I Hate About You. The movie was released in 1999 under the direction of Gil Junger, and its genre can be categorized as a teen romantic comedy. Throughout 97...

The “Pleasantville” Film by Gary Ross

Gary Ross is responsible for writing, co-producing, and directing the American teen fantasy comedy-drama film Pleasantville, released in 1998. The plot revolves around two siblings trapped in a television show from the 1950s that takes place in a fictional Midwestern town populated by seemingly ideal citizens (Chitwood, 2022). Although they...

Interpretation of the “Shattered Glass” Film

The goals of journalism include highlighting current news, informing citizens, and covering recent events. People want to believe that they access interesting and, what is more important, credible material in the local media. In their turn, writers, editors, and other experts create institutions that study the world and decide on...

“Don’t Look Up” Movie Directed by Adam McKay

Introduction The Netflix video ‘Don’t Look Up’ pays attention to two astronomers who endeavor to alert humans regarding an approaching comet that is going to destroy the entire society. The movie depicts the response to climate disaster to the government, media as well as celebrities. In addition, the impact occurrence...

The Oedipus Complex in Pasolini’s Movie

Introduction Many ancient plays still inspire artists, musicians, and other people related to art, and Sophocles’s Oedipus the King is one such tragedy. Thus, in 1967, a movie named Oedipus Rex, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, was created. It is noticeable that Pasolini inserted a prologue situated in current times...

The “Food Inc.” Documentary by Robert Kenner

Introduction Global food production processes are essential for the world community and population due to the fact that people cannot survive without a well-developed food supply system. At the same time, various drawbacks and issues can occur during the procedures related to animal food factories, food production distribution, as well...

The Rubber Film by Quentin Dupieux

Introduction Rubber was filmed in 2010 and directed by Quentin Dupieux, and it is a quasi-horror movie about a tire. The latter is presented as the film’s main ‘monster’ or villain, and it is named Robert (Dupieux). The narrative is unique because it introduces two storylines, which eventually merge at...

Critical Analysis of Moonlight by Barry Jenkins

The film Moonlight by director Barry Jerkins shows the challenges that Chiron encounters through different stages of development. Act 1 of Moonlight highlights the life of Chiron as a schoolboy, Act 2 his teenage years, and the last Act, his life as an adult. The movie’s genre is a drama...

“A Monster Calls” by J. A. Bayona, within the Concepts of Trauma Psychology

A Monster Calls is a young person fantasy movie that has received widespread acclaim and several accolades. This film is famous and will be converted into a film; it is a brief movie in which a monster portrays the character of a friend in order to speed up the recovery...

Walter Salles’s Film The Motorcycle Diaries Analysis

Walter Salles’s film The Motorcycle Diaries focuses on the journey across South America of young “Che” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado. Ernesto “Che” Guevara is well-known worldwide as a Latino-American revolutionary who became a symbol of rebellion. At the same time, most people forget that he was not only...

Comparing and Contrasting “Casablanca” and “Bicycle Thieves”

Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca (1942) and Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves (1948) are great movies with definite objectives. The production years are relevant for both movies, and the themes presented are factual. Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves fits Italian Neorealism where through the leading protagonist, Antonio Ricci, the movie depicts the...

Narrative Campaign of “The Hunger Games” Film

The Hunger Games films narrative campaigns include many elements such as setting, genre, flashbacks, allusions, protagonist Katniss Everdeen, theme and conflict. The storyline begins with the main character Katniss Everdeen getting into a deadly game in which the character survives and becomes the leader of the struggle for freedom and...

Factors of “The Shawshank Redemption” Production

Introduction The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most iconic films produced in the nineties. Considering that it was a time where anti-prisoner sentiment in the US was on the rise, the film, which humanizes prisoners, would inevitably become controversial. However, controversies aside, the movie is also famous due to...

2008 Economic Crisis in Inside Job Documentary

The Inside Job film elaborates on the economic crises witnessed globally in 2008 because of the unsteady systems. The economic instability affected the atmosphere adversely, triggering the loss of jobs and properties. All the institutions that triggered the crises and the people involved, as well as their deeds, are explicitly...

The Sociopolitical Perspectives in the “Black Panther” by Ryan Coogler

Black Panther is a 2018 film that is based on Marvel Comics and has an exemplary representation of African perceptive in various issues. The storyline is based on a certain kingdom known as Wakanda where a global revolution under the king by the name T’challa is witnessed after plans to...

The Film “Gran Torino” by Clinton Eastwood

Introduction “Gran Torino” is a unique picture in its genre, giving a certain “food for the mind”. This is a story about a cruel fate, turning points within the country, losses, gains, friendship, hatred, freedom, and independence. In addition, the film serves as an excellent source for studying forensic and...

“Sicko” by Michael Moore

Introduction In many countries, the health care system is different, but its purpose, regardless of location, is to provide quality services to promote health. However, the US health care system has many shortcomings, and the main one is inadequate access to health services for residents with low income and social...

The “Indonesia: The Invisible Giant” Documentary

The film Indonesia: The Invisible Giant explains how Islam arrived and influenced the cultures and values of the local people. The video describes the historical background of Indonesia and its hard lessons of democracy. Indonesia is the third-largest democracy with six recognized national religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Confucianism, and...

Real and Escapist Life in the Film “The Slumdog Millionaire”

The film, Slumdog Millionaire is an exciting and breathtaking story of an orphaned boy (Jamal) in Mumbai who uses his impeccable intelligence and strength to rise from rags to riches. The events of Jamal’s life are narrated in the movie through flash-forwards and flashbacks. Set in the slum, the movie...

“Django Unchained”: Discussion of Film Techniques

Introduction One of the most famous works of director Quentin Tarantino remains “Django Unchained.” Filmed more than nine years ago, the film retains relevance mainly due to the themes raised. Through a western film, Tarantino explores social issues such as racism, slavery, compassion, humanity, and cruelty. “Django Unchained” remains an...

The Film “The Great Gatsby” and the American Dream

The expression “The American Dream” has different ideas in people’s imaginations, but it is united by the idea of wealth and happy life. This idea often includes a successful career, a loving family, and a respectful place in society. However, this concept can also have specific images, as well as...

“Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” Movie Evaluation

Introduction Walk. Ride. Rodeo. is a 2019 movie that was first presented on the Netflix platform. The film tells the story of Amberley Snyder, a young girl who has had a lifelong passion for horses and horse racing. She had a successful career and was a champion until she got...

The Last Night in Soho Film’s Critical Analysis

Introduction Edgar Wright is an English director who shot to mainstream fame with his apocalyptic zombie comedy, The Cornetto Trilogy. It was praised for its slick and kinetic style that ingeniously blended multiple genres to deliver an electrifying satire. However, Wright’s latest attempts to make movies with more international appeal...

“Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football” Documentary

Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football is a documentary film about a tight-knit community of Muslim Americans in Dearborn, Michigan, who are focused on their passion and support for the Fordson High School football team. The story begins at Fordson High School, a public school that was once attended by only white...

Racial Exclusion in the “Higher Learning” Film

Introduction Higher Learning shows students from different social backgrounds facing interracial tensions, violence, responsibility, and the meaning of “learning” at the university campus. The film has three storylines demonstrating three key characters: Malik, Kristen, and Remy (Singleton, 1995). The first storyline introduces African American Malik, an athlete trying to become...

Life in the 1950S through the Lens of a TV Show: “Leave It to Beaver”

Being an unequivocal art form, a film allows capturing the air of a specific era and creating a time capsule that will guide the generations to come through the essential ideas and philosophies of the past decades. Leave It to Beaver is one of such shows, where the essence of...

The “Freaky Friday” by Mark Waters

Relationships with parents, their attachment, care and love significantly affect the child’s entire life. This paper analyzes the relationship between fictional parent and child from the Freaky Friday film directed by Mark Waters (2003). The movie’s plot centered around the relationship between their mother, Tess Coleman, played by Jamie Lee...

Romero vs. Voces Innocentes: Films Comparison

Introduction Romero was filmed in commemoration of Oscar Romero, former leader of Salvadoran who organized several peaceful protests against violent military regime. Oscar Romero organized and led the protests at the expense of his life. The core ideas of the film are expressed through fictional characters and true events. On...

“Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment – The Deadly Deception”: Unethical Scientific Experiment

Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment Traditional biomedical researches that used human as research subjects were characterized by gross violation of their rights. The Tuskegee’s study of 1932-1972, as displayed in Nova’s (2019) video, is not an exception since other studies such as the Nazi experimentation of 1945-1947 were even more severe. However,...

Cinematography: Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life”

“The Tree of Life”, directed by Terrence Malick, is a beautiful and emotional film filled with wonderfully captured moments of human existence and thrilling imageries of nature, architecture, and outer space. The cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, does justice to Malick’s vision and style using his special cinematic techniques. One of my...

The Film “Citizen Kane”: Scenes Analysis

The film “Citizen Kane” opens with somber chords, and, on a misty hill, we see the jagged silhouette of a castle. The scene is reminiscent of a gothic film, in which such a castle belonged to a mysterious creature. The next scene transports the viewer into the castle when a...

Max Max: Fury Road. Scene Analysis

The scene that is going to be reviewed within the framework of the current paper is the “I am the scales of justice” that starts approximately around 01:09:15. The scene is mostly focused on background music and plenty of footsteps and gunshots that vary in order to create a more...

Politics in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” by Capra

Introduction People have always been keen on politics and events around it, and cinema did not bypass political agendas since its inception. Films show political processes in different ways depending on their initial purposes. Some movies criticize and judge governmental actions, while others aim to nurture patriotic feelings and idealize...

Split Personality in the Frankie and Alice Film

The film Frankie and Alice follow the life of a dancer (Frankie) who suffers from an identity disorder. The story reveals that she had experienced several traumas that led to a split personality. Her mind harbored three personalities: Frankie, the real her, Alice, a racist white woman, and Genius, who...

“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” by Alex Gibney

Overview Crime has been part of society for a long time. History reveals various forms of crimes from time to time and in different societies. The reason why people commit a crime has been a difficult puzzle. Various theories try to explain various forms of crime, why they occur and...

An Analysis of the Family Depicted in the “Room” by Lenny Abrahamson

Film Description The limited universe of the Room is shown through the eyes of Jack. He is not too traumatized by everything he has experienced since he does not know another life. It is a film about the salvific power of solipsism, which, excluding a broad and understandable context for...

The Importance of Family in “Mi Familia” by Gregory Nava

“Mi Familia” is a drama written and directed by Gregory Nava, which may make you wish that you were a part of Jose and Maria’s family. All three generations described by Nava are ready to put up with physical and emotional suffering for the family. Even though every family has...

The Movie My Family/ Mi Familia: Mise en Scene Analysis

Possible Influences of Monet and Rivera The movie My Family (Mi Familia), directed by Nava in 1995, offers many interesting visuals that showcase the view of Mexican American culture. The film starts with shots of Mexico, including some shots of nature, slowly shifting toward a town with people. Moreover, in...

The Best Offer: A Mise-en-Scene Analysis

Introduction The analysis of any film may contain a variety of aspects, but the one that is most likely to offer an insight into the creative work’s main ideas, both apparent and concealed ones, is the mise-en-scene. The careful exploration of a movie’s compositional elements allows the viewer to see...

The Story of the Maasai Tribe in the Film “Man of Serengeti”

The movie Man of Serengeti (1972) was directed by Robert Young and produced by the National Geographic Specials. The piece is a documentary, centered on the life in the East African country Tanzania. Although Man of Serengeti was released almost fifty years ago, it continues to be an excellent illustration...

“Erin Brockovich” Film Critique

Introduction The study research in the film involves Erin Brockovich playing a role of a consumer advocate (American Psychological Association, 2010). Erin conducts research on environmental pollution because pacific gas and electric (PG&E) companies cause massive harm to the residents of Hinkley, California (Rotten Tomatoes, 2000). Precisely, the residents of...

“Martha of the North” and the Meaning of North for Canada

The North signifies the Canadian strength and magnitude. Moreover, the significance of the North for the national identity is represented by the words of the country’s anthem “the true north strong and free.” Almost half of the Canadian territory is determined as north including Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, and northern...

Movie Censorship and Ratings in America

Introduction It is not possible today to think of a time when there were no movies or motion pictures. We can’t even afford thinking how people used to entertain themselves those days. We are fortunate that we have such a wonderful medium of entertainment in the form of motion pictures,...

“Lives of Others” by Dreimann and Orwell’s “1984”

“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past” (Orwell, 309). In his novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell describes by far the most terrible and powerful political regime that has ever been created by the human mind. Oceania is the classic example of dystopia, the...

The Pursuit of Happyness by Gabriele Muccino Review

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical film directed by Gabriele Muccino. It is a classic rags-to-riches story that is based on the true life story of Christopher Gardner, a self-made millionaire who rose from poverty and homelessness to achieve great success in life. Gardner catapulted himself from...

Sexualization of Women in Hollywood Cinema

Introduction Hollywood is a widely known brand of cinematography. It is considered to be the capital of modern western film-making. It is known for hundreds of famous pictures and thousands of talented actors that took part in them. At the same time, cinema has deeply rooted connections to the gender...

Neorealism Elements in “The Color of Paradise” Film

Filmmakers all around the world try to convey their messages by using different techniques and choosing various topics. The era of Neo Realism is characterized by highlighting the problems of ordinary people, shooting scenes in genuine surroundings, using non-professional actors, and improvisation (Konewko 25). The movie The Color of Paradise...

“Remember the Titans” Movie by B. Yakin

Introduction There is a number of factors that can impact a movie’s popularity, and one of them is the degree to which the plot reflects social and personal problems affecting the target audience. Yakin’s (2000) Remember the Titans is an award-winning movie that sheds light on the history of racism...

“The Birth of the New Avant-Garde” by A. Astruc

Introduction: The Central Argument of the Novel In his famous novel called The Birth of the New Avant-Garde: The Camera Stylo Alexandre Astruc argues that cinema is getting a new life and gradually becoming a means of expression, which is why every filmmaker has an opportunity to communicate through their...

The Sundance Film Festival and Its Influence

Introduction It is necessary to say that the Sundance Film Festival is one of the most known events that are focused on independent movies. The fact that it is frequently discussed all over the world should not be disregarded, and its influence can be described as tremendous. Another aspect that...

Stereotypes in “Moonlight” Film by Barry Jenkins

Introduction Moonlight chronicles the life of a queer black boy singled out for being too soft and feminine, but eventually transformations himself to a menacingly muscular drug dealer with gold teeth grills accentuating his maleness. The movie segregates the journey of an adolescent boy into manhood into three chapters. Initially,...

The Television Series “South Park” Analysis

Introduction Communication is one of the greatest aspects that make human life enjoyable by promoting understanding and interactions of individuals from similar or diverse backgrounds. It forms one of the agents that bind the society together despite the many personal and cultural differences that exist among human beings. The media...

Film Terms: Aesthetic and Cultural Analysis in Cinematic Studies

Term Identification Racial Melodrama This descriptive term is concerned with the films that belong to the cinematographic subgenre melodrama, with their directors having made a deliberate point of using the ‘race card’ to increase the emotional appeal of these movies’ plots to the audiences. The most commonly explored motif in...

“In and Out of Africa” by Fred J. Lincoln Documentary

In and Out of Africa is a documentary film that engages the viewers into an intelligent and perceptive overview of African art and culture. The documentary explores authenticity, racial politics with humor and irony, as well as emphasizes the role of transnational trade in shaping African art. The movie intertwines...

The Breakfast Club: Stereotypes and Self-Discovery in High School

If any person of my age group is questioned what their preferred motion picture of all times is, many of them will name ‘The Breakfast Club’ one of the top three on the list without any hesitation. The movie is a faultless instance of patrician relations in the teenage culture....

Film Studies: “I am Sam”

“I am Sam” is a movie about a single father whose developmental disabilities make it hard for him to raise a 7-year old daughter. The movie was released in 2001, and it garnered a lot of acclaim for its portrayal of the developmentally challenged members of the society. “I am...

The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring Film Analysis

The lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is an adventure, adaptation, action or a fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson and released in the year two thousand and one. It is an epic adventure in prehistoric times that contrasts the moral vs. malicious forces and role of...

History of Film Noir

Introduction Film Noir is a term coined in the early 1940s by the French to refer to trendy Hollywood crime movies produced during this period. The term literally means black film in French and the movies were characterized by their black and white visual style, a style generally thought to...

Innovative Filmmaking and Challenging Traditional Storytelling in Godard’s Breathless

Introduction Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960) is a groundbreaking film that defies conventional cinematic norms and pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling techniques. Using innovative approaches and techniques, Breathless creates a unique viewing experience. Overall, the film’s importance lies in its ability to open new ideas and concepts to the idea...

Tarantino’s Cinematic Rebellion: Nonlinear Narratives in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill

Introduction: Identifying the Film and Its Comparative Frame Quentin Tarantino is a genius aesthete and walking encyclopedia, director of inimitable bloody scenes, author of unforgettable dialogues, and a collector of icons. His creation, Pulp Fiction, has revived the career of John Travolta, made Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman look...

Analysis of “P.S. I Love You” Film with Critical and Personal Insights

Introduction Released in 2007, P.S. I Love You is a romantic drama directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. The movie follows Holly Kennedy (Swank) as she struggles to move on and live in the aftermath of her husband Gerry’s (Butler) death. To console her, Gerry...

Symbolism in John Huston’s 1956 Adaptation of Moby Dick: Religion, Nature, and Obsession

Introduction Director John Huston’s 1956 take on Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick masterfully employs symbolism to dramatize the book’s central conflicts regarding religion, humanity’s relationship with nature, and obsession leading to destruction. The foremost symbol is the whale itself. Its unearthly whiteness echoed in the albatrosses that circled it,...

Exploring Discrimination and Prejudice in “A Class Divided” Documentary

Introduction When I first watched the documentary “A Class Divided,” directed by William Peters in 1985 for PBS’s Frontline, it made me pause and think. This essay is about my thoughts on the film, which captures an experiment by Iowa teacher Jane Elliott in 1970. I want to share how...

Russian Cinema and Political Significance of Censorship

Introduction Governments have long recognized cinema’s ability to advance social and political agendas, shape public opinion, and shape national identities. The Russian government has a deep and abiding love of movies, so it is not an outlier. From the Soviet era’s use of cinema as propaganda to the current Russian...

The History of Bugs Bunny Cartoon

Introduction Bugs Bunny, an animated character, was created back in the 1930s by Leon Schlesinger. It gained popularity after featuring in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series released in 1930 and 1931 respectively. For instance, Merrie Melodies started airing in 1931, during the golden age era of American animation...

John Hughes: The Life and Legacy of a Teen Film Icon

Physical Development 1950 saw the birth of John in a little Midwest village. He had three sisters and was the sole male. For his first 12 years in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he was a Gordie Howe supporter of the Detroit Red Wings. When he was younger, John remembered being “sort...

“Eyes of the Rainbow”: A Documentary Review

The story of Assata Shakur’s journey is long and complicated, some viewing her as a dangerous criminal, and some considering her a martyr to racism. The 1997 documentary about Shakur titled “Eyes of the Rainbow,’ while possibly being skewed toward a more positive perception of the notorious figure in the...

The Book and Movie Versions of “The Martian”

Introduction The Martian, by Andy Weir, is a science fiction novel adapted into a 2015 film directed by Ridley Scott. It has been adapted into a critically acclaimed movie and has become a worldwide sensation. Both the book and the movie present the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is...

Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette Review

A historical film may be produced to entertain audiences, educate viewers about the past, evaluate the present through the lens of the past, or shed new light on the past as it is being recounted by dispelling misconceptions. Sofia Coppola’s intention in making Marie Antoinette was to depict France’s 18th-century...

Rhetoric Tactics in The King’s Speech Film

Public speaking is an emotionally and physically challenging task. Not only does it frighten inexperienced speakers, but it can also cause anxiety in public figures. The King’s Speech showcases the strategies used by the ascendant monarch of the British Empire to overcome his own fear of public speaking. Out of...

Show-Don’t-Tell in Mise-en-Scene of “Psycho”

Introduction Alfred Hitchcock is an undeniably unparalleled master of cinematography, with countless movies representing the techniques that were groundbreaking at the time. However, it is the perfection of the mise-en-scene that should be placed among the crowning achievements of Hitchcock’s mastery. His incredible skill and massive contribution to the development...

Documentary “The Corporation” by Abbott and Achbar

Introduction The Corporation is a long historical and documentary 2003 movie directed by Jennifer Abbott and Mark Achbar. The primary mission of this picture is to show the true, somewhat evil nature of major influential corporations, and the concept that inspired the movie-makers is the detail mentioned in the Fourteenth...

“Hearts and Minds” Documentary by Peter Davis

Introduction Created in 1974 and directed by Peter Davis, the documentary movie Hearts and Minds tells its audience the terrible truth about the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war. It is hard to disagree that the purpose of this movie is very significant, and it is vital for the filmmakers...

All In: The Fight for Democracy Documentary

All in: The Fight for Democracy is the 2020 documentary film. The film revolves around voter suppression in the United States. The central theme of the film is disenfranchisement. The directors, Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés, used the 2018 election experience to show that the right to vote has always...

The Documentary “The Mask You Live In” by Jennifer Siebel

Introduction In her second work, director Jennifer Siebel explores the problem which can be called “education of masculinity in men.” The analysis of the issue begins with a rather easy step: the recognition that there is no need to hide feelings, but boys all over the world have been taught...

The Shutter Island Movie by Martin Scorsese

Introduction The neo-noir genre, which is more auteur than mass, is valued for the special atmosphere in which filmmakers reveal the deep personalities and experiences of characters and raise acute social issues. Although the vast majority of modern directors have moved away from this style, which is aimed at a...

“The Matrix”, Scepticism, and the Mind-Body Problem

Lilly and Lana Wachowski’s movie The Matrix has attracted a lot of attention from philosophy scholars ever since its initial release in 1999. Through the subtleties of cinematic language and subtext in screenwriting, the movie discusses major philosophical themes, such as skepticism and the mind-body problem. This paper aims to...

“Twelve Angry Men” Movie Analysis

Introduction The movie “Twelve Angry Men” is considered one of the best court dramas in the history of world cinema. It is a story about making the correct decision and the ability to reflect. A New York court is hearing the case of an 18-year-old immigrant who, according to the...

Criticism of the Netflix Series “The Squid Game”

As is often the case, literary works, or any other form of “text” with broad appeal cannot be evaluated from only one perspective. There are a considerable number of people living on the planet, and each of them has its own cultural and ethnic background. The presence and quality of...

“The Death of a Salesman” Film by John Malkovich

John Malkovich’s film The Death of a Salesman is an adaptation of the 1949 play by Arthur Miller, which was also staged many times in the US, London, Berlin, and Bombay. The plot revolves around the main character, Willie, who feels despair, pity, and fear, being on the verge of...

Evaluation of the Symptoms of Schizophrenia in “A Beautiful Mind”

Introduction The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) is a collection of mental disorders. It includes the definitions, classifications, and organization of the disorders. Also, the manual contains a list of criteria that is used to make a diagnosis. The DSM-IV-TR is...

Sociology of “Avatar” Movie by James Cameron

Avatar is a science fiction movie created and produced by James Cameron. The film was released on the 10th of December, 2009, to high praises from critics that marveled at its innovative and impressive visual effects. The movie follows the colonization of Pandora by the humans whose aim was to...

Plot and Main Idea of “Back to the Future” Film

Introduction There are movies that not only do not age but also continue to carry philosophical and ethical thoughts through the decades. One of these films is Back to the Future, which was released in 1985 and still does not lose the relevance of its theme. Considering the film nowadays,...

Breathless: Analysis of the Characters

The film Breathless presents quite unusual characters – they demonstrate their egoism in relationships, have philosophical conversations, and relax while one of them is hiding from the police. For instance, in the end, when the police are already following Michel, at first, he does not try to run away, and...

Cultural Artifact in the “Legally Blonde” Film

Introduction Cultural artifact analysis is essential for ethnographic research in which case an ethnographer gets to decide what an artifact suggests or does not suggest. As a result, readers can gain insight into aspects of an artifact that they could not have deciphered without the help of the ethnographer. Accordingly,...

“American Psycho”: Plot and Main Ideas

Outline American Psycho is a film made as a critique of the materialistic American society, the incompetence of law enforcement, and misogynistic violence. Working as a black comedy, it combines elements of horror with more light-hearted aspects to lampshade the world around it. Additionally, the film exists as an interesting...

Value of Film in Explaining History

Introduction Cinematograph has become a powerful medium at storytelling in modern times. Film is a way that allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the context of the setting and story. Since the inception of film as a popular medium, it has used the stories of the past as the...

Capitalism and Class Division in the “Parasite” Film

Introduction Directed by Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite (2019) creatively represents social issues connected with capitalism, class division, and unemployment in modern society. Capitalism dominates most of the world’s developed and developing countries, including South Korea. Bong’s explanation of capitalism applies to any country since the topic of inequality resonates everywhere...

Narrative Structure in “Notorious” & “The Place Beyond the Pines” Films

The three-act structure is a common way for storytellers to organize their stories. It is often used in films to give a structured approach to storytelling. This essay compares and contrasts two films, the 1946 film “Notorious” and the 2012 movie “The Place Beyond the Pines”. In particular, the discussion...

Caregivers, Teachers, and Children in “Matilda” Film

The movie I chose to watch is Matilda, which was directed and co-produced by Danny DeVito. The film is a family comedy that touches on various aspects of parent-child dynamics, parenting styles, and attachments. In the movie, Matilda acts as the main character and is a member of Wormwood’s family....

Symbolism in the “Queen of the South” Series

Introduction Symbolism is vastly used in cinematography for a variety of purposes. Symbols can give additional background to the story, work as a warning, or draw parallels between the events on screen and the events in the past. In movies, like in any art, almost anything can be symbolic, including...

Cinematography and Visuals in the Tenet Film

Introduction Visual perception is one of the essential sources of information for the human brain. This idea has been effectively utilized in the filmmaking industry, allowing directors to transmit profound ideas subtly. Christopher Nolan is a renowned expert in cinematography, which makes his works worth examining from this point of...

Black Mirror’s “White Bear” and Cancel Culture

Introduction Short Summary of the Episode Black Mirror is a dystopian Netflix anthology with strong social messages, mostly related to technology. “White Bear,” an episode from season two of the series, is arguably one of the most disturbing episodes of the series. Victoria, who wakes up with no memory of...

Mise-en-Scene of “Blade Runner” Film by Ridley Scott

Based on the opening scene of Blade Runner, the viewers can see that Los Angeles is presented as a modern and developed city. In addition, the fact that it is presented at night is another important element. The author wants people to see the lights and fires of the city...

The Gangs of New York Movie Review

Introduction The movie “Gangs of New York” depicts a time during the Civil War when rivals fought for the control of the Lower East Side of New York. The film is characterized by two varied forces fighting. One side comprises of the native thugs led by a man referred to...

Autism in the “A Boy Called Po” by Asher

Summary of Po’s Experience Autism is a developmental disability characterized by significant communication, social, and behavioral challenges among affected individuals, and in most cases, it begins from early childhood. As a result, patients interact, communicate, and behave in manners different from other healthy individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,...

The Dark Side of the Amateur Porn in “Hot Girls Wanted”

Introduction Hot Girls Wanted is a Netflix documentary telling the story of several young girls who work in so-called pro-am porn. The plot mainly revolves around Tressa’s story, with the filmmakers following every step she makes during her short porn career. Like many others, she wants to make a lot...

Cinematic and Literary Narrative and Narration

Introduction Literary and cinematic narration structures have always been compared to define whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical. Although there are many analogies between film and literature, mostly their narrative methods differ. The crucial distinction lies in the idea of the narrator and its role in storytelling. Wilson defines a...

“Psycho”: A Psychological Thriller by Alfred Hitchcock

Psycho is a 1960 American psychological thriller directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. The film is universally considered to be iconic for film culture and a staple of the thriller or horror genre, introducing many elements of filmmaking that are utilized to this day. With Psycho, Hitchcock broke both social...

Signs’ Movie Analytical Critique

Introduction Signs is one of the most exemplary movies of how people lose and regain faith in God. This movie “uses the threat of alien invasion as a means of eliciting its protagonist’s personal crisis of faith” (Deangelis, 2006, p. 27). Signs presents Graham’s loss and regaining of faith in...

“West Side Story” and “Romeo and Juliet” Movies Comparative Analysis

Despite the fact that the both cinematographic adaptations of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”: “West Side Story” (1961) and “Romeo + Juliet” (1996) exploit essentially the same motifs of love, revenge and “corporate solidarity”, the semantic message, conveyed by these movies, varies significantly, which can be explained by particularities of...

“Billy Elliot” as a Play and a Movie

The work of cinematography I am going to analyze is called “Billy Elliot”. The film is about a boy who wants to become a ballet dancer. He meets his father’s and brother’s opposition; he has no person to support him except his grandmother. The dance teacher recognizes his talent and...

Goodnight and Goodluck: An Evaluation of Its Historical Accuracy

Introduction Films as any form of media convey a message or more that either informs, entertains or stirs its viewers to take action. Others such as historical movies present a narrative of a past era of which its producers need to convey a clear understanding of the situations, characters and...

“Maurice” by James Ivory: Film Outline and Symbols

Introduction Maurice was written by E.M. Forster during 1913/1914. But the novel was published posthumously only in 1971. It calls for emotional and sexual sincerity in the time of moralizing and repressions in British society. The protagonist comes to age as a homosexual, subtle and rich person, looking ordinary, but...

The Importance of Being Earnest: Play Movie (2002)

The movie The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) is based on a well-known play by Oscar Wilde. Thus, the director of the movie Oliver Parker proposes viewers an original approach to the plot and a modern vision of the problem of human morality, identity and fair personal relationships. The movie...

Kennedy Assassination in Zapruder’s Film vs. Conner’s Report

Introduction In view of the John F. Kennedy assassination which could still evoke debate and un-resolved discussion, it is important to stick to facts and reality which could be at best presented in the form of actual footage, coverage, and narration of witnesses to the event. While various interpretations and...

“8 Mile” by Curtis Hanson Review

Introduction The movie “8 Mile” vividly portrays a hip-hop culture and its manifestations in modern society. The movie describes the life of a working-class fellow Jimmy “B. Rabbit” Smith Jr., and his desire to become a hip-hop artist. This is an impressive life story portraying family violence and abuse. This...

A Story of Struggle in “Farewell My Concubine” Film

Introduction Chen Kaige belongs to the fifth generation of Chinese filmmakers. Just like his counterparts Zhang Yimou, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Zhang Junzhao, and Li Shaohong, he graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and contributed to Chinese cinema popularization. Chen Kaige films are appreciated by broad and arthouse audiences. Particularly, Martin Scorsese...