Romantic Comedies: Friends with Benefits, No Strings Attached

Frankly speaking, I am not a real fan of romantic comedies, but I have seen a few at the movie theatre with my friends. Friends with Benefits appealed to me as it seems to differ from the other films of this genre. However, soon No Strings Attached appeared on the...

Ethical Considerations in “Little White Lie” by Mandefro

Little White Lie is a masterpiece story about family issues that depicts rising youth when an identity is significantly characterized by others. It describes the progress into adulthood as a moment when individuals can distinct their personalities. The difficulties of self-searching and development are amplified when one’s very own story...

Gender Representation in American Pop Culture

The selected excerpt of the book called “The Pop Culture Freaks” focuses on the representation of gender in American pop culture that is a powerful tool capable of impacting social tendencies and relations or creating particular attitudes. The objectification of women (or female bodies, to be more precise, since their...

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...

Beauty and the Beast’: Movie Review

The beautiful, but swaggering Prince Adam was punished for arrogance and exorbitant pride. The sorceress cast a spell on Adam and his entire castle. The handsome Prince turned into a terrible furry monster, and his faithful servants became household items: utensils, candlesticks, watches, and other trinkets. This sorceress left Adam...

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

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is one of the most captivating movies that touch upon numerous themes about people, their crimes, and their actions’ outcomes that lead to the greatest scandals in the business world ever. This documentary movie tells a story of how executives of the company...

Canadian Indigenous Horrors Films: “Blood Quantum”. Film Proposal

Film Proposal North America has been a home for many outstanding movies throughout modern history. Most of the notoriety is, expectedly, attributed to Hollywood filmmakers and their large productions, which does not portray the North American film scene fully. Canadian film plays a large role in the industry as well,...

“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...

“Like a Box of Chocolates” by Steven Scott

Steven Scott’s “Like a Box of Chocolates” explores Forrest Gump, the movie – one of the best-known and most influential American cultural products of recent decades. In a serious, bordering on downright academic tine, Scott presents his reading of the famous story of a simple-witted man who inexplicably becomes incredibly...

“Good Hair” and “Americas: Mirrors of the Heart”: Documentaries Comparison

Introduction Racial identity may be defined as a specific sense of belonging to a particular racial group. It is based on the person’s perception that he or she shares the same heritage with this group. The examination of racial identity is highly essential for the evaluation of historical and social...

Movie Review: Miss Evers’ Boys

The Tuskegee experiment that took place in America over a period of four decades was an ethical catastrophe. The movie, “Miss Evers’ Boys”, captures the emotional and physical effects of the experiment on the participants, most of who succumbed to the disease. The experiment was a violation of most, if...

Antonio Vargas’ “Documented”: The Challenges Immigrants Face

Introduction Immigration has been a hotly contested topic for many years. Many people, especially in developing nations, want to move to developed countries like the United States to seek better ways of livelihood and better-paying jobs. However, the traditional way of being registered as a migrant is long and tiresome...

Martha Rogers’s Theory and the Movie “The Sixth Sense” by Shyamalan

The theory of unitary human beings formulated by Martha Rodgers has played a very significant role in the discipline of nursing as well as many other disciplines. The introduction of the theory has transformed the field of nursing and the initial perception of healthcare. In today’s world, nursing is not...

The Language of the “Citizen Kane” Film

The film Citizen Kane is notable not only with the story it uncovers for the audience but also with its effective use of cinematography techniques. The film’s deep-focus photography, mise en scène, lighting, and camera movements have earned numerous appraises by critics over the decades after Citizen Kane was filmed....

”Doctor Strange”: Description and Interpretation

Description Doctor Strange, a 2016 action-fantasy film, existing exists as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Created as a part of an ongoing series of films, this movie manages to both tell its own, unique story and provide a set upsetup for future installations in the franchise. The plot...

“Grizzly Man” by Werner Herzog

Introduction Films have become an essential type of art, allowing their creators to channel deep and relevant thoughts. Various motion pictures analyze particular social and psychological processes, making valuable contributions to humanity and its culture. Grizzly Man, a 2005 documentary, provides insight into the mind of a person who gradually...

“Black Panther”: Dealing With Real-Life Social Issues

The number of science-fiction and superhero films is constantly increasing, and many of them deal with serious problems. Black Panther is an example of such a movie, which demonstrates how science interacts with literature and society. Directed by Ryan Coogler and based on Marvel Comics, it shows fictional events, but...

Personality Traits of Melba Pattillo Beals in “Warriors Don’t Cry”

Racial segregation remains one of the most shameful blemishes on the history of the United States. As introspect into the specified time slot shows, introducing regulations aimed at the integration of institutions and communities was failing due to the misalignment between the blatant racism of American society and the idea...

Reenactment as a Genre of Cinematography

Introduction Knowledge of the past has always been of a dual nature: on the one hand, the knowledge of professionals, relying on authentic sources, documentary evidence, on the other hand, the knowledge of the masses, using rumors, speculation, and myths. Television has developed its technologies for reproducing the past, unique...

“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...

“Amélie” Film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet Review

After watching a good film, it is sometimes hard for the viewers to explain what it is about because they are too impressed with it. However, it should be added that these people must necessarily have shining eyes, a smile from ear to ear, and some “inner glow”. After watching...

A Review of Agnes Varda’s Cleo from 5 to 7

Agnes Varda’s Cleo from 5 to 7 portrays the experience of a “real-time” movie, following the life of a protagonist, waiting for biopsy results. The picture explores many themes, including a unique exploration of accepting a life with a severe illness and a mortality concept. Directed by the only female...

“District 9” Movie Critical Review

District 9 in the sci-fi thriller genre tells about the arrival of a UFO shortly on the territory of modern Johannesburg, a South African troubled metropolis. Contrary to expectations of a hostile invasion, the aliens are refugees from their planet and appear before the viewer dying of hunger and huddled...

”Argo” Directed by Affleck: Summary and Opinion

Introduction Movie plots are often based on real events, making the viewers’ experience even more exciting. Besides, the historical presence gives a unique glimpse at remarkable events in the world. The movie “Argo” proves the idea since it won several awards and many viewers’ appreciation. The purpose of this paper...

Disney Films: Projector of Our Society’s Values

Disney Company is the most significant entertainment empire in the world, thanks to the creator Walt Disney and his brother. Since the inception of Disney, the society has experienced a change of influence in both gender roles and characters. Disney movies have shaped the skills, attitudes, behaviors, and morals of...

“Get Out” Horror Film by Jordan Peele

Get Out is a satirical horror directed by Jordan Peele in 2017. Get Out premiered on January 23, 2017, and was described as “a movie that plunges into white insecurities about black sexuality and the lingering toxicity of slavery on the national psyche” (Johnston 2). The film was a success...

Movie Reflection – “Mi Familia”

“Mi Familia” is a film directed by Gregory Nava, who released it in 1995. The plot reveals the life journey of a family that moved from Mexico to the United States, settling in Los Angeles. By seeing the three generations, from the father of the Sanchez family who traveled from...

Touch of Hitchcock: Psycho and Vertigo

There are movies with an interesting plot and a strong cast, after watching which people change their lives. Some movies influence the way of how the whole filmmaking industry is developed, and the work of Alfred Hitchcock is one of such significant contributions. In the 20th century, this director demonstrated...

Theme of Grief in “The Secret Life of Bees”

The Secret Life of Bees is a novel by Sue Monk Kidd that explores themes of loss, grief, acceptance, and forgiveness. Furthermore, in her book, Kidd raises the topics of race and color. In fact, in 2004, the novel received The Indies Choice Book Award and was nominated for The...

Causes of 2008 Financial Crisis in Sony Documentary, “Inside Job”

Causes of the 2008 Financial Meltdown The documentary, “The Inside Job”, highlights some of the reasons why the 2008 financial meltdown happened. The film shows how bankers, regulators, and politicians all contributed to the crisis. One of the causes of the financial meltdown presented in the documentary is the high...

Nick Anderson’s Political Cartoons: Employment and Immigration in the USA

A political cartoon is a type of illustration that enters the space of artistic, mass-media, and political discourses, while being a unique synthesis of literary creativity and fine art. On the one hand, an editorial cartoonist acts as a scriptwriter and a stage director. Whereas, on the other hand ––as...

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...

Picnic Scene in “Citizen Kane” Movie by Orson Welles

Introduction The film “Citizen Kane” is a 1941 drama motion picture directed by Orson Welles. The production narrates about a millionaire who seems to receive little happiness from his wealth and needs to hide his sensitive personality under the cynical mask. The present paper will analyze the Everglades Picnic scene...

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift: Ethical Dilemma

Introduction A modest proposal is a film by Jonathan swift which has unveiled the poverty situation in Ireland. The setting of the movie was at a time when the population was increasing at a higher rate than the economy. The movie begins by displaying young children on the streets who...

Video Editing: Past, Present and Future

Introduction Video editing refers to the process of selecting and combining short motion picture films commonly referred to as shots into comprehensive narratives that are eventually used in creating a finished film. A video is a sequence of still pictures that are used to represent scenes in motion. Video editing...

Latin American Film: “Macario” by Roberto Gavaldón

Botz describes the period between 1950 and 1960 as rife with major worker’s struggles and labor unions. This was the era before the 1960 revolution, a volatile time in Mexican politics. It is against this backdrop that Roberto Gavaldón directed Macario. Macario is a Mexican story intertwined with magical realism...

“Inception” by Christopher Nolan: Human Mind Mysteries

Introduction Nine years in the making, “Inception” premiered in the summer of 2010 as an intense and convoluted but entertaining warning about the promise and perils of understanding human dreams. It is too soon to tell whether the critical acclaim that greeted the movie will translate to Oscar, Golden Globe...

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,...

Films and Television: Visual Techniques

After engaging in Internet-based research on the relationships between the technical, visual and production aspects of film and television I have found that many similarities between techniques used in contemporary films and television. It is a well-known fact that the film industry appeared first and only then followed the era...

“Brokeback Mountain” by Ang Lee

There is a famous American western that revolutionized modern cinematography by rising important issues of gender and sexuality. The name of the movie is the Brokeback Mountain and by making sociological problems described in the movie so open for public, Ang Lee put them on the top of the most...

Godard’s Film History “Le Mepris”

As of today, the majority of movie critics agree with suggestions that the genre of auteur film, which gained a particular popularity with moviegoers during the course of fifties and sixties, should be discussed within the context of many European producers of the era having strived to endow their cinematographic...

Rain Man: Movie Characteristic

Introduction The title of the movie is Rain Man. It was the winner of the 1988 Best Picture Award from the Academy of Motion Picture. There are two major characters. The first one is Raymond Babbitt who suffers from autism and for most of his life lived in a mental...

Pride and Prejudice (2005): Movie Analysis

Introduction The character of the move that has been chosen for this analysis of personality is Keira Knightley’s character of Elizabeth Bennet, the main female character of the movie “Pride and prejudice” (2005) directed by Joe Wright. Though this paper is aimed not at the creation of movie review, we...

Issues in the Film Industry

Not so long ago, the film industry was a no-go zone for film directors with less than six-digit figures in their bank accounts. To make a movie in Hollywood was an extremely expensive undertaking. But due to narrative and aesthetic experimentation, there has been an introduction of low-budget quality movies...

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...

The Looks of Hollywood at Technology

Introduction Hollywood of the 1980s reflected a unique understanding of technology and progress, military power and the nuclear age. The movies Terminator-1 (1984) and Blade Runner (1982) vividly reflect the image and unique perception of technology by film producers. The movies’ importance lies primarily in their imagined visual presentation of...

“Black Panther” Movie by Ryan Coogler

As a Marvel movie, Black Panther goes beyond the conventions of a superhero saga largely popularized by the American media franchise. It is true that the film does keep some of the key elements of the genre. Wakanda is a mythical country cloaked behind an illusory forest and hiding the...

India Partition in the “Earth” Drama Film

Introduction In the majority of cases, when people make a decision to watch an Indian movie, they want to see a number of beautiful saris, songs, dances, family conflicts, and the development of loving affairs. However, Bollywood can amaze and positively contradicts audience expectations. Earth (Mehta, 1998) is one such...

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...

Progress Traps in the “Surviving Progress” Film

Introduction Progress – the biggest and primary ambition of human civilization throughout history. To achieve progress in technology, science, arts, philosophy and other fields is a means of driving forward and improving the very aspect of human existence. While there are obvious benefits to technological advancement, there are also complicated...

Aquaman: An Evolution Through the Ages

Introduction Arthur Curry is a well-known character that represents the essence of the Aquaman franchise tracing its roots to the middle of the 1940s. A son of an ordinary light man and the Queen of Atlantis, this half-blood superhero has gradually caught the fancy of the general public all over...

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,...

“Moby Dick,” a Film Adaptation of the Novel

Introduction The 1956 film adaptation of the famous novel Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck, is considered one of the most iconic Hollywood movies of the era and the best novel-to-screen adaptation of this story to date. The film was one of the first theatrical releases that took on the huge...

The Mainland Chinese Film Industry

Introduction There are many ways to understand Chinese culture, and its movies provide one option. During the last several decades, the mainland Chinese film industry has undergone considerable changes. However, even the most thoughtful researchers are not always able to give a clear explanation of the reasons why the film...

Aniconism in “The Hidden Art of Islam” Documentary

Introduction The Hidden Art of Islam is devoted to the history of aniconism in Muslim culture and its influence on Arabic calligraphy, geometry, design, and contemporary art inspired by Islam. As the movie emphasizes, artists should not depict God, the Prophet Muhammad, human figures, and other living creatures alike, especially...

“Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice” Films

Watching movies based on Jane Austen’s novels is always exciting for many people. In addition to a properly developed plot with interesting characters and lines, the director and the rest of the film crew make their contributions and choose beautiful landscapes and views. The role of the cast cannot be...

Robert Redford’s Quiz Show: Fame, Morality, and Scandal

Introduction A 90s classic Quiz Show produced and directed by Robert Redford examines the moral boundaries of a person on their way to becoming famous. The storyline of the movie revolves around the Twenty-One quiz show scandals that took place in the 1950s. Back then, after observing plummeting TV ratings,...

Realistic Circus Scene Filming: Kodak Vision 3 & Spherical Lenses

The Circus Introduction The concluding scene that belongs to the realistic genre will be framed in color 35 mm format (Super 35) having an aspect ratio of 1: 2.35 to reduce grain. The film stock selected is Kodak Vision-3; 500T. This arrangement will certainly enable the cinematographer to capture superior...

Science Fiction in Literature and Movies

Introduction It now became a commonplace assumption among many people that the genre of sci-fi in literature and movies is being solely concerned with exposing how the continuous technological progress may affect the realities of people’s everyday living in the future. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to believe that, while...

Hollywood’s Stereotyping of Arabs: Dehumanization and Bias

Introduction One of the main aspects of today’s living is that people in Western countries most commonly form their opinions of those who profess different cultural/religious values, based on how these ‘others’ are being represented by the mainstream media. This situation, however, cannot be referred to as being fully normal,...

“Closer” Drama Film by Mike Nichols

Lead Actors Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen. Plot The story is about four young people: Alice, Dan, Anna, and Larry. Alice and Dan met crossing the road. It was love at first sight, and they lived happily after for one year. A year later, Dan becomes a...

Analysis of Steve Breen’s Cartoon “White Lines”: Themes and Interpretations

Introduction The visual # 4 (“White Lines”) is a part of the cartoon portfolio of Steve Breen. This portfolio has earned Breen the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for the “agile use of a classic style to produce wide ranging cartoons that engage readers with power, clarity and humor” (Hall and Jiménez...

Shark Tank’s Impact on Entrepreneurship: Education, Gender, and Security

Shark Tank Shark Tank is a reality show on American television. It is a business show that has a certain impact on the development of new entrepreneurship. Its goal is to allow young entrepreneur-contestants to present their projects and, in case their business ideas are promising, they have a chance...

The Influence of Film Festivals and Awards on Modern Cinematography

The early era of cinematography was shaped by striving to achieve success in terms of creating masterpieces that are unique and precious. However, gradually, the primary priorities of creators involved in the film industry have shifted in favor of material profit. The contemporary cinematography is most known not for its...

Neil Blomkamp’s Films: Race, Power, and South Africa’s Depiction

Introduction Although Neil Blomkamp’s (A white South African director) movies were relatively successful with regard to their box offices around the world but specifically in South Africa, the critics’ attention was also drawn to the depiction of Black Africans and Bantu Immigrants. The director himself pointed out that he did...

“Farewell My Concubine” by Chen Kaige

Introduction The 1993 film Farewell My Concubine (directed by Chen Kaige) is now referred to as one of the Chinese cinematography’s finest works. There are several reasons for it, but the most important one has to do with the film’s high educational value. After all, even though Farewell My Concubine...

“Frankie & Alice” Motion Picture: Race and Mental Care

Frankie & Alice is a Canadian motion picture by Berry, Cirrincione, DeKaric, Zaidi, and Sax (2010). It is based on a real story of an Afro-American woman with a Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Frankie is the protagonist, a go-go dancer who begins to experience violent episodes and blackouts. However, it...

Predicting the Future of Film Narrative

The History of Film Introduction What started as a novelty in the 1890s with the innovation of the cinema cameras has become a popular culture in the world. The art of cinema making has experienced tremendous innovation, growth, and development since the first less than a minute-long silent clips were...

Analysis of “12 Angry Men”: Themes and Dramatic Techniques

Introduction This is an American drama movie where a group of 12 men is involved in discussing the judgment for a murder case involving a slum boy. The twelve jurors argue about the evidence presented in this case where an 18-year-old young man is claimed to have killed his father...

Oscar Ceremonies: Bias and Benefits

Introduction The Oscar ceremonies became a proverbial event in the history of the American culture quite a while ago (English 73). Defining the cultural choices made by the critics and the viewers alike and serving as the means of summing up the progress that the moviemaking industry has made, the...

Masculinity in the Film “Saturday Night Fever”

Introduction Saturday Night Fever is a movie that revolves around a young man, Tony Manero, who acts as John Travolta. John works as a clerk at a hardware that is in the heart of the New York City. He regularly breaks his routine activities of the week on the weekends...

“Out of the Past” Noir Film by Jacques Tourneur

As of today, it became a commonplace assumption among many film-critics that the era of classical Noir films extends from the year 1941, which saw the release of John Huston’s film The Maltese Falcon, to the year 1958, when Orson Welles produced his movie Touch of Evil. Nevertheless, it was...

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...

“Jerry Maguire” a Film by Cameron Crowe

Introduction People are social beings that live in a certain community and move together to attain success and contribute to the further evolution. In this regard, the efficient cooperation between all individuals could be considered a key to the existence of a certain society. However, this cooperation is impossible without...

The Morality of the Movie “Gone Baby Gone”

The Gone Baby Gone movie represents one of those pieces of art which leave the audience with contradictory opinions about the ending. While the whole film is full of dramatic moments, its final part is the most powerful as it brings about the crucial question: should the character’s decision be...

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...

Sleepers: Father Bobby’s Moral Dilemma Through Kantian Ethics Lens

Sleepers is a criminal drama film, based on Lorenzo Carcaterra’s novel. The film tells the story of four childhood friends who were put into complex and abusive conditions that influenced all their further life. The question what is right and what is wrong is constantly raised as the story goes....

Analysis of Interpersonal Relationships and Symbolism in Norman Jewison’s Moonstruck

Introduction The nature of interpersonal relationships is never simple and characterized by multiple and diverse perspectives, attitudes, and outcomes. Norman Jewison, a director of the romantic comedy Moonstruck, shares his vision of how a man and a woman can live and coexist in this world. There are many interesting topics...

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...

Class Divide in “Parasite” (2019): Cinematic Analysis

Introduction The sequence I have chosen from the film Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, is when the Kim family introduces themselves to the Park family as new teachers. The father, Mr. Kim, leads the family to the Parks’ residence at the beginning, and the Parks decide to hire all...

“12 Years a Slave” by Steve McQueen: Movie Review

Introduction The movie “12 Years a Slave” was influenced by Solomon Northup’s novel. The book was first released in 1853, but Steve McQueen’s film adaptation did not come out until 2013. The United States, particularly the states of Louisiana and New York, served as the backdrop for the movie. The...

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...

Alfred Hitchcock: Biography, Career and Films of a Master of Suspense

Introduction Alfred Hitchcock’s skill is evident in his ability to engage audiences with gripping narratives and his inventive use of cinematic elements to create an immersive and memorable experience. Hitchcock’s cinematic career started during the silent film period and smoothly carried over into the sound era. He has received innumerable...

The Pursuit of Happyness: A Single Father’s Struggle with Poverty and Homelessness

Introduction The Pursuit of Happyness, directed by Gabriele Muccino, is a drama that explores the challenges and triumphs that accompany a person’s lifelong pursuit of a better life. This 117-minute film, released in 2006, tells the story of the complexities of adulthood and the pursuit of happiness. Explanation The role...

The Pursuit of Happyness: Identity, Parenting, and Resilience

Introduction The movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) is a biographical drama film based on the life of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless. The movie accurately depicts the struggles of teens indirectly through the main character’s journey to overcome poverty and adversity. Accuracy of the Film’s Depiction...

Comedy, Identity, and Subversion in Puffs: Filmed Live Off Broadway

Introduction The animated series “Puffs” takes a humorous approach to serious topics, employing comedy as a means of communicating more profound ideas. The use of this particular technique of storytelling is particularly helpful when it comes to discussing difficult subjects like self-discovery, identity, and the expectations that society places on...

Sound and Silence: A Quiet Place’s Horror Elements and Hays Code Compliance

Analysis of a Modern Horror Film The movie selected is A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski. The film, which was released in 2018, centers around Lee and Evelyn Abbott’s family, struggling to raise their children, Regan and Marcus, where mysterious creatures hunt by noise and kill people (Krasinski, 2018)....

Oppenheimer (2023) Film Analysis: History, Ethics, and Cinematic Impact

Introduction Oppenheimer (2023) is a movie directed by Christopher Nolan and is based on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography written by Martin J. Sherwin and Kai Bird about the so-called “father of the atomic bomb” (Frizzell 13). On the surface, the film explores the professional and personal milestones of...

The Impact of AI on Actors and Creativity in Joan Is Awful Episode

Introduction In the ever-evolving world of technology and entertainment, the recent Black Mirror episode, “Joan Is Awful,” has thrust a pressing issue into the spotlight: the potential replacement of human actors with artificial intelligence. The episode’s premise revolves around Joan, a woman who discovers that unethical executives are using her...

Not My Life Documentary: Global Impact of Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

Introduction Not My Life: The Global Impact of human trafficking and modern slavery is a documentary directed by Robert Bilheimer that has a powerful message for society. This work reveals the alarming problem of human trafficking and why slavery still exists in modern society. The film is an indication that...

James Baldwin’s Exploration of Race and Inequality in Take This Hammer

Introduction “Take This Hammer” is a moving documentary that explores the complex racial and socioeconomic fabric of San Francisco in the early 1960s. The film is a cinematic endeavor led by the astute viewpoint of renowned writer and social critic James Baldwin. It presents an unabashed examination of the various...

The Historical Significance of In the Year of the Pig in Vietnam War Cinema

Blaylock, Sara. “Bringing the war home to the United States and East Germany: In the Year of the Pig and Pilots in Pajamas.” Cinema Journal, vol. 56, no. 4, 2017, pp. 26-50. Web. De Antonio’s film continues to be an important piece based on Blaylock’s article. The author shows that...

John Carpenter’s “The Thing” (1982): A Timeless Horror Classic

Introduction In the vast range of horror cinema, a standout production that deserves admiration is the 1982 film “The Thing.” As a dedicated horror genre enthusiast, I have crossed numerous cinematic landscapes, yet this particular product by John Carpenter has left an unforgettable impression. This essay argues that this film...

Griffith’s Influence on Nolan’s Filmmaking: Comparison of Intolerance and Inception Films

Introduction to Intolerance and Inception Films Film movements have had a notable impact on the contemporary entertainment industry. Past directors have significantly influenced the approaches adopted by modern filmmakers. Intolerance is an intriguing tale of human prejudice and hostility (de Fátima, 2020). It is 197 minutes long and spans over...

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,...

A Path Appears: Examining Sex Trafficking in the U.S.

Introduction “A Path Appears” is a poignant and eye-opening documentary series that brings to light the pervasive and harrowing issue of sex trafficking within the United States. International cases frequently overshadow this topic. Episode one of this series, directed by Maro Chermayeff and based on the book by journalists Nicholas...

Telling Amy’s Story Reveals the Harsh Reality of Domestic Violence

Introduction The film “Telling Amy’s Story” is a powerful and impactful documentary that sheds light on the issue of domestic violence and its devastating effects. As I watched the film, several moments seemed familiar and spoke to me meaningfully. The portrayal of Amy’s journey from a loving marriage to a...

Neo-Noir Aesthetics and Color Symbolism in Dark City

Neo Noir and Commonalities with Classic Noir Films Dark City (1998) shares several common elements with classic Noir films, extending beyond the shift from black-and-white to color. Like traditional Noir, it delves into moral ambiguity, a complex narrative, and a visual style characterized by low-key lighting and shadowy atmospheres (Boillat,...

Bronowski on Science, Democracy, and Power in The Ascent of Man

Why Does Bronowski Begin His Episode in Iceland? Bronowski believes that science and religion have always been at odds with authorities because they significantly influence society, a type of power. As a result, many rulers have attempted to undermine this power, leading people to think scientific findings are insignificant compared...

Sound and Image Juxtaposition in “Listen to Britain” (1942)

Use of Formal Elements in Film Analysis In “Listen to Britain” (Humphrey Jennings, United Kingdom, 1942), the specific formal element of sound and image juxtaposition plays a pivotal role in crafting a profound cinematic experience. The sequence within the film is a masterful example of how this technique can be...

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...

La Dolce Vita’s Cinematic Mastery and Lasting Impact

La Dolce Vita Film Analysis Cinematography In effect, La Dolce Vita turns out to be nothing short of a wonderfully cinematic masterpiece, which is greatly helped by the skill of choosing cinematographer Otello Martelli, whose tricks give the film its specific aesthetic expression. The fact that long takes together with...

Comparing Film Adaptations of Hamlet: Doran vs. Zeffirelli

Introduction In movies based on Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” directors have taken different approaches to how closely they stick to the original text and how they interpret the themes, characters, and settings. This essay reviews two film versions of “Hamlet” directed by Franco Zeffirelli and Gregory Doran and prefers the latter....

Myths About Addiction and Recovery in “Recovery Boys” Documentary

Introduction Many people struggling with drug addiction need help to recover. It is a complex process that must take into account many factors that could potentially influence a person’s condition. Using real stories as an example, the film Recovery Boys shows the challenges that may face individuals, who try to...

The Black Panther Film as a Cultural Phenomenon Focused on Religion, History, and Ethnicity

Introduction Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the same-named Marvel Comics character. Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa / Black Panther alongside Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis in the film...

A Comparative Study of Violence Portrayal in Children’s vs. Adult Television Programming

Abstract This study examines how violence is portrayed in television shows, emphasizing how children’s and adult programs compare. The study analyzes and contextualizes violent scenes using a sample of well-liked television programs to comprehend the subtle differences in depiction depending on the target audience. According to preliminary studies, there is...

The Teacher: A Film About Power and Corruption in 1980s Slovakian Schooling

Introduction The Teacher, directed by Jan Hřebejk, is a thought-provoking film that tells a compelling story of power, manipulation, and morality in a 1980s Slovakian school (Hrebejk, 2015). The film’s content is meticulously and artistically presented, with Zuzana Mauréry delivering a stirring performance as the titular character. This manipulative and...

Why We Crave Horror Movies: Stephen King’s Exploration of Our Fascination with Horror Films

Introduction Stephen King’s essay, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” explores our attraction to horror cinema. This critical analysis delves into key questions regarding our fascination with the macabre and its intersections with urban legends within the horror genre. Main Body Horror movies serve as a unique outlet for our emotions...

The Intersection of Philosophy and Human Daring in Man on Wire

Introduction In art and human endeavor, instances exist that transcend the ordinary, pushing the boundaries of human perception and engagement. Man on Wire is one such extraordinary instance, a documentary chronicling Philippe Petit’s audacious tightrope walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. To delve into...

“Get Out”: A Psychological Thriller on Racial Exploitation Through Auteur Theory

Introduction The film Get Out, written and directed by Jordan Peele and released in 2017, is a psychological thriller and horror film. It narrates the story of Chris, a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and encounters terrifying situations. Main Body The film is essentially a critique...

Film Analysis and Social Commentary in “Get Out”: Racial Tension and Critical Thinking

Introduction In general, analyzing films goes beyond mere entertainment and promotes a broader understanding of social dynamics, creator expression, and human emotion. This is evident in the example of Get Out, which provides a sense of racial tension and an appreciation of the director’s use of horror to demonstrate prejudice...

Public Parks and Urban Poverty: Neoliberal Shifts in City Spaces

Introduction In the context of the PBS documentary Growing Up Poor in America, the discourse of public city parks seems oblique. Yet, these verdant civic spaces are a significant stakeholder in the narrative of urban poverty. Enshrined in the heart of urban areas, these parks have always been a sanctuary...

Julie Dash as an Auteur: Exploring Her Cinematic Legacy Through Auteur Theory

Introduction Auteur theory in cinematography refers to a framework where directors are seen as the driving forces in filmmaking who share their perspectives of creativity and add a personal touch to the motion picture. The criteria that make a director an auteur encompass unique filmmaking styles, exploration of unconventional topics,...

Cinematography, Editing, and Music in The Square and Force Majeure Films

Introduction The Square (2017) and Force Majeure (2014) are two films by Swedish director Ruben Östlund that, while representing different genres, open up similar themes to the viewer and use similar formal elements of style. Both films are intense studies of human behavior in unusual circumstances, revealing the contradictory nature...

Chicago in Prohibition Era: Themes in Film “Little Caesar”

Setting The film’s setting is Chicago during Prohibition, introduced in the USA from 1920 to 1933. This period was the heyday of organized crime and the development of the activities of mafias and gangsters. The time and place of events give viewers a clear idea of the essence of the...

“Inception” and “Black Panther”: Cinematic Masterpieces of a Decade

The Best Film of the Decade Film Description Inception is the best film of the decade between 2010 and 2019 that renewed cinephiles’ faith in the cinema. It is a fulfilling psychological thriller as it is an action drama movie and a mystery. It deals with something that all humans...

Class Divide: Exploring Socioeconomic Gaps and Gentrification in New York City

Introduction Social inequality is one of the most consequential problems of modern society, which rises in various spheres of human activity and society, including culture. As one of the types of art in the modern world, films are a powerful media resource that promotes certain values and touches upon social...

The Evolution of the Zombie Movie Image in Modern Culture

Introduction Cinema is a significant part of modern culture, as films are replicated in millions of copies, and cinema influences the imagination, forming images of reality. The research question of this essay can be formulated as follows: «What are the main characteristics of the zombie movie image, especially its modification...

Analysis of Patricia White’s “Sketchy Lesbians: Carol as History and Fantasy”

Introduction Patricia White is a famous author of Women’s Cinema and feminist pieces of literature. She is popularly known for analyzing and discussing films and film experiences about feminism and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (LGBTQ). Some of the author’s famous works include A Feminist Reader in...

The Queen’s Gambit Show: Impact, Character, and Global Chess Revival

Introduction There is no mystery why critics have given the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit so many favorable reviews. The series pays special attention to the crucial components of effective storytelling, and it does it effectively. Also, it is a stunning example of a piece from the era with flawless...

“The African: Many Rivers to Cross” – PBS Documentary on African American History

The topic to be discussed seems simple and, on the other hand, frightening, namely the stories of African Americans who were forcibly transported as cargo to the New World. Henry Louis Gates Jr. and PBS explore difficult moments in history in “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” a beautiful...

Role of Food in Moonstruck and Beauty and the Beast Films

When watching a movie, people usually enjoy and analyze the cast, settings, and plot, leaving many details without special attention. However, the worth of the film can be properly understood through the prism of trivial things like dresses, haircuts, and food. In fact, the role of food is mostly diminished...

“Haulout”: A Journey Through Melting Realities

Introduction Climate change awareness has been quite high for a significant period. The effects of climate change, particularly, global warming, have been examined in media thoroughly, with most people having become aware of the drastic effects of ice caps melting. However, due to the lack of grasp on the full...

“Putney Swope” by Robert Downey Sr.

Putney Swope is a 1969 American satirical film directed and written by Robert Downey Sr. The film follows the story of Putney Swope, an African American man who unexpectedly becomes the chairman of an advertising agency following the death of the previous chairman. The agency is run by a group...

“Scared Straight!”, Directed by Arnold Shapiro

The documentary Scared Straight! examines many forms of crimes perpetrated by both adult and child offenders. Adult criminals conduct a variety of crimes, including drug-related felonies, robbery, burglary, and assault. The video focuses on how some of these adult offenders become career criminals, committing crimes as children and finally getting...

Female Authority in “We Are Not Princesses” Documentary

Introduction The documentary “We Are Not Princesses” (2018) is an adaptation of the Antigone myth. The play tells us about how female authority is portrayed in modern society. It tells the story of several women worldwide and their hardships of being oppressed in society simply because they were born female...

Analysis of Flipgirl Web Series Episode One Content

A web series is a scripted or unscripted collection of online videos published on the Internet in an episodic format. Web series are the new norm for creating content by the many upcoming artists who do not have the financial muscles to go the traditional way of video production. The...

Kat Stratford from The 10 Things I Hate About You Film

Plot At the center of the film’s plot is Kat Stratford, whose last name is a reference to Shakespeare. Unlike her younger sister Bianca, she is not popular at school, so she has to protect herself from the increased attention of guys. She has to go on dates to control...

Choosing a Song for the “Man of Her Dreams” Film

Introduction The success of a film depends significantly on the choice of the theme tune. When considering whether “I’ll Change My Style” by Jimmy Reed is a piece of appropriate music for “Man of Her Dreams,” several points of contrast need to be considered. “I’ll Change My Style,” a famous...

Identity and Music Commercialization in “Song for Ourselves”

Introduction The film chosen for study is “Song for Ourselves” by Tadashi Nakamura. It tells about a musician known in the 70s by the name of Chris Iijima, who, with the help of his music, raised quite severe and relevant topics of that time. One of the main topics that...

CNN Docuseries “Giving Birth in America”

Introduction It is important to note that motherhood is a multifaceted experience in the United States. CNN docuseries “Giving Birth in America” by Every Mother Counts is a multi-part documentary series that explores the challenges and experiences of women giving birth in the United States. The series looks at issues...

The 9500 Liberty Street Documentary

Introduction 9500 Liberty Street is a thought-provoking documentary that highlights the struggles faced by a community in Virginia as they grapple with issues surrounding immigration. The documentary can be analyzed from different perspectives, including sociological, conflict theory, functionalist, and interaction theories. This essay emphasized the positive perspective of the documentary,...

Aspects of the Film “The Battle of Algiers”

Introduction Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe physical or mental pain and suffering upon a person (Peters 2). Torture is morally and ethically wrong and is against international law and human rights conventions, despite the fact that it may seem like an effective way to get information (Peters 142)....

The “Fargo” Film by the Coen Brothers

Fargo is a 1996 film directed and produced by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan. Though it can be ascribed to a number of genres it is primarily a dark comedy. It also shares features of a crime drama and a neo-noir. Fargo excels in combining the morose and horrific...

Creation of Stereotypes in Film: Moana

Introduction It is significant to mention that author Wesley Yiin wrote an article, “Is Disney’s portrayal of Maui, a Polynesian demigod, in ‘Moana’ culturally insensitive?” June 28, 2016 (Yiin, 2016). Moreover, the author is a former Washington Post reporter who now lives and works in Sitka, Alaska. The article’s main...

The 1983 Film “Sugar Cane Alley” by Euzhan Palcy

Introduction The 1983 film “Sugar Cane Alley” looks into the past, which allows one to understand the difficulties of everyday life in the French colony. An uncomplicated plot gives a rather deep insight into the adversities, joys, and problems of black people forced to work on sugar cane plantations. The...

Addiction: Genetic, Environmental, and Psychological Factors

Addiction is a complex phenomenon that develops due to genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Compulsive drug use or engaging in an activity despite negative consequences defines addiction as a chronic condition. In some individuals, the brain’s reward system becomes dysregulated, and they start to associate certain substances or behaviors with...

Business vs. Personal in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather”

Introduction Despite the existing attitudes and opinions, most critics and ordinary people across the globe consider The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola a classic movie that changed everything about gangsters in the film industry. In addition to professional stage direction, well-developed dialogues, and a perfectly chosen cast, the work covers...

Misogyny in The Godfather II Film

Introduction To begin with, the Godfather II is a fascinating film from the trilogy. In Godfather II, two storylines are developed: the story of Vito Corleone and the foundation of his business, and the story of Michael Corleone and his transformation into Godfather. Vito Corleone’s history reveals his past, his...

Maslow’s Hierarchy Principles Applicable to Survival Films

Introduction: Maslow’s Hierarchy Maslow’s pyramid is a hierarchy of five categories of needs. Physiological needs for food, water and shelter form the very bottom of the pyramid. The needs for security, love and respect constitute a further hierarchy (Meier & Boivin, 2022). Self-realization is at the very top of the...

The Handmaid’s Tale: TV Show Discussion

Films and TV shows in the genre of political drama are not only fascinating to watch but also to improve or change our views on many concepts. It can be gender, realism, violence, social expectations, gender norms, social issues, and political ideas such as political power (Globan & Ezgeta, 2017)....

Mughal-E-Azam: Indian Film Analysis

Introduction Mughal-E-Azam is an Indian film directed by Asif, which was made in 1960 and became a record-breaking box-office success in India. This work of cinematic art received high critical acclaim and earned many awards and nominations in many countries around the world. The plot of the picture unfolds within...

Scenes From the Movies: Indiana Jones Ride

Introduction There will be a number of scenes from the movies and, accordingly, from the Indiana Jones Ride that Clarissa, Patti, and I will imitate while sitting on the three-person sofa leaning on each other. One of the most entertaining scenes in any Indiana Jones film is the rescue from...

Gaiman’s Coraline Novella and the Nosferatu Film

A scary creature causes fear, albeit brief, in its audience. With their classic plots and enduring popularity, Nosferatu and Coraline are examples of this deliberate strategy. Those who do not adore them at least admire and accept that they perfectly encapsulate the concept of monsters, to the point where 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...

The Politics of the “Get Out” Film by Jordan Peele

Introduction Few topics confronting society today generate as much discussion and debate as racism. Often, the definition of racism is a crucial component of the argument. To know how to operate morally in a society, a precise understanding of racism is necessary. Jordan Peele’s 2017 psychological thriller Get Out analyzes...

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...