Independent Filmmaking and Artistic Expression

Independent filmmaking has been around for centuries, with one of the earliest examples being Georges Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon in 1902. This film was not commissioned by a studio, and Méliès financed, wrote, directed, and starred in the film himself. In the early days of Hollywood, there were...

The Film “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Rob Marshall

Introduction The movie Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), directed by Rob Marshall, is based on the book of the same name, written by Arthur Golden in 1997. The film represents the life of a young Japanese girl, Chiyo Sakamoto, whose parents sold her and her sister, Satsu, into prostitution because...

Examination of Repression in “Persepolis”

Major historical events transcribed by people who directly witnessed them are essential for creating a comprehensive understanding of the situational conditions of that time. Assessments made by individuals who remained close to the transpiring situations and were impacted by the scenarios greatly aid the researchers in establishing the communal attitudes...

The Film “The Post” by Steven Spielberg

Press freedom is an important phenomenon in ensuring non-biased reporting and news. This paper analyzes The Post, a film where Washington Post was in dilemma of publishing leaked documents on the United States’ failures in Vietnam. Although the government knew that the war in Vietnam was taking a wrong path,...

“The Perfect Dictatorship” by Luis Estrada: The Concept of Dictatorship

Presumably, the best-known markers of a dictatorship are a personality cult and the systematic oppression of human liberties in a certain state. A combination of the two results in the lack of the possibility for the citizens to “change their rulers peacefully,” which Dent (2005) indicates in his dictionary (p....

Popular Culture in “Inglourious Basterds” Film

World War II movies are not usually associated with popular culture. Screenwriters use themes of Nazi oppression, the brutality of war, and the bravery of the allied forces, which have been cultivated for over seventy years. Yet, one of the most well-known and controversial movies about World War II, Inglourious...

The Labelling Problem in “In the Heat of the Night”

Introduction Virgil Tibbs, an African-American Philadelphia police detective, is arrested on suspicion of murder by Bill Gillespie, the prejudiced police chief of little Sparta, Mississippi. Tibbs links up with Gillespie to locate the genuine criminal after establishing his own and another man’s innocence. Tibbs encounters both opponents and strange acquaintances...

The Film “Apollo 13” by Ron Howard

Apollo 13 is indeed not only a breathtaking and uplifting movie but also a great collection of diverse situations with the successful application of Critical Incident Management. Its most visible elements are the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities shown by the spaceship crew. Jim’s identification of the burst helium disk...

“The Neighbor’s Window”: Film Review

All people at a certain moment doubt their own choice and think how their life would have developed in a different situation or layout. The characters of the movie “The Neighbor’s Window” Alli and her husband Jacob, watching the life of their neighbors, begin to remember their youth and regret...

“The UN Sex Abuse Scandal”: The UN Sexual Violence in War-Torn Countries

Ramita Navai’s documentary “The UN Sex Abuse Scandal” traces specific allegations of predatory behaviors of some UN peacekeepers in conflict countries worldwide, with detailed interviews from survivors of sex abuse. More than 2000 allegations of UN sexual abuse have been reported and recorded in Congo, Cambodia, Bosnia, and Haiti in...

“The Bear Came Over the Mountain”: True Love and Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction Severe illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, often appear in various literary works, movies, and other art forms. An example of such a work is the short story “The bear came over the mountain” written by Alice Munro and published in The New Yorker journal. The story is about a...

12 Years a Slave: The Analysis of the Film

Introduction Reading history books is one way of learning about the past. However, many individuals need visual stimulation to be able to connect with a situation, person, or event that happened hundreds of years ago. Thus, movies based on memoirs or biographies are excellent ways for people to see and...

Martin Scorsese’s Impact on Cinema

Cinema is represented by various films and numerous people involved in the process of filmmaking. Some of those people stand out in the eyes of the public more since they have a great influence on the industry. An example of such a person is Martin Scorsese, known for movies like...

For Sama Documentary on Syrian Filmmaker

Introduction The topic of war is common in modern cinematograph, and due to significant advances in technological equipment, realism and drama are characteristic aspects of such films. The documentary For Sama directed by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts will be examined from the perspective of the cinematic elements used, the...

“Psycho” Film by Alfred Hitchcock

Psycho is an American psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1960; Robert Bloch and Joseph Stefano are the film’s screenwriters. This movie was definitely the most important milestone in the thriller-detective genre. Its spirit and influence are still clearly felt in almost every film and TV series about maniacs...

The Public Enemy and The Godfather Films Analysis

Introduction The idea of comparative analysis of films is a technique that endeavors to comprehend a film by relating it to another film. This article seeks to compare two films (The Public Enemy and The Godfather) by analyzing the common themes and stylistic devices used. The two films have several...

Historical Themes in the Movie “Gladiator”

For this assignment, I have watched the movie Gladiator and here are the historical themes I have found relevant: The primary theme identified in the movie is slavery. The film portrays slaves who become gladiators (Maximus, Hagen, and others) and generals who become slaves. Almost every character serves someone or...

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...

Plot and Characters of the “Brokeback Mountain” Film

The Brokeback Mountain film, directed by Ang Lee and produced by James Schamus and Diana Ossana, got released in 2005 as a Neo-Western romantic drama film. The film is adapted from the story ‘Brokeback Mountain’ written by Annie Proulx. It navigates around Ennis and Jack, two shepherds who instigate an...

“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...

Visual Effects in the “1917” Movie

1917 follows the story of two British soldiers as they rush in trying to stop the British attack from falling into an ambush. The film received numerous awards and positive reviews and is credited as an incredible achievement in planning, camera work, and editing. The final result looks as if...

History in Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchel

Margaret Mitchel’s celebrated film “Gone with the Wind” intertwines a magnificent love story that occurred during the eve of the Civil War. The love story involves Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara whose passionate love affair and impressive lines form an important part of the film. The romance story in the...

The Iconic Moments in the Film “Gold Rush 1925”

The most iconic moment in the movie is when Charlie Chaplin prepares and eats his shoe not to starve from hunger. He serves the shoe on a dish with shoelaces as spaghetti, which puts the viewer in laughter. The funniest thing about the moment in the movie is the face...

“The Salt of the Earth”: Feminist Criticism and Gender Studies

Introduction Salt of the Earth is a 1954 film directed by Herbert Biberman. The movie was created by Hollywood’s blacklisted filmmakers, with the participation of a large number of non-professional artists. This acutely social film did not have the right opportunity to gain public recognition for a long time due...

The Battle of Algiers: Political Violence in Action

Introduction Countries embroiled in violent conflicts put the lives of their citizens at great risk. Political violence that arises during such conflicts, particularly during wars for independence and civil wars, serves to further the agendas of independent actors against a state or other stakeholders in the dispute. Regardless of the...

The Film “Dune” by Denis Villeneuve

Introduction Dune is set in a far-off future in which humankind has developed in many scientific ways while also mutating in many spiritual ones. Dune was a pro-government, pro-eco-radicalism, and Islamophilic future worldwide metaphor (Alvarez and Franklin, 2017). Denis Villeneuve’s latest cinematic version of the novel, produced from a script...

“Hotel Rwanda” Directed by Terry George: An Analysis of the Film

The British film “Hotel Rwanda” is one of the most emotional historical dramas of this millennium, which is not a big box office movie but still conveys deep authorial meaning. Released in 2004 by Terry George, Hotel Rwanda raises many of the most pressing topics for today’s social agenda, from...

“A Beautiful Mind” and “Erin Brockovich” Films

“Erin Brockovich” is a beautifully filmed narrative of a chronicler by Soderbergh, the center of attraction is human grit and perseverance, working flawlessly for the public good. More importantly, it is a monumental monument to a brave woman, skillfully constructed by the talent of one of the best actresses in...

Iraq For Sale by Robert Greenwald Review

The acts of US business contractors in the Iraq war are depicted in this documentary. According to interviews with current and former workers of Halliburton, CACI, and KBR, apparent arrangements that provide such contractors tremendous flexibility to profit from delivering support and supplies to American troops while offering minimal supervision...

Themes in The Corporation Documentary Film

The Corporation is a documentary movie revolving around giant companies becoming increasingly influential in the current world. Cogitating on the functioning and development of these entities, the authors attempt to compare them to specific psychological patterns found in people (Encore+, n.d.). For instance, modern corporations focus on earning money as...

“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...

Non-verbal Communication in “The Client”

The body is an instrument that humans use for communication with each other. Over the past few decades, different studies have suggested that between 70 and 93% of all communication is non-verbal, which means the messages are not expressed through words. Instead, people show their emotions, convey their points, and...

“Creed” Movie vs. “The Contender” Book by Lipsyte: Similarities and Differences

Many young adults grow up in rough neighborhoods where they have to be physically capable of defending themselves. Examples of these people are illustrated in the movie Creed and the book The Contender. Both share many similarities, such as the common theme of perseverance and the main characters with complex...

Comedy Analysis: The Woman Next Door

Introduction There have been significant cultural trends in which artworks convey the role of women. Focusing on the feminist discourse, various social groups and individuals have presented it in popular settings, especially the conventional media. Social media’s role in feminist expatiate shows that women’s liberation is portrayed negatively because the...

Adolescent Development in “Little Man Tate”

The human development process is highly complex, multifaceted since any person throughout their life experiences many events, each of which affects the formation of their personality. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to understand the way of thinking of another character. Fortunately, many psychological theories allow analyzing the behavior of people....

Unhappy Marriages in the Movie ”Passing”

Racially ambiguous black women had a precariously liminal status in the first half of the 20th century. They lived in a predominately racist society with patriarchal values, so their choices were limited. However, due to being able to pass, such women could attempt to assimilate with white people or follow...

“Through a Glass Darkly” Movie Analysis

Through a Glass Darkly is a Swedish drama directed by Ernst Ingmar Bergman in 1961. The film presents the story of Karin, diagnosed with schizophrenia, who spends vacations with her husband, Martin, younger brother, Minus, and father, David. The author of the present paper agrees with the given response on...

“A Clockwork Orange”: The Purpose of Violence

Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange has had a lasting influence on generations as they read about the disintegration of British culture and the ruse of new youth culture in opposition to the tradition, producing perversity and violence. In the 1960s, which are being depicted in the book, the British culture...

The Documentary “Origins of Us”: Environmental Psychology

Watching the documentary “Origins of us” elicits the thought of where we have come from as a species. It is impossible to watch this documentary without wondering how our ancestors looked like millions of years ago. Instinctively, it is essential to think about how our ancestors moved around and their...

Aspects of the Narrative Construction in “Gladiator” Movie

Introduction Addressing the topic of historical events is a common technique used by screenwriters and directors in films. The romanticization of wars, interpersonal conflicts, or psychological disagreements between protagonists and antagonists is often revealed in the context of historical films. At the same time, in high-quality movies with a sufficient...

The First Episode of Grey’s Anatomy

The first episode of the series reveals the characters in all their versatility and at the same time remains within the archetypes of plotline design for further development. There are many main characters, and they are for every taste. This paper will focus only on the interns, however, there are...

Analysis of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” Film

Introduction David Fincher’s film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 detective movie that discovers a scandalous journalist’s and a young hacker’s journey to reveal the truth behind a forty-year-old murder. This movie is based on the first book of Stieg Larson’s trilogy, Millennium. Although the 2011 movie...

“Bowling for Columbine“ by Michael Moore

Bowling for Columbine is a 2002 documentary that tells about the infamous Columbine massacre in 1999 and the problem of violence in the United States in general. In addition to the fact that the second amendment to the US Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to possess and carry weapons, the National...

Type of Animation in “The Cat Came Back” Film

Typically viewed as one of the traditional animation types, cel animation has grown to be associated immediately with the specified genre. Although new methods have nearly ousted cel animation, its legacy remains unparalleled since it allows for a tremendous variety of stylistic options. “The Cat Came Back,” a short animated...

Plot of “Dope” Film by Rick Famuyiwa

The film Dope, directed by Rick Famuyiwa, focuses on the lives of three teenage friends who live in an unfavorable neighborhood and attend a public school, dreaming about a better future. The movie plays with stereotypes, portraying its main character Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his two comrades, Diggy (Kiersey Clemons)...

Interpersonal Relationships in the Movie Crash

The movie Crash (2004) raises multiple essential topics, and some of the described issues are still acute in society. All of them are connected with interpersonal relations, which form the basis of human existence. These include political correctness, ethics, the ability to forgive, trust, and other aspects of human relationships....

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...

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...

The Depiction of Culture in Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma”

Introduction Roma is a 2018 film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, who based the story upon his childhood memories. The semi-autobiographical narrative focuses on Cleo, a servant woman working for a middle-class family, whose character is inspired by Cuarón’s caregiver. The movie is set in the 1970s in the neighborhood of...

“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...

Shakespeare’s Othello Movie Adaptation Overview and Social Relevance

Introduction Theatrical and cinematic adaptations of classic plays may differ from writers’ vision and intentions. Oliver Parker’s movie based on Shakespeare’s Othello is an example of what happens when a classical literary work is altered to fit into mainstream cinema’s characteristics. Parts of the play beloved by Shakespeare’s readers were...

Theory Application to Television Series

Introduction Contemporary individuals usually see movies and television series as a means of entertainment and relaxation. They watch them after a busy day at work or university to bond with their friends and relatives and forget about everyday problems. On the other hand, it should be noted that movies are...

Clash of the Titans: The Remake of Perseus and Why Is He So Popular

Introduction Perseus, a Greek demi-god, is one of the most known and loved heroes in mythology. The recent movie Clash of the Titans (2010), which retells the story of Perseus, proves the fact that his bravery is still not forgotten. Most likely Perseus is still so popular and discussed today...

“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...

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...

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound

Today, the soundtrack is an integral part of the movie industry. It is difficult to imagine watching a film without listening to the dialogues between characters. Even in movies where conversations are kept to a minimum, various sounds are used to set the atmosphere of the scene. This report will...

“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...

“Scarface” by B. Palma and “Traffic” by S. Soderbergh Analysis

Drugs are one of the most pressing problems in the world, shown not only in the news but also in movies. In most of the paintings of the last century and the present, the theme of drugs is very common. In both these movies, it is demonstrated how using drugs...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“Raise the Red Lantern”: Gender Roles and Hierarchy Issues

Summary Given her exposure to the wider world, Songlian feels betrayed that she must become the fourth wife in a cheerless homestead of a wealthy landowner. The wives’ living quarters are along both sides of the courtyard. Traditionally, the Master requires the lighting of a red lantern outside the apartment...

“Freedom Song”: Movie Review

Freedom Song is one of the most interesting movies that enlist in the dramatic genre of movies. Watching Freedom Song had been a great experience as it managed to provide a great deal of knowledge regarding the consequences of the civil rights war during the 1960s. The main theme of...

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...

Character Analysis in the Mean Girls Movie

Character Analysis The movie Mean Girls explains how gifted students act. One of the myths and stereotypes of a gifted person states the person can solve the average class problem faster than the normal student. Some myths and stereotypes of gifted persons are correct. Mean Girls Summary The Mean Girls...

“Avatar” the Film by J. Cameron

Avatar (2009) is a highly successful science fiction film created by James Cameron. It stars Sam Worthington, Michele Rodriquez, and Stephen Lang among others. The film has both human and computer-generated actors. The temporal setting of the film is the year 2154 when human beings are presumed to own a...

An Inconvenient Truth by Davis Guggenheim

It is a documentary film aimed at creating awareness about global warming. It was released in 2006. One of the most interesting things about the film was the involvement of Al Gore the former US vice president who was responsible for the idea of the film. It became an instant...

“Pearl Harbor” by Michael Bay

Pearl Harbor is a war film made in 2001 by Michael Bay, who is an American film producer and director. Bay is well known for making big budget films such as Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, The Rock, Armageddon, Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Bay was much motivated...

“American Psycho” Film and Lizardo’s “Fight Club” Article

Introduction The most obvious thing that can be traced in the Hollywood movies is the yearning for making money; as a rule, filmmakers do not always benefit from making unprofitable movies and vice versa, sometimes movies that were characterized as noncommercial gain success and popularity which brings them to the...

“The Road” Film by Cormac McCarthy

Introduction The road is a film by Cormac McCarthy that talks about the struggles that a family had to go through in their effort to survive in a cannibalism society. Despite the fiction in the message, there are certain essential messages that have been conveyed in the book that reveal...

“Last One Picked…First One Picked On” Documentary

When most people reflect on their child hood, they will always think about pleasurable memories that tend to describe those relatively untroubled stage of their life e.g. field trip, award presentation etc. but for this children it is a different world, all they reflect on is a life of loneliness...

Movie Narration & Historical Accuracy: Troy

Introduction Troy is one of the few movies that have chosen to bring the most fascinating of historical events to the modern generation. Released in 2004, this Oscar-winning movie was directed by Wolfgang Peterson and is based upon a combination of real-world events, Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid amongst others...

Political Science. Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” Film

Introduction Poor socio-economic conditions are obvious within the lives of the main characters from the very beginning of the film as Will is picked up in an old car from a dilapidated house with a great deal of junk in front of it. These shifts to an Ivy League scene...

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...

Aliens, Motherhood, and the Nuclear Family

Introduction James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens is the subject of much critical praise and a prominent part of modern popular culture. Its protagonist Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is often seen as one of the best examples of a capable action heroine in cinematography. She challenges the tradition of...

Inherit the Wind: Bridging Religion and Science in Cinema

Introduction Spirituality and scholarship, seemingly two irreconcilable sides when discussing the origins of humankind, have come surprisingly close over the last century and merged to produce a fascinating combination of ideas inside people’s minds. Christianity, as one of the major religions in the world and the USA, thus plays a...

Accidental Horror in Smith’s “The Black Tower” Film

John Smith’s The Black Tower (1987) is a confusing and haunting short film that combines qualities of structuralism and simplistic illusionism. Smith is renowned for his films and video installations, for which he was awarded numerous prizes at festivals: Hamlyn Foundation Award for Artists (2011) and Film London’s Jarman Award...

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” the Film by Joel Coen

Introduction Following its release to theaters in 2000, it did not take long for the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? (directed by Joel Coen) to attain a critically acclaimed status. As of today, it is often referred to in terms of a “cult movie”. This implies that there is...

“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...

Insights from “Race: The Power of an Illusion” on Racial Inequality

“The house we live in” is the final episode of “Race: the power of an illusion”. This episode is mainly focused on individual behaviors and attitudes of institutions that created and shaped race in the United States before and after the Second World War. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the ways...

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,...

“Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope” by George Lucas

Lead Actors Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, and Peter Cushing. Plot “It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire” (Lucas, 1977). Imperial forces, commanded by Darth Vader, capture on the rebel ships with...

“Dragon Ball Z” by Andrew Kincaid

Reading Response The article written by Andrew Kincaid analyzes the role of Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) in the development of anime culture. Kincaid believes that the series has established an attractive anime format that has since been adopted by other anime makers. The author supports his thesis by examining the...

“Keeping Up with the Kardashians”

Introduction The Kardashian family is famous for a reality TV show known as “Keeping Up with the Kardashians (KUWTK)” whose concept emerged from an infamous sex scandal by one of its members (Kim Kardashian). Reality shows are trending because of a culture of celebrity worship and society’s obsession with fame...

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...

John Wick: Defying Stereotypical Action Men

While there are dozens of new action films that reach movie theater screens each year, none of the recent pieces of cinematography has gotten as much praise as John Wick and John Wick: Chapter 2 starring Keanu Reeves as the protagonist. For the sake of a detailed analysis, this paper...

The Movie The Birth of a Nation

Sales Pitch The Birth of a Nation will open a new era in the cinematography. It is not just a movie, but a whole epic that reveals the intricate relationship between people, military battles, the lives of ordinary citizens, and the political intrigue that have been woven for the eternity...

The Godfather Movie: Scoring and Visual Style

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather always gets included in many critics’ top 100 best films list. It is hard to argue against its inclusion in a list that talks about the greatest achievements in cinematic history. It is not a good idea to ignore this film, because writers, journalists, and...

Business Ethics in “Merchants of Cool” Documentary

Introduction It should be noted that the video “Merchants of Cool” is a vivid example of the way media and large corporations can use sensitive population groups to achieve their main aim, which is to earn as much money as possible. The movie explicitly shows how young adults are used...

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...

Explorer: Inside North Korea – Produced by the National Geographic Channel

A documentary titled Explorer: Inside North Korea produced by the National Geographic Channel provides a unique view into the life of the most reclusive society on earth –North Korea. The country also has the world’s fourth-largest army and probably the most protected border in the world. North Korea is ruled...

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...

Miss Evers’ Boys: A Film Analysis by Joseph Sargent on Medical Ethics and History

Ethical Conflict: The Tuskegee Experiment Opening with the narration of Eunice Evers, the nurse, the movie poses a conflict between the principles of respect for persons of a nursing specialist and the selfish goals that the institute pursued (Houser, 2015). As the story unwraps, it becomes evident that the Tuskegee...

Korean Cinematography and Films Analysis

The Korean film industry is evolving rapidly, and filmmakers come up with new products that are positively accepted by the public. For instance, in 2011, 8.48 million Koreans watched national movies as compared to 4.98 million who watched foreign products (Dixon par. 14). The industry has transformed significantly throughout the...

V for Vendetta: A Symbol of Liberty and Resistance

“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” (Chocano, “V for Vendetta”) That is one of the arguments that has been presented in the movie V for Vendetta. The movie is engaging and although it might seem unappealing to all those who do...

Revisiting Classic Comedy: Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein

The film Young Frankenstein is often viewed by many critics as one Mel Brooks’ best works because it eloquently demonstrates the best elements of parody as a cinematographic genre. To some degree, this movie illustrates the way in which classical literary archetypes can be dramatically transformed. In particular, Mel Brooks...

Chinese cinema: Two Stage Sisters and Yellow Earth

The film, “Two Stage Sisters” is a 1964 Chinese production by Xie Jin, staring Cao Yindi and Xie Fang (Connolly). It is a production made shortly before Chinese Cultural Revolution. “Two Stage Sisters” tell of feminine story, “Yue Opera” practitioners, who happened to be from the same cast, but who...

The Last Samurai: Cultural Contrasts, Character Transformation, and Historical Parallels

Cultural Contrasts Between Western and Eastern Civilizations Many people compare Western and Eastern civilizations. Clothing, food, customs, and other aspects of life in these two regions differ significantly. In Western culture, practicality and functionality usually prevail, while in Eastern culture, more attention is paid to aesthetics and tradition. For example,...

The Godfather as a Gangster Film: Michael Corleone’s Transformation and Decay of the American Dream

Use of a Gangster Film Convention in The Godfather One convention of gangster movies is portraying complex characters who navigate moral ambiguity. The Godfather exemplifies this convention by depicting Michael Corleone’s transformation from an initially reluctant and innocent character to a calculating and ruthless mafia leader. As the film progresses,...

Zodiac Movie Analysis: Investigators’ Pursuit of Truth and Criminal Mysteries

Introduction A compelling movie based on actual events, Zodiac goes into the intricate and fascinating realm of investigations. This crime drama explores the true account of the infamous Zodiac killer, whose identity remained a mystery for many years. These movies provide more than just amusement; they pique people’s interest and...

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...

Top Gun: Maverick Review – A Thrilling Sequel with Action, Nostalgia, and Emotional Depth

Introduction “Top Gun: Maverick,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, soars triumphantly onto the screen under the expert direction of Joseph Kosinski. Released in 2022, the film reunites audiences with the audacious Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, and introduces a new generation of aviators....

“The Power of Art” Documentary by Simon Schama

The documentary “The Power of Art”, produced by Simon Schama, tells the story of remarkable artists and how they transformed the world of art. Caravaggio’s unique usage of lighting was a significant visual piece, and his works marked a conversion to realism, making Caravaggio one of the most prominent and...

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...

Colangelo’s “Worth”: Drama Movie Review

Introduction Worth is a biographical drama based on events perfectly captured by Sara Colangelo. The 9-11 terror consequences horrified the national systems since stability and protection were no longer valid guarantees. Lawyers, insurers, and bankers had to suffer as well: they were forced to perform a humiliating job – assess...

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...

Is Binge-Watching Television Bad for You?

People spend a significant amount of their time watching TV. Moreover, the emergence and evolution of streaming services increased the number of hours individuals spend in front of screens. The popularity of TV series and shows proves that millions of people like this content and wait for new episodes. For...

Master of Deceit in “Othello”: Iago in the Film Adaptation

Introduction Shakespeare’s drama Othello revolves around love, deception, jealousy, and eventually tragedy, which is a story of star-crossed lovers. In the play, Iago forces Othello, Desdemona, and Emilia to indulge in obscene acts to further his cunning scheme, crippling their emotional awareness as they fail to recognize the consequences of...

The Hadza: Last of the First Film by Bill Benenson

The documentary, The Hadza: Last of the First, highlights the hunting and gathering practices and way of life of the Hadza tribe in Tanzania. I like how the film reflects the natural lifestyle of the Hadza, such as construction, social life, and hunting techniques. The historical prologue of the tribe...

Food, Inc., Produced by Kenner Review

Upon its release, the documentary Food, Inc., produced by Kenner (2008), profoundly impacted society, showing the true realities of food production under the capitalistic conditions of the modern USA. The major objective of the given movie is to investigate the corporate farming business in the USA and factors that are...

Review of “Black Gold” by Mark James Francis & Nick Francis

Black Gold is a documentary released in 2006 that deals with a non-evident but the extremely crucial problem the world faces today. The film is about coffee production with a special focus on the position of farmers in Ethiopia, which is the birthplace of coffee that produces the most high-quality...

Meaning of Symbolism in the Film “Parasite”

Introduction The film, Parasite, is directed by Bong Joon-ho and was released on May 21, 2019. The viewer follows the lives of individuals who choose to pursue employment opportunities from wealthy family. To achieve their goals, these family members design an ingenious plan of posing as qualified workers. The storyline...

Analysis of a Scene in the Film “Vertigo”

Released in 1958, the film Vertigo by director Alfred Hitchcock never fails to captivate its audience with its haunting motives and intriguing, tragic story of the main protagonist. It tells the story of the former detective John Ferguson, nicknamed Scottie, who retires from his duty due to his struggles with...

Criteria for Referring a Film to the “Great Works of Cinema”

Cinema canon is understood as a place untouched by human critique, malice, and displeasure where some films belong. Indeed, there are some acknowledged masterpieces of the film industry with thousands of fans ready to silence anyone speaking against their favorite movies. However, the criteria to include a film in the...

How I Met Your Mother and Friends Shows Comparison

Introduction In the past few decades, countless television series have been produced, with each being distinct but many having certain similarities. For instance, viewers often state that Friends and HIMYM (How I Met Your Mother) are quite alike, as the latter seems to have borrowed specific elements of the former...

Avengers Endgame vs. Justice League by Russo Brothers and Zack Snyder

Marvel Universe and DC must be given the credit they deserve as a result of their superhero films frequently dominating the box office. They have consistently produced superhero movies and attracted viewers to the theaters by building a cinematic world. Avengers: Endgame, Marvel’s most excellent superhero film to date, was...

“Fences”: Wilson’s Play and Washington’s Movie

Introduction For this creative, analytical essay, I decided to take the work of Fences, which proved itself worthy in many iterations. As for comparison, I chose to use the movie by Denzel Washington and the original play from the film, the play by August Wilson. Both works are fascinating, and...

Kardashian Nation Work in America’s Klan

Kardashian Nation Work in America’s Klan is Lofton’s discourse on the Kardashian family as a contemporary new media phenomenon in the American socio-cultural field. It starts with a preface about the Melissa Click incident and ends with a defensive speech about her. From the viewpoints of readers who are not...

The Movie “Gran Torino” by Clint Eastwood

Introduction Representing a generation through the depiction of a single character is a challenging task. In his movie Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood has played an exceptional role that reveals how changes in one’s cultural environment can cause a person to change their views on societal cohesion. In the example of...

“Words” Film’s Language, Composition, and Genre

Introduction The film Words has a specific form and content, explicit and implicit messages, and an innovative genre. These are seen from the particular scenes, their arrangement, sounds, and the visual image. There are a unique film language and film composition form, which makes the film meaningful and worth analyzing....

Oliver Stone’s Interpretation of the Vietnam War

Introduction History entails a detailed analysis and examination of past events and describing how they affected or supported human affairs. Investigators and scholars rely on different mediums or sources to learn more about different occurrences and happenings. Over the years, history has been documented in letters, written materials, and oral...

Silent Films and Foley Artists

A silent film is a black-and-white movie without sound. From the invention of film technology to the advent of modern sound films, silent films were the most popular entertainment. At first, there was no sound in the films, then they were with musical accompaniment, and then the help of Foley...

Race and Ethnicity in “The Long Walk Home” Film

Summary For this study, a film called “The Long Walk Home” was selected, which was first released in 1991. This cinematic film tells the story of two families who faced crisis times in American history. One of the wives is a decent black maid who works hard both at work...

“Gladiator” Ridley Scott: Plot, Themes, and Key Features

Introduction Ridley Scott’s, Gladiator is one of the most influential films of the 21st century. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, the movie was released in the year 2000. The film incorporated other supportive actors, including; Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Richard Harriss. It won critical accolades, large...

Movie Review: Life as We Know It

“Life As We Know It” is a 2010 American comedy movie starring Holly and Eric. Their best friend couple, Peter and Alison, were crushed and died in a road accident leaving behind a small child called Sophie. Shortly after the crash, Eric and Holly learned that their friends had appointed...

Chinese vs. Taiwanese Film Production

Background Film production in China and Taiwan has evolved over the years because of the changes in socio-economic and political forces. According to Poujol (2019), the evolution of the film industry in the two countries can be traced back to the period when the region was under Japanese rule. The...

Jaws by Steven Spielberg Review

Jaws the film is a classic; it is one of the most famous and influential films in western cinematic history. It was released in 1975 by Universal Pictures and gathered worldwide fame and influence, both in positive and negative lights. While some may consider it outdated in mechanics, stylistic choices,...

“The Last King of Scotland” Film Analysis

If power is the ability to influence the results and behavior of others, then The Last King of Scotland helps us understand where despotism and tyranny can lead. The film was directed by Kevin MacDonald and was released in 2006. The story is about Idi Amin – the real ruler,...

Little Women Drama by Greta Gerwig

Introduction Little Women by Greta Gerwig is a heartwarming movie with some memorable characters. Director Greta Gerwig unveiled the latest version of “Little women”, a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, into the theatre (Zborowski 4). Gerwig’s movie presents some unadulterated changes to the original story’s structure and style. Watching...

“Disney’s Dolls” by Kathi Maio

In the article by a professional feminist film critic, Kathi Maio, which is called Disney’s Dolls, the author discusses the history of Disney cartoons in the twentieth century. In the very beginning, Kathi Maio argues that the cartoon about the Chinese female warrior who protects the dignity of her country...

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 “Real Value” Documentary Directed by Borkowski

The “Real Value” documentary is a film that depicts businesses and the alternative approaches to generating financial gain. The first relevant idea from this movie is that businesses can create value that is beyond the profit they generate. The second idea is that the majority of American businesses are built...

“Watchmen” Film in Relation to the American Dream

Introduction Watchmen is the title of the film that I have chosen to study for this assignment. The film was released in March 2009 with gross sales of $107.5M. One of the most startling aspects of Watchmen is the brutal reality of the consequences of achieving the ‘American Dream.’ The...

“And the Band Played On” During the AIDS Pandemic

“And the Band Played On” The movie “And the Band Played On” touches on different prevalent issues during the AIDS pandemic that afflicted the world in the 1980s. It is a film that chronicled the initial days of the pandemic and the bias and prejudice experienced by homosexuals, who were...

“I Love Lucy”: Retrospect, Supporting and Subverting Gender Roles

Introduction TV shows of the past might appear to be simply relics of the bygone era at first sight. However, on further analysis, they can reveal a treasure trove of peculiar details and facts about the time slot that it is expected to portray. Moreover, with the fingerprints of multiple...

“Ben X” by Nic Balthazar Review

For this essay, I decided to write about the 2007 drama movie “Ben X” by Nic Balthazar. Although remaining largely unknown to the general public, this movie includes topics that are essential for human society to function: acceptance and empathy. I chose to write about this movie out of curiosity...

A Remediation of The Hobbit by Tolkien

The success of Peter Jackson’s earlier adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings brought forward the idea of adapting The Hobbit to the cinema. Taking the liberty to fill in the unexplained parts of the book, Peter Jackson decided to release The Hobbit as a trilogy as well....

Individualism vs. Collectivism in A Beautiful Mind

Introduction A person cannot live outside of society, outside of the collective. But simultaneously, for harmonious development and happy life, it is important to preserve individuality. A Beautiful Mind of Ron Howard was conceived as a film biography of the mathematician, Nobel Prize winner John Forbes Nash. The main character...

“The Silence of the Lambs”: Characters, Storyline, and Themes

Introduction Psychology often interests people who are not scholars or students of the corresponding faculty. As such, movie directors and screenwriters find phenomena that this scientific field describes as inspirational. Obviously, mental disorders receive special attention from film creators due to the fact that people like to observe the unusual...

Review of “Kung Fu Panda” Movie: Educational Psychology

In every classroom setting or learning space, each student is unique in their particular way. Each student has a special way through which they learn and master information. Therefore, every student should be understood, and the one shoe fits all ideology should be ignored. There are different modalities of learning...

Martin Scorsese: Biography, Works, and Criticism

Introduction The legendary director Martin Scorsese has become the embodiment of cinematic classics. Despite his impressive age, he never ceases to delight audiences with new films that, once released, become some of the most famous and highest-grossing films in the world. This unique man is a genius and talented in...

Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy and Tsotsi

The book Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales explores the stories of contemporary slavery. The investigation of ‘new slavery’ conducted by the author links to the problems of the global economy and the underlying motive of the movie Tsotsi. Tsotsi was released in 2006 and...

“There Will Be Blood” Film by Paul Thomas Anderson

Most of the greatest films reveal complex and controversial topics to show the intricacy of human life and morality. There Will Be Blood by Paul Thomas Anderson is one example of such film as it depicts themes of capitalist greed, violence, power, hypocrisy, and loneliness, telling the story of one...

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...

Population Control Discussion

The thing that I did not suspect before is the thoughts about forced birth control. The question of the morality of having children is quite strange from the point of view of humanity. On the one hand, the authors push us to think about the future, the planet, and climate...

Setting, Space, and Place in “Boardwalk Empire” by Scorsese

Important Background Information Set on the verge of the age of prohibition, the series offers a unique outlook on Nucky Thompson, who is a well-known treasurer across Atlantic City. Despite being constantly monitored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Nucky somehow manages to...