How Did “The Boxtrolls” Animators Combine Stop-Motion and CGI to Create the film’s Unique Look?
Using stop-motion animation from beautiful character sets and adding detail with CGI, Laika created a wonderfully inventive world full of beautiful imagery.
How did Rob Reiner Cast Four Child Actors in “Stand By Me” Who Captured The Roles and Story So Well?
Rob Reiner found found young boys who, in reality, were very similar to the characters they played in the film.
Does “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” Lament the Decline of Great Britain and the Rise of the United States?
As for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the protagonist Potts is capitalistic and embodies everything that gave the United States it’s edge over Great Britain in the post-WWII period. Meanwhile, the…
In “Her,” What’s the Significance of the Color Red?
Like New Mexico in "Breaking Bad" or that comical Minnesotan drawl in "Fargo," the use of color in Spike Jonze’s "Her" (2013) is so distinctive, it could almost be…
What is the Significance of “Stand by Me’s” Final Line?
There’s something bittersweet about reminiscing on one’s childhood to discover those really were special times, but it’s not until we become older and wiser and more aware of ourselves that…
Is “The Great Gatsby” Still Relevant?
Here, we take a look at why F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel of the Jazz Era was adapted for the screen for the sixth time by Australian filmmaker, Baz Luhrmann.
How Does “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” Point Out the Shortcomings of the 1960’s?
Terry Gilliam's psychedelic film adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's generation-defining novel points out the failures of the 1960's counterculture movement.
In “Stand By Me,” How Did They Film the Train Chase Scene?
The train chase was filmed with a 600mm telephoto lens that compressed the image and made it appear the train was much closer to the boys than it actually was.
In “Stand By Me,” What is the Significance of the Deer Seen by Gordie?
The deer Gordie sees is a break in pace for the film, as well as a symbol of innocence and purity.
Is “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Sexist?
"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" earned quite a bit of criticism when it was first released, especially regarding Kate Capshaw's character "Willie Scott." While she…
How Did “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Use Miniatures?
In an era without CGI, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" relied on miniatures to create some of its key special effects scenes, such as the iconic mine cart sequence.
How Did “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Help Create the PG-13 Rating?
When PG movies "Temple of Doom" and "Gremlins" came out in 1984, parents were scandalized. In response to the outrage, Steven Spielberg "invented" the PG-13 rating.