Why Was Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac” Released in Two Parts (And Why is it So Long)?
By breaking up his epically long "Nymphomaniac" into two separate films, Lars von Trier might be riding the recent wave of commercially successful trilogies that expand one-feature…
“Snowpiercer” May Not Be What it Seems. Is it Really Progressive Cinema Criticizing Capitalism?
Snowpiercer's criticism of South Korea's upper class.
How Did “Interstellar” Advisor Physicist Kip Thorne Help Create Visual Images of Black Holes?
Physicist Emily L. Rice explains how physicist Kip Thorne helped create visuals of black holes for "Interstellar" to help audiences better understand the science behind black holes
Is the Hallucinating in “Birdman” Common for Artists?
Scientists discuss how common it is to hallucinate like Michael Keaton's character in "Birdman", especially with creative individuals and artists
Can You Explain the Sexual In-Jokes and Imagery of “Dr. Strangelove”?
Some argue that the film suggests war as a surrogate for male sexual frustration.
How did Linklater Work With the Passing of Time in “Boyhood”?
Albeit fictional, "Boyhood" aspires towards documentary form by consciously opening up to reality, particularly by showing the real life effect of time on the actors, whether through…
Who is Stefan Zweig and How Was He an Inspiration on “The Grand Budapest Hotel”?
Director Wes Anderson virtually channels Stefan Zweig's life and writing into his film.
How Did “Selma” Become Linked with Protest Movements like ‘Black Lives Matter’?
“Ferguson is a mirror of the past. And Selma is a mirror of now.’’
What’s the Significance Behind the Three Different Aspect Ratios in “The Grand Budapest Hotel”?
Wes Anderson filmed "The Grand Budapest Hotel" in three different aspect ratios to reflect the history of cinema during those periods (1930s, 1960s and 1980s).
Did They Need to Make “Birdman” Look Like Virtually One Continuous Take?
"Birdman" is shot to look like virtually one long continuous take with very few camera cuts. Unbroken takes often bring a film closer to live theater and, in this case, parallel the story.
Does “American Sniper” Have a Political Agenda?
Bradley Cooper’s interest in developing the project was to do a character study on Chris Kyle.
Why Did they Cast a Non-Professional Actress for the Lead Role in “Ida”? How Was She Discovered?
Agata Trzebuchowska, who had no prior acting experience, was discovered in a cafe, reading a book.