Why Did “Cabaret” Originally Merit an X Rating in the UK?
The adult material and themes in "Cabaret" originally earned it an X rating in the UK film rating scale.
What Makes “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” a Great Thanksgiving Film?
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" concludes with a heartwarming character story that speaks to the spirit of Thanksgiving.
How Did “Wayne’s World” Achieve the Status of a Classic Comedy?
"Wayne's World" is a comedy classic from 1992, distinguished by its satirical take on the foundations of its own existence.
Why Can “Collateral” Be Described as a Pre-Apocalyptic Film?
While the post-apocalyptic genre takes place after the end of the world, Michael Mann's "Collateral" (2004) paints us a sometimes-surreal portrait of Los Angeles before the shit hits…
What Is Fantasound, and Why Was It Created for “Fantasia”?
Fantasound was an early version of multi-channel surround sound, created by Disney specifically for screenings of "Fantasia" around the country.
What Two Key Features of the Source Novel Does “Carol” the Film Strive to Preserve?
At a New York City panel discussion in November, 2015, screenplay writer Phyllis Nagy addressed the two most important features of the source novel that Nagy fought to preserve in the film…
What Is So Legendary About the “An American in Paris” Ballet Sequence?
The "An American in Paris Ballet" is one of the most famous dance sequences in the history of cinema. It heavily contributed to the film's Academy Award win for Best Picture in 1951…
What Gender Messages Does “Inside Out” Send to Girls?
The way "Inside Out" gives genders to our emotions, as well as the body types it uses to depict Joy and Sadness, could send a harmful message to young girls.
Why Do Some “Star Trek” Fans Enjoy Pairing Kirk and Spock as Lovers?
"Star Trek" fans have long enjoyed the theory that Kirk and Spock are lovers. Kirk/Spock is most popular among straight females, and a gender binary is at the heart of its appeal.
What Is in Del’s Trunk in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”?
Del's trunk in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" serves as a joke and a representation of a salesman's life on the road. More than that, it has symbolic weight revealed by the…
How Does “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” Show John Hughes’ Aptitude for Understanding Characters?
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" allows for all the typical conventions of a comedy with a surprisingly apt understanding of its characters.
Why Was “Alice in Wonderland” Poorly Received by Audiences in 1951?
"Alice in Wonderland" was a failure upon release, and didn't pick up in popularity until two decades later, during the drug culture of the late 1960s.