Why does Bruce the Shark’s gender matter in “Jaws”?
Questioning the gender of the shark in "Jaws" helps us understand the film's statements on masculinity. Ultimately, the male-driven conflict ends with an affirmation of the middle…
How does “International Assassin” add to the mystery of “The Leftovers” world?
"International Assassin," the eighth episode of "The Leftovers" second season, takes a dramatic turn into new territory and raises questions about logic, faith, and identity…
How does “Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce” benefit from its over 3 hour runtime?
The power of "Jeanne Dielman" lies in the way its long, monotonous scenes condition us to the particulars of her day. The film's almost oppressively long runtime exposes us to the…
Why can “Jeanne Dielman” translate into an array of ideological frameworks?
The best films realize that the things we see and the things we don’t see are equally valuable. "Jeanne Dielman" is over three hours of seeing almost nothing except the details that…
Why was “Fantasia” an artistic gamble for Walt Disney?
"Fantasia" is considered one of the great animated films of all time, yet it failed upon its initial release. The material and style were ahead of its time.
How does “Sunset Boulevard” ironically reference “Queen Kelly”?
The clever insertion of "Queen Kelly" into "Sunset Boulevard" stands as the most memorable bit of the film’s audacious ability to peer beyond the fantasies of Hollywood.
Why Was “Sunset Boulevard” Shot in Black and White When Color Was An Option?
Shooting "Sunset Boulevard" as a black and white picture was a necessary choice in delivering the noir material in the most holistically effective way.
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.