What impact did “A Hard Day’s Night” have on cinematography and composition?
"A Hard Day's Night" borrowed stylistic approaches from French New Wave cinema to create a piece of cinematic history that would influence pop culture for decades.
How is “A Hard Day’s Night” a 90-minute commercial that became art?
"A Hard Day's Night" was commissioned to be little more than a long promotional video for upcoming Beatles music. It certainly served that purpose, but also became an iconic piece of…
Why is “Empire Strikes Back” considered the best of the original trilogy?
Is "The Empire Strikes Back" definitively better than "A New Hope"? Why do most fans and critics make that claim?
How does the real-life marriage of “The Good Wife” co-creators shape the show’s dialogue and outlook?
Michelle and Robert King, the real-life married couple who created "The Good Wife," know how to write witty banter between a husband and wife. Arguments, in both the legal and marital…
In “Star Wars: A New Hope” did Han or Greedo shoot first? Why is it such a hot subject?
Han didn't just shoot first in "A New Hope" -- he was the only one who fired. But in later versions, adjustments to the scene made that fact untrue, spawning a whirlwind of rage from…
Why was “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” originally released under another title?
George Lucas originally titled "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" simply as "Star Wars." After seeing the incredible and unexpected success of the film, the world of Star Wars…
Why do we love “A Christmas Story” and its cynical view of the holiday?
"A Christmas Story" is an atypical Christmas film, but one that reflects the reality of the holiday through the eyes of a kid.
How do the “two Ralphies” of “A Christmas Story” create a perfect balance?
"A Christmas Story" is told by Ralphie, his adult self narrating the on-screen actions of his child self. The two Ralphies working in tandem build a wonderful chemistry for the film,…
Of all the successful components in “Pulp Fiction,” why is dialogue the most important?
The dialogue of "Pulp Fiction" is remarkably original and the strongest aspect of a film that is wonderfully-constructed in every way.
How did “Toy Story” grow out of a planned sequel to Lasseter’s “Tin Toy” short?
"Toy Story" is a project that spawned out of a sequel to "Tin Toy," an Academy Award-winning short film by John Lasseter that was one of Pixar's earliest CGI creations.
Is a James Bond film really only as good as its villain?
The phrase "A James Bond film is only as good as its villain" is frequently heard, but is it true?
Is there a male counterpart to the “femme fatale” of film noir?
Gender stereotypes in the film-noir genre leaves little room for a counterpart to the "femme fatale" character archetype.