How does Picard on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” choose a warp speed?
Picard has to weigh the resources on hand with the urgency of the task at hand to decide which speed to use.
What does “12 Angry Men” say about democracy and American civic duty?
"12 Angry Men" can be read as a public service announcement from screenwriter Reginald Rose, reminding Americans to work together and overcome individual prejudices to create a just society.
How does “Modern Times” define the core values of Chaplin’s Little Tramp character?
Chaplin's Little Tramp character, seen for the last time in "Modern Times," imparts the core values of maintaining a positive outlook, valuing human imagination, and defending…
How does “The Shawshank Redemption” illustrate the power of hope?
"The Shawshank Redemption" is a story about how one inmate's hope maintains his dignity and enriches the lives of others.
How did “Love & Mercy” composer Atticus Ross handle scoring the film?
Atticus Ross obtained a massive collection of master tracks from Brian Wilson's recording sessions. The material helped him capture Wilson's troubled inner state through the sound in the…
What horrors happened at one of the real-life hotels that “AHS: Hotel” uses as inspiration?
Much of the setting for "American Horror Story: Hotel" is based on the real-life Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, a notorious home of serial killers, suicides, and murder victims.
How is “Seinfeld” a reflection of the postmodern era and the 1990s mindset?
"Seinfeld" can be classified as a work of postmodernism. The show holds a mirror up to the mindset of the US in the 1990s.
What real-life events influenced the storyline of “The Godfather: Part III”?
"The Godfather: Part III" interweaves a fictional account of two real-life events: the 1978 death of Pope John Paul I and the Papal banking scandal of 1981-1982.
Is the dog scene in “Fruitvale Station” emotionally exploitative?
The decision to add the scene with the dog raises the issue of artistic license in films based off of real life.
How do “Ray Donovan” and “Orange Is the New Black” attract mainstream viewers despite edgy content?
"Ray Donovan" and "Orange Is the New Black" use their seemingly conventional protagonists as Trojan horses to attract audiences into worlds with more diverse themes and…
Why was “Fruitvale Station” shot on Super 16mm?
The decision to use 16mm film in the production of "Fruitvale Station" stems from the artistic preferences of the director, Ryan Coogler.
In “The Silence of the Lambs,” how does Clarice represent the struggle for female empowerment?
In "The Silence of the Lambs," Clarice Starling represents the struggle of female professionals who work in male-dominated fields.