What is so extraordinary about Anthony Hopkins’ performance in “The Silence of the Lambs”?
Despite his lack of screen time, a stunning performance as well as an incredibly thoughtful script delivered Hopkins one of the most impressive Oscars of all time.
How is the love story in “Brooklyn” a metaphor for the immigrant experience?
"Brooklyn" is as much a story about immigration as it is the struggle for love.
After 75 years, what is the cinematic legacy of “The Great Dictator”?
The Great Dictator was astoundingly bold political satire in 1940, and its legacy can be felt at the core of all the films that have followed in its tradition.
What does “De Palma” say about the role of a director?
"De Palma" is as much about the identity of being a director as it is about Brian De Palma.
How does “My Golden Days” compare the act of filmmaking to anthropology?
The Cannes Director's Fortnight, New York Film Festival and London Film Festival selection "My Golden Days" subtly compares filmmaking to anthropological study.
Does the character of Esther in “My Golden Days” perpetuate or interrogate sexist tropes?
While on the surface Esther (Lou Roy-Lecollinet) may seem like a cinematic cliché, she is a deep and substantial character whose deterioration challenges the common trope of the young desirable…
Why does “Anomalisa” use only one voice actor for everyone except Michael and Lisa?
(Spoilers) Tom Noonan voices every single character in "Anomalisa" other than Michael and Lisa, an artistic choice which communicates the protagonist's world view and shapes the…
How do animated shows like “Rick and Morty” draw such incredible celebrity talent?
Shows like "Rick and Morty" and "Bob's Burgers" feature a huge number of celebrity guest spots. Why are actors so interested in guest starring in animation?
Is “American Horror Story: Hotel” recycling horror tropes and clichés?
"American Horror Story: Hotel" contains many tropes and references to other horror films (and the genre at large) just within its pilot episode. Will the series become little more than a…
How does “The Walking Dead” use Alexandria and Morgan as means to contrast Rick with The Governor?
"The Walking Dead" is unlikely to transition Rick Grimes into a full-on bad guy, but his behavior and personality in Alexandria draw comparisons to his former mega-nemesis, The Governor.
In “The Leftovers” S1, how do the Guilty Remnant and Holy Wayne represent extreme versions of faith?
"The Leftovers" has two prominent religious entities in its first season: The Guilty Remnant and Holy Wayne. The two represent extreme takes on faith in a devastated world.
What social issues does “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” touch on?
While De Sica's film starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni lives on in cinematic history for some visually superficial reasons (ahem, striptease), "Yesterday, Today and…