Why Is “Tangerine” an Important Film?
"Tangerine" has garnered a lot of attention and praise for being shot on an iPhone, but the more significant aspect of Sean Baker's film is the fact that its stars are transgender…
Was “The Quiet Ones” Based on a Real Scientific Experiment?
"The Quiet Ones" was inspired by a real-life scientific experiment from the 1970s, but that's about as far as the similarities carry.
How Has “Humans” Developed the Elster Synth Family Members to Represent Various Human Personalities?
The Elster Synths in "Humans" each have their own personalities and characteristics that have developed as a result of their interactions with the world.
How Are The Characters in “Hector and the Search for Happiness” Designed as Story Archetypes?
Everyone Hector meets along the way exists to facilitate his journey, both literally and emotionally. They are effectively not characters but utilities, often coming across as mawkish bits of…
What Lesson Did Hector Learn About Happiness When He Visited China?
Hector learns an important lesson about interior vs. exterior happiness from his encounters in China.
Are Depictions of Different Cultures in “Hector and the Search for Happiness” Racist, or Juvenile?
One of the largest negative criticisms leveled at "Hector and the Search for Happiness" is its tendency to generalize cultures, representing the things that happen to Hector within them…
In “Hector,” What Is The Significance of the Multi-Colored Chinese Flags?
The Tibetan prayer flags showcased in "Hector and the Search for Happiness" are an ancient custom that predates Buddhism, which are used to send prayers throughout the land. The belief is…
Why is Season One Episode 7 of “Ballers” Significant in the Three-Act Story Arc?
Two thirds of the first season of "Ballers" has aired and the seventh episode functions for the season story arc like the turn from the second act to the third. The characters have faced…
How Does “Showrunners” Help Explain Why Television Shows Sometimes Produce Bad Episodes?
“When you’re writing a script every ten days, you start to realize every episode is not going to be a home run, and start looking at the seasons as a whole, realizing that the bad episodes will…
How Does Film & TV Portray Female Characters in Traditional Roles of Power?
One of the most well known female characters on television (or Netflix) today is Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) on House of Cards, the cold-blooded and inspiring wife to the President of the…
What Does “Showrunners” Reveal About the Personalities of Many of Television’s Notable Showrunners?
Showrunners are equally elated and miserable about the jobs they have - but a definitive characteristic between them all is a burning, insatiable dedication to producing the best program they can.
How Does “Showrunners” Explore How the Internet Age Has Turned Showrunners Into Public Figures?
Showrunners aren't just miscellaneous names behind the scenes anymore. They're celebrities, publicly praised or condemned for the success or failure of the show they're working on.