Read

Why is Alan Turing Considered the “Father” of Computers, and How Did He Help Win World War II?

Turing created a machine that was able to crack Nazi Germany’s Enigma Code.

Read

Why Was the Violence in 1981 That Inspired “A Most Violent Year” So Significant?

New York City in 1981, the year that inspired J.C. Chandor's "A Most Violent Year" was significantly more dangerous than it is today.

Read

What’s So Unique About the Art Direction in “The Grand Budapest Hotel”?

“The particular brand of artificiality that I like to use is an old-fashioned one.”

Read

How Did “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Draw on History?

Different eras of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" seem to reflect the respective geopolitical realities of those eras in actual history, whether it’s the Cold War of the 1960s or a 1930s…

Read

Did the Rapid Technological Changes Within the Industry Impact the Way “Boyhood” Was Made?

Linklater insisted that they shoot the film in 35mm until the very end.

Read

What’s “Birdman” Really About? Is it Critiquing the Dominance of Comic Book Films in Hollywood?

Riggan Thomson’s reasons for putting on this production are constantly defined by how he wants to be appreciated by the public.

Read

Does Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) Actually Have Super Powers?

The film does seem to indulge in a bit of whimsical “magical realism.”

Read

How Was “Birdman” Made To Look Like One Long Shot Without Any Cuts?

"Birdman" took some tricks from "Children of Men" and stretched them even further.

Read

Has Linklater Ever Made Anything That Anticipated “Boyhood”‘s Innovations?

"Boyhood" is the apotheosis of Richard Linklater's body of work.

Read

What Does “Birdman” Have To Do With Michael Keaton’s Past Role as Batman?

While the lead role in "Birdman" was not written for Michael Keaton, it recalls his own career.

Read

How Does the Theme of Family Relationships Define “Breaking Bad”?

Every relationship in the show seems to have some familial basis.

Read