How did the Wars of the Roses inspire “Game of Thrones”?
The Wars of the Roses inspired many of the series' main characters and provided the basis for the War of the Five Kings.
How is “The Jungle Book” different from the 1967 original feature?
Moving from animation to live-action wasn't the only change made to "The Jungle Book."
Filmmaker’s Handbook: What is one-point perspective?
One-point perspective was a favorite of Stanley Kubrick, and is heavily used by Wes Anderson. It draws the eye to a specific focal point.
(Video) Symbols: Mirror Imagery in “Black Swan”
The mirror imagery in "Black Swan" shows the emergence of Nina's doppelganger, her inner black swan.
(Video) Look Closer: Black Swan’s Subjective Visual World
We unpack the camera techniques and visual symbols that draw viewers into Nina's unhinged mind.
Why do people in “The Walking Dead” say “walker” instead of “zombie”?
You'll never hear the word "zombie" on "The Walking Dead" because the characters in that universe had never heard of zombies prior to the outbreak.
In “Captain America: Civil War,” which side is each hero on?
"Captain America: Civil War" divides Earth's mightiest heroes into two teams: Team Cap and Team Iron Man. But who is on which team?
Ask the Professor: How does “I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang” comment on rigid class structures?
"I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" underlines society’s strict class indicators and denial of any possible social mobility. Allen (Paul Muni) was able to get out and be a productive…
Ask the Professor: Did “Jaws” establish the tyranny of the happy ending?
In the late 60s to early-to-mid-70s, movies faced less pressure to reach a happy ending and keep main characters alive. But with the success of "Jaws" studios saw the bright side of happy…
Ask the Professor: What does “Winter’s Bone” reveal about extreme poverty in the US?
"Winter’s Bone" is set in a world that the majority of mainstream America knows nothing about: the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. By bringing this harrowing world to life, it illuminates…
Ask the Professor: Why is the downbeat ending of “Easy Rider” crucial to its artistic value?
"Easy Rider" celebrates the counterculture only to condemn it at the end. The power of the movie is that it's the rise and the fall of the hippie movement all in one film.
Ask the Professor: Did “Jaws” invent the modern-day Hollywood film franchise?
The monster success of "Jaws" revealed the financial potential of blockbusters, and intrigued studios with the prospect of franchises.