Film Essays and Analysis
Why John Cassavetes Is a Production Pioneer - Legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes was an emblem of cinema's independent spirit. Here's how he became a production pioneer. Article by Leah McDonald.
The Iron Claw and Modern American Folklore - How Von Erich family wrestling movie 'The Iron Claw' is about the ideas of American folklore, the constructs of myth cultivated in the USA over centuries. Essay by Matthew Peyton.
‘Shaft’ Unveiled Blaxploitation’s Cultural Revolution - 'Shaft' (1971) sparks discourse and debate, and challenges prevailing norms, unveiling the cultural revolution of Blaxploitation cinema. Essay by Juahl Ganaway.
Chasing the Present in ‘Before Sunset’ - Richard Linklater's middle entry into his Before Trilogy, 'Before Sunset' (2004) is about attempting to live in the present. Here's how it achieves that. Essay by Kyra Lieberman.
The Academy Has Failed Animation (Again) - The medium of animation is snubbed by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences every Oscars season. In 2024, animated film has been failed again. Essay by Munir Abedrabbo C.
The Transformative Impact of Teachers on the Protagonists of 21st Century Coming-Of-Age Films - Mr Hunnam's impact on his student Angus Tully in 'The Holdovers' is just one of a number of examples of teachers acting as key guiding figures in coming-of-age film. Essay by Cat Searcey.
The Apartment: The Elevator Between Eras - 'The Apartment' (1960), from director Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, acted as an elevator between Hollywood eras. Article by Kyra Lieberman.
Catch Me If You Can: Christmas Classic? - How Steven Spielberg's crime caper 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, is definitely a Christmas film. Article by Grace Laidler.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Is Scorsese’s Macbeth Adaptation - How Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (2023) is a modern interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth". Full essay and analysis by Kieran Judge.
Scorsese’s Goodfellas and The Power of Movie Soundtracks - How Martin Scorsese utilises a diverse soundtrack of iconic popular music to help narrate his tale of gangsters, glory and regret in 'Goodfellas' (1990). Essay by Grace Laidler.