Tag: cinema

The Invisible Labor Behind Your Favorite Show

The Invisible Labor Behind Your Favorite Show

Hollywood’s spotlight often shines brightest on its stars and directors but behind every captivating film lies the indispensable work of hundreds, if not thousands, of dedicated professionals. From the foundational brilliance of writers to the meticulous artistry of visual effects crews and the tireless efforts of production teams, these individuals are the true architects of […]

Why Prestige Cinema Can’t Stop Fetishizing Pain

Why Prestige Cinema Can’t Stop Fetishizing Pain

Prestige cinema has a pain problem. Not the kind that invites empathy or understanding but the kind that fetishizes suffering as a shortcut to artistic legitimacy. From Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” to Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave”, the industry’s most lauded films often hinge on the spectacle of agony. Physical degradation, emotional torment and […]

The Surrealism Of Bring Her Back

Picture this sequence: it’s April Fool’s Day. A24 drops a trailer for a project that looks like a typical newlywed couple moving into a new house. At first glance you feel as if it’s going one way but as you watch the rest of the trailer – it goes into a completely different direction. There […]

How “Sinners” is Hollywood’s Most Original Recent Release

How “Sinners” is Hollywood’s Most Original Recent Release

“Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, might be one of the most creative films Hollywood has released in recent years. A movie with Southern Gothic vampires that celebrates black culture? No one’s ever attempted this before, but with the success of this movie, maybe they should’ve. The creative chemistry between the plot, characters, dialogue, and cinematography […]

Bollywood’s Global Footprint: How Indian Cinema is Winning Over the World

Bollywood’s Global Footprint: How Indian Cinema is Winning Over the World

Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry by volume, is making waves on the global stage. Once primarily catering to domestic audiences, Indian cinema has evolved into a cultural phenomenon with a significant global footprint, captivating audiences across continents. One of the primary drivers of Bollywood’s international success is its universal appeal. Indian films, with their […]

The Return of Auteur Filmmaking

The Return of Auteur Filmmaking

In an era dominated by blockbuster franchises and streaming platforms, auteur filmmaking is experiencing a remarkable revival. Directors with distinctive visions—such as Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, and Denis Villeneuve—are redefining the cinematic landscape, drawing audiences back to theaters with their ambitious, personal projects. Films like Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Nolan’s Oppenheimer exemplify this resurgence. […]

The Art of the Biopic: Why Stories of Historical Figures Continue to Thrive

The Art of the Biopic: Why Stories of Historical Figures Continue to Thrive

Biopics have long been a staple in cinema, and they continue to captivate audiences, from iconic films like Gandhi and Raging Bull to recent hits such as Oppenheimer and Elvis. This ongoing appeal lies in the genre’s unique ability to bring historical figures to life, offering not just a retelling of events, but an intimate glimpse into the lives, flaws, and motivations […]

Hollywood’s New Age of Horror: Why Audiences Can’t Get Enough of Elevated Scares

Hollywood’s New Age of Horror: Why Audiences Can’t Get Enough of Elevated Scares

Horror is experiencing a renaissance in Hollywood, with a new wave of films that challenge traditional genre boundaries and appeal to wider audiences. Dubbed “elevated horror,” these films blend fear with complex themes, thoughtful storytelling, and psychological depth. Unlike conventional slasher films or simple jump-scare flicks, elevated horror uses fear as a means to explore […]

The Resurrection of Classic Plays: The Significance of Old Stories

The Resurrection of Classic Plays: The Significance of Old Stories

Classic plays continue to have a special place on stage in the dynamic world of theater, where fresh voices and modern stories are being told all the time. Plays by classic writers like Ibsen, Chekhov, and Shakespeare are being revived in theaters all around the world. But what is it about these ancient tales that […]

From La La Land to 1917: The Marvel of one take Scenes and the Pinnacle of Fluid Cinematography

From La La Land to 1917: The Marvel of one take Scenes and the Pinnacle of Fluid Cinematography

One-take shots are technically complex, emotionally engaging, and spectacular in their execution. They are the cinematic equivalent of magic tricks. These nonstop scenes take audiences to the location of a film and give them the sense that they are living the story directly. One-take shots have the power to transform a film from a simple […]

Hey! Are you enjoying NYCTastemakers? Make sure to join our mailing list for NYCTM and never miss the chance to read all of our articles!