How are 1900s Beauty Standards Adversely Affecting People’s Health?
Throughout history beauty standards have shifted in many different directions; in the past century, however, the beauty standards in the United States have been defined by Hollywood’s picture-perfect standards. Makeup to get rid of the blemishes on a woman’s face and tight dresses to fit that hourglass figure. Anything less than perfection wasn’t acceptable back […]
My Eyes Can’t Take This: The Shaky Cam Problem in Action Movies
Movie audiences are no longer just watching a film; they’re enduring a visual assault. Across the multiplex from superhero showdowns to espionage thrillers, a disorienting trend has taken hold: the shaky camera, paired with editing so rapid it borders on a strobe light effect. While intended to create a sense of gritty realism and kinetic […]
Taking Aim at The “John Wick” Effect
The first rule of a “John Wick” film is that there are no rules, only consequences. This simple philosophy embodied by Keanu Reeves’ titular assassin, is at the heart of how the franchise has revitalized the modern action genre. By de-emphasizing bloated Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) spectacles and focusing instead on immersive world-building and character-driven choreography, […]
Predator and Prey: How Animals are Depicted in Horror Films
Animal-based horror films consistently capture public imagination. From deep oceans to vast skies, the animal kingdom offers a potent source of fear. This subgenre where creatures turn against humanity, proves its lasting appeal in cinema. This fascination stems from a primal fear. Before societies and technology, human survival depended on understanding and fearing the wild. […]
Why Villains Are Now the Protagonists And What That Says About Us
When blockbuster movies are saturated with traditional heroes and villains, a fascinating shift inevitably occurs in cinematic storytelling: audiences are increasingly drawn to characters who blur the line between antihero and outright antagonist. From the gritty nihilism of Joker to the flamboyant ambition of Cruella, the monstrous charm of Venom and the chilling narcissism of […]
Found Footage: The Scariest Films Are the Ones That Don’t Look Like Films
For decades, the horror genre has sought new ways to scare audiences out of the Theatre, often relying on elaborate monsters or jump scares. Yet, a unique and often polarizing subgenre — found footage — has quietly proven itself to be one of the most effective and unsettling forms of cinematic terror. Being far from […]
The Social Commentary of the Slasher Film
For decades, the slasher film genre of the 1970s and 1980s has been dismissed by critics and audiences alike as little more than a parade of gratuitous violence and cheap thrills. While the body counts were undeniably high and the special effects often gruesome, a closer look reveals that these films were far more than […]
The “Based on a True Story” Disclaimer May Be a Trap
Movies “based on a true story” are a reliable staple of Hollywood, promising audiences an intoxicating mix of dramatic entertainment and historical education. But beneath the promise of authentic storytelling lies an ethical and narrative tightrope that filmmakers must walk. The most successful of these films don’t just recount events; they honor the truth while […]
Uncovering The “A24 Effect” In The Movie Industry
In an era increasingly dominated by sprawling cinematic universes and franchise reboots, A24 has not just survived but thrived, by meticulously carving out a distinct and highly coveted niche in independent cinema. The studio, founded in 2012, has become synonymous with auteur-driven, aesthetically bold and often unconventional storytelling, fostering a loyal audience that actively seeks […]
The Rise of the “Elevated Horror” Genre
For decades, the horror genre was often pigeonholed, synonymous with cheap thrills and predictable jump scares. While effective in the moment, these tactics frequently overshadowed any deeper narrative ambition. However, a new wave of filmmakers is dismantling these conventions, proving that true terror can emerge from the unsettling depths of the human psyche and societal […]
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 […]
Will Hollywood Ever Get Female Characters Right?
Why is Hollywood still struggling to create female characters that aren’t so one dimensional? Although there have been decades of progress, too many women characters are left as almost underdeveloped ideas. We’re often presented with the overly competent “strong” woman who lacks emotional depth, or the romantic interest whose only function is to support the […]
