Over time multiple elements of film have changed but core plot elements and themes within movies have stayed the same since 1965. Audiences love a good romance and admire those who take action and rebel against traditional rules and confines. While topics covered may shift slightly to emphasize current issues, the root of the stories…
Author: Connor
Social and Political influences in Major Films
Both Pleasantville released in 1998 and Avatar released in 2009 contain strong social and political messages embedded into their stories. Avatar however was a significantly larger production and exceeded many people’s expectations with its state of the art CGI visuals. Pleasantville while a cheerful comedy does not have the mainstream shock value that kept viewers…
Economic vs Artistic Science Fiction Success
The Terminator a major 1984 U.S. blockbuster does not usually come up in conversations with Solaris, a 1972 indie project from the USSR. The Terminator, while enjoyable, does not come up in all time greatest science fiction lists. Solaris, while an economic failure, is generally considered one of the greatest science fiction movies of all…
A Heartfelt Blockbuster
A Heartfelt Blockbuster As argued by film analyst David Gibson, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial is, “one of the most personal blockbusters ever.” While E.T. contains many elements of a traditional blockbuster it differs slightly from the traditional due to director Steven Spielberg’s ability to pull on the audience’s heartstrings and tell a personal story that…
Kubrick’s Shine
Kubrick’s Shine All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… While honest in nature these words took on a much greater form when viewed in context with The Shining. Wendy, Jack’s innocent wife,…
Bonnie and Clyde: 1960’s spirit captured through the lens of the 1930’s
Bonnie and Clyde: 1960’s spirit captured through the lens of the 1930’s The 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde by Arthur Penn heeds no cautionary whistles. It follows the story of the naïve and charming gangsters Bonnie and Clyde. The couple were radicals who went around robbing banks yet at the same time capturing the hearts…
Unorthodox
Unorthodox Journey to Italy was directed by Roberto Rossellini and released in 1954. The film was shot in black and white and follows a crumbling relationship between an english couple who are traveling to sell an inherited home in Italy. The 1950’s were a time of conformity for the general American public, it was the…
National Treasure Blog
Here is a movie that makes no apologies. It is a crowd pleaser that takes itself serious enough to convey strong emotions and situations yet never attempts to be a serious, edgy oscar-worthy film. With its blistering pace, fun puzzles, and historical pieces it appeals to anyone able to check their triple-hopped IPA’s at the…
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