Is there power in nonsense? Some might say that nonsense is by definition meaningless. But for Dada artists, nonsense was the ultimate political tool to smash existing power structures and artistic norms. In this article we’ll look at the historical context in which Dadaism artists arose, what Dada looked like, and how it still casts a long shadow over the world today.Continue reading What is Dadaism Art — Movement, Style, and Artists Explained
What do you think of when you think of Gothic Art? Imposing cathedrals? Creepy baby Jesus paintings? Teens in black eyeliner and JNCO jeans? Gothic art and architecture is more than its stereotypes (and if you’re thinking of modern goth fashion… it’s kind of a misnomer). This art movement was a dominant style for centuries in Europe, and gave birth to some of the continent’s most famous buildings and paintings. Let’s look at the Gothic genre in art and literature: what it is, where it came from, and why it still matters.Continue reading What is Gothic Art — History, Characteristics…
There are few movements that shaped the literary arts in the 20th century more than Magical Realism. The genre reinvented what a novel could do, and gave writers new tools with which to shape their stories and social commentaries. In this post, we’ll define Magical Realism and examine why it became so popular.Continue reading What is Magical Realism — Fantasy vs Reality in Art & Literature
De Stijl is one of the most iconic and influential artistic movements of the 20th century. Its members’ strict rules and lofty ambitions resulted in a style that still resonates today. To some, De Stijl paintings might just look like a collage of rectangles. But knowing the aims behind De Stijl design can help illuminate why its aesthetic is so profound and impactful. Continue reading What is De Stijl in Art — Movement, Artists & Famous Works
Rear Window is a game of restraint. The rules of the film are clear: a murder mystery told through a window. The protagonist, and the camera, can’t leave the apartment. It’s a game Alfred Hitchcock was more than able to play, as Rear Window is now regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. And while Hitchcock deserves the credit for being able to keep a movie with such restrictions visually interesting and heart-pounding. Credit, too, should be allotted to the screenplay, a masterclass in the thriller genre. The Rear Window script crafts the perfect mystery, a satisfying…
You’ve most likely heard of breaking the fourth wall, a phrase which refers to when a character directly addresses the audience. The popularity of the term has recently given rise to a new, related term: breaking the third wall. So what is breaking the third wall, and how can it be used? Let’s look into it. Continue reading Breaking the Third Wall — Semi-Meta Examples & Techniques
Quentin Tarantino is known for a lot of things: distinct dialogue, explosive violence, pop culture pastiches. But his movies also contain another less-discussed element that is as important as his other signatures: food. In Tarantino movies, food is crucial. It can reveal character traits, propel plots, and expand themes. Some of Tarantino’s most famous scenes revolve around the consumption, or discussion, of food and drinks. In this post, we’ll give you a comprehensive list of all the food in every Tarantino film, along with analysis of some of the most significant examples.Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Food Scenes — The Complete…
When Twilight was released in 2008, it dominated pop culture, spawning more spoofs, imitations, and vampire erotica than any one person could keep track of. The film became one entry in a five-part series of movies that only got more expensive and melodramatic with each installment. While Twilight is no Battleship Potemkin, its script provides a fascinating blueprint of how to kick off a mega-successful franchise that enraptures huge swaths of moviegoers. How do you tell a narrative about a century-old vampire falling in love with a high schooler and make it not only not garishly creepy but in fact a…
Euphoria is one of the most popular shows on television, and its success is in large part due to its distinct visual style. The Euphoria cinematography became iconic right from its pilot, and its influence can be seen in many shows and films that have come in its wake. Euphoria’s singular look comes from a confluence of cinematic techniques, from bold lighting choices to unexpected camera movement. In this post, we’ll break down the factors that make up Euphoria’s visual approach, and tell you how you can achieve it on your next project.Continue reading Euphoria Cinematography Analysis — Lighting, Movement, and…
There’s no question that Denis Villeneuve knows how to create a memorable scene. His distinct, visually striking style lends itself to profound cinematic moments that leave an imprint long after you exit the theater. One of such scenes is undoubtedly the Sicario border scene.Sicario is one of Villeneuve’s most complex works, with open-ended morality and a labyrinthine plot. The pivotal border scene encapsulates these complexities in under five minutes. Let’s break down how exactly Villeneuve creates such a tense and layered sequence.Continue reading Sicario Border Scene Breakdown — How to Direct Tension like Villeneuve
