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
Anticlimax is a dirty word, one which we’ve been trained to avoid at all costs. Nobody wants to tell a story only to have a friend shrug and say, “Well, that was anticlimactic.” But a deliberate anticlimax can be instructive, funny, poignant, or all of the above. How does an anticlimax work, and what lessons can we take from some of the most iconic anticlimaxes in pop culture?Continue reading What is Anticlimax? Definition & Examples
Director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel has had an illustrious career — working on such films as The Usual Suspects, Cherry, Da 5 Bloods, and many more — but perhaps his most iconic work can be found in Drive. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive is a mood piece, and its dreamy visuals stick in your head long after the credits roll. How did Sigel shoot one of the most beloved indie films of the 2010s? But first, check out this video with Sigel as he explains his approach to visual storytelling in cinematography using lenses, aspect ratio, camera movement,…
Ever since The Great Train Robbery introduced filmgoers to the joys of a glorious gunfight in 1903, shootouts have become a staple of cinematic spectacles. Throughout movie history, filmmakers have tried to one-up each other by creating the most titillating exchange of gunfire possible. Over a century since its inception, the shootout continues to be a favorite attraction of audiences. They can be gory and horrific or stylized and fun; they can be slow and quiet or chaotic and bombastic. Let’s look at some of the best to ever grace the silver screen.Continue reading Best Movie Shootouts of All Time…
