There Will Be Blood: Analysis of a Power Struggle — Director’s Playbook

How does one create a power struggle in film? What are the techniques available that will help to communicate this battle through a visual lens? Let’s look at how Paul Thomas Anderson builds a power struggle with blocking, staging, framing, set dressing, and camera control. Make sure to read through to the end for more examples of… Continue reading There Will Be Blood: Analysis of a Power Struggle — Director’s Playbook

Star Wars Lightsaber Duels — What Makes Them Great?

The Star Wars universe has given the world so much. From backwards-talking aliens to familial plot twists, Star Wars has sparked millions of people’s imaginations. However, the films also introduced us to one of the coolest weapons ever to grace the big screen: the lightsaber. We’ve already discussed how superb cinematography can enhance any lightsaber… Continue reading Star Wars Lightsaber Duels — What Makes Them Great?

How to Shoot a Lightsaber Duel — The Last Jedi Throne Room Breakdown

Few fight scenes in cinema are as exhilarating as a lightsaber duel in the Star Wars franchise. Everyone has their own personal favorites, but one of the most well-choreographed and filmed lightsaber combat scenes put to film is the Throne Room scene in The Last Jedi.  A lot of people may watch this lightsaber fight and… Continue reading How to Shoot a Lightsaber Duel — The Last Jedi Throne Room Breakdown

20 Best Movies of the Decade, Ranked for Filmmakers (2010—2019)

Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 As much as people bemoan Hollywood being devoid of ideas, the truth is that major studios and independent filmmakers alike continued to push the boundaries of what you could do with film in the 2010s. From small-scale projects to blockbusters that doubled as art, movies delivered in this last decade. If you’ve been… Continue reading 20 Best Movies of the Decade, Ranked for Filmmakers (2010—2019)

10 Best Cyberpunk Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

Start with a heaping spoonful of hard-boiled grit. Add a splash of neon lights. Then liberally sprinkle on some corruption and cybernetic enhancements — now you’ve got yourself a cyberpunk movie. This subgenre is thriving in the 21st century and we’re about to get into the top 10 best cyberpunk movies. Cyberpunk, also known as neon-noir,… Continue reading 10 Best Cyberpunk Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers