Although the Western genre is past its hay day, it undoubtedly has inspired the work of some of today’s most prolific filmmakers and it is hard to hear the word “Western” without thinking of the best Clint Eastwood movies of all time. Eastwood proved to be a major factor in defining the genre but has also stepped outside of the Western to take on some of his most memorable roles. Besides his incredible achievements as a director, Clint Eastwood’s presence on the big screen has inspired, influenced, and entertained generations of movie-goers and filmmakers alike. So we compromised a list…
What is a leitmotif? What makes it different from a theme song? How is it used in cinema? These are the questions we’re going to answer as we look at the leitmotif definition and examples. We’re also going to show you how masterclass composers like John Williams apply leitmotifs to their films. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply a ‘leading motif’ to your own production!Continue reading What is a Leitmotif? Definition and Examples
Cowboys, outlaws, deserts, shanty towns, and gunslinging. These are familiar elements seen in the genre known as the Western, in both literature and cinema. But for many genre fans, it specifically refers to Spaghetti Westerns, a genre that emerged during the 1960s. Traditional Westerns they weren’t, as they were often low budget, featured violence and questionable morals, on top of technically being foreign films. So, what is a Spaghetti Western, why is it called a Spaghetti Western, how did they become so popular, and create such an enduring legacy? Let's find out.Continue reading What is a Spaghetti Western — History…
A theme song can be the defining sound of a television show, movie, or even a personal brand. It's a melodic and catchy tune that encapsulates the essence, mood, and tone of the subject it represents. Its importance is often underestimated, yet its power is undeniable. This article will delve into the significance of a theme song, exploring its role and impact in various contexts. Continue reading What is a Theme Song — How Music Sets the Stage
What is a period piece? If the term transports your mind to a faraway time with big, puffy dresses and flowery language, then you might be on the right track. We’ll start out by defining what exactly constitutes a period piece, then we’ll dig a little deeper before taking a look at some great examples of period piece films and television shows. Continue reading What is a Period Piece — How Movies Transport Us to the Past
When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films. - Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantino is not just a world-class filmmaker but also a renowned film lover. He is a lifelong cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of the medium. Tarantino always packs his films with homages to the movies he loves. He even uses his renown as a means to provide exposure to films that he believes deserve more success. These are often foreign language films or older films that never found their audience. The following list is not in order of preference.…
The Spaghetti Western is one of the most iconic movie subgenres of all-time. Spaghetti Westerns originated in Italy during the 1960s under the tutelage of the great Sergio Leone – who garnered international acclaim for his “Dollars Trilogy” starring Clint Eastwood. Between 1964 and 1978, Italy produced dozens of Spaghetti Westerns, most of which were shot at the country’s famed production studio Cinecittà. The Spaghetti Western has become a symbol for international illusions of the American west, sweeping vista shots, and climatic shootouts – needless to say, Spaghetti Westerns have had an enormous impact on cinema and world culture. So…
What makes a great music score? Does it need to dominate the soundtrack or can go unnoticed in the background? Should a contemporary movie always use modern music or is it blasphemy for a period piece to include pop songs? Whether you have answers to these questions or not, there's no denying the power of music in how we experience movies. These are the best movie scores of all time — some you will spot a mile away, others will raise some eyebrows, but all will get you thinking about what music you'll use in your next project.Continue reading 23…
