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Meg Shields

Based in the Pacific North West, Meg enjoys long scrambles on cliff faces and cozying up with a good piece of 1960s eurotrash. As a senior contributor at FSR, Meg's objective is to spread the good word about the best of sleaze, genre, and practical effects.
Police Story Jackie Chan Mall Pole Stunt

How They Shot the Explosive Pole Jump Stunt in ‘Police Story’

By Meg Shields 

A stunt so nice they showed it thrice. Here’s the story behind Jackie Chan’s legendary leap.

Nate Milton Cassini Short Film

Identifying With Space Probes: The Cosmic Solitude of ‘Cassini’

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a short animated film about loneliness, unlikely company, and the quiet beauty of a solitary space probe.
Full Metal Jacket Stanley Kubrick takes

Stanley Kubrick and the Rationale Behind Incessant Takes

By Meg Shields 

Some directors say “we got it” when they do not, in fact, “got it.” Those directors are not Stanley Kubrick.
Miss Juneteenth women in film 2020

How Women Took Up Space in the Movies of 2020

By Meg Shields 

Watch a video essay about the female-led films that defined cinema last year.
X Rating

The Brief and Scandalous History of the X Rating

By Meg Shields 

What was its purpose and why was it so infamous? Let’s sneak a peek, shall we?
Constantine

Double Take: They Got ‘Constantine’ Right The First Time

By Anna Swanson, and Meg Shields 

For its 16th anniversary, here’s our re-appraisal of the DC comic book movie.

The Matrix Fembot Red Dress

A Brief History of the Fembot in a Red Dress

By Meg Shields 

Were you distracted by the woman in the red dress? Yeah, us too. So let’s talk about it.
Scanners Exploding Head

How They Shot the Head Explosion Scene in ‘Scanners’

By Meg Shields 

“If ever you want to blow up a head, I advise using kosher salt. But don’t do this at home.” – special effects artist Gary Zeller.
Gravity sound design

‘Gravity’ and the Line Between Realistic and Believable Sound Design

By Meg Shields 

In sound cinema, the impression of silence is rarely…well, silent. Here’s a look at ‘Gravity’ to explain why.