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.
The Long Goodbye Punch Drunk Love

Paul Thomas Anderson and the Uncanny Influence of ‘The Long Goodbye’

By Meg Shields 

Here’s an homage to one of cinema’s greatest homages: Paul Thomas Anderson’s love for ‘The Long Goodbye.’

Pixar Lighting Soul

The Real Fake Lighting of Pixar’s ‘Soul’

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a video essay on the development of Pixar’s ray tracing technology and its importance (and beauty) in their latest film.

Skyfall Movie Credits

The Beginner’s Guide to Deciphering Movie Credits

By Meg Shields 

Here’s your one-stop beginner’s guide to deciphering the meaning, placement, and purpose of movie credits.

Pixar Inspiration Up

Pixar’s Secrets for Finding Inspiration

By Meg Shields 

Choice snippets from Pete Docter on how the studio navigates creativity.

In The Mouth Of Madness Ending Explained

The Ending of John Carpenter’s ‘In The Mouth of Madness’ Explained

By Meg Shields 

Look, when you inadvertently play a part in freeing a Lovecraftian nightmare…you have to laugh!

Return To Oz Balk

‘Return to Oz’ is Nightmare Fuel, But That’s Kind of the Point

By Meg Shields 

Disney’s sequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ traumatized a lot of children. But that’s exactly what makes it such a remarkable adaptation.

Horror Streaming February

All the Horror You Need to Stream in February 2021

By Meg Shields 

Wondering what’s good, gory, and gothic in streaming this month? We’ve got you covered.

Police Story Jackie Chan action

Jackie Chan and the Fine Art of Taking a Hit

By Meg Shields 

Most action stars are worried about taking a hit and appearing weak. But most action stars aren’t Jackie Chan.

Fantasia Ave Maria Sequence

How Animators Created the Elaborate “Ave Maria” Sequence for ‘Fantasia’

By Meg Shields 

You know what doesn’t help an already challenging multiplane camera set up? An earthquake.