Meg Shields

Meg has been writing professionally about all things film-related since 2016. She is a Senior Contributor at Film School Rejects as well as a Curator for One Perfect Shot. She has attended international film festivals such as TIFF, Hot Docs, and the Nitrate Picture Show as a member of the press. In her day job as an archivist and records manager, she regularly works with physical media and is committed to ensuring ongoing physical media accessibility in the digital age. You can find more of Meg's work at Cinema Scope, Dead Central, and Nonfics. She has also appeared on a number of film-related podcasts, including All the President's Minutes, Zodiac: Chronicle, Cannes I Kick It?, and Junk Filter. Her work has been shared on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, Business Insider, and CherryPicks. Meg has a B.A. from the University of King's College and a Master of Information degree from the University of Toronto.
Office Space Cubicle Movie

The “Cubicle Movie” and How Cinema Reflects Periods of Stability

By Meg Shields 

The 1990s were a carefree time compared to the decades surrounding it. Here’s how the films of 1999 specifically contended with this apparent stability.

The Social Network prophecy

The Endlessly Re-Watchable Prophecy of ‘The Social Network’

By Meg Shields 

It’s been a decade since David Fincher’s less-than-flattering look at Facebook’s founder hit the big screen. Here’s why we can’t stop watching this preview of the apocalypse.

The Idiots Dogme 95

What is Dogme 95, Anyway?

By Meg Shields 

Of all of the cinematic manifestos, Dogme 95 is perhaps the most infamous. Here’s a look at the origin and rules of the “Vows of Chastity.”

Michael Mann's The Keep

Why Michael Mann’s ‘The Keep’ (Accidentally) Nails Dream Logic

By Meg Shields 

Watch an interview with the director on how his 1983 film taps into the logic and frustration of dreams.

Dinosaur Hunters Stallone

The First Feature-Length Mashup is Here to Pit All Your Favorite Action Stars Against Dinosaurs

By Meg Shields 

“What if every Hollywood action star were in one movie?” is the eternal question. ‘Dinosaur Hunters,’ the first feature-length mashup, is the answer.

Showgirls Double Take

Double Take: ‘Showgirls’ at 25 and the Unlikely Legacy of Nomi Malone 

By Meg Shields, and Anna Swanson 

One of the worst films of all time? We think not! For the film’s 25th anniversary, here’s our re-appraisal of ‘Showgirls.’

Blade Runner Eye and camera aperture

The Beginner’s Guide to Camera Aperture

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a look at how filmmakers weaponize camera apertures and what makes them such an essential storytelling tool.

The Dark Knight Christopher Nolan Crosscut

How Christopher Nolan Uses Crosscutting to Build Momentum

By Meg Shields 

One of Christopher Nolan’s trademark techniques is the crosscut. Here’s a look at why, via ‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Inception,’ and ‘Interstellar.’

James Bond Opening Titles Collage

Every James Bond Opening Title Sequence, Ranked

By Anna Swanson, and Meg Shields 

Maurice Binder said it best: “Girls, guns, smoke, and steam.”