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.
editing visual effects An American Werewolf In London Transformation

The Humble Cut is the Secret Weapon of Visual Effects

By Meg Shields 

What’s the oldest, cheapest special effect? The answer is just a cut away!

Delia Derbyshire Vinyl The Delian Mode

The Groundbreaking Sound of Delia Derbyshire

By Meg Shields 

If you don’t know who Delia Derbyshire is, you should. Here’s a primer on the unsung heroine of British electronic music.

Tomorrow Never Dies Pierce Brosnan James Bond

Pretty Boy Bond: Reflections on the Pierce Brosnan Era

By Meg Shields, and Anna Swanson 

To quote John Waters: “Sometimes, stupid and cute ARE enough.” Or are they? The Bondathon duo is back for an investigation into the legacy of Pierce Brosnan’s 007.

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 MaloneĀ 

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.’