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.
Do The Right Thing Dance

A Brief History of Dance in Film

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a montage celebrating 125 years of one of the greatest artistic team-ups of all time: dance and film.

West Side Story Cops

Revisiting the Police Presence in ‘West Side Story’

By Meg Shields 

Almost sixty years later, ‘West Side Story’ is as vital and relevant as the day it was released.

The King Of Staten Island Pete and Kids

“An Improv for Cameras”: How Robert Elswit Shot ‘The King of Staten Island’

By Meg Shields 

Here’s an interview with cinematographer Robert Elswit on the joys and challenges of blending comedy and naturalism in ‘The King of Staten Island.’

Rev Possum

How ‘Possum’ Uses the Uncanny as a Metaphor for Trauma

By Meg Shields 

What’s worse than doppelgangers, puppets, and spiders? A combination of all three of course.

A Hidden Life Mountain

The Philosophy of Terrence Malick

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a video essay that explains what Terrence Malick’s filmography can teach us about the work of Martin Heidegger.

Honeyboy Image

How to Read ‘Honey Boy’ as an Act of Forgiveness

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a video essay on why ‘Honey Boy’ operates on empathy.

Eli Short Film

Animating a Manic Episode: The Bold, Beautiful Sundance Short ‘Eli’

By Meg Shields 

What we’re watching: a true story that draws from the realms of high strangeness, magical thinking, and manic delusion.

Nichelle Nichols Uhura Star Trek

On Blaxploitation and Breaking Barriers: The Radical Impact of Nichelle Nichols

By Meg Shields 

Representation matters. Just ask Nichelle Nichols.

Donnie Yen Kill Zone

Choreographed Chaos: The Realistic Fighting Style of Donnie Yen

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a video essay on why Donnie Yen’s fight choreography kicks ass. Literally.