Essays

Landscape as Metaphor in ‘Brokeback Mountain’

By Aurora Amidon 

Ang Lee shoots his subjects predominantly in long lenses to convey a sense of inescapable loneliness.

In New ‘Star Trek,’ is Discovery “A” OK?

By Charlie Brigden 

We look at the history of Starship registry numbers and why the latest may be a controversial addition to the canon.

The Portrayal of OCD in ‘Black Swan’

By Mary Beth McAndrews 

Beyond its body horror and psychedelic visuals, the 2010 film tells a story of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

‘Zodiac’ and Setting the Scene for a Serial Killer

By Aurora Amidon 

In the first scene of ‘Zodiac,’ David Fincher makes it clear that catching a killer is no easy feat.

Good News is No News: The Corruption of American Media in ‘Ace in the Hole’

By Jenna Benchetrit 

Billy Wilder’s 1951 film noir masterpiece is an unforgiving satire of the American media and its audience.

David Fincher’s Long and Winding Road to ‘Mank’

By Anna Swanson 

This movie and its lack of serial killers and murder is a strange choice for the filmmaker. Or is it?

‘The Christmas Chronicles 2’ Brings Cheer by Any Means Necessary

By Brad Gullickson 

The sequel continues its presentation of a gruff, badass Santa Claus in the form of Kurt Russell, and we require his forceful feeding of good cheer more this holiday than ever.

‘Sound of Metal’ and the Superpower of Silence

By Brad Gullickson 

Riz Ahmed crackles with powerful and recognizable distress in the film. Through his characters’ confrontation, we can all find a path to letting go of our past selves.

Make the Yuletide Gay: Why We Need More Queer Christmas Movies

By Mary Beth McAndrews 

Clea DuVall’s ‘Happiest Season’ proves the want and need for LGBTQ+ Christmas stories.