Every filmmaker tends to be driven by a different motivation for the stories they tell, and even those with the most diverse and versatile careers tend to have specific themes or ideas that flow through their body of work, establishing a very clear understanding of what they represent as artists. In the case of Elia…
Late August, Early September (1998)
As the classic adage goes, imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and we’ve seen numerous filmmakers build their careers by mimicking the style of their artistic heroes, some of which have gone on to be highly influential in their own right, and for good reason. One such example is Olivier Assayas, who is objectively…
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Every genre is going to fizzle out at one point or another, which is only natural considering the cinematic landscape in which we exist – audiences are going to constantly shift in what they want to see, and the industry has to comply, or else risk not making a profit, which is unfortunately how the…
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
We’ve spoken often about the formula that drives a strong horror film, which is remarkably similar to the process that goes into the creation of an excellent action film, a genre that we have not explored in nearly as much depth, despite it containing some terrific and unforgettable films. The key comparison between the two…
Dalíland (2023)
If there was ever an artist who embodied everything about the counterculture movement, it would undeniably be the great Salvador Dalí, who essentially helped define what it meant to be a revolutionary artist, choosing to stand out decades before we started to see the virtue of refusing to fit into society’s pre-ordained categories. Many have…
Adam Resurrected (2008)
Paul Schrader doesn’t merely make films, he pushes boundaries. Very few screenwriters and film directors have been able to build such solid careers from controversy than him, with his work in the industry, which extends back over half a century, defining him as one of the most interesting voices, in an era where New Hollywood…
The Innocent (2023)
When he isn’t actively engaged in an acting career that has made him one of the most respected young performers in contemporary European cinema, Louis Garrel can often be found honing his craft behind the camera, carrying on the legacy left by two generations of filmmakers that came before him, and proving he is as…
Ornamental Hairpin (1941)
It is impossible to deny that the Japanese culture is one that is very much built on artistic expression, which has made it a country that has been the subject of an enormous amount of discussion with those interested in exploring the extent to which art can permeate everyday life. Whether the visual or literary…
Elemental (2023)
It is a disappointing experience to discover that a studio once known for its impeccable, flawless run of films has started to produce work that is far beneath their usual standards – however, when it comes to Pixar, this has been something that has been happening for the better part of a decade. Not every…
Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989)
One of the great ironies we find in the history of cinema is that the film that encapsulates two of the most quintessentially American concepts – the road movie and rock ‘n’ roll – was made by a Finnish director. Naturally, we aren’t just discussing just any film, or any director for that matter, but…
The Postmodern Pelican 