For as long as science fiction has existed, it has grappled with big questions about ethics, humanity, and the future. H. G. Wells, among the first and… Read more “The Illiberalism of Project Hail Mary”
Category: Essays
The Mystery of Middle Earth’s Cockney Orcs
Everybody thinks they have a clear idea of what fantasy creatures sound like. To hear a dwarf speak with anything other than a thick Scottish brogue, or… Read more “The Mystery of Middle Earth’s Cockney Orcs”
Unpacking the Myth of “iPhone Face” – Do Modern Faces Look Different?
When acclaimed director Christopher Nolan recently announced the cast of his upcoming adaptation of the Odyssey, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth from a certain… Read more “Unpacking the Myth of “iPhone Face” – Do Modern Faces Look Different?”
Dune’s Fremen Problem
I still remember the first Dune movie’s opening scene. Instead of jumping into the labyrinthine politics of House Atreides and the Imperium (as is the case in… Read more “Dune’s Fremen Problem”
The Past and Future in Science Fiction
It’s a good time to be a science fiction fan. As Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part II releases to critical acclaim and a sandworm-sized box office haul, it… Read more “The Past and Future in Science Fiction”
Mapping the Ancient Roman Mind
“Do you see that map, Maximus? That is the world which I created.” Gladiator, 2000 To modern audiences, the borders of the Roman Empire hold an almost… Read more “Mapping the Ancient Roman Mind”
Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: Return of the King
This is Part III of my Extended Edition analysis (Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers are available here). Of all the Extended Edition films, Return… Read more “Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: Return of the King”
Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: The Two Towers
We are back for Part II of the series analyzing the best and worst added scenes of the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions. You can read… Read more “Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: The Two Towers”
Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings films have an identity crisis. Fans watching the movies have to choose between two very different versions of the films: the theatrical… Read more “Analyzing LotR Extended Edition Scenes: Fellowship of the Ring”
Chess and Warfare from Knights to NORAD
Some time ago, I argued that chess does not do a very good job representing the key concepts of warfare. But I might have been unfair. Today,… Read more “Chess and Warfare from Knights to NORAD”
Tragedy and Farce 