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”
Tag: movies
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”
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”
Tangled (2010) and the Premodern State’s Monopoly on Force
Debates over private arms ownership may seem like a quintessentially modern issue, but states have struggled with the problem for millennia. The basic question is, how do… Read more “Tangled (2010) and the Premodern State’s Monopoly on Force”
The Weirdest World War II Show
February 2019 was a very bad month for Bob Garthwait. In the middle of that month, images surfaced of Garthwait, a prominent trustee at Gettysburg College, wearing… Read more “The Weirdest World War II Show”
Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age
Several months ago, I wrote an article discussing how, by its very nature, the medium of film tends towards positive portrayals of warfare. I forgot to mention,… Read more “Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age”
Science Fiction and Fantasy in Dune
Many of viewers have come away from Dennis Villeneuve’s acclaimed adaptation of Dune with the idea that Dune is a science fiction story. After all, Dune is… Read more “Science Fiction and Fantasy in Dune”
How Historical Films Misuse Color
In the 1930s, film developed color, and would never be the same again. Now, I wonder if some film genres are unconsciously reverting back to black and… Read more “How Historical Films Misuse Color”
Tragedy and Farce 