Trigger Warning – Rape, Body Modifications, Genital Mutilation From the outset, American Mary, the second feature from Canadian twins Jen and Sylvia Soska, appears to just be a copycat “I Spit On Your Grave” style revenge thriller where a woman manages to inflict some kind of pain onto men who have previously done her wrong. … Continue reading American Mary – Just Another Rape Revenge Film?
Author: alexandrafurssedonnhoward
How might Mirror (Andrei Tarkovsky, Soviet Union, 1974), a formally adventurous ‘art film’, be at odds with 1970s Soviet ideology?
Mirror (1974) is a film that is constantly discussed amongst cinephiles for many reasons, be it it’s visual beauty, symbolism, or it’s “true meaning”. Referring to Tarkovsky’s childhood, the film explores themes of faith, war, family, and time – and it was these, along with the methods the director chose to express them, that drew … Continue reading How might Mirror (Andrei Tarkovsky, Soviet Union, 1974), a formally adventurous ‘art film’, be at odds with 1970s Soviet ideology?
Race and Sexuality in 300 (2006)
Based on Frank Millers graphic novel of the same name, Zack Synder’s 2006 action film 300 depicts the ancient battle of Thermopylae – in which 300 Spartans fought against an army of Persians reaching numbers of 170,000 soldiers. Upon the films release, there was much criticism towards depictions of race in the narrative, with some … Continue reading Race and Sexuality in 300 (2006)
Tarantino as A Post Modern Auteur (Pulp Fiction, 1994, Kill Bill Vol.1 2003)
Quentin Tarantino is considered to be one of modern cinema’s finest creators. From directing, writing, and being the cinematographer on his films – to even starring in them – he is an example of a filmmaker who has truly learnt from the Hollywood star systems of the past, and used it to his advantage. It … Continue reading Tarantino as A Post Modern Auteur (Pulp Fiction, 1994, Kill Bill Vol.1 2003)
Not So Black and White: Black Metal in Film
Black metal, if represented at all, is often given a bad rap in films. Its fans are usually the bad guys, the school shooters, the satan worshippers, the deviant teens - and whilst there is definitely evidence that supports those stereotypes, it is far from a fair view.
Black Mirror: Nosedive
I'm currently stuck at a plateau of 794 Instagram followers - and for some reason, it's really getting on my nerves - WHY CAN'T YOU GO UP TO 800 GOSHDARNIT?! And it's this bizarre misplaced anger and annoyance that forms the basis of 'Nosedive', the first episode of the latest series of Black Mirror.
Best of the BFI Player: Dogtooth
Countless times I have seen this title on those "Most Disturbing Films Ever" lists, so when I saw that Yorgos Lanthimos' Dogtooth was free to watch on the BFI Player (with an introduction from Mark Kermode) - I hit play almost immediately.
Best of the BFI Player: Green Room
In this week's 'Best of the BFI Player', we focus on Green Room - the hard hitting thriller that will really get under your skin.
Witchcraft and Film as Ritual in The Neon Demon
When Nicolas Winding-Refn announced The Neon Demon, he described cannibal supermodels, taking inspiration from the Hungarian Countess, Erzsebet Bathory (who is also the basis for many vampire myths). Of course, if you've seen the film that's obvious, but what I saw was a ritual. Each stand out moment fits perfectly with the concept of witches performing an invocation of a demon - one that will grant them eternal beauty and power. Believe me, this is no Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages (1922).
Why Are Robots So Damn Sexy?
Well, female robots that is. In a time where human gender binaries are becoming more and more irrelevant, why are onscreen androids being forced further into archaic stereotypes? And why are most female robots used as a sexual outlet for both fellow characters and viewers, whereas males are predominantly evil antagonists?
