Symbolism in Classic Films: How to Read an Image
Chess pieces, ballet shoes and the images that stay with us: a practical way to explore meaning without treating every object as a secret...
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Film Articles
Rediscover a favorite. Meet a forgotten classic. Find a story worth bringing home.
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Film Noir Style: Shadows, Suspicion and Moral Pressure
Film noir is more than dark lighting. Learn what to watch for in its images, characters and stories, with two films to explore on...
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Classic Film Genres and Styles: A Practical Guide
Genre suggests the kind of story; style describes how it is told. Understanding the difference makes browsing classic films more rewarding.
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What Makes a Movie a Classic?
A movie earns a lasting reputation through the attention people continue to give it: watching it, discussing it, drawing inspiration from it and introducing...
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Great Classic Film Directors: Where to Begin with Three Filmmakers
Suspense, deception and visual drama: a practical viewing path through Hitchcock, Wilder and Welles, with two films to explore in our catalog.
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Feature Film vs. Documentary: What’s the Difference?
A documentary can be a feature film. “Feature” describes a film’s length or presentation category, while “documentary” describes its nonfiction approach. The more useful...
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Historical Documentaries: Two Films and How to Watch Them
Two documentaries show how public history is shaped by everyday lives. A short viewing guide helps you examine their evidence and point of view.
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Remembering Four Creative Voices We Lost in 2018
A lasting tribute starts with the work. Four artists who died in 2018 offer very different routes into another evening of viewing or listening.
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Beyond the Red Carpet: Costume Design at the 2019 Oscars
The clothes worn by film characters offer a more lasting viewing subject than predictions about what stars might wear to an awards ceremony.
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Revisiting the 2019 Movie Preview: What Actually Arrived
A look back at a year of remakes and returning franchises, with the release history separated from the expectations surrounding it.
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How Film Technology Changes the Way We Watch
A viewer’s guide to practical effects, digital tools and changing ways of seeing films, without confusing new technology with better storytelling.
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Classic Comedy Movies: Three Different Ways to Make You Laugh
Swashbuckling wordplay, spy farce or romantic sparring: three classic comedies offer three different kinds of movie night.
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