Film
Essays.
An ongoing collection of video essays exploring the films, filmmakers and ideas that shape cinema.
Independent Film Criticism
01 / The Archive
3 Essays
Film Essays
2025
The Western Reinvention
The Western is one of the most iconic genres in film history, filled with rugged cowboys, noble sheriffs, and outlaws who live and die by the gun. But the genre has evolved dramatically over the decades, shifting from the mythic heroism of John Ford’s films to the gritty revisionism of Clint Eastwood and the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone and Sergio Corbucci. Join us as we break down these iconic examples and explore the impact of the western on modern cinema. Chapters 0:18 – Intro 0:50 – The Classic Western 1:49 – The Revisionist Western 2:50 – The Spaghetti Western 4:10 – The Modern Western 5:21 – Outro #django #unforgiven #thesearchers #thewildbunch #thegoodthebadandtheugly #afistfulofdollars #forafewdollarsmore #thegreatsilence #thepowerofthedog #westerns #spaghettiwestern #videoessay #filmmaking #film #filmanalysis #storytelling
Film Essays
2025
The Long Take
From the immersive one-shot journey of 1917 to the dynamic scenes in Goodfellas, long takes have been used to enhance tension, intimacy, and realism. We’ll look at how the continuous shots in film create a seamless experience for the audience, while keeping them on the edge of their seat. These films demonstrate how a single, unbroken shot can serve both the narrative and visual experience in unique and unforgettable ways. Join us as we break down these iconic examples and explore the impact of long takes on modern cinema. Chapters 0:18 – Intro 0:54 – What Is A Long Take? 1:45 – Children Of Men (2006) 2:27 – 1917 (2019) 3:01 – Goodfellas (1990) 3:39 – The Shining (1980) 4:17 – Birdman (2014) 4:51 – Gravity (2013) 5:24 – The Revenant (2015) 5:55 – Oldboy (2003) 6:22 – Outro #childrenofmen #1917 #goodfellas #theshining #birdman #gravity #therevenant #oldboy #videoessay #filmmaking #film #filmanalysis #storytelling
Film Essays
2025
The Importance Of Change
Change is at the heart of every great story and cinema itself. In this video, we explore how The Godfather (1972) and Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) use transformation to craft compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and lasting cultural impact. From Michael Corleone’s descent into power to Luke Skywalker’s heroic rise, both films show how change isn’t just inevitable, it’s essential. Join us as we break down these iconic films and examine why change is the driving force behind great storytelling. Chapters 0:18 – Intro 0:50 – What Is Change? 2:56 – Structure 8:31 – Outro #thegodfather #starwars #videoessay #filmmaking #film #filmanalysis #storytelling
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