Essays on directors whose work has shaped contemporary cinema and animation – from Guillermo del Toro and Vishal Bhardwaj to PES, Tilby & Forbis, and landmark films that redefined the medium.
An in-depth analysis of Bradley Cooper’s film The Brutalist, its black-and-white aesthetic, monumental compositions, and the way architecture becomes a character in the story. The essay also considers Adrien Brody’s Oscar-winning performance and how the film reflects migration, identity, and survival.
A comprehensive look at Guillermo del Toro’s cinema, where monsters become metaphors for fear, trauma, and empathy. The essay explores his recurring themes, gothic imagery, religious symbols, and his signature blend of fantasy and political history from Pan’s Labyrinth to The Shape of Water.
An overview of landmark films such as Citizen Kane, The Godfather, 8½, and The Dark Knight, examining how they transformed cinematic storytelling. The article highlights innovations in editing, mise-en-scène, sound, and character development that turned these works into timeless reference points.
A detailed study of Vishal Bhardwaj’s adaptations of Shakespeare in Hindi cinema, especially Maqbool, Omkara, and Haider. The essay traces how he reimagines classic tragedies within Indian politics and society, while preserving Shakespeare’s emotional intensity and moral ambiguity.
An overview of the Canadian duo Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis, whose films such as When the Day Breaks, Wild Life, and The Flying Sailor have shaped poetic, minimalist storytelling in contemporary animation. The essay discusses their painterly visuals, sound design, and subtle human observation.
A close reading of Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson’s stop-motion Pinocchio, set against the backdrop of fascist Italy. The article explores themes of war, grief, fatherhood, mortality, and free will, and shows how wood, puppetry, and imperfection become central metaphors in this reinterpretation.
A study of Adam Pesapane (PES) and his inventive stop-motion shorts, where familiar objects become unexpected characters and landscapes. The essay looks at works like Fresh Guacamole and Submarine Sandwich, focusing on his playful metaphors, precise timing, and influence on advertising and independent animation.
A heartfelt reflection on the Oscar-winning adaptation of Charlie Mackesy’s book, following a lost boy and three gentle companions through snowy landscapes. The piece examines the film’s sketch-like drawings, watercolor backgrounds, and its simple but powerful messages about friendship, home, kindness, and being loved as we are.