Crash Course Film Criticism

Some films are about war, some films are about kids, but some films are about kids during a time of war. Even more upsetting are films about kids who participate in war. Beasts of No Nation tells the story of Agu, a child forced into serving in a war in Africa and it is both upsetting and compassionate. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael Aranda talks to us about the craft of filmmaking in Cary Fukunaga's "Beasts of No Nation."

Moonlight is a hard-edged yet beautifully made story about a black American dealing with his sexuality in a sometimes unforgiving and violent world. Its director, Barry Jenkins, uses every trick in the filmmaking book to put us in the perspective of the main character, Chiron. It's an amazing accomplishment, as Michael Aranda talks about in this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism.

During our Film History and Production series, we talked about how Film is an "Illusion of Reality." That filmmakers use shots, cuts, and narrative structure to trick us into believing what we're seeing. But, what happens when that Illusion of Reality is an Illusion of Actual Reality? Otto Bell's "The Eagle Huntress" is a feel good, enchanting, and powerful hero's journey. But its characters are real. It's a documentary. And, as good as the film is, it's not without appropriate criticisms. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, we take a look at a documentary that's as moving as any narrative fiction film.

Movies are really good at making us feel. Happy, sad, excited, etc... Part of that is because they use so many different types of media all at once. Photography, music, performance, and editing all play into their ability to communicate ideas and make us feel emotions. And Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Three Colors: Blue" is a master class this.

Steven Soderbergh is known as much for his Oscar winning tense dramas as he is retiring... then not retiring. He was a part of the indy revolution in the 1980s and 90s that helped usher in a new case of writers and directors who didn't play by the rules of the Hollywood system. He's also known for making quirky and emotionally potent small films. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, we'll look at one of his smaller films. It's called The Limey and it's about a British lifetime criminal seeking revenge for the death of his daughter.

In 2006, a movie took on authoritarianism and the violent aftershocks of the Spanish Civil War—all through the eyes of an innocent young girl and the fairy tale world she discovers in the woods. Pan's Labyrinth is both a beautifully crafted fairy tale, and harrowing R rated adventure film. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael Aranda talks us through Guillermo Del Toro's film, Pan's Labyrinth.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" is a different kind of war movie. It's a multi-genre film that maybe says more about human psychology than it does about war. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael Aranda takes us on a trip through the Vietnam War through the eyes of a director at the end of his rope.

It's time to take a look at a quieter, sweeter, and maybe happier film in this series. Sophia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" is a wonderful romantic comedy that doesn't play by the usual rules of its genre. In this episode, Michael talks to us about how the film works as well as why the film works so well. Also, does it critique Capitalism? It might! Strap in!!!

Mainstream American films don’t often tackle race and racism head-on, and when they do, they often end up trying to find easy answers. Which makes films like Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing all the more powerful. It’s an intimate portrait of a Brooklyn neighborhood dealing with rising tensions on the hottest day of the year. It's also fun, funny, and full of life. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael Aranda walks us through Do The Right Thing!

Cinematic love stories come in all shapes and sizes. Movies are really good at both capturing and projecting emotions. And one of the best directors at the modern love story is Wong Kar-Wai. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael looks at Wong's film, "In the Mood For Love" and talks about its visual style as well as some Freudian ideas contained within.

Before the Hayes Code was enacted, movies were a lot more brazen than we sometimes tend to think. Director/Producer Lois Weber spent much of her career making movies that challenged audiences. Her film, "Where Are My Children" is no different. In this episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael talks about this film and it's sometimes contradictory stances.

Selma tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and one of the greatest non-violent protests in U.S. history. Ava DuVernay directs this historical drama that captured hearts and minds but also made us ask some questions about historical accuracy in film. In today's episode of Crash Course Film Criticism, Michael takes us on a journey through the film Selma.

James Cameron rocketed onto the action film scene with 1984's "The Terminator" and followed that up with a highly anticipated sequel to the 1979 film, "Alien." His film, "Aliens," would go on to not only be a financial success, but a critical one and has become a staple of action, science fiction, and effects filmmaking. But, "Aliens" also rewards a deeper look through a critical lens in both some positive and not so positive ways.

Is Citizen Kane the BEST MOVIE EVER MADE? Is that even an answerable question? Michael Aranda will try to help us through both of these questions as we take a look at our first film in Crash Course Film Criticism, Citizen Kane.