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Showing posts from November, 2023

Clerks (1994): A Hilarious Rebellion Against the Cinematic Norms of 'The New Hollywood'

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Embracing the Rebellion Ah, the '90s, a time of grunge, flannel shirts, and, in the world of cinema, a rebellion against the status quo. "Clerks," the brainchild of director Kevin Smith, epitomizes this era's spirit, boldly defying the conventions set by "The New Hollywood" and independent filmmakers. As we embark on this journey back in time, let's explore how "Clerks" not only meets but cheerfully smashes two or more of the markers set by the cinematic rebels of its time. Bigger Isn't Always Better In a world where blockbuster mentality ruled, with filmmakers striving to make everything grandiose and larger than life, "Clerks" took a 180-degree turn. Shot on a shoestring budget of $27,575, this indie gem defied the norms by showing that a lack of resources doesn't mean a lack of creativity. The film's setting is simple yet effective - a convenience store and an adjacent video rental shop. No explosions, no high-speed cha...

Exploring the Cinematic Evolution: From the 1930s to the 1960s

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       Lights, camera, action! The silver screen of the 1930s-1960s was a stage for an incredible transformation in storytelling, giving rise to classics and thought-provoking social commentaries. Join me as we journey through this exciting era of film, uncovering the captivating changes in storytelling, the magic that makes a movie a "classic," and the societal issues that took center stage. The Shifting Sands of Storytelling  Picture this: The 1930s, a time of economic turmoil during the Great Depression. Audiences flocked to the theaters seeking escape from their troubles. This was the era of escapist cinema, with glamorous stars and lavish musicals like "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz" providing a brief respite from harsh realities. As World War II loomed large, films such as "Casablanca" captured the wartime spirit and heroism that touched the hearts of many. The 1950s saw the emergence of widescreen formats and epic spectacles l...