All organisms adapt to their surroundings in order to survive, this is true of television shows too. The early experimental shows of the 1930s developed into more regular broadcasting. Regular television series such as Come Dancing have evolved into Strictly Come Dancing and have subsequently continued for years. So, has the concept of a television…
Film
JFK: Review
It has been over 30 years since Oliver Stone’s JFK arrived in cinemas and the enduring impact of the film still remains. JFK follows the actions of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison and his pursuit of the truth behind the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. Partly based on Garrison’s book, On the…
Film
The Importance of Watching International Films
Parasite made history when it won Best Picture at the Oscars. Not only was it the first subtitled film to do so but it was the first South Korean film to be nominated for an Academy Award. Parasite also took home Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Film. Only twelve foreign language films…
TV, Venue
Limited Series: Why are they so good?
Limited series are not a recent phenomenon. Roots was the first television miniseries to become a worldwide sensation. In January 1977, 36 million households tuned in to watch the finale which, at that point, became the most-watched episode in US television history. Limited series are self-contained narratives which are meticulously planned to achieve a particular…
Film
What to Watch: April
A not so very long time ago in an office far, far away…from everyone, I sat down and thought about what films I have indulged in over the past few weeks. Since lockdown began, I have escaped the same four walls within film and television. After watching The Mandalorian on Disney Plus, my family and…
TV
Women on TV: The Inclusion Crisis
From Wonder Woman to Rachel Green to Villanelle, the presentation of gender on television has progressed since the 1970s. There has been an increase in inclusivity and a reduction in gendered stereotypes of women on television. Wonder Woman is a figure of empowerment yet is sexualised and subjected to the male gaze. ‘Friends’ introduces Rachel…
TV
A Grave Song: In Defence of Sainsbury’s Christmas Advert
The annual arrival of the Christmas advert onto our screens brings with it a sense of anticipation and a taster of the festive joy to come. What will the John Lewis advert be this year? How will the supermarkets decide to advertise their food? What we do not expect is a tsunami of backlash over…
TV
Mrs America: an accurate retelling of Second Wave Feminism?
‘Mrs America’ breathes life into the women at the front of second wave feminism and their fight for equal rights. The nine-part miniseries follows both sides of the argument, those for the Equal Rights Amendment and the members of STOP ERA, headed by Phyllis Schlafly. This captivating retelling not only offers an entertaining distraction to…
Creative Writing
Discovery
Every day is a revelation. Even though the fantastical illusion of youth has been overshadowed by dreary routine, there is still wonder woven into the fabric of life. Day by day, we roll on like sand dunes on the horizon of a lonely desert — waiting for something to captivate us, like everything seemed to…
Latest Comments