Author: joshuawmich

Horror, Independent

Subverting expectations in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

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by Joshua Purz A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night was released in 2014 and directed by Ana Lily Amirpour. Set in the fictional town “Bad City”, a vampire girl hunts down men who disrespect women. Her pursuit is challenged when she meets Arash who treats her well and cares about her. The films overarching revenge story therefore has a twist and adds themes of empowerment, loneliness, and existentialism. The lighting in the film is used to emphasize the Noir elements in combination with the Horror genre. Together with the black and white look, the film creates an anxiety that is … Continue reading Subverting expectations in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Drama, France

Duality in Breathless

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by Joshua Purz The film Breathless was directed by Jean-Luc Godard and released in 1960. It tells the story of Michel Poiccard who wants to live a criminal life similar to his American movie role models. After killing a police officer at the beginning of the film, Michel is on the run and is driven by his desires. Through the use of film and cutting techniques that were at the core of the French New Wave, Godard explores themes with a certain duality: life and death, or the line between love and obsession. Patricia (left) and Michel (right) walking the streets of … Continue reading Duality in Breathless

Legal drama

Fighting the Power in Just Mercy

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By Joshua Purz The film Just Mercy was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and released in 2019. It depicts the injustice of parts of the US legal system and its racist tenor. The film tells the story of Bryan Stevenson who wants to fight for innocent prisoners that are sentenced to death. However, he not only has to prove their innocence but must fight the racist system that works against him and his clients. Therefore, the film presents not only a personal story but a nationwide issue. Bryan trying to defend Walter in court. Copyright by Warner Bros. Symbols in the film … Continue reading Fighting the Power in Just Mercy

Drama, Musical

Singing for freedom – The Musical and Sarafina!

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by Joshua Purz Sarafina! was released in 1992 and directed by Darrell Roodt. It tells the story of Sarafina who dreams of being a star but is quickly confronted with the reality of her surroundings. The film’s musical elements are in a large contrast to its themes. While it creates a positive feeling in the beginning, showing Sarafina’s hopes and dreams, it is later revealed that reality is very different. She suffers in the Apartheid system and must fear for the security of herself, her family, and her friends. Sarafina protesting during a musical number. Courtesy Festival de Cannes. One of … Continue reading Singing for freedom – The Musical and Sarafina!

Comedy, Drama, Independent

Hunting for Family in Hunt for the Wilderpeople

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by Joshua Purz The film Hunt for the Wilderpeople was released in 2016 and directed by Taika Waititi. It tells the story of Ricky Baker who is adopted by Bella and Hec. When Bella surprisingly dies, Ricky runs away from child services as he doesn’t want to go to juvie. Hec finds him and they continue to escape together from foster care but also from their responsibilities. This mirrors the film’s themes which contain overcoming loss and trauma but also toxic masculinity in the patriarchy. Hey and Ricky arguing in the bush. Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival. The humor in the film … Continue reading Hunting for Family in Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Drama, Fantasy, Thriller

Once upon an illusion – Fantasy in The Illusionist

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by Joshua Purz The Illusionist was directed by Neil Burger and released in 2006. It tells the story of Eduard “Eisenheim” Abramovich who falls in love with Sophie, the Duchess von Teschen. However, they are not allowed to meet each other because of their difference in class. Years later, Eduard has become a popular illusionist and meets Sophie on stage, performing one of his illusions on her. They rediscover their love and plan out their greatest trick, to flee and live together. This also represents the larger themes of the film which contain forbidden love, class struggle and a fight for … Continue reading Once upon an illusion – Fantasy in The Illusionist

Film Noir, Thriller

“Now, where was I?” – gender and identity in Memento

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by Joshua Purz The film Memento was directed by Christopher Nolan and premiered in 2000. The film depicts the character of Leonard Shelby who suffers from memory loss and is seeking revenge for his wife’s death. The film takes on the perspective of Leonard by mirroring his memory loss in its structure and scattering crucial information throughout the narrative. Thus, this enables a more personal examination of the themes in the story, such as freedom and identity. Director Christopher Nolan talking with actor Guy Pearce. Courtesy of Rex Features. The most prominent symbols that reoccur in the film are Leonard’s reminders, such … Continue reading “Now, where was I?” – gender and identity in Memento

Comedy, Melodrama

Identity in A Scandal in Paris

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by Joshua Purz The film A Scandal in Paris was released in 1946, directed by Douglas Sirk, and is a melodramatic and biographical story. It tells the story of Eugène François Vidocq. He is born and raised in a prison cell in Paris before the story picks up in the year 1805. He breaks out of prison with his friend Emile Vernet and they join the army. After various schemes, Vidocq is able to become chief of police. While he has to chose between two different women, he also plans on abusing his position of power and robbing the bank of Paris. … Continue reading Identity in A Scandal in Paris

Drama, Thriller

The prison of guilt in “We need to talk about Kevin”

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by Joshua Purz We need to talk about Kevin was released in 2011 and directed by Lynne Ramsay. It deals with topics of parenthood, memory, and guilt. The film tells the story of Eva, Kevin’s mother. She has to cope with the aftermath of a school shooting done by Kevin and tries to process his upbringing and her role in that. The films narrative is split between the present and past story of Eva’s experiences with Kevin. Eva is surrounded by the color red everywhere she goes. Source Artificial Eye. The film inhabits a lot of symbolic value as Eva is … Continue reading The prison of guilt in “We need to talk about Kevin”

War/Combat

Finding purpose in Megan Leavey

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by Joshua Purz Megan and her dog Rex. Courtesy of Bleeker Street. The combat film Megan Leavey was released in 2017 and directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. It tells the story of Megan Leavey who joins the military after searching for purpose and missing support from her family. In the army, the K-9 German Shepard “Rex” is assigned to her, and she starts to build a strong bond with him. After both return wounded from war, Megan leaves the army and tries to adopt Rex. However, he must stay, and Megan must fight to get her friend back. This theme of friendship is … Continue reading Finding purpose in Megan Leavey