Seeing this film genuinely took the breath out of my lungs numerous times. The clean and carefully meticulous work of the director is impossible to miss, as is the love that is interwoven through each choice he made as a filmmaker, director, brother, friend.

Seeing this at the screening was especially eye opening in regards to Nick and his ability to move audiences. The stunned and awestruck silence during the film was only interrupted by sniffling (a large portion coming…

"Kubrick Reveals my Greatest Fear of All Time: Men"

This film is the epitome of a good horror movie and I'll challenge anyone to change my mind. The job that seems too good to be true, the warnings and premonitions of both Ullman and Danny. The main characters feeling impervious to the world around them.

Why is that a theme in many films? The foolish concept of invincibility that we watch time and time again be shattered by reality. Perhaps…

"Pieces of the Self"

This film converted me into a Marlon Brando diehard. That's not to say I wasn't a fan of his before, either. I suppose I just wasn't versed enough in his movies prior to watching this one (and Apocalypse Now and about fifty minutes of the God Father). Maybe it's because I was watching the movie with two Brando super-fans, maybe it was because of director Elia Kazan's clever artistry. Maybe because Terry Malloy checks every box…

"Color and Dance"

Red seems to be a signifier of tragedy in the film. The oppressive red walls of the dance hall, the blood red sunset, the red highway, the red dress Maria wears as she plans to run away with Tony. The red shirt that Chino wears as he takes away Maria's dream. The first time we meet Maria, she asks Anita to dye her white gown red, as she will be the only one in white at the…