Sullivan’s Travels: The Best Hollywood Satire

Preston Sturges’s 1941 comedy, Sullivan’s Travels, doesn’t just satirize Hollywood but is the gold standard for satires about Hollywood. I was in a mood to watch a comedy last night but especially a satire. What I didn’t know until after the fact is that this week is the 80th anniversary of the film’s initial release. Eighty years later, this is a film that still makes us laugh. Sure, some elements have changed in the industry…

"Sullivan’s Travels: The Best Hollywood Satire"

Ace in the Hole Is Still Relevant

While Ace in the Hole was not a commercial success on upon release in 1951, the film is still relevant when it comes to media sensationalism. The concept of media sensationalism dates back to the 16th or 17th centuries.  It’s not something that is going to go away anytime soon.  We still see it in the very media we consume to this day.  Much like Network predicted the likes of Fox News, Ace in the…

"Ace in the Hole Is Still Relevant"

Double Indemnity Set Standard for Film Noir

Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity set the standard for film noir when the seven-time Oscar-nominee was first released in 1944. Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) is having an affair with insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray).  Murder is on the horizon because Walter wants Mr. Dietrichson (Tom Powers) to sign a double indemnity policy.  The trick will certainly come in making it look like an accident.  This is easier said than done, right?  Of course, no matter…

"Double Indemnity Set Standard for Film Noir"