Category Archives: Movies and film

Did you get the “Wilhelm scream” joke in Google’s drive-in doodle?

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

Special thanks to Brandon, a student in my film studies class this past quarter, for alerting me to the Wilhelm scream in the Google Doodle on Wednesday (June 6) celebrating the 79th anniversary of the first drive-in movie theater. The Wilhelm … Continue reading →

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What America needs now: “Action Heroes” with pocket protectors

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

Last night as I read and prepped for Great Books, my daughter was watching A Beautiful Mind in the next room.  Now and then my attention trailed vaguely along after the film, and suddenly I made one of those random connections that … Continue reading →

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Silent witness (“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”)

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

How many times have I watched this scene in The Godfather without ever noticing the most brilliant aspect of its mise-en-scène?  At the far left side of the frame, barely visible above the tall grass, the Statue of Liberty stands … Continue reading →

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The Hatfields and McCoys . . . and Hitchcock?

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

This week the History Channel is running a six-hour presentation of America’s most famous feud, the murderous, longstanding grudge match between the Hatfield and McCoy families living along border between Kentucky and West Virginia.   I am from a small town on … Continue reading →

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Some favorite DVD bonus features

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

Do you ever watch the special features on your DVDs?  Here are some of my favorites. 1. “Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds From the Sound Up” – WALL●E In this nearly 20-minute long special feature, Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burtt … Continue reading →

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