Five of the Most Poignant and Effective Close Up Shots in Movie History

When you consider the craft that is cinema and the movies that really are considered iconic, there is a decent chance that a close-up was used to really strike a chord and help to connect you emotionally to what is playing out on screen. There are many ways a filmmaker will look to encourage and elicit a reaction from his audience, the use of a great score or a jolting jump cut, but a close-up is perhaps the most common tool in their armory, and it’s one that can be incredibly effective when used correctly.

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PODCAST: Episode 57 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 57th episode, fanboy film critics, drained dads, and Oscar-challenged teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan follow the Oscar season with a late appointment on the newest film of Paul Thomas Anderson, namely Licorice Pizza. With PTA involved, that welcomes back guest Barbara VanDenburgh of USA Today to the three-way bruhaha. The trio also unwind for an extended rant about the state of the Oscars that presents some of the best debate CHF has ever had! It's more golden than the Oscars themselves.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Cinematic Underdogs" podcast talking "American Underdog"

This past month, I was invited back as a guest to the Cinematic Underdogs podcast hosted by Paul Keelan and Jordan Puga. This was my third spin on their show which specializes in covering sports movies. I previously dug in with them last year to talk about Slap Shot and Moneyball. We’ve been enjoying each others’ company on social media and through connected fellow creators ever since. This time, we have a movie very fitting of the podcast’s name. The three of us discussed American Underdog, the under-seen and under-loved Kurt Warner biopic from this past Christmas.

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Top Ways How Animation Is Changing the World of Movies

It's no secret that animation is one of the most popular genres in movies today. From big-budget blockbusters to charming independent films, audiences can't get enough of these imaginative stories. And it's not just kids who are enjoying animated movies - adults are flocking to see them as well. Animation is having a major impact on the world of movies, and here are just a few ways how:

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GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Can Teach You About Management

by Kevin Faber

Movies are generally meant for entertainment, but they can also teach lessons. Watching a movie to learn about something is a friendly alternative to mundane training sessions or online courses. You can be amused while you learn. If you are a manager or leader in your company, don't overlook the possibility of realizing valuable skills and advice from a movie. Your workday is probably strenuous enough — why not give yourself a break and do some training while eating a bowl of popcorn on your sofa?

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on "Manly Movies" Podcast talking "Field of Dreams"

Surfing among the fans and fellow creators of the Feelin’ Film podcast Facebook group, I’ve come to virtually know and break internet bread with a gentleman by the names of J.B. Huffman. He’s a voracious movie fan who has a temperament for examining and celebrating all forms of masculinity. As a fellow father, those stories and archetypes grab him the most to the point where he decided to make a podcast series dedicated to the movies that hit us dads. Welcome to Manly Movies! Like all good men, he doesn’t do anything half-ass. I was honored to participate as J.B.’s first official guest to talk about Field in Dreams.

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