What is a Leitmotif? Definition and Examples

What is a leitmotif? What makes it different from a theme song? How is it used in cinema? These are the questions we’re going to answer as we look at the leitmotif definition and examples. We’re also going to show you how masterclass composers like John Williams apply leitmotifs to their films. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply a ‘leading motif’ to your own production!

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What is a Spaghetti Western — History and Legacy Explained

Cowboys, outlaws, deserts, shanty towns, and gunslinging. These are familiar elements seen in the genre known as the Western, in both literature and cinema. But for many genre fans, it specifically refers to Spaghetti Westerns, a genre that emerged during the 1960s. Traditional Westerns they weren’t, as they were often low budget, featured violence and questionable morals, on top of technically being foreign films. So, what is a Spaghetti Western, why is it called a Spaghetti Western, how did they become so popular, and create such an enduring legacy? Let’s find out.

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What is a Theme Song — How Music Sets the Stage

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What is a Period Piece — How Movies Transport Us to the Past

What is a period piece? If the term transports your mind to a faraway time with big, puffy dresses and flowery language, then you might be on the right track. We’ll start out by defining what exactly constitutes a period piece, then we’ll dig a little deeper before taking a look at some great examples of period piece films and television shows.

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Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Movies of All Time — 20 Cinematic Gems

When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films. – Quentin Tarantino

 

Quentin Tarantino is not just a world-class filmmaker but also a renowned film lover. He is a lifelong cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of the medium. Tarantino always packs his films with homages to the movies he loves. He even uses his renown as a means to provide exposure to films that he believes deserve more success. These are often foreign language films or older films that never found their audience. The following list is not in order of preference.… Keep reading

Best Spaghetti Western Movies of All-Time (Ranked)

The Spaghetti Western is one of the most iconic movie subgenres of all-time. Spaghetti Westerns originated in Italy during the 1960s under the tutelage of the great Sergio Leone – who garnered international acclaim for his “Dollars Trilogy” starring Clint Eastwood. Between 1964 and 1978, Italy produced dozens of Spaghetti Westerns, most of which were shot at the country’s famed production studio Cinecittà. The Spaghetti Western has become a symbol for international illusions of the American west, sweeping vista shots, and climatic shootouts – needless to say, Spaghetti Westerns have had an enormous impact on cinema and world culture. So without further ado, let’s answer the question: what is the best Spaghetti Western of all time?… Keep reading

23 Best Movie Scores of All Time — Filmmaker Playlist

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Best Clint Eastwood Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

Although the Western genre is past its hay day, it undoubtedly has inspired the work of some of today’s most prolific filmmakers and it is hard to hear the word “Western” without thinking of the best Clint Eastwood movies of all time. Eastwood proved to be a major factor in defining the genre but has also stepped outside of the Western to take on some of his most memorable roles. Besides his incredible achievements as a director, Clint Eastwood’s presence on the big screen has inspired, influenced, and entertained generations of movie-goers and filmmakers alike. So we compromised a list of Eastwood’s best and most memorable movies as an actor.… Keep reading