Jacob Slankard
Contributing since January, 2023
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61articles
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61Features
About Jacob Slankard
Jake is an up-and-coming writer of think pieces on films and film history. He's been a hyper-fixated lover of film from an early age, partially due to staying inside a lot because of his physical disability. He studied cinema in college, where he was involved in a number of student films as a director, screenwriter, and editor, and now has a quite useful degree in cinema production. Partially due to this background, he tends to view cinema through a lens of the physical craft it takes to create moments, especially focusing on the editing and how actors are used in the context of their skillset and public perceptions. He aspires to one day be an official film critic in the vein of David Ehrlich or Jessica Kiang. Some of the most important films to him are Edward Scissorhands, The Iron Giant, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Fargo. Some of the filmmakers that have most sharply defined his taste in filmmaking are Tim Burton, the Coen Brothers, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Guillermo Del Toro. He believes that cinema is best used when it puts you in the mindset of another person's sensory experience of the world, rather than just being a straightforward story.
Latest Articles
Lucille Ball Stole the Show in a ’40s Cult Classic Before ‘I Love Lucy’
Dorothy Arzner's cult classic about two competing dancers showcases all of Lucille Ball's many talents.
The Complicated Legacy of Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Color Purple’
Spielberg's 'The Color Purple' was important to his artistic evolution, but also has its own shortcomings.
'Batman Returns' Is the Darkest Christmas Movie Not About Christmas
It might be set during the holiday season, but this Tim Burton joint is one of the darkest Christmas movies.
'Catch Me If You Can' Is One of the Loneliest Holiday Movies Ever
For Frank Abegnale Jr, Christmas is the loneliest time of the year.
Leonard Bernstein Only Gave Us One Original Film Score for a Good Reason
An Oscar-nominated score for an iconic Hollywood film.
'Leave the World Behind' Shows the Comforting Power of Pop Culture
Sometimes, we need 'Friends' more than we need friends.
Jeffrey Wright's Hilarious Villain Steals the Show in This 2000s Crime Film
Jeffrey Wright stands out opposite Samuel L. Jackson as the hilarious villain in an otherwise unfunny movie.
Despite a 'Wizard of Oz' Cameo, Snow White's Voice Actress Was Blackballed by Disney
If you listen closely, you might hear Snow White singing while you watch 'The Wizard of Oz.'
'Rushmore' Changed Bill Murray's Career Forever
It was the first of many team-ups between the actor and Wes Anderson.
'Godzilla Minus One' Finally Makes Us Care About the Humans
After so many Godzilla movies, 'Godzilla Minus One' finally fleshes out its human characters properly.
What Happens in 'The Last of Us Part II'?
Dive deep into 'The Last of Us Part II' if you want all the spoilers on what's to come.
'Attack on Titan' Is the Greatest Villain Origin Story of All Time
Eren Yeager's saga makes us fully empathize with a monster.
Ridley Scott's Other Movie About the Napoleonic War Was His First
Before ‘Napoleon,’ Scott tackled the era with ‘The Duellists.’
The James Stewart Film That Was Banned Overseas
One of James Stewart's best films was banned for showing that democracy works.
We'll Never Have Another Superhero Show Like 'Doom Patrol'
'Doom Patrol' was progressive in its focus on mental health and truly messy behavior.
Tom Hiddleston Is the MCU's Most Versatile Performer
Hiddleston's run as Loki allowed him the most opportunity to be consistently different with each role.
Kurt Russell Isn’t What Makes ‘Tombstone’ a Great Western
Kurt Russell is awesome, so this is really saying a lot.
Before ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ Lily Gladstone Stole the Show in Another Star-Studded Drama
Lily Gladstone is phenomenal in the best storyline in this Kelly Reichardt masterpiece.
Tim Burton’s Films Are Ultimately Always About Tim Burton, and That’s Just Fine
Tim Burton is hyperfixated on the idea of his image as a quirky outsider artist.
Heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio Is Great, But His Scumbag Era's Even Better
DiCaprio's latest roles have him leaning into being treacherous, and it's awesome!