Mobile Movie of the Week

Ridley Scott Shoots Intense Drama Short Using Galaxy S23

Ridley Scott has directed 26 feature films including “Alien,” “Bladerunner,” and “Thelma & Louise.” No wonder he was knighted. His latest project—”Behold”—is an intense, visually stunning short drama. While sponsored by Samsung to show off the Galaxy S23, this four-minute movie is much more than a commercial. It’s a complex, authentic narrative that illustrates Scott’s daring…

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Drone Music Video Updates Busby Berkeley Choreography

Good ideas never die. Here’s proof. In 1816, physicist David Brewster invented the kaleidoscope. In the 1930s, Busby Berkeley gave new life to Brewster’s creation by choreographing kaleidoscopic dance routines for lavish Hollywood movies. And nearly a century later,  we have OK Go’s “I Won’t Let You Down” drone music video, featuring effects that probably…

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Split Screen Brings Internal Conflict into Plain View

For more than a century, filmmakers have used the split screen in storytelling. For example, capturing simultaneous actions dates back at least to “Suspense” (1913). That film also used a split screen to dramatize a telephone conversation. Portraying twins occurs in “Wonder Man” (1945). And—to confound the censors—a split screen in “Indiscrete” playfully suggested what…

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Creepy Horror Pic Has a Provocative Theme

Ryan Camp packs a lot of action into “Trophies,” a frightening four-minute movie. Not wanting to give anything away, we can say that the title encapsulates the horror. Solid camera work plus eerie sounds heighten the tension. Camp, who directs and stars in “Trophies,” has provided a making-of video (below). Making of “Trophies” About Ryan…

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Apple Ad Reinvents a Classic Chinese Opera

Shakespeare’s plays amazingly retain their popularity after more than 400 years. But they’re far from being in first place when it comes to staying power. The Chinese opera “Through the Five Passes” was first performed in the 14th century! Now director Peng Fei gives his take on the classic in an Apple-produced 18-minute film celebrating…

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Ambitious Thriller Blends a Ticking Clock with Social Media

“The Countdown” is a ticking-clock/social media thriller. This complex 22-minute movie features a large cast, numerous locations, and surprising visual effects. In addition to directing, Alex Reid plays the lead. Jack is an ordinary guy whose life is turned upside down after he receives an ominous phone call. The film was shot on a zero…

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