4 Shots From 4 Films: Special Edward Dmytryk Edition


4 Or More Shots From 4 Or More Films is just what it says it is, 4 shots from 4 of our favorite films. As opposed to the reviews and recaps that we usually post, 4 Shots From 4 Films lets the visuals do the talking!

117 years ago, on this date in Columbia, Canada, director Edward Dmytryk was born.  Today, we honor this underrated filmmaker with….

4 Shots From 4 Edward Dmytryk Films

Murder, My Sweet (1944, dir by Edward Dmytryk, DP: Harry J. Wild)

Crossfire (1947, dir by Edward Dmytryk, DP: J. Roy Hunt)

The Caine Mutiny (1954, dir by Edward Dmytryk, DP: Franz Planer)

The Carpetbaggers (1964, dir by Edward Dmytryk, DP: Joseph MacDonald)

Brad’s “4 Shots from 4 Films” celebrates Alan Ladd!


Born in extremely humble circumstances on September 3, 1913, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Alan Ladd would eventually become a successful film star of the 1940’s and 1950’s. He passed away at just 50 years of age on January 29, 1964. I’ve enjoyed many of his films in the past so today I celebrate the man with 4 shots from some of his notable films. Thanks for the memories, Alan!

This Gun for Hire (1942)
The Great Gatsby (1949)
Shane (1953)
Drum Beat (1954)

Join #TubiThursday For Dance or Die!


Hi, everyone!  Tonight, on Mastodon, I will be hosting the #TubiThursday watch party!  Join us for 1987’s Dance or Die!

You can find the movie on Tubi and you can join us on Mastodon at 9 pm central time!  (That’s 10 pm for you folks on the East Coast.)  We will be using #TubiThursday hashtag!  See you then!

Brad’s Babe Hall of Fame Celebrates Salma Hayek!


I first saw Salma Hayek when her character was introduced in DESPERADO (1995). It’s fair to say I’ve considered her one of the most beautiful women in the world ever since. Happy Birthday, Salma, and enjoy my friends!

Scenes That I Love: Oppenheimer


Today’s scene that I love comes from Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.  In this scene, the very first nuclear bomb is detonated and history is changed forever.  Nolan captures the mix of pride and outright horror as the most deadly weapon of all is tested for the very first time.  In much the same way that some of us cannot resist the chance to stare directly at a solar eclipse, Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer cannot help but stare directly at what he has helped to create.

4 Shots From 4 Films: Special Hal Ashby Edition


4 Or More Shots From 4 Or More Films is just what it says it is, 4 shots from 4 of our favorite films. As opposed to the reviews and recaps that we usually post, 4 Shots From 4 Films lets the visuals do the talking!

Today, the Shattered Lens celebrates what would have been the 97th birthday of Hal Ashby, one of the most important (and, sadly, one of the most overlooked) directors of the 1970s.  It’s time for….

4 Shots From 4 Hal Ashby Films

Harold and Maude (1971, dir by Hal Ashby, DP: John A. Alonzo)

The Last Detail (1973, dir by Hal Ashby, DP: Michael Chapman)

Bound for Glory (1976, dir by Hal Ashby, DP: Haskell Wexler)

Being There (1979, dir by Hal Ashby, DP: Caleb Deschanel)

Scenes I Love: The Birds Attack in Birdemic: Shock and Terror


Today, the Shattered Lens wishes a happy birthday to director James Nguyen!  Today’s scene that I love comes from Nguyen’s masterpiece, 2010’s Birdemic: Shock and Terror!

Those who claim that Brian De Palma stole too much from Hitchcock obviously never met James Nguyen.

4 Shots From 4 Films: Special James Nguyen Edition


4 Or More Shots From 4 Or More Films is just what it says it is, 4 shots from 4 of our favorite films. As opposed to the reviews and recaps that we usually post, 4 Shots From 4 Films lets the visuals do the talking!

Happy birthday to director James Nguyen!  It’s time for….

4 Shots From 4 Films: Special James Nguyen Edition

Julie and Jack (2003, dir by James Nguyen)

Replica (2005, dir by James Nguyen)

Birdemic (2010, dir by James Nguyen)

Birdemic 2: The Resurrection (2013, dir James Nguyen)