Meg Shields

Based in the Pacific North West, Meg enjoys long scrambles on cliff faces and cozying up with a good piece of 1960s eurotrash. As a senior contributor at FSR, Meg's objective is to spread the good word about the best of sleaze, genre, and practical effects.
A Space Odyssey Stargate

How They Shot the Stargate Sequence in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’

By Meg Shields 

My god, it’s full of stars! And innovative slit-scan photography!

Speed Movie Explosions

The Art of Movie Explosions (And Why They Don’t Look Like Real Ones)

By Meg Shields 

Fire in the hole! Or…multiple holes, safety padded with foam, and directed towards the camera.

True Grit Chiaroscuro film lighting

Shadow Play: The Art and History of Cinematic Chiaroscuro

By Meg Shields 

There’s a reason chiaroscuro lighting has been around for hundreds of years. It’s effective and dynamic, and it tells a story.

Ralph Bakshi Lord of the Rings Rotoscoping

A Beginner’s Guide to Rotoscoping

By Meg Shields 

What do a dancing walrus and a long-legged ghost have to do with jazz superstar Cab Calloway? Well, in a word: rotoscoping.

Blade Runner director's cut

What is the Purpose of a Director’s Cut?

By Meg Shields 

Watch a video essay explaining the idea and how it became so commonly accepted as the most authentic version of a film.

Alien Aliens Ellen Ripley

A Tale of Two Ripleys: Gender and Genre in ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens’

By Meg Shields 

What’s better, a relatable final girl or an ’80s power fantasy? Here’s a breakdown of why each Ripley, in ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens,’ is perfect for her film.

THX 1138 Ending

The Ending of George Lucas’ ‘THX 1138’ Explained

By Meg Shields 

1970s science fiction isn’t known for being hopeful. THX 1138 is the tentative exception.

Sound Of Metal Sound Design

The Brilliant Sound Design of ‘Sound of Metal’

By Meg Shields 

From the dropped frequencies to the powerful contrast, here’s how the film uses sound to convey its protagonist’s subjective experience with hearing loss.

The Rider Chloé Zhao

The Beginner’s Guide to Chloé Zhao

By Meg Shields 

The indie darling is set to become a household name with Oscar buzz and an upcoming Marvel film. Here’s a guide to her early work: