Dr. Josh Matthews

Seeking a Christian Perspective on the Arts

"Art reveals ordinances of creation which neither science, nor politics, nor religious life, nor even revelation can bring to light." -- Abraham Kuyper

About

Josh Matthews teaches English at Dordt University. He specializes in American literature and science fiction; he also teaches an introduction to film class and enjoys writing film criticism. His other regular gigs include professional editing and leading students on tours of Florence, Italy for a team-taught class on the Italian Renaissance.

movie educationVideo Essays

What Long Shots in Movies Mean

Which movie images can make you feel awestruck, terrified, or both? The long shot is a crucial aspect of film. It shows you vast landscapes, vistas, horizons, and images of things that are enormous. But these shots aren't just about showing you pretty landscape pictures.…
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November 26, 2019
Movie Lists

The Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (Video)

My Youtube video of the top-10 movies of the 2010s. I put a surprise at #1, one which nobody will have in any "best of the decade" list.
movie education

Shot-for-Shot Analysis of the Opening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

I analyze the first three minutes of Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," starring Harrison Ford. This analysis is from a film critic perspective. I talk about how the shots and editing influence movie viewers. We will look at how the shots create the…
Best Movies

A Midwestern American Dude’s “Best Movies of the 2010s” List

My alternative list to the Best Movies of the 2010s, from my particular point-of-view.
movie education
Understanding Movies 101 — What Cuts in Movies Are
movie education
Understanding Movies 101 — Extreme Close Shots
movie education
What Long Shots in Movies Mean
movie education
What Overhead Shots Mean
movie education
The Red Pill Scene in THE MATRIX — Shot for Shot
movie education
What Makes This Movie Great? — Episode 5: RASHOMON