STACK #254 December 2025

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Darren Aronofsky’s films are instantly recognisable for their intensity, psychological depth and visual daring. While his latest movie Caught Stealing marks a departure from familiar territory, it still carries the hallmarks of his signature style – obsession, transformation, and striking imagery. Let’s take a look at three of his trademarks... Visual innovation Aronofsky masterfully tells stories through unique, provocative techniques – from lingering over-the-shoulder angles to rapid, high-energy montages often described as “hip-hop” editing - creating a dynamic, immersive style that amplifies tension, emotion, and the intensity of his DARREN ARONOFSKY He delves into obsession, mental unraveling, and human fragility. Films like Requiem for a Dream , Black Swan, and The Wrestler plunge into characters’ psyches, exposing the devastating extremes of desire, ambition, and addiction with unflinching intensity and psychological precision. Multilayered narrative Physical and emotional transformation is central to Aronofsky’s work, from sacrifice to humanity’s battle with mortality and transcendence. His films mix body horror, ritualistic imagery, and mythic or religious undertones, creating intense, unforgettable journeys that linger long after the credits. characters’ experiences. Psychological focus

DECEMBER

’ s ROVING REPORTER

it on a bus ride home from an excursion and it sparked my obsession with Studio Ghibli movies. What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? This is almost impossible to answer, but I did re-watch The Usual Suspects recently. The story still holds up to this day and the plot twist is still one of my most favourite scenes ever. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for sure. Mariska Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson, is one of the most iconic TV characters of all time. I’m also a true crime fiend, so seeing real crimes enacted as episodes is so interesting. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’m gonna represent my anime lovers here, as I’m currently rewatching Spy X Family . Anya and her dog Bond have some of the most wholesome scenes.

STEFFI AME @ JB Warrnambool, VIC

What’s the best thing about working at JB? Definitely the people. Coming from a Merch background, I appreciate when the company encourages creativity within our stores. What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? Kiki’s Delivery Service . I remember watching

FUN FACT

QUIZ

Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney once famously protested the release of the 1982 horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night . Seven years later he starred in Silent Night, Deadly Night 5 .

Q3 Which western movie wrapped up as a Christmas parable depicts three bank robbers attempting to rescue an orphan from the desert? Q4 What film’s opening credits play on the fact that Santa is an anagram of Satan? Q5 Why does the Phoebe Cates character in the movie Gremlins hate Christmas? Q6 In Scrooged what form does the Ghost of Christmas Past take? Q7 Three convicts and a

pet snake escape from Devil’s Island during the Christmas period in what 1955 movie? Q8 She tells us she might find love, if she can just get past his garish sweater that his mother has given him for Christmas. Name this 2001 comedy? Q9 Who played Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol ? Q10 Which 1988 action film does the song Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow famously play at the end?

Iconic 1960s cartoon series The Jetsons is set for a major comeback, with Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow developing a live-action revival for Warner Bros. Pictures. While details remain under wraps, Jim Carrey is reportedly in talks to star as George Jetson. The futuristic family’s last big screen outing IN DEVELOPMENT

Q1 Who said “I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked me for my autograph”? Q2 Name the actor who actually won an Academy Award for playing the role of Santa Claus?

was the 1990 animated feature, but in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven

world, there’s never been a better time for The Jetsons to zoom back into pop culture.

NOVEMBER 2025 (Issue 253) ANSWERS - A1. Raiders of the Lost Ark A2. The Ipcress File A3. Danny Kay A4. Rain Man A5. Scaramanga A6. Apocalypse Now A7. Frank Morgan A8. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) A9. Always (1989) A10. Woodstock

24 DECEMBER 2025

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