On the sixth episode of Beyond the Algorithm, we deconstruct The Sound of Music both as a film and as a stage production, using our own experiences from participating in a school production to guide our conversation. In between genuine analysis, we discuss our hot takes, favourite songs, and all other parts of this film that have fallen outside our social media algorithms. We explore the brilliance of the film, seeing if this 60-year-old masterpiece has held up even when far more modern musicals have emerged.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang
• Guest: Vandy Wang
• Guest: Sonya Yan
• Guest: Anya Ongwattanakul
• Guest: Rui Xi Loh
• Music: Caia Wang
• Editing: Caia Wang
• Special thanks to our Performing Arts department for making our production possible and bringing the show to life.

In the fifth episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Johnny, Mark and Lisa appear ready to destroy cinema forever. While good films deserve attention and acclaim, terrible catastrophes like The Room serve to remind us that there is talent behind every masterpiece, showing us what happens when you trust one man with too much. It's a film that is so bad, yet it is constantly humorous due to its own failure. As a film that is not mainstream for good reasons, The Room comes with its own set of lessons about life and filmmaking.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang
• Guest: Patrick Dent

• Music: Caia Wang
• Editing: Caia Wang

The fourth episode of Beyond the Algorithm explores the enduring entertainment value of Top Gun, an exciting and fun action film that differs from algorithmic content today. Through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old, we discover what youth really think about classic films and how they interpret them in a world that has changed so drastically. Some action films fade, but Top Gun still holds up even if it is visually outdated due to its powerful characters, engaging plot, and catchy soundtrack, which have hooked viewers for 40 years.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang
• Guest: Connor Wang

• Music: Caia Wang
• Editing: Caia Wang

The third episode of Beyond the Algorithm dives into Amadeus, a film that is technically a biopic despite taking numerous artistic liberties regarding the facts of Mozart's life. I discuss whether that technically improves the film and if films should sacrifice fact for storytelling. This is especially relevant in an age of biopic fatigue, where films seem repetitive and formulaic. Despite being a film from 1984, Amadeus' enduring success as a brilliant depiction of rivalry and jealousy has outlived the film itself in popular culture through memes and edits.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang

• Music: Caia Wang,
• Music: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performed by William McColl (basset clarinet) and the University of Washington Symphony, conducted by Abraham Kaplan. Licensed under the EFF Open Audio License. Source: IMSLP.
• Music: www.classicals.de
• Editing: Caia Wang

In the second episode of Beyond the Algorithm, we explore why Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You have outlived other films of a similar genre and era, even as they remain outside modern social media algorithms. We discuss what makes these films resonate today, diving into their relatable characters, earnest storylines and undeniable humour that shine, recognising that while parts of these films are viral, few people of our generation have seen them in full. Even nearly 30 years later, these films have memorable messages that are still impactful today.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang
• Guest: Rui Xi Loh
• Guest: Sonya Yan
• Music: Caia Wang
• Editing: Caia Wang

In the first episode of Beyond the Algorithm, we dive into Se7en, David Fincher's 1995 crime thriller that has become iconic and influential for its dark atmosphere and unforgettable twists. We explore what makes this film so captivating, its impact on modern filmmaking, and how it has retained its incredible shock factor after over 30 years. Se7en is a film that many may have heard of but few of our generation may have seen, making it a perfect starting point for people who want to watch one of the most original and creative crime thrillers.

Credits:

• Host: Caia Wang
• Guest: Rui Xi Loh
• Music: Caia Wang
• Editing: Caia Wang