From Metropolis (1927) to Thunderbolt (1951) - "making do" and discovery
Film Studies 2026: Making do - From Metropolis to Thunderbolt | Screening in the streaming age | [Draft of article for the December 2026 Film Studies SSAAANZ conference, Melbourne] Title : From Metropolis to Thunderbolt - "making do" and discovery Abstract : "Making do" is a term which can often be associated with desperation, doggedness and determination on the part of a researcher facing challenges, insurmountable obstacles, bureaucratic obfuscation, indifference and, ultimately, dead-ends, in an effort to write an essay, finish a thesis, or simply finding something interesting about something they are interested in. For example, during 2024-26 the present writer determined to secure a 1 sheet first-run poster of the Australia Picnic at Hanging Rock. After four years of scanning online auction and sales sites, early in 2026 he secured one off eBay for a reasonable price. That is determination. You either break through and overcome all obstacles, or you ...