Movies

Edward Scissorhands

Directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, Edward Scissorhands is an American cult classic. This was the beginning of a long cinematic career together for Burton and Depp. The main character has steel claws instead of hands, and grows up isolated from the world. A modern Frankenstein story, Edward Scissorhands deals with themes of exclusion, coming of age and love. (image: http://bit.ly/1NuLPx7)

Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias is an American comedic drama, adapted from a play for the big screen. The play writer chose a title that juxtaposes the tenacity and fragility of the main characters; tough as steel, delicate as a flower. The movie stars some of the biggest names in Hollywood history, including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt and Dylan McDermott. Steel Magnolias touches on the themes of life and death, family and the bond between a groups of friends. (image: http://bit.ly/1NuLUkm)

Terminator

The Terminator franchise began in 1984 and continues today. Arnold Schwarzenegger depicts the original terminator model, created to wipe out the human race. The story has been told in comics, movies, television, video games and books. The futuristic science-fiction story encompasses themes of military intelligence, artificial intelligence and genocide. The quotes, “I’ll be back” and “Hasta la vista, baby” are widely recognized everywhere. (image: http://onforb.es/1U8EGSg)

Titanic

The first film to gross over one billion dollars, Titanic is historical fiction based on the real-life sinking of the RMS Titanic. Written, directed, co-produced and co-edited by James Cameron, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film centers on the love story of the two characters from different social classes, using the historical event as the setting. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was nominated for fourteen Academy Awards. (image: http://bit.ly/1MHMCt7)

Kill Bill

Kill Bill is an American martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It was split into two parts due to its long running time. The two-part series stars Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox and David Carradine. The traditionally made Japanese blade, the katana sword, has a major role in the films, and Tarantino creates a character out of the fictional legend of the katana blade, made from repeatedly folded steel. (image: http://bit.ly/1MNgXId)

Music

Lykke Li, Heart of Steel

Lykke Li is a Swedish indie singer-songwriter who became a widely recognized recording artist following the release of her first album, Youth Novels. Her second and third albums were also met with critical and popular acclaim. She lends her voice to numerous collaborative efforts, writes music for movie soundtracks and is a successful fashion model. Her third album, released in 2014, featured the track, Heart of Steel. The moody melody and haunting lyrics include the refrain, “Oh heart of steel, you reel me in. Oh heart of steel, I can’t let you win.” (Image: http://bit.ly/1Lo4pqr)

Frank Ocean, Bricks and Steel

American singer-songwriter, Frank Ocean got his start as a ghostwriter for influential recording artists, such as Justin Bieber, John Legend and Brandy. He released his first mixtape in 2011, followed by his first full-length album in 2013. Both were received with critical acclaim. His debut album features a song titled Bricks and Steel, which compares a past partner as having had a relationship with a pile of bricks and steel. (image: http://bit.ly/1TX9nyP)

John Lennon, Steel and Glass

Most well-known as part of the phenomenon that was the Beatles, John Lennon is a well-respected solo artist. He is well-known as a musician and a political activist as many of his peers were. He recorded the tune, Steel and Glass, written a mystery man, sometimes believed to be his business manager. Lennon cryptically explained that the song was not about any one person, but many people. (image: http://bit.ly/1TX9pqv)

Tina Turner, Steel Claw

Tina Turner was born American, but now holds Swiss citizenship. Her infamous relationship with Ike Turner caused a stir following the publication of her autobiography, I, Tina. In addition to her relationship with Ike Turner, she is known as the Queen of Rock and Roll and is one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time. She is a true example of an all-around entertainer; her talents include singing, dancing, acting and writing. Her career has spanned more than half a century. Her song, Steel Claw, addresses social and class issues of life in the U.S. (image: http://bit.ly/1Kz8IJI)

Outkast, Wheelz of Steel

Outkast is one of the first hip hop acts to gain both critical and commercial acclaim. Influenced by funk, soul, psychedelic, electronic, gospel and jazz, the duo helped popularize the “Dirty South” style of rap music. They are responsible for the soundtrack for the movie, Idlewild, in which they both starred. Outkast is the first and only hip hop group to ever win the Grammy Album of the Year award (2004, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below). In total, Outkast has won six Grammy awards and is one of the most successful hip hop acts of all time. Wheelz of Steel is featured on 1996’s ATLiens, and describes life in urban Atlanta, Georgia.  (image: http://bit.ly/1Jnxr7m)