Episodes
Send us a textDiscussion and analysis of characters, themes, strengths and weaknesses in “Heaven’s Gate”, written and directed by Michael Cimino and starring Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt and Isabelle Huppert.
Published 10/14/24
Send us a Text Message.Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Alex Garland’s “Civil War”.
Published 08/16/24
Send us a Text Message.Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Joseph L Mankiewicz’s adaptation of “The Ghost and Mrs Muir” starring Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison and George Sanders.
Published 07/17/24
Send us a Text Message.Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in James Gray’s “Ad Astra” starring Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones.
Published 06/13/24
Send us a Text Message.Discussion of the nature and implications of duality in examples of 19th century literature, how it was influenced by the Enlightenment Movement, and how it evolved into Existentialism and beyond.
Published 05/29/24
Discussion of the use of humour in drama with reference to Molière, Groundhog Day, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and some modern action/adventure franchises.
Published 02/15/24
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Living”, a remake of Akiro Kurosawa’s “Ikiru”, directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood and Alex Sharp
Published 10/07/23
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Oui, mais…” or “Yes, but…”, a French film directed by Yves Lavandier and starring Émilie Dequenne and Gérard Jugnot.
This film could be used as part of a French course with senior pupils to stimulate discussion and perhaps produce a written response to the characters and themes treated in the film.
Published 09/27/23
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Hell in the Pacific”, starring Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune, focusing on the need for collaboration between opposing sides in the face of common challenges.
Published 09/22/23
Discussion of qualities and issues in “Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, and issues concerning character development, plot integrity and audience engagement in many modern adventure films.
Published 09/17/23
Discussion of the meaning of “Il faut cultiver notre jardin” in the context of the end of “Candide”, where the phrase appears, as opposed to interpretations of the stand-alone phrase.
Published 09/17/23
Thoughts on elements of film noir and existentialism in “Vera Cruz” which predated and influenced later films that explored similar themes.
Published 09/17/23
Discussion and analysis of the main character and themes in “Point Blank” (1967) starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson and Keenan Wynn.
Published 09/17/23
General discussion and analysis of the main characters and principal themes in “Drive My Car”.
Published 05/23/23
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Gabriel Axel’s “Babette’s Feast” starring Stéphane Audran, Brigitte Federspiel and Bodil Kjer.
Published 05/23/23
Discussion and analysis of how the central characters in “The Batman” are influenced and developed by the nature of society in Gotham City.
Published 05/19/23
Discussion of the origin and value of Christian thought, the influence of the Church, and the possible existence of fate or destiny.
Published 04/02/23
Discussion of the extent to which we “act” in society, or how we adapt our manner, tone and attitude to suit the circumstances and the company in which we find ourselves, and how this may influence our identity.
Published 04/02/23
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket, focusing on “the duality of man”.
Published 02/25/23
Discussion and analysis, from an existential perspective, of characters and themes in Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin”, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan
Published 02/25/23
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “We’re no Angels” directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov.
Published 12/02/22
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” starring Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson and Taika Waititi.
Published 12/02/22
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Henry Koster’s charming Christmas fantasy comedy drama, “The Bishop’s Wife”, starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.
Published 11/30/22
Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Edward Zwick’s “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.
Published 11/30/22