Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario”, written by Taylor Sheridan and starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the 2006 French-Canadian musical starring Bruno Pelletier, with reference to Luc Besson's 2025 version of "Dracula". 

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Invention of Lying” written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Professionals”, starring Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Woody Strode, Jack Palance and Claudia Cardinale.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Emperor of the North”, starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Keith Carradine.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Casablanca”, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Sam Fuller’s “The Big Red One”, starring Lee Marvin, Mark Hamill and Robert Carradine.

Brief discussion of the purpose of the various genres of the arts, their effect and how to judge their “success”.

Personal thoughts on the appeal of the Bond films and discussion of how the portrayal of the main character has developed over the years.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Hal Ashby’s “Being There”, starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas. 

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Sand Pebbles” (1966), directed by Robert Wise and starring Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna and Candice Bergen.

Brief discussion of the relationship between Hermann Goring and psychiatrist Douglas Kelley during the Nuremberg Trials, how authoritarian figures can succeed in a democracy and lessons to be learned concerning the protection of democracy.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Michael Ritchie’s “Prime Cut” starring Lee Marvin, Gene Hackman and Sissy Spacek.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in David Lean’s “Hobson’s Choice” starring Charles Laughton, John Mills and Brenda de Banzie.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clouzot’s “The Wages of Fear”, with comparison of William Friedkin’s “Sorcerer” (1977) to the original, and mention of the 2024 version of “The Wages of Fear”

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Sidney Lumet’s “The Offence”, starring Sean Connery, Ian Bannen, Vivien Merchant and Trevor Howard.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Danny Boyle’s film starring Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller and Ewen Bremner.

On a personal note, this episode marks 25 years of posting material online.

Brief discussion and analysis of themes and characters in Pollack’s “Three Days of the Condor”, Starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson and Max von Sydow

Brief discussion and analysis of themes and characters in Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liv Schreiber, Stanley Tucci et al.

Brief discussion and analysis of themes and characters in George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck”, starring David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella et al.

Discussion of characters and themes in the 2024 French film version of “The Count of Monte Cristo”, focusing on elements to do with the Enlightenment Movement and Existentialism.

Episode aimed at young students or beginners with advice and suggestions for writing essays on films.

A text version is available at stuartfernie.blogspot.com and a video is available at https://youtu.be/xcb6X7h5l3k .

Discussion of characters and especially themes raised in Alan Parker’s “Midnight Express”, written by Oliver Stone.

Discussion and analysis of the nature of the antagonism between the C.I.A. and Jason Bourne, instigated by the consequences of Bourne’s amnesia.

A defence and justification of arts and humanities in face of dismissive and condescending attitudes and outlooks.

Discussion 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.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Alex Garland’s “Civil War”.

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.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in James Gray’s “Ad Astra” starring Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones.

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

Discussion and analysis of the main character and themes in “Point Blank” (1967) starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson and Keenan Wynn.

Thoughts on elements of film noir and existentialism in “Vera Cruz” which predated and influenced later films that explored similar themes.

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.

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.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Gabriel Axel’s “Babette’s Feast” starring Stéphane Audran, Brigitte Federspiel and Bodil Kjer.

General discussion and analysis of the main characters and principal themes in “Drive My Car”.

Discussion and analysis of how the central characters in “The Batman” are influenced and developed by the nature of society in Gotham City.

Discussion of the origin and value of Christian thought, the influence of the Church, and the possible existence of fate or destiny.

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.

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

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket, focusing on “the duality of man”. 

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” starring Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson and Taika Waititi.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “We’re no Angels” directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in James Mangold’s “Le Mans ‘66” or “Ford vs Ferrari” starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Magnificent Seven” directed by John Sturges and starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and Eli Wallach.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Edward Zwick’s “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.

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.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in John Guillerman’s war film, “The Bridge at Remagen” starring George Segal, Robert Vaughn and Ben Gazzara.  

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in John Mackenzie’s “The Long Good Friday” starring Bob Hoskins.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring James Stewart.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Bill Condon’s “Mr Holmes” starring Ian McKellen.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy starring Andy Serkis.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The African Queen” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Besson’s fantasy comedy drama, “Angel-A”.

Discussion and analysis of the development of Glenn Holland, principal character in “Mr Holland’s Opus”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in John Frankenheimer’s “The Train”, starring Burt Lancaster.

Discussion and analysis of a selection of films about teaching, including “Mr Holland’s Opus”, “To Sir With Love”, “Les Choristes”, “Take the Lead”, “Freedom Writers”, “Dead Poets Society” and “The Principal”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clouzot’s existential wartime drama, “Le Corbeau” starring Pierre Fresnay.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clouzot’s existential drama, “Quai des Orfèvres” starring Louis Jouvet.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clouzot’s famous thriller, “Le Salaire de la Peur” or “The Wages of Fear” starring Yves Montand and Charles Vanel.

Discussion of the advantages and potentially negative consequences of modern multimedia.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Stanley Kramer’s film starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March and Gene Kelly.

A brief discussion of some of the themes touched upon in Laurent Tirard’s film starring Romain Duris and Fabrice Luchini, and in Molière’s work in general.

Discussion and analysis of the appeal of Steve McQueen and a selection of his films.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown” starring Jack Nicholson.

Not intended as literary criticism, this episode aims to familiarise young or new readers of Baudelaire with some of the ideas, thoughts and themes contained in the poems, thus allowing greater appreciation.

Reflections on style, character and themes in Basil Dearden’s “The League of Gentlemen” (1960)

Reflections on themes and characters, especially Tibbs and Gillespie in “In the heat of the night” (1967)

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Richard Fleischer’s film starring Charlton Heston, Edward G Robinson and Leigh Taylor-Young.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes, especially racism and McCarthyism, in “Bad Day at Black Rock” directed by John Sturges and starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Walter Brennan, Dean Jagger, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin and Anne Francis.

Discussion and analysis of the tone and film noir roots of Michael Crichton’s entertaining but underrated heist film starring Sean Connery, Lesley-Anne Down and Donald Sutherland.

Discussion and analysis of the Dreyfus Affair with reference to “I accuse” (1958), “Prisoner of Honor” (1990), “J’accuse” / “An Officer and a Spy” (2019) and The Enlightenment Movement.

A personal interpretation of characters and themes in Bergman’s “Persona”, starring Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Bergman’s famed work, “The Seventh Seal”, starring Max Von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Bibi Andersson, Nils Poppe et al

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Stanley Kubrick’s film version of “A Clockwork Orange”, originally written by Anthony Burgess.

Discussion and analysis of the character of Charles Foster Kane and themes in Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Todd Phillips’ “Joker” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, focusing on Tarantino’s strengths and weaknesses as a film-maker.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in a selection of Luc Besson’s earlier work, focusing on Le Dernier Combat, Subway, The Big Blue, Nikita, Leon (a.k.a. The Professional) and Angel-A.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Road to Perdition” directed by Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman and Jude Law.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Sidney Lumet’s “The Verdict” starring Paul Newman and Charlotte Rampling.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Stanley Kramer’s “Judgment at Nuremberg”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Coppola’s Vietnam war epic, “Apocalypse Now”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Kieslowski’s Three Colours Trilogy.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Stanley Kubrick’s “Spartacus” starring Kirk Douglas.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Dan Gilroy’s “Nightcrawler”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes, especially the role of Bushido, in Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Jean Cocteau’s romantic fantasy, “La Belle et la Bête”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clint Eastwood’s western, “The Outlaw Josey Wales”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the historical fantasy film, “Highlander” starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Gattaca” starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes (from an existential perspective) in Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” starring Harrison Ford.

Analysis and comparison of Valjean and Javert, two of the main characters in Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables”

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in, but also the tone and the influence of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” starring Errol Flynn.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Jean-Jacques Annaud’s film of “The Name of the Rose”. In the early 1300s, Franciscan friar William of Baskerville, accompanied by his novice Adso, investigates a number of deaths in mysterious circumstances in an Abbey renowned for its library which contains some rare, invaluable, and perhaps dangerous books…

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Norman Jewison’s “Rollerball”. In the not-so-distant future, peace and personal comfort are provided by corporate government at the expense of personal ambition and aspiration. Conflict has been eradicated and replaced by Rollerball, a vicious and cathartic sport designed to accentuate team spirit and diminish the importance of the individual. However, top player Jonathan E is proving immensely popular and the executives want him to retire, a notion Jonathan will resist…

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Roland Joffé’s “The Mission”. Slaver Rodrigo Mendoza kills his brother in a jealous rage and then falls into a deep and guilt-ridden depression. Jesuit priest Father Gabriel invites him to join him at his mission among the Guarani, the very people Mendoza used to enslave and who are now under threat from wider political machinations…

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Sam Peckinpah’s revisionist western, “The Wild Bunch”, featuring themes common to some of Peckinpah’s best work. “The Wild Bunch” is the tale of a group of adventurers who follow a path of amorality but who are bonded by friendship and loyalty to one another as their time runs out…

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clint Eastwood’s revisionist western, “Unforgiven”. Former gunman Will Munny is approached by an aspiring young adventurer, encouraged by cheap fictionalised accounts of vicious gunfights, to join him in hunting down and killing a cowboy accused of disfiguring a young prostitute, principally for the bounty. This is a revisionist western that questions the nature of heroism, motivation and justice in the Old West.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in David Lean’s anti-war film, “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, in which British POWs are put to work on the construction of the Burma Railway by their Japanese captors in 1943, resulting in a clash within the work camp and an attempt to destroy the bridge by Allied forces.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino”. Grumpy and elderly widower Walt Kowalski comes to realise he has more in common with his immigrant neighbours than his own family and he tries to help them resolve issues with a local gang with dramatic consequences.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the 1975 film version of Ken Kesey’s book, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, concerning Randle Patrick McMurphy’s efforts to do easy prison time in a mental institution where he leads other inmates in a series of rebellious acts, culminating in a show-down with the head nurse. 

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in John Huston’s 1975 film version of Rudyard Kipling’s novella, “The Man Who Would Be King”, concerning the efforts of two former soldiers in the British Army as they seek their fortune in far-flung Kafiristan.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the 1954 film version of J. B. Priestley’s famous play, “An Inspector Calls”, concerning the potential impact our actions can have on others and acceptance of responsibility for our influence.

Discussion and analysis of themes and characters, especially the main character, in “Public Eye”, a British television drama that ran from the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies, starring Alfred Burke.

Discussion and analysis of themes and characters, especially the main character, in “Callan”, a British television drama that ran from the late sixties to the early seventies, starring Edward Woodward.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Sweet Smell of Success”, directed and co-written by Alexander Mackendrick and starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the 1958 film version of Dickens’ tale, directed by Ralph Thomas and starring Dirk Bogarde.

A brief and personal look at the history, scope and purpose of science-fiction films.

This is the amusing and touching story (based on truth) of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his poor personal assistant. Each offers the other support, hope and above all, friendship.

Bobby Dupea is dissatisfied with his rarefied destiny as a concert pianist and opts to pursue a career as a labourer. However, he comes to realise he is unfulfilled there, too. Bobby questions and doubts many aspects of his existence and character and this examination is both painful and compelling.

A drug deal goes badly wrong and an opportunist thief steals two million dollars intended to pay for the consignment of drugs. The thief and the money are then pursued by several interested parties and the film develops into a battle for survival with reflections on morality, values and the part chance plays in our lives.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Dances With Wolves”, focusing on the evolution of the central character, his growing appreciation of nature and his close friendship with his Native American neighbours.

Discussion and analysis of elements of “Night Moves” focusing on its neo-noir storyline and the central character of Harry Moseby, a private detective whose search for a missing sixteen-year-old leads him into a web of deceit, theft and murder.

Cowhand Jack Burns is pursued by Sheriff Johnson after Burns breaks out of jail and heads for the freedom of Mexico beyond the mountains. This is a deceptively straightforward Western tale of pursuit in which the very nature, framework and direction of our constantly expanding, increasingly complex and, perhaps, ever less compassionate society, are examined. 

Holly Martins investigates the sudden death of his good friend Harry Lime in post-war Vienna. On the face of it this is a fairly straightforward matter but Holly’s dogged determination and persistent questioning bring him in contact with a series of dubious characters whose contradictory evidence and suspect accounts eventually lead to the revelation of truth and then to unexpected consequences.

Discussion and analysis of the nature of “film noir” with reference to Double Indemnity, The Maltese Falcon and Dirty Harry, looking beyond tone and style to investigate the influence of existentialism on this genre of film.

This is a gentle tale of friendship and loyalty between a young aspiring writer and an ageing recluse who wrote the great American novel when he was younger and has apparently written nothing since. Each will learn to appreciate the other, and each will discover there is a price to pay for such friendship…

This is the tale of English teacher John Keating and the influence he exercises on his students at a private prep school in 1959. Keating’s educational philosophy comes in to conflict with that of his establishment as he encourages his pupils to think for themselves, pursue personal fulfilment and seize the day. However, the ensuing clash with school authorities and parents will have tragic consequences for some…

After drunkenly removing a set of parking metres from their posts, our hero Luke is sentenced to a period on the chain gang in 1950s Florida. Once there, he influences and inspires his fellow inmates through a series of defiant gestures and acts, but things take a more serious turn when Luke is refused permission to attend his mother’s funeral…

General James Mattoon Scott, one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is unhappy with the political leadership of President Lyman and sets out to organise a military coup in the United States of America. A member of his staff uncovers a few details and investigates, eventually having to choose between his commanding officer and his loyalty to the US Constitution.

A study of numerous characters and themes in Victor Hugo’s novel that has spawned numerous film adaptations and the famous musical. Inspired by the plight of “social outcasts” and the poor, Hugo seeks to encourage kindness and compassion with his tale of a former convict whose difficult life is transformed by a chance meeting with a kindly man, moving him to act with understanding and generosity toward others.

Cervantes wrote his famous book to mock the seventeenth century obsession with exaggerated and romanticised tales of chivalry and heroism, and in so doing he appears to have tapped into some universal truths which may be judged to apply to society today, including issues such as self-delusion, virtual reality and the cult of celebrity.

Fast Eddie Felson is an ambitious young pool hall hustler who is determined to prove himself the best while making a fortune in side bets. However, Eddie learns there is a heavy price to pay if he is going to succeed…

Set in a British military stockade in North Africa in WW2, “The Hill” tells the story of five new prisoners and the attempts by the prison authorities to re-educate them and transform them into model soldiers, using sometimes dubious and often harsh methods to instil discipline and compliance to regulations.

Max is a taxi driver hired by Vincent to make several stops in Los Angeles one night, but it transpires that Vincent is a hitman and Max becomes embroiled in Vincent’s deadly mission, eventually forcing him to choose between action and inaction.

The film may also be viewed as a stand-off between existential humanity and nihilism, with the two main characters representing these points of view.

This is the story of Raymond Shaw, military hero and son of political activists who appears destined for greatness, but who has also been conditioned by communists to act as an assassin on the orders of his handler in America. 

A polished thriller, the film incorporates political satire, the theme of parental influence and responsibility, the role of ego in exercising influence, and a quasi-science fiction foray into the realms of mind control. It is quirky, entertaining, thought-provoking and highly engaging.

This is the story of a group of violent and apparently morally reprehensible thieves and anti-heroes, whose conduct is tempered by loyalty and devotion to one another, as they come in to conflict with bounty hunters, the army and a militia whose deeds and attitudes may be viewed as even more reprehensible than those of our “heroes”.

It is an existential tale which touches on themes of ageing, mortality and the desire to give value to one’s life, as well as the importance of the bond of friendship, especially in the face of doubt over the worth of the lives of our bunch.

Unlike any other western, Jeremiah Johnson traces the evolution of the titular character as he becomes a mountain man and trapper and shares adventures and experiences with fellow mountain men, members of some native American tribes and soldiers who seek his help in finding a party of settlers.

It is also a tale of independence, responsibility and honour as Johnson abandons society to return to nature.

This apparently simple tale of greed and prejudice among French peasants in the 1920s, involving the blocking a water source in order to force a landowner to sell his property, soon leads to a complex series of moves and countermoves with life-changing consequences. 

The tale also provides the basis for many observations on life, touching on morality, devotion, family, town and country living, the importance and value of land, as well as exploring existential fate or destiny and the way in which events can catch up with choices one makes in life.

Although largely informal and sketchy, I hope these notes that I wrote almost twenty-five years ago to help some of my pupils who were studying the films “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources” are of some value to you…

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Michael Cimino’s “The Deer Hunter”, focusing on the impact of the conflict in Vietnam on the lives of a group of American friends, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage and Meryl Streep.

Reflections on the background, characters and especially the themes of the famous 1967 television series starring Patrick McGoohan as a security agent who resigns and is kidnapped and held in a comfortable resort-like village in so that authorities might ascertain just why this agent has resigned and whether or not he represents a threat to the security and best interests of the society he formerly helped to protect.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Searchers”, focusing on Ethan Edwards’ motivation and so-called racism, relationships, family, love and the place of the individual in an evolving society.